I looked at some of these online and bought this one because of the sticky backing. Many of these without a sticky backing will work fine BUT I think it's better to be able to glue it (sort of) a bit. When you hit the table, you don't have to make an effort to stop it from falling. With the iPad Pro 12.9 everything is fine in landscape mode, in portrait mode - as long as it is clamped. When it's unglued (meaning the sticky protective case is still in place), it still holds the iPad Pro 12.9 perfectly in landscape mode. Tilting it back in portrait mode will make it a little heavy at the top and may fall off, but if you have a sticky base it will go away. Overall very happy with the purchase (just got it today) but give it a try and see how it goes. I'm seriously considering buying another one for the office. Personally, the stand seemed small to me, but after use it's perfect. I like them and recommend them.