iPad Pro Debating with myself: smart keyboard or not?

[marmiteturkey]

I got one today on spec - have been using the software keyboard and a magic keyboard for the last couple of weeks. After a couple of hours of emails and some more serious work, I'll be keeping the smart keyboard - it's smaller and thinner than I thought, but I can type faster than I expected and it sits on my lap really nicely, which the two--part solution does not. I'm definitely keeping mine.

 

[ILowry82]

I decided on a magic keyboard paired with a Pad & Quill Contega Thin case. The case is multi angle so typing on your lap is a breeze. The magic keyboard is a joy to type on and it's small and light enough that if I need to take it anywhere, it's not a huge hassle.

 

[n8cousins]

Oh man, I've been having the same dilemma. Smart Keyboard or Smart Cover + Magic Keyboard???

Unfortunately, this thread has only made me more indecisive.

 

[3587]

I returned the Logitech one yesterday and picked up the Apple Smart Keyboard and Case... Couldn't be happier. Thinner, lighter, keys are nice, and there is NO lag. I'll be keeping this one!

 

[Ghost31]

Update: I ended up going through with my order and getting the Apple smart keyboard. Holy crap. This thing is 100x better than I hoped it would be and I find myself using it EVERY time I turn on my iPad pro. With the added convenience of being able to just pull it off when I don't need it, this is definitely the perfect keyboard for me. I've spent hours programming with it and I can't tell you guys how great this keyboard is

 

[3587]

Update: I ended up going through with my order and getting the Apple smart keyboard. Holy crap. This thing is 100x better than I hoped it would be and I find myself using it EVERY time I turn on my iPad pro. With the added convenience of being able to just pull it off when I don't need it, this is definitely the perfect keyboard for me. I've spent hours programming with it and I can't tell you guys how great this keyboard is

I agree. Awesome keyboard.

Apple always gets a bad rap for their new products... Then the more people use them, especially after using other products, they finally realize the Apple product is far superior.

 

[gmanist1000]

I've been using the iPad Pro with the Logitech Easy Switch Keyboard and the Smart Cover. I like it a lot, but the keyboard isn't with me all the time because I also use it with my main machine. I ordered the Smart Keyboard because it will be attached to my iPad Pro at all times, which will make it much more convenient.

 

[Eric5273]

I think if you need a keyboard with you at all times, you are better off with the 12" Retina MacBook instead of the iPad Pro. It will actually weigh less and be thinner than the iPad Pro + keyboard cover option, and the price is about the same.

For myself, I much prefer a desktop stand and Apple Magic keyboard so I can use the keyboard at my desk. And when I'm traveling or using the iPad as a tablet, I'll just use the on screen keyboard. I think the whole point of trying to replace your laptop with an iPad Pro is to save weight and have the touch screen. Dressing it up like a laptop eliminates both of those advantages.

 

[MyAppleWorld]

Right after I bought my iPad pro I ordered a smart keyboard cover to make it feel more like a laptop and hey...it looks cool! But I've been waiting awhile (won't come til January) and I have a regular Smart Cover now and the longer time goes on, the more I'm wondering whether I want the smart keyboard cover or not.

The software keyboard is so big already. I think it's actually even bigger than my Apple wireless keyboard and that takes care of me for those short bursts of emails or text or quick forum posts like this as well as making it stand up on my lap. And when I want to really sit down and bang out some code or something, well...I have my Apple wireless keyboard!

So I'm just kinda on the fence. Do I go through with my back order and get the smart keyboard cover...or do I cancel and figure I probably don't need it anyway and that it's more trouble than it's worth? $170 plus added bulk. Has anyone else felt like this?

There is one big problem with bluetooth keyboards - you have to keep switching them on/off or turning bluetooth on/off when you want to use the screen keyboard instead - it is a pain in the rear!!

This is why apple made a connector - Definitely the way to go

 

[Eric5273]

There is one big problem with bluetooth keyboards - you have to keep switching them on/off or turning bluetooth on/off when you want to use the screen keyboard instead - it is a pain in the rear!!

This is why apple made a connector - Definitely the way to go

What I'd like to see is something like this (below), but which uses the new connector. I don't need to take my keyboard with me, but a desktop keyboard with a stand that uses the smart connector would be cool.

 

[Night Spring]

There is one big problem with bluetooth keyboards - you have to keep switching them on/off or turning bluetooth on/off when you want to use the screen keyboard instead - it is a pain in the rear!!

I disconnected the keyboard by tapping the blue "I" next to the device name in Settings > Bluetooth. So far, it hasn't reconnected yet without me actively going into the settings again to reconnect it.

 

[sracer]

There is one big problem with bluetooth keyboards - you have to keep switching them on/off or turning bluetooth on/off when you want to use the screen keyboard instead - it is a pain in the rear!!

