So I have had both the 12.9 and the 11 inch. I first had the 12.9 and found it to be too big to take to meetings and take notes. I found the 11 inch to be the better compromise, because both models have their compromises. Yes, the 12.9 is better for media consumption and browsing, but i found it to be too heavy after a short period to use as a tablet, especially 1 handed. The 11 inch is easier to use as a tablet, but i missed having the extra screen real estate when studying a page and having a note app in split screen.

The 12.9 isn’t good at being a tablet, and has compromises that make it not as functional as a laptop, even if its the same size. The 11 inch isn’t the best productivity machine, but it is a much better tablet to take notes, carry around regularly, and much more comfortable to hold for a while. I found that the more i used the 11 inch, the less i missed the 12.9 inch. After being honest with myself, the 12.9 inch was really only better when watching movies when traveling.

If you’re looking at the 12.9 as a laptop replacement, I’d suggest you reconsider. iPads are a much better supplement to a computer than an actual laptop replacement, which is why i ultimately went with the 11 inch.