Reviews should talk more about attachment style. Magnetic attachment and detachment is so much better than bending and squishing a device into a case. I like using my iPad without any case, but I travel with a thin magnetic case. In the future when I ditch the MacBook Pro for an iPad/Mac Pro combination, I may consider using an easily-detachable keyboard for those rare instances when I need to type away from my desk. Squish and bend cases are an instant “no” for me.
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Apple's Smart Keyboard Folio vs. Third-Party Alternatives
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My favorite is the Microsoft Universal Folding Keyboard. Attached keyboards on iPads seem like such a waste. It folds in half and automatically turns off when closed. It’s only a bit bigger than an iPad charger and cable together. It also works with other devices so it can just be in your bag for whatever.
https://www.microsoft.com/accessories/en-us/products/keyboards/universal-foldable-keyboard/gu5-00001
https://www.microsoft.com/accessories/en-us/products/keyboards/universal-foldable-keyboard/gu5-00001
I really wish they would've done something with all that space at the bottom of the Zagg Slim Book.
The obvious solution is of course adding a cutting board to the keyboard so you can prepare your favorite snacks while watching something on your iPad.
View attachment 831803
Sure, but do you really need to cut your Cheetos?
That is an understatement. I called Apple and they only have a 90 day warranty on it! Given the huge price and Apple's reputation for build quality this is totally unacceptable which is a shame because I really liked it in the store.
I'm not impressed with the Zagg keyboards I've purchased for my iPad 9.7 and my iPad Pro 12.9. The Zagg for the 9.7 hinge cracked and wore out during the first year of ownership and the warranty is a joke. My Pro 12.9 keyboard is a detachable model. The problem I have with it is it is a piece of plastic has broken off in one spot. Not a big piece but still. It wasn't even a year old when it happened. Again, warranty is a joke. It's still usable and doing ok but I don't trust it.
The keyboard before my Zagg for the Pro was a Logitech. I really liked it until stress fractures started and my iPad pro fell out of the case because the plastic holding it in finally gave way. Luckily my it fell on my bed and NOT the floor.
I really wish Apple would come out with a sturdy keyboard for their iPad Pros. Something that isn't flexible and you can hold the whole thing by the keyboard and it not collapse.
The keyboard before my Zagg for the Pro was a Logitech. I really liked it until stress fractures started and my iPad pro fell out of the case because the plastic holding it in finally gave way. Luckily my it fell on my bed and NOT the floor.
I really wish Apple would come out with a sturdy keyboard for their iPad Pros. Something that isn't flexible and you can hold the whole thing by the keyboard and it not collapse.
I would wait and give a good look at the soon to come Brydge lineup before making a purchase. They really make high quality gear.
I can’t wait for my Brydge. Backlit keys, function keys, yearlong battery life/USB-C charging.
I can’t stand having only two viewing angles on the Smart Keyboard Folio, plus having no protection when I remove the keyboard.
The hype over this new Brydge is partially what made me want to upgrade from my 10.5” Pro to the 2018 12.9” Pro. I miss the laptop feel, but the Smart Keyboard Folio doesn’t cut it. Especially for what, $200? Unreal.
Sure, they keyboard folio works well for what it’s advertised as, but there’s no justification for the price considering the lack of features. Literally every other keyboard is cheaper and has more features.
I can’t stand having only two viewing angles on the Smart Keyboard Folio, plus having no protection when I remove the keyboard.
The hype over this new Brydge is partially what made me want to upgrade from my 10.5” Pro to the 2018 12.9” Pro. I miss the laptop feel, but the Smart Keyboard Folio doesn’t cut it. Especially for what, $200? Unreal.
Sure, they keyboard folio works well for what it’s advertised as, but there’s no justification for the price considering the lack of features. Literally every other keyboard is cheaper and has more features.
Not to mention that the Apple keyboard lacks a function row of any sort! I like mine a lot, even the feel of typing on those weird keys, but that could be so convenient -- particularly an escape key. Really feel it when I'm VNC-ing to a home computer. Definitely deserved a mention, at least.
