First Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro Hands-On Videos Appear Online

[AnthonyHarris]

All of these MacBook comparisons, whilst expected, are really missing the mark IMO.

If your limit of acceptance is whether or not you can open it with one hand, then It's clearly not the product for you (not singling you out specifically @AnthonyHarris, you just happened to be the last comment I saw).

If you have to purely pick one device (MacBook or iPad Pro with Keyboard case), I'd imagine the bulk of your decision will come down to what you can do your best work on.

If it's a home device, the iPad is probably more versatile.

If it's a work device, I'd probably go MacBook (job dependant I guess).

But honestly, I don't care if the keyboard is a little "heavy", and I say "heavy", because no one is feeling the difference if it's in a bag....

The iPad gives me an amazing tablet experience, that no other tablet can offer. iPad OS is by far my favourite OS for "most" things that are home/personal related.

I can take it with me to the sofa, to bed, to the kitchen table - It's a great babysitter for a few minutes of peace and quiet as well!

I can't really do that with my MacBook.

I get the hate, it's expected to a degree - But these weird comparisons aren't really looking at the whole picture here.

For the record, I absolutely don't expect this keyboard to work or behave like a MacBook ("Pro" or otherwise). My comment was off topic, in response to someone claiming they always had to use two hands to open their Laptops, including Apple MacBooks.

Back on topic. I want one of these for my iPad Pro. It looks really nice, and I think once app developers make their apps take full advantage, it will mean I can leave my hefty MBP at home (when we are allowed out again, of course).

 

[aknabi]

12" for software development? Get real. I prefer 38" (or more). Get a laptop with i7 CPU (or AMD) and enjoy software development.

38" on an airline tray table? Get real. I said a portable dev machine. I guess some folks just need to compensate for lack of size or something.

I also write clean code... I do know that sloppy developers need huge spaces to write their multi-thousand line classes with methods that are hundreds of lines... Constraints help you focus. A small screen is great for review/refactoring code.

But this sort of workflow really only works for top developers.

 

[iapplelove]

That rotation bug, seen in the first video, has been annoying me ever since I upgraded to iOS 13. Beginning to think it’s not gonna get fixed.

This is the first time I’ve seen anyone else get the rotation bug. Always had it with my 12.9 3rd gen. It’s horribly annoying

 

[falainber]

38" on an airline tray table? Get real. I said a portable dev machine. I guess some folks just need to compensate for lack of size or something.

I also write clean code... I do know that sloppy developers need huge spaces to write their multi-thousand line classes with methods that are hundreds of lines... Constraints help you focus. A small screen is great for review/refactoring code.

But this sort of workflow really only works for top developers.

You are developing "clean code" while flying. I believe you. Using single small window for reviewing the code? Only top developers can do that but they would do even better (much better) using proper hardware.

 

[jazz1]

I purchased a Logitech Anywhere 2S mouse hoping it would give me full, laptop like functionality. It did not. So I’m wondering if Logitech needs better access to the iPad’s iOS, or Apple has hamstrung third party access? Or does the iOS have limitations?

My big fear is that Apple’s Magic Trackpad Keyboard isn’t even up to the task of pretty much eliminating an occasional need to touch my 2018 iPad’s screen to navigate. I guess I want it all I do have it on order.

I do love my iPad! I do know for a similar iPad/trackpad folio price an Apple laptop would give me full trackpad/mouse navigation. The fact is when I purchased my various iPads I never dreamed that mouse/trackpad‘s would come Into the picture.

 

[jdb8167]

Hmm.. I will mostly work through Microsoft Remote Desktop, VMware Horizon etc.. Which makes the lack of professional software on iPadOS itself redundant as my software is not actually running on the iPad itself.

But the touchpad/mouse integration is lacking and I'm not entirely sure if the limitation is iPadOS itself and it's API's or if the apps themselves are to blame.

A lot of things you'd expect to work and that actually works within iPadOS itself is not working through remote desktop applications. I can't use the touchpad for scrolling, I can't utilise right-click for context menus when remoting to Windows servers and desktops, to do a simple paste within a SSH window etc..

Things like this is limiting the overall user-experience. The big question is, can this be improved by the app developers themselves or is it Apple and their API's that is causing this to happen so unless Apple improves the API nothing can change?

It is the apps. They need to update to support the new cursor APIs. If you check out something like Screens or Jump Desktop they already support the trackpad and it works extremely well. With Screens and my Mac, I can remote in and it feels just like my normal desktop screen (depending on bandwidth). This is with the Apple Magic Trackpad but from all accounts the new integrated trackpad in the Magic Keyboard works the same.

 

[SimonMScott]

ijustine has just posted an update / Q+A type video which is actually a really good and honest watch.

She goes into all the questions asked of her review video, gives honest criticism where needed and shows quite a few tips and tricks!

Even has an (albeit awkward) workaround for if you quickly need to draw or take notes!

 

[GuruZac]

This actually ticks all the boxes. They should consider this design for the Pros. Maybe they don't think they'll get the volume of sales when going against Apples offerings?

No I think Logitech absolutely will make a version for the Pro models. It will be priced $100 less than Apple’s as well, you watch. It’s not as elegant but will provide a great experience for those looking to add built in trackpad to their iPad.

 

[Chacocliff]

Not a video, but Federico gives an excellent review of the new keyboard.

Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro: A New Breed of Laptop

Following the surprise early release of the Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro, I’ve been waiting to get my hands on Apple’s highly anticipated accessory and evaluate it from the perspective of someone who uses the iPad Pro as a tablet, laptop, and desktop workstation. I received the Magic Keyboard for...

www.macstories.net

 

[jazz1]

Mine just arrived three hours ago! I have to say using a trackpad and a “real” keyboard is an interesting experience for this long time iPad user. I do own the original 2018 Apple Keyboard Folio, but there is no way I’m going back to using it over the Magic Keyboard, unless weight or thinness becomes a issue.

I say this because I have several carry bags and camera equipment bags where the original Apple Folios are a bit of a tight fit. I’ll have to try out fit in my various bags later today. I kind of went through this when I went from a 10.5 ipad to the 12.9 2018. I ended up gifting a few bags to friends and family due to fit issues. I’m hoping this Magic Keyboard folio is not too thick for my Tenba, and Peak Design sling and messenger bags.

I will say for use on my lap it is tipsy. Maybe it is just my short legs/lap? I am using an old Skelter brand iPad desk just to stabilize the whole rig on my lap.

So what do I like? Well I hope I’m not too “Captain Obvious” but the trackpad, the non-membrane keyboard w/backlight really IMHO is a worth upgrade. For navigation, and text editing the trackpad is something I had forgotten how much a I missed from my MacBook days. Now I just have to remind myself not to touch the freaking screen. Maybe I should have one hand slap the other as it “forgets” and tries to touch the screen

For just desktop use using a separate trackpad and keyboard would save money. It may even give a better experience than the all in one Magic Keyboard solution. Even in these times of Pandemic, I do remember the joy of getting out and about with my camera equipment. I miss sitting in my favorite coffeeshops and working over my pictures on the iPad! I’m hoping those days will return.

What don’t I like. Well, the price Also, I wish the trackpad was a little larger.

My copy had no blemishes. But I wonder how long it will take to make the case look a bit scuzzy like my older Apple Folios made out of the same stuff.

For the finale, let us just see how long it take for the spouse to recognize I’ve jumped down the Apple “rabbit hole” once again. I know she will say with a bit of sarcasm, “Happy X-Mas!” Strongly inferring the this purchase negates a future gift. Oh well, I think this purchase is well worth it!