iPad Pro Anyone wanting both the smart keyboard AND smart cover

[jonstatt1]

I am in this situation where I think I need both and wanted others thoughts. I love to use my iPad Pro in bed to read comics and magazines. I think the pro is amazing for this as you don't have to zoom to read things....the screen size is about the same as the page size of a real magazine. But then I don't want the iPad pro any bulkier or thicker than needed, so I would use the regular smart cover.

However, if I want to use the iPad like a laptop and do some emails and document editing, then I need the smart keyboard.

I suspect the smart keyboard doesn't work very well folded back on itself to just handhold for magazine reading in bed, not just because of the extra weight but also just the extra thickness on one side when its folded back.

Anyone else facing this dilemma and ended up with both?

 

[powerbook911]

I am too! Plus, the smart cover gives you the two different angles, the flatter one is very convenient for me and I think that is impossible on the keyboard cover.

 

[whi5tler]

I have the Logitech Create keyboard and the smart case (knock off from eBay). I don't like drawing with the keyboard on and don't want the back to get scratched up by moving it around a desk to draw at different angles.

 

[uhslax24]

I have both. One for leisure and one for work. The Smart Cover was a gift, but it's really nice to not have the added bulk and to add the extra viewing angle options.

 

[jonstatt1]

I have both. One for leisure and one for work. The Smart Cover was a gift, but it's really nice to not have the added bulk and to add the extra viewing angle options.

Thanks for the replies. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't being a loon by purchasing both. Seems a reasonable thing to do then

 

[StuartL]

I'm thinking the same. I'm using the smart cover, but getting a smart keyboard tomorrow. My thinking is that there may be times when I'd want to use either one or the other. Time will tell though.

 

[biosci]

So I have both. I use the keyboard on the days I know I may be at multiple locations during the day. But when I know I'll be at the office for the most part, I'll just go with the Smart Cover. I have a Logitech K811 sitting in my office desk drawer

I really do like BT keyboards too as they have the extra function row of keys and I can shut down the onscreen keyboard that keeps popping up by default (Is there a setting for this?!) when I tap into text field. Plus iTunes control is a win!

 

[ZombiePete]

I bought a Smart Cover along with my iPP the first day because getting the smart keyboard was basically impossible. However, my keyboard is supposed to arrive today so I'll have both. I can't say as to how often I'll use the Smart Cover after today as I'm hoping the smart keyboard will be thin/light enough to cover all the bases, but I certainly don't regret getting the Smart Cover as it has served its purpose well.

 

[rkulpajr]

I bought a Smart Cover along with my iPP the first day because getting the smart keyboard was basically impossible. However, my keyboard is supposed to arrive today so I'll have both. I can't say as to how often I'll use the Smart Cover after today as I'm hoping the smart keyboard will be thin/light enough to cover all the bases, but I certainly don't regret getting the Smart Cover as it has served its purpose well.

I was thinking the same thing. I am sitting here typing on the keyboard at this moment and I really like it. It does add a little weight to the product but not too bad. It is not too hard to hold in bed to read magazines or browse the web. However, I do like the way that the smart cover allows an added posiitionwith the cover, but I am not sure it is worth the additional $60.

 

[rwp]

I bought a smart cover for use during the waiting period for the smart keyboard. However, because of the usefulness of the low-angle mode, I will be keeping it even when the keyboard arrives.

 

[iPhone1]

I have both for very similar reasons as above. I like watching video on my couch using my smart cover folded back. I use the smart cover the vast majority of the time but when I know I am going to type, I slap on the smart keyboard. To me its not as bulky as people make it out to be but it is something to consider if you plan to be mobile with it. It is definetely not suitable to be folded back and held like the smart cover. I recommend both for those who plan on making it your main device.

 

[Mike Delta]

I have both as we'll I keep the keyboard at the office and use the cover at home and for drawing.

 

[dsampley]

I also have both. I use the Smart Cover unless I know I will becoming a lot of typing and then just switch out for the smart keyboard.

 

[jonfarr]

I currently have the smart case and cover and want the smart keyboard as well. They will both serve themselves. I love how the case is separate and allows for easy swapping between the both. Also love how the Smart Cover sticks to the back of the case as well when it's fully open.

 

[gtmac]

I plan on using both but don't have the keyboard yet even though I ordered it at launch.

 

[glindon]

To be honest, the smart keyboard makes for a terrible Smart Cover replacement. It's cumbersome to flip it around the back and it's loose because of the way the hinge is longer. That said, I got the smart keyboard so I'd always have a light weight keyboard with me. While the Smart Cover would be nice to have on occasion I don't foresee myself ever owning one.

