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Resolved Does the new Magic Keyboard fold back?

I think everyone has different needs/requirements, but for me an inability to fold the keyboard back isn’t a deal breaker. When I’m not using my current Smart Keyboard folio with my 12.9“ ipad Pro, I usually just use my iPad without a case, or I switch it out with my smart folio. I‘ve found that the Apple Smart Keyboard folio is a bit too uncomfortable to use with the keyboard folded over. To me, it feels like I’m holding a piece of glass wrapped in bubble wrap. :)
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john500y2k said:
Had a quick scan through here but have seen it has been mentioned that it has “130 degrees of viewing angle adjustment” but didn’t see mentioned that on amazon they have an illustration of the 130 degrees.

www.amazon.co.uk

Apple Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 11-inch (4th, 3rd, 2nd & 1st generation) and iPad Air (5th & 4th generation) - British English - Black

The all-new Magic Keyboard is an amazing companion for iPad Pro. It features the best typing experience ever on iPad, a trackpad that opens up new ways to work with iPadOS, a USB-C port for charging, backlit keys, and front and back protection. With a new floating cantilever design, iPad Pro atta...
www.amazon.co.uk

Gut feel is that it looks like for the hinge as it’s opened it will come to a hard stop
Click to expand...

This is pure speculation on my part, but I‘m wondering if there is a mechanism built into the hinge that releases once you close the magic keyboard and flip it over without stopping?
 
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jcshas said:
....... I‘ve found that the Apple Smart Keyboard folio is a bit too uncomfortable to use with the keyboard folded over. To me, it feels like I’m holding a piece of glass wrapped in bubble wrap. :)
Click to expand...

Totally agree.
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I love this thread.

Apple does have a solution for each type of iPad Pro cover,

* if you want just a cover you spent $99 and get the smart folio.

* If you want a folding keyboard that folds all the way over you spend $199 and get the smart keyboard folio.

* If you want the brand new desktop experience with a trackpad then you spent $350, ouch, and get the magic keyboard.

$99 USD Smart folio for iPad Pro 12”
$199 USD Smart Keyboard folio 12”
$349 USD Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 12”
 
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melancholy said:
And using this 'cantilever' as a hinge was probably the only way to prevent the iPad from toppling over if it opened up like a regular laptop
Click to expand...
Ah, yes! It’s the answer to how do you provide a “laptop” variety of viewing angles without adding a counterweight (or kickstand) to the keyboard section.
 
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mikezmac said:
Totally agree.
[automerge]1587050724[/automerge]
I love this thread.

Apple does have a solution for each type of iPad Pro cover,

* if you want just a cover you spent $99 and get the smart folio.

* If you want a folding keyboard that folds all the way over you spend $199 and get the smart keyboard folio.

* If you want the brand new desktop experience with a trackpad then you spent $350, ouch, and get the magic keyboard.

$99 USD Smart folio for iPad Pro 12”
$199 USD Smart Keyboard folio 12”
$349 USD Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 12”
Click to expand...

This is exactly why I went Amazon Ztotop Smart Folio for $20 and the Apple Magic Keyboard.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0833ZFK8H/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
 
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
mikezmac said:
Totally agree.
[automerge]1587050724[/automerge]
I love this thread.

Apple does have a solution for each type of iPad Pro cover,

* if you want just a cover you spent $99 and get the smart folio.

* If you want a folding keyboard that folds all the way over you spend $199 and get the smart keyboard folio.

* If you want the brand new desktop experience with a trackpad then you spent $350, ouch, and get the magic keyboard.

$99 USD Smart folio for iPad Pro 12”
$199 USD Smart Keyboard folio 12”
$349 USD Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro 12”
Click to expand...
They don’t have a keyboard cover with trackpad that folds back. Surface Pro has...
 
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Interesting thread...

A almost never use my iPad Pro 12.9” in portrait mode - even when the tablets is removed completely from any kind of keyboard or case, I use it in landscape. I’m very used to using it that way. If you regularly use the iPad Pro in Portrait, I’m not sure if any of the keyboard cases really work for you

Assuming you want to use a keyboard and a trackpad, Apple offers a number of solutions

1) Bluetooth Magic Keyboard + Magic Trackpad 2 + Some kind of stand for the iPad (including the smart folio)
2) Smart Folio Keyboard + Magic Trackpad 2
3) Magic Keyboard

All of these options have their own limitations and plus. I would lay them out like this
1) You can remove the iPad from the keyboard and trackpad and have an “original” iPad Experience , especially in portrait. The con is you rely on Bluetooth for both the keyboard and trackpad
2) the Smart Folio Keyboard provides a cover sand a no-charge experience. Cons include weird feeling of keys on back in tablet mode, no backlighting on the keyboard, shallow keys (though I actually like the keyboard)
3) Magic Keyboard - pros include integrated trackpad, backlit keyboard, probably easier to use on a lap. Cons include a smaller trackpad, no real way to use it as a tablet while the keyboard is attached (apparently)


It seems like the best use case for the Magic Keyboard is for travel use - you basically turn the iPad into a Laptop, and you remove it when you need to. However, for home desktop usage, I actually think the first two options (bluetook Magic Keyboard or Smart Keyboard Folio + Trackpad) may actually be better. You get a huge trackpad, plus better cases For home use.

