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Resolved Does the new Magic Keyboard fold back?
- Thread starter kht410
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According to the listing on Amazon, the 11” magic keyboard will be 1.8 lbs and the 12.9” will be 2.41 lbs. Of course, it could be wrong and the listed weights are the “shipping weights,” which would mean they each respectively weigh slightly less.
11” iPad Magic Keyboard Amazon Link
12.9” iPad Magic Keyboard Amazon Link
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If this keyboard, doesn’t fold back, then it’s going to be a horrible user experience.
if you want to use the ipad in Portrait, yo have to detach it WTF!!
So far is only mentions 130* of angle.
It looks like it’s more of a Stand than a portable case/keyboard,
We have to remember that Apple laptops don’t fold backwards either.
Is this what they’re trying to push now
if you want to use the ipad in Portrait, yo have to detach it WTF!!
So far is only mentions 130* of angle.
It looks like it’s more of a Stand than a portable case/keyboard,
We have to remember that Apple laptops don’t fold backwards either.
Is this what they’re trying to push now
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If this keyboard, doesn’t fold back, then it’s going to be a horrible user experience.
if you want to use the ipad in Portrait, yo have to detach it WTF!!
So far is only mentions 130* of angle.
It looks like it’s more of a Stand than a portable case/keyboard,
We have to remember that Apple laptops don’t fold backwards either.
Is this what they’re trying to push now
Is an official apple backlit scissor switch full keyboard plus trackpad plus extra usb-c port plus it all connects through magnets and the smart connector what apple is trying to push now? Because it sounds better when I say it my way than your way.
Didn't see the weights noted there but Amazon's usual weight listings are shipping weights, not product weights, unless explicitly noted in the product description. One review site said they contacted Apple and asked the weights but Apple would not provide the information.
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
if you have to disconnect to use the iPad in portrait then it’s an awful user experience, can you imagine using the iPad like a dedicated laptop.
For me the ipad is the ultimate Home portable device.
This keyboard is actually a portable dock or stand, With a built in keyboard
For me the ipad is the ultimate Home portable device.
This keyboard is actually a portable dock or stand, With a built in keyboard
I think you are right.
The Folio Keyboard cover is a portable case and keyboard, AND folds back (slightly uncomfortably granted) to allow portrait use without detaching it. It is therefore slightly more versatile than the new Magic Keyboard case (dock!).
OK, lets be fair... "detaching" this thing is hardly a chore..... far less than any other case out there due to its magnetic attachment...
However, if you wanted to work portrait, you'd HAVE to detach it and either work with it naked, or have a secondary case for that usage. The obvious and expensive choice is the smart folio cover which you could easily attach to allow portrait use AND drawing use given its wedge stand configuration. HOWEVER that being said this is useless if you wanted to use the keyboard with the iPad vertically.
Who wants 2 cases to swap back and forth?
But back to your comment... yes this is a clever portable dock/stand/carry cover with a builtin keyboard and trackpad. Thats not a *bad* thing as such but its usage is quite narrow to be fair.
Its a difficult choice at the moment. Im not a fan of the Brydge as its bulky and heavy, or the Logitech as its a pain to get in and out of the case. In this regard the Apple solutions are unparalleled with their inter-operability.
I think it will be very interesting to see the first hands on reviews of this in May. I predict it will be very mixed. Price aside... people will love the keyboard quality, the backlit keys, the charging passthrough of course.. but im sure people will hate its very narrow use-case, and inability to work in portrait.
As an aside.. do you get the impression that the iPad is now more or less supposed to be used in landscape?
I have the Smart Keyboard Folio for my 2018 iPad Pro 12.9. Have folded it over to use in Portrait mode to take notes (much less obtrusive in say a Doctor's office than typing). Also do a bit of magazine reading in portrait mode. Absolutely hate the feel of the keys under my fingers when doing either function. In the meantime have tried the new cursor function on 13.4 with my Magic Touchpad 2 (used a lightning to USB-C cable to switch and avoid bluetooth switch craziness) and was really impressed. Most of my activity on the iPad is either typing or viewing in landscape mode on my lap or in bed. If reviews for the new Magic Keyboard are good for working in this fashion, I will purchase. Either way, will put on a dbrand skin on the back of my iPad and pull the unit out of either my existing unit or the new one and go naked when in Portrait mode. As was just said, either way it's easy to get out of the case.
It does look like it’s primarily designed to be used at a desk and as a traditional laptop form factor. Which is just what I was looking for, but maybe isn’t as flexible for other use cases. Which maybe means having to use a second case... But then I’m sure there are lots of users who won’t be interested in this product at all because they much prefer touch, the pencil and at a push a folio keyboard of some sort.
I just took a look at that on their site when I read your post. Looks like an awesome product with a nice pencil holder for the 1st generation pencil. Works with the latest Air and the 10.5 pro.
I just picked up a new 2018 11 256gb pro today for $699. I haven’t opened it yet as I’m still on the fence about whether I really need it! Besides the decorative white spot above the home button....there’s nothing wrong with my current 10.5 pro. I might pick up that Logitech instead and ride it out for another year with the 10.5 and my first gen. Pencil....and see what 2021 brings with the next iPad!