 

[WilliamG]

I have both for very similar reasons as above. I like watching video on my couch using my smart cover folded back. I use the smart cover the vast majority of the time but when I know I am going to type, I slap on the smart keyboard. To me its not as bulky as people make it out to be but it is something to consider if you plan to be mobile with it. It is definetely not suitable to be folded back and held like the smart cover. I recommend both for those who plan on making it your main device.

This. I love having both.

 

[jonstatt1]

I currently have the smart case and cover and want the smart keyboard as well. They will both serve themselves. I love how the case is separate and allows for easy swapping between the both. Also love how the Smart Cover sticks to the back of the case as well when it's fully open.

As the thread starter, I thought I would follow-up on this now that I have managed to obtain the smart keyboard and smart cover.

I can confirm that trying to use the keyboard in lieu of the cover when just casually folding it back for bedtime browsing and reading, is absolutely NOT comfortable at all. When you first lift the smart keyboard you think, ooh, its lighter than I expected...but it is still heavier than the smart cover and it tips the weight over comfortability in my opinion for folded back hand holding (I also have the back cover as well which also adds weight). Secondly as mentioned by Jon above, the smart cover is magnetic enough that it sticks to the back of the case when folded back. The keyboard is too heavy to stay in position and slides around when folded back.

Therefore, in conclusion, they serve different purposes and in my opinion, if you are a bedtime surfer/reader and also need the keyboard for emails etc, you will need both.

I am aware of the Logitech offering but that is also heavy.....

BTW, I am a reasonably fast touch typist (about 120 words per minute), and despite other reports, I had no issues maintaining a very good standard of accuracy and speed with the smart keyboard.

Thanks for all the sharing and feedback on your experiences...they helped me make my decision

 

[AppleRobert]

I have both. I have an alternate external keyboard as well as I doubt I'm going to keep the ASK. Too expensive as I will not use it enough to warrant keeping it. Wanted to try it out and I rather use the Smart Cover when carrying around the IPP.

 

[tatty27]

I have both. I managed to get the ipad the day after it was released but had to wait weeks for the keyboard so got the smart cover to tide me over. I find that the smart keyboard adds a little more weight the the pad than the smart cover, not a lot but enough to make it uncomfortable to hold one handed. Having said that I like the convenience of being able to just flip out the keyboard when something requires a bit more typing action than I can be bothered to do using one finger and on the on screen keyboard so I tend to just keep the smart keyboard attached.

Perhaps the muscles in my forearms with strengthen after holding it one handed for a while

 

[Bobby dazzler]

I am in this situation where I think I need both and wanted others thoughts. I love to use my iPad Pro in bed to read comics and magazines. I think the pro is amazing for this as you don't have to zoom to read things....the screen size is about the same as the page size of a real magazine. But then I don't want the iPad pro any bulkier or thicker than needed, so I would use the regular smart cover.

However, if I want to use the iPad like a laptop and do some emails and document editing, then I need the smart keyboard.

I suspect the smart keyboard doesn't work very well folded back on itself to just handhold for magazine reading in bed, not just because of the extra weight but also just the extra thickness on one side when its folded back.

Anyone else facing this dilemma and ended up with both?

It may be prudent to buy both anyway.
I am beginning to believe that repeated removal and refitting of the Apple Smart Keyboard (ASK) is what does the damage to them, because they don't last long.

I now have resorted to the full Apple cover; front and back and keep my ASK in its box until I need to use it.

I am monitoring the situation to see how long my replacement ASK will last this time.

...Some PC substitute this is turning out to be!

Does this help?

 

[louis redfoot]

i considered several options, ultimately went with a cheap 13” laptop sleeve that has an extra pouch for accessories. there are plenty of bluetooth keyboards for a few bucks.

i am against any permanent attachments (ie designed to be always on). i like holding my ipad in its native naked form.

 

[strategicthinke]

I have both, best decision ever.

 

[Precursor]

I am too! Plus, the smart cover gives you the two different angles, the flatter one is very convenient for me and I think that is impossible on the keyboard cover.

Actually the keyboard also has 2 angles for vieweing (one typing mode and one more vertical mode where you fold the keyboard behind the ipad). Having both the smart cover and the keyboard, I prefer the keyboard's angles better.

 

[Fatyank]

I found a way to use the keyboard cover at low angle like the Smart Cover. I’ll attach a photo as it’s easier to see than describe. The Smart Keyboard is still attached but when I open an app an need to use a keyboard, the onscreen keyboard opens up. It’s a bit fiddly but basically you want the part where the keyboard cover and iPad connect to hangover the front of the keyboard itself. That part will set on your desk/table and keep from sliding. It’s not fool proof but I’ve found it to work quite well. Nice when using any drawing app. Try it, adjust the cover to where it feels good to you. If you decide to go back to the keyboard cover keyboard, just lift the iPad and move it back into the slot at back of keyboard.