I have the 11" iPad Pro and the Apple Smart Keyboard. I upgraded from the iPad Mini 2. I absolutely love the Apple keyboard, though it's still a little bit thicker than I would prefer. Definitely couldn't see myself going for anything thicker. I've been happy with my setup since the day I got it. Use both the iPad Pro and the keyboard daily, and don't have any regrets.
Methinks something was wrong with your keyboard/iPad. I have none of those issues with my 11” + Apple keyboard.
I have the logitech smart attachment keyboard for my current iPad. I love the backlit keys but find that the smart connection is very fickle, especially if you have an unstable base - like typing on your lap or the iPad sitting on a couch or bed. I also have had the side edge of the folio that holds the iPad in place crack on both folios I've bought. I think my next one will be bluetooth so my connection issues go away, but will need to have backlit keys because I do a lot of stuff at night with lights off and need to be able to see the keys to type.
I have the 2017 10.5" iPad Pro with Apple Smart Keyboard and I like the keyboard a lot.
But it is expensive, and the ones for the 2018 iPP's are more expensive yet.
If you don't need the keyboard to attach to the iPad itself, consider a non-attachable BT keyboard. There are some excellent ones that are lightweight, thin, have excellent typing feel, backlit keys, and very long battery life. Like the Logitech K811. The Apple Magic Keyboard checks almost all these boxes except backlit keys.
But it is expensive, and the ones for the 2018 iPP's are more expensive yet.
If you don't need the keyboard to attach to the iPad itself, consider a non-attachable BT keyboard. There are some excellent ones that are lightweight, thin, have excellent typing feel, backlit keys, and very long battery life. Like the Logitech K811. The Apple Magic Keyboard checks almost all these boxes except backlit keys.
The Apple Smart Keyboard folios for the new iPad Pros are much improved over the first ones they made for the first generation iPad Pros. I find the keys can be a little too sensitive and had to stop resting my fingers on the home keys when I paused typing and I’d love to have a backlight. Since I can still fit the iPad in my cargo pocket with the Smart Keyboard cover I’m happy with the product.
Nah guys, this one is the best!
Using a laptop/tablet on your lap frequently is a great way to screw up your neck and shoulders. Maybe it's good to have product that discourages that?
[doublepost=1555098915][/doublepost]That review probably breaks a ton of records for having a ton of tons.
[doublepost=1555098915][/doublepost]That review probably breaks a ton of records for having a ton of tons.
Thumbs down on quality of the presentation in this review. The music was extremely irritating and distracting. It did not need a music track playing for the entire review. Playing out at the end is fine. And how about wipe off your greasy fingerprints off of the products before doing a video review!
Warning the Zagg go book folio for the 11 inch IPad isn’t worth it! I got one recently and the battery wouldn’t charge much. It would last for a few days. And the back hinges have issues in under a week of minimal use. I’m returning it for a full refund. I preordered the Brydge instead. Don’t say I didn’t warn you about the Zagg. Had to argue with support I had a bad keyboard and they wanted to do a warranty replacement vs refund. Finally after weeks of complaining I can send it back for a refund but I have to pay shipping seems sketchy since I’ve had it two weeks. Totally a bad experience
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I was seriously thinking “What??” When I read his comments about battery drain. I thought it so strange he’d have an issue like that and I just assumed that it was something he made up to troll. That’s how ridiculous it sounded to me. Needless to say I’ve had zero issue with anything like that with mine. Just great Apple engineering in my experience.
I have read about premature failure in enough reviews that I’ve come to believe them. Mine is doing great so far tho. Kind of like the butterfly keys on the MBP that i’ve yet to experience any problems with. I swear it must have at least something to do with the way people are using them.
BTW if anyone in this thread is in the market for the Apple version 10.5” iPad Pro Smart Keyboard a lot of Costco stores are selling them at $79.97 now. Worth a look if you’re a member.