Well, hmm. Late to this info but now I need to think about this option. I do want the better keyboard and I do want the trackpad and I do use it in this form factor about half the time I use my iPad. Issue is, the other half I have my Smart Keyboard folio folded back and laying flat on my desk for notes. I keep all of my project notes throughout the day on my iPad which sits next to my iMac. I guess I could take it off and on the dock and put it in my regular folio but I like having the keyboard with me for the times that are outside of my weekday use.
My keyboard folio may just be the best option for me but looking, I'm not sure I want even more bulk in my hands when holding it in portrait. That is something I have disliked about the keyboard folio. The keys have always bugged me under my fingers. Something to ponder.
My keyboard folio may just be the best option for me but looking, I'm not sure I want even more bulk in my hands when holding it in portrait. That is something I have disliked about the keyboard folio. The keys have always bugged me under my fingers. Something to ponder.
I’m confused why so many want it to fold backwards - just use the iPad without anything where it feels best anyways without any case. I often do this with my older iPad Pros - I always prefer to use my iPad “naked” when in tablet mode.
Nothing to be confused about - a lot of people don't like using their iPads without a case. Their preferences are just as valid for them as yours are for you.
Because I don’t always feel like pulling the iPad off and putting the case somewhere. Plus I prefer to not rest it naked on any table or countertop, which is why I sometimes keep the case on folded backwards.
Exactly. I also always likes to have the keyboard with me, in case I suddenly have to write something. So, I often use it with the keyboard folded back. If I sit down for some time on the sofa or bed and read or watch something, I will take off the keyboard cover and put it next to me, as it makes the iPad much easier to hold in one hand.
Do your older iPads get scratched using them without cases like that? Do you cases on your new devices? I'm curious, not disapproving. My case saved my 12.9 Pro - the cat got up and knocked it off a table onto a hard floor, shattering the plastic case tabbing on the corner - hate to think of the results without a case.
a folio style keyboard will not save youin that situation.
the iPad is attached to it with magnets and there is no side/corner protection.
I was using a lightweight case that had a plastic framework for holding the iPad, not the simple magnetic attachment. I have one of those folios but no longer use it because of that lack of protection.
i would put it back in the smart keyboard after done using it naked and for storage throw it in the apple leather folio along with the keyboard.
Because I never remove my iPad from the smart folio keyboard, which I treat as a case. If I get a keyboard that isn’t also a case, I’ll never use it.
I believe though, removing it is part of the form factor. In the video they repeatedly show people removing it from the position the keyboard is in to do other things. Leaving the keyboard in place while the person goes off to use the iPP in vertical position. The only time they use it as a case it seems, is when traveling with the whole thing as a unit. I get the impression they mean for you to remove it from the keyboard when the keyboard isn't practical for your uses.
I've always thought that's why they moved to the magnets holding the case, instead of the old awkward/annoying snap in case approach.
So you maybe better off with another alternative that will be cheaper.
For those worrying about scratching the back of the iPad Pro when not in a keyboard case, an easy solution is to apply a skin.
Honestly, if you’re really worried about dropping the iPad Pro 12.9” like you might drop an iPhone, you have to know that almost any case will NOT save the iPad Pro from getting damaged. It’s really not much different than dropping a MacBook Pro or Air.
I’ve got a skin on the back of my iPad Pro and it still works perfectly connecting into my current Keyboard Folio, and I assume it will work in the new Magic Keyboard Case as well.
I did try using my Keyboard Folio with the keyboard folded back last night while laying in bed watching a video and it really bummed me out. I’ve not used it this way for the past month+, and really like having it case-free because it’s so nice to hold. The only thing that would make it just a little bit better would be to have a skin that is more absorbent, so it’s easier to grip. I will likely try making a thin wood skin or maybe a cork version to see if that helps. I know the wood will still work in the keyboard folio, but doubt the cork will, as it’s just too thick.
Honestly, if you’re really worried about dropping the iPad Pro 12.9” like you might drop an iPhone, you have to know that almost any case will NOT save the iPad Pro from getting damaged. It’s really not much different than dropping a MacBook Pro or Air.
I’ve got a skin on the back of my iPad Pro and it still works perfectly connecting into my current Keyboard Folio, and I assume it will work in the new Magic Keyboard Case as well.
I did try using my Keyboard Folio with the keyboard folded back last night while laying in bed watching a video and it really bummed me out. I’ve not used it this way for the past month+, and really like having it case-free because it’s so nice to hold. The only thing that would make it just a little bit better would be to have a skin that is more absorbent, so it’s easier to grip. I will likely try making a thin wood skin or maybe a cork version to see if that helps. I know the wood will still work in the keyboard folio, but doubt the cork will, as it’s just too thick.
My 12.9 Pro has fallen twice, both times knocked off a table onto a hard floor by a cat. In both cases, it landed on a corner, breaking the case’s plastic back corners. SoI think the case can be beneficial.