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Klae17

macrumors 65816
Original poster
Jul 15, 2011
1,254
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This thing is sharp, the magnets fall off easily, no smart/function keys, no Apple Pencil security, or edge protection. Paid $179 for this thing. When do third parties usually start releasing their new keyboard cases?
 
Edge or corner protection would have been nice. But perhaps they should have released a 2 way solution.

1. A separate case with a kickstand(for the back and sites)
2. A choice between a keyboard or Smart Cover to cover the screen when necessary.

Just more like ms did with the surface pro
 
Nope. Easy to use. Good compromise between adequate protection, minimal bulk, and easy to remove design. Very stable on most surfaces. Any time I think the Apple version has issues, I just go and lay hands on some of the most popular alternatives and see how abysmal they really are (flimsy construction, incredibly bulky, plastic materials, dropped keystrokes, etc).
 
I'm definitely disappointed in the corner and edge protection. The iPads are so expensive and now the Folio case won't provide that peace of mind protection.
[doublepost=1543351962][/doublepost]Has anyone seen a solution where you pair a thin plastic or TPU case for the back and sides with the Smart Folio case? This would protect the corners and edges, and still maintain the functionality of the smart keyboard.
 
I'm definitely disappointed in the corner and edge protection. The iPads are so expensive and now the Folio case won't provide that peace of mind protection.
[doublepost=1543351962][/doublepost]Has anyone seen a solution where you pair a thin plastic or TPU case for the back and sides with the Smart Folio case? This would protect the corners and edges, and still maintain the functionality of the smart keyboard.

I ordered edge skins (as well as a back skin) from iCarbons. No magnet issues or charging issues with the pencil or ASK.
 
I ordered edge skins (as well as a back skin) from iCarbons. No magnet issues or charging issues with the pencil or ASK.
I ordered something similar from BestSkinsEver, but still concerned about the drop or bump that a skin wouldn't protect against.
 
I ordered edge skins (as well as a back skin) from iCarbons. No magnet issues or charging issues with the pencil or ASK.
I ordered these same skins. They arrive tomorrow. Just curious, how difficult was it to install the skins, especially the side/edge skin?
 
Can’t get the iPad to stay and I can’t figure out how to use
Dictation with the keyboard on.
 
I ordered these same skins. They arrive tomorrow. Just curious, how difficult was it to install the skins, especially the side/edge skin?

Back skin took a few tries to get perfectly straight. When correcting, try not to pull too hard. They are precision cut so if you stretch it when correcting, you may get some extra slack at the edges. Use the peel back underneath to make it easier to pull the sticker off if you need to correct alignment. Start from the logo and try to line things up without tacking it down until you are certain it's lined up properly.

The edge stickers are actually quite easy. Again, work from the middle to the edges. They provide about 2-3mm play for stretch. I didn't stretch them at all so I have 2-3mm gaps between the 4 pieces. I didn't want to pull them off and stretch them.
 
My work gave me $200 to use for accessories. I started with the Otterbox Symmetry and an Apple Pencil. I wasn’t getting any use out of the pencil other than browsing, so I traded the Pencil and Symmetry for the keyboard case. So far I’m regretting the decision a little bit. Obviously having a keyboard is nice, but I like the angles that the Symmetry case props up the iPad better. I guess I’ll just have to get used to it.
 
I hate the price but the case actually feels and works great, the thing that really annoyed me on the bluetooth keyboards from Logitech/Belkin is it seemed like it needed a key press or a moment to "wake up" the keyboard. With ASK its just connected instantly.
 
I think those keyboards add too much bulk to the device. They make it feel more like a laptop. If I wanted that feel, I'd just carry around my MacBook Pro. I want the iPad to feel light and not bulky. The ASK keyboard also feels better to type on than the MacBook keyboards, IMO.
 
I have the keyboard folio case for the 9.7” iPad Pro and although I used it for a bit when I first got it I stopped after a while as I just could not get use to the feel. It was pretty slow typing on it too. I’m not sure if I want to get the one for the 11” Pro as it feels the same.
 
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I like the functionality and portability of the keyboard folio, pretty satisfied.

What I truly dislike is the exterior and how greasy it becomes. I place the iPad carefully and clean it daily with a damp microfiber cloth, but the staines keep appearing and visible. I guess you can’t completely avoid this, as the front is face down on a desk when using the keyboard, but perhaps they could have chosen a different kind of material. Something that is easier to clean...
 
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I like the functionality and portability of the keyboard folio, pretty satisfied.

What I truly dislike is the exterior and how greasy it becomes. I place the iPad carefully and clean it daily with a damp microfiber cloth, but the staines keep appearing and visible. I guess you can’t completely avoid this, as the front is face down on a desk when using the keyboard, but perhaps they could have chosen a different kind of material. Something that is easier to clean...

That is a very good point with the exterior. I actually 100% agree with your post!
 
Edge or corner protection would have been nice. But perhaps they should have released a 2 way solution.

1. A separate case with a kickstand(for the back and sites)
2. A choice between a keyboard or Smart Cover to cover the screen when necessary.

Just more like ms did with the surface pro
That’s a really smart and simple solution. Wish apple would have done that ☹️
 
Ive had all 3 pros 12.9 LTE versions and Ive always had the Logitech cases. This is my first time using the apple folio since Logitech is late to the party.

I’m just not impressed with this keyboard and have been spoiled by the Logitech’s over the years. I just read a review on the k780 with a user who has the 12.9 2018 model as I do, and I’m going to return this folio for that. I was about to purchase the Smart Keyboard but its not worth the cost. This is my only apple device and typing is majorly important because i use it as my laptop replacement.
 
I’m waiting for an actual mechanical key keyboard which gives the 11” complete security apart from the Apple Pencil area

A bit like the 10.5 slim combo Logitech case

Loved the keys, the way it was built and it had a kickstand

Hurry up Logitech :(
 
Actually pretty happy with Keyboard Folio so far for the 11 inch. I use the keyboard a lot while lying in bed and this version is MUCH better for bed use than the 10.5 Smart Keyboard. It’s much more sturdy and doesn’t flop over at all due to the strong magnets on the back.
 
I loved it on my 10.5 pro. Waiting on my 11 to come next week.

If anyone is unhappy and wants to sell an 11” keyboard case let me know.
 
I like the functionality of it: fairly stable for lap use, easy to take on and off (I like the iPad by itself when not using the keyboard). But the material is awful. For $179, I expect it to feel more premium instead of completely plastic with no character. The Surface Go/Pro Alcantra keyboards feel way nicer and I like that they have a wrist rest. The typing experience isn't great either on the ASKF but it's the fact that it's so expensive but feels so cheap that is so disappointing.
 
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