Dont sleep on the original Smart Keyboard Folio! It is a good product, and the Magic Trackpad makes it even better for a lot of uses!
 
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Adelphos33 said:
Interesting thread...

A almost never use my iPad Pro 12.9” in portrait mode - even when the tablets is removed completely from any kind of keyboard or case, I use it in landscape. I’m very used to using it that way. If you regularly use the iPad Pro in Portrait, I’m not sure if any of the keyboard cases really work for you

Assuming you want to use a keyboard and a trackpad, Apple offers a number of solutions

1) Bluetooth Magic Keyboard + Magic Trackpad 2 + Some kind of stand for the iPad (including the smart folio)
2) Smart Folio Keyboard + Magic Trackpad 2
3) Magic Keyboard

All of these options have their own limitations and plus. I would lay them out like this
1) You can remove the iPad from the keyboard and trackpad and have an “original” iPad Experience , especially in portrait. The con is you rely on Bluetooth for both the keyboard and trackpad
2) the Smart Folio Keyboard provides a cover sand a no-charge experience. Cons include weird feeling of keys on back in tablet mode, no backlighting on the keyboard, shallow keys (though I actually like the keyboard)
3) Magic Keyboard - pros include integrated trackpad, backlit keyboard, probably easier to use on a lap. Cons include a smaller trackpad, no real way to use it as a tablet while the keyboard is attached (apparently)


It seems like the best use case for the Magic Keyboard is for travel use - you basically turn the iPad into a Laptop, and you remove it when you need to. However, for home desktop usage, I actually think the first two options (bluetook Magic Keyboard or Smart Keyboard Folio + Trackpad) may actually be better. You get a huge trackpad, plus better cases For home use.

Dont sleep on the original Smart Keyboard Folio! It is a good product, and the Magic Trackpad makes it even better for a lot of uses!
Click to expand...

I went with another option for my 12.9 Pro - Magic Trackpad 2, inexpensive Bluetooth keyboard (I have several), sturdy stand, and lightweight folio case.
 
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5742E1D0-88F2-4B1E-91DC-8A8F6B024775.jpeg


Nope. I would think they’d display it’s full range here. I want to know if there will be a battery to power the backlit keyboard.
 
Yeah kind of a bummer that it doesn’t fold back, but I can’t imagine gripping a “real” keyboard would feel terribly comfortable either. It was doable with the ASK because those keys were basically just a ‘textured touchscreen’.

I think a lot of us nervous nellies are either gonna be buying crappy skin covers or be forced into using these pricey gadgets like the rugged aluminum serving trays Apple would have us believe they are. 🤷‍♂️
 
I ordered this (also have the regular keyboard folio) for 4th gen 12.9, and honestly thinking I’ll hate it as much as I hate the current folio. The previous folio where the keyboard could be pulled off since the connectors were on the side was a much nicer solution.
 
johnnylarue said:
Yeah kind of a bummer that it doesn’t fold back, but I can’t imagine gripping a “real” keyboard would feel terribly comfortable either. It was doable with the ASK because those keys were basically just a ‘textured touchscreen’.

I think a lot of us nervous nellies are either gonna be buying crappy skin covers or be forced into using these pricey gadgets like the rugged aluminum serving trays Apple would have us believe they are. 🤷‍♂️
Click to expand...

I‘ve given up trying to keep my Apple products in pristine condition. I still take good care of my iPhone and iPad but at some point constantly worrying about scratches and blemishes starts to diminish from the joy of using the device as it was intended to be used.
 
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So the interesting thing is the maximum angle is 130º. The Smart Keyboard Folio has two angles, 130º and 110º.

So those who were hoping for a greater angle than the folio might be a bit dissapointed. Although I find the 130º angle fine for myself personally, some may need a greater angle when using on their laps in tight seating situations.
 
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Moyapilot said:
So the interesting thing is the maximum angle is 130º. The Smart Keyboard Folio has two angles, 130º and 110º.

So those who were hoping for a greater angle than the folio might be a bit dissapointed. Although I find the 130º angle fine for myself personally, some may need a greater angle when using on their laps in tight seating situations.
Click to expand...

If we’re talking flights (remember those?), the odds are the seat in front of you is going to prevent you from opening much wider than those 130 degrees anyway.

Gotta figure that limitation is otherwise about respecting gravity and not wanting to add 5 lbs of weight to the base to compensate.
 
TestName said:
I just found this Youtube Video of the Magic Keyboard

Click to expand...

Wow good find!
Looks really sturdy and works with what i assume a coverbuddy case
The bottom keyboard part looks very rigid and doesnt flex at all.
I like how he slams it hard to the screen hahaha. Very satisfying sound.

That answer the question, it doesnt fold back.

www.amazon.com

SwitchEasy CoverBuddy Case for iPad Pro 12.9 Inch (2018 Release), with Pencil Holder [Support Apple Pencil Charging], Perfect for Official Smart Keyboard, Smart Folio (Space Gray)

SwitchEasy CoverBuddy Case for iPad Pro 12.9 Inch (2018 Release), with Pencil Holder [Support Apple Pencil Charging], Perfect for Official Smart Keyboard, Smart Folio (Space Gray)
www.amazon.com
 
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Thought it had function keys but realized its the alternative keyboard layout fo this country.... why didn’t apple add function keys to numbers and you hold globe key to activate them or something..
 
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