This is why apple made a connector - Definitely the way to go

I agree with the hassle of having to turn on a BT keyboard.
My Belkin Qode Ultimate Lite keyboard for the Air 2 automatically turns on when the iPad is docked in one of the two magnetic positions. It automatically turns off when disconnected.

How well a keyboard feels is highly subjective. I'm glad to hear that some are finding the ASK to be good because at the moment there aren't many options available for iPP owners. For my tastes, I don't find the ASK typing experiencing to be very good.

 

[Ghost31]

There is one big problem with bluetooth keyboards - you have to keep switching them on/off or turning bluetooth on/off when you want to use the screen keyboard instead - it is a pain in the rear!!

This is why apple made a connector - Definitely the way to go

Meh. That's true but hitting a simple power button in the past with my Apple wireless keyboard was never a hassle. It's simply...a button you press. Takes a second. The real hassle was availability. I would almost never have my BT keyboard with me and when I did, I would need to have a desk to sit at or something. No lap typing for me

As it stands now, I love my Apple smart keyboard. Couldn't imagine anything else

 

[sparksd]

I've been going through a similar thought process lately with a new iPad Air 2.

I had roughly two case options for about $80:

1. Apple's leather case which is gorgeous, thin, light and compact.
2. One of many third-party Bluetooth keyboard cases.

The problem with ALL the Bluetooth keyboard cases is:

• Like you, I'm not sure I really need a permanent keyboard with me all the time.
• They're all bulky/heavy.

So while the thin apple case seems poor value - because it's simply a case and nothing else - it preserves the thinness and lightness of the iPad which is something I'll appreciate every day.

I felt the same way but then tried a Belkin QODE Ultimate Pro Keyboard Case and found I really liked it. The ease of use - switching between landscape and portrait modes and removal of the tablet with backing from the keyboard itself - have made it really nice to use. No lag or disconnect issues and even without needing to type it makes a nice stand for browsing, etc. Thought I'd end up returning it when I first ordered it but have since found I really like it. I don't even notice the additional weight and my Apple Smart Case is now an expensive accessory sitting in a drawer. But there really is a personal preference to all of this and what works for one person may totally suck for another so people just need to try different approaches to see what works best for them.

 

[MyAppleWorld]

I agree with the hassle of having to turn on a BT keyboard.
My Belkin Qode Ultimate Lite keyboard for the Air 2 automatically turns on when the iPad is docked in one of the two magnetic positions. It automatically turns off when disconnected.

How well a keyboard feels is highly subjective. I'm glad to hear that some are finding the ASK to be good because at the moment there aren't many options available for iPP owners. For my tastes, I don't find the ASK typing experiencing to be very good.

Is it possible to use that keyboard without the back cover attached? I use a smart skin.

Do we know any other keyboards that only activate when docked?

 

[MyAppleWorld]

Update: I ended up going through with my order and getting the Apple smart keyboard. Holy crap. This thing is 100x better than I hoped it would be and I find myself using it EVERY time I turn on my iPad pro. With the added convenience of being able to just pull it off when I don't need it, this is definitely the perfect keyboard for me. I've spent hours programming with it and I can't tell you guys how great this keyboard is

Does the iPad pro require the back shell in order to use the Smart Cover keyboard?

 

[MyAppleWorld]

Update: I ended up going through with my order and getting the Apple smart keyboard. Holy crap. This thing is 100x better than I hoped it would be and I find myself using it EVERY time I turn on my iPad pro. With the added convenience of being able to just pull it off when I don't need it, this is definitely the perfect keyboard for me. I've spent hours programming with it and I can't tell you guys how great this keyboard is

Does the iPad pro require the back shell in order to use the Smart Cover keyboard?

 

[Ghost31]

Does the iPad pro require the back shell in order to use the Smart Cover keyboard?

You don't need anything on the back. I don't use anything but the keyboard cover. It's just like the Smart Cover I had but with an added flap for a keyboard. That's it

 

[MyAppleWorld]

I have a big 'issue' with adding a case to the iPad but really want a good keyboard solution.

Long ago when I had an iPad 2 when they first came out, I used it all the time at home.

I stopped using my Windows laptop but I soon realised that all I ever seemed to be doing was consuming media - I felt like I was only ever watching and never participating. For example, I had stopped updating my Facebook status and chatting to friends. The reason was that I hated typing on the screen and having to hold the iPad at the same time.

I sold the iPad 2 and used a Windows laptop for a while. Then my old workplace gave me an iPad 2.

The new iPad 2 came in a belkin case that swivelled landscape/portrait and had two viewing angles.
With this setup I found that I typed even less because the iPad was always too far away - great for watching tv but the case was awkward to hold close and type with thumbs. I also realised that when browsing I really liked holding the iPad rather than having it in a case - in a case it felt like a bad laptop.

I left that job and had to return the iPad so decided I would try something else.

I decided to sell the Windows laptop and get a MacBook Pro 13"
What happened? I used it quite a bit but I missed the iPad apps. I also started using my iPhone a lot more again on the sofa. I ended up upgrading to a retina MacBook Pro 13" as I was quite happy with the setup.

