03. May 2016 · Categories: Apple

What many people are not realizing is that the iPad Pro 12.9″ is lighter naked than the 9.7″ model combined with a keyboard and case1. Not having this extra weight is what makes all the difference when we want to use the iPad handheld. With a light, naked iPad, I can hold it in my hands, type on the glass effectively, maybe holding it up while sitting in my chair, using the armrest. Or I can put it down on my lap, and also use the pen to draw or explore ideas. It is still a bit heavy, and I still would love the iPad to lose half its weight again, but with the current, naked weights, I can already use it for long periods without feeling that I need a table to rest the iPad on2. I do not miss a physical keyboard. The typing speed on glass is a bit slower3, but it is still much faster then using a pen, and more than fast enough to keep up with my thoughts. We tend to greatly underestimate the time needed for clearly formulating our thoughts, typing is a relatively minor part of the time I need for a post. I see that a physical keyboard enables you to type blindly, without having to glance from time to time. This is valuable for transcribing talks, but only journalists and secretaries do this often, and I believe this wrongly colors journalists opinions about the necessity of a physical keyboard.

So start treating your iPad as a tool that can withstand use, and enjoy the light weight. Maybe get a sleeve4 to protect your iPad during transport, which can also serve as a nice place to rest your iPad on a table. Trust Apple to make a solid piece of hardware that does not need extra protection.


  1. The 12.9″ iPad is 714g, the 9.7″ is 437g. For the 9.7″ model, the Smart Keyboard weights 225g, the silicone case 84g, and a Smart Cover would add 110g. For the 12.9″ model, the keyboard is 340g, the case roughly 125g, and the cover 164g. So a fully protected 9.7″ is with 746g heavier than its larger sibling naked. My thanks to Jason Snell for measuring this. 9.7″ case is estimated because of lack of data. 
  2. It probably helps that I am swimming regularly. Even once a week will train muscles in the arms and fingers that are typically neglected, and it makes it easier to hold the iPad. 
  3. A trained typist gets pretty close, losing only about 2o% of his speed. And I was surprised to find that this also holds true for myself. 
  4. I love the sleeves from Joli Originals, they are absolutely marvelous.