I still missed having an iPad for viewing things close to my face, it seems much more engaging and my eyes aren't great!

I decided to get an iPad mini 2 - purely because I preferred the lighter feel and found that I typed with two thumbs in portrait mode really well - it was like a big phone! However, nothing like having a real keyboard on a MacBook.

Over the last 18 months I used the iPad mini 2 constantly, to the point I have decided to sell the MacBook as it's gathering dust.

That said, the mini 2 was starting to slow down and so I've sold it. I've now bought an air 2 because I figured a larger screen would compensate for the MacBook - but I lose the quick thumb typing!

The software and hardware have come a long way that I do feel I can live without a personal laptop (I always have a company one to use)

But what about typing on the iPad Air 2? Like this forum post?

I don't want a permanent case that takes away the beauty of holding an iPad like a magazine....the way Steve jobs sold it.

At the moment I have a Smart Cover so that I can take it off easily when using the iPad and use it as a stand for FaceTime. I have looked at a keyboard cover like the Logitech ultra thin but don't like the Bluetooth on/off thing.

I am starting to think that maybe my best setup will be Smart Cover and keys to go by Logitech. I will keep the keyboard in the lounge at home and use it mainly in one space.

Is anyone else feeling like using a keyboard / case defeats the point and one should get a laptop?!

I've over thought all of this. Lol

Sorry if some of this doesn't make sense, I'm hoping you catch my drift

 

[Ghost31]

Whoa that's quite a post there buddy! Haha. But I agree with a lot of what you said. It's a big reason why I keep my iPhone caseless most of the time. I like the design of the phone. That's a big reason why I bought it in the first place. I've had cases before and it just felt like...what's the point? Just feels like an odd shaped brick.

Same with my iPads. I've actually never had a case on an iPad before. Just used the Smart Cover. That's it. My girlfriend has the cover +back cover and it feels bulky. That's why I like my set up now. I use my smart keyboard when I wanna use it and when I don't, I just pull it off and use the iPad naked.

Before this I used a Smart Cover +Apple wireless keyboard and that worked well too. If you feel the same as I do, DO NOT buy the Logitech create case. That thing is an abomination

 

[MyAppleWorld]

Hehe I typed that on a really bad Bluetooth keyboard I'm using as an interim measure!

I have just gone from mini to air 2 which feels like a leap so not ready for the pro yet....although the number row on the keyboard is a huge plus!

I think my ideal will be air 3 if Apple allow smart keyboard

Typed this with Smart Cover in landscape - might try this more often!

 

[profmjh]

Just pulled the trigger on a Smart Keyboard. After my laptop problems (regular readers will know what I'm talking about) I've decided my iPad Pro is going to replace my laptop as a laptop, and I'm getting an iMac to replace my laptop as a computer. This makes sense to me as iPad Pro + MacBook never quite seemed to make sense to me. This way I get two very different things.

I also figured (as we say in the UK) "in for a penny, in for a pound". If I've got the iPad Pro I may as well make the most of it: I already have the Apple Pencil, so it made sense to complete the package with the Smart Keyboard.

 

[Ghost31]

Just pulled the trigger on a Smart Keyboard. After my laptop problems (regular readers will know what I'm talking about) I've decided my iPad Pro is going to replace my laptop as a laptop, and I'm getting an iMac to replace my laptop as a computer. This makes sense to me as iPad Pro + MacBook never quite seemed to make sense to me. This way I get two very different things.

I also figured (as we say in the UK) "in for a penny, in for a pound". If I've got the iPad Pro I may as well make the most of it: I already have the Apple Pencil, so it made sense to complete the package with the Smart Keyboard.

This is what I ended up doing except with a Mac mini. I figure Mac at home for all the intensive stuff I might not be able to do on my pro (which is very rarely. I can get most anything done on my iPad) and the iPad for on the go. I'm even able to remote into my Mac through my iPad so it's like having a little OSX tablet.

Since this post, I got the smart keyboard and man oh man this thing feels so damn good. I can't believe I even questioned getting this thing. I get so much more done having a keyboard always there to use. So much more convenient

 

[profmjh]

Smart Keyboard has just arrived. Typing this on it now. Better than I was expecting. Will take a little getting used to. I keep not quite engaging the space bar. Clever design. Looks slightly odd when set up: the screen seems disproportionately large compared with the keyboard. Surprisingly stable on my lap, though probably better to use one of those small trays with a built in cushion that people use to eat meals on while watching tv on the sofa.

Feeling more confident about ditching my laptop.

Slightly miss having a trackpad. To post this I now have to reach all the way to the screen . . .

 

[Ghost31]

Slightly miss having a trackpad. To post this I now have to reach all the way to the screen . . .

Keyboard shortcuts. Learn 'em and you'll barely touch the screen. App switching, scrolling, replying, forward and back, etc