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I think the original Smart Folio Keyboard for last year's iPad Pros are superior in the sense of balancing utility with portability. The whole assembly is very thin and lightweight, yet key travel is quite good. Last year's version can also fold COMPLETELY 360° to the backside, so there's no need to remove the case to simply use it as a tablet. I suppose Apple did a good job considering the additional functionality, but to me, that's WAY TOO MUCH COMPROMISE just for a trackpad, because that's ALL this adds (in addition to weight!).
Thats exactly my worry with the Magic Keyboard. If I want to use an iPad like an iPad then I have to constantly remove the Magic Keyboard. And now I’m carrying a case less iPad in one hand and an empty case in the other.

What I’d have liked to see is the Smart Keyboard somehow have a trackpad. Obviously that’s a physical design obstacle but at least the keyboard case could be both a keyboard AND a case.
 
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Could he not clean up the area in view a bit before filming? Was he wearing a nightgown or just bad shorts? His 15 minutes of fame (ok, really 4 minutes) and that's how he wants to portray himself? Oh well, his choice.

And regarding the product....geez...just get a laptop.
Well no because laptops can’t run IOS apps...that’s the whole point of using it like a laptop but wanting IOS
 
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These were some pretty horrendous videos, but nice to see these getting into peoples hands. I would have thought Apple would get a few units out to reputable reviewers ahead of time. I know I am dying to get mine.

For those wondering about weight, the guy in the first video off by quite a lot. I'm reading that the new magic keyboard for the 12.9 is ballpark ~453 grams vs the lesser smart folio at ~407 grams. I can definitely handle that all day long. This puts the entire package at a still very manageable ~2.5lbs for a ~13" device.

I'm in for the high quality backlit keyboard, high quality and highly functional trackpad, increased stability, and angle adjustability. Less important but still worth mentioning.... I think its look and function is slick AF, and ability to charge from the base is fantastic.

Forward looking, I am looking forward to what iPadOS 14 has in store and the next refresh of the 12.9. I would have liked the memory upgrade on the 2020 model, but not remotely worth the $$ from 2018. Next revision should be pretty stellar.
Have you got a source for those weight claims? I find it hard to believe you’re getting a cantilevered hinge, proper key caps, backlighting, and trackpad for 50g vs the Smart Keyboard folio. But I could be wrong.

If the 11” one is 600g, that’ll mean the 12.9” Pro with keyboard is very similar to/heavier than a 13” MBP (and almost the same price!). Tough sell.
 
It’s all about options though. Some people don’t want their iPad to become/replace a laptop so they can just carry on as normal. for those who want something ultraportable with a keyboard there’s the smart folio. If you’re looking for a laptop or docking station there’s this.
 
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I think they nailed the concept. You either have the keyboard folio, a traditional case that adds basic positions and keyboard, or this, a sturdy and heavier but easily removable case that gives the real comfort of a laptop. It really seems to be the best to use on the lap (without instability or thin kickstands).
 
Well no because laptops can’t run IOS apps...that’s the whole point of using it like a laptop but wanting IOS
Might I ask what apps you are missing from iOS in macOS?
The whole point for me is using an OS made for easy of use to try to be productive. Add always on, always connected to it too.
 
Might I ask what apps you are missing from iOS in macOS?
The whole point for me is using an OS made for easy of use to try to be productive. Add always on, always connected to it too.

What apps are missing? Basically every possible app. The apps you get in macOS are nothing like apps you can get on IOS. From reddit to sport apps to food to shopping apps. Also you get spilt screen on iPad which you don’t get on macOS

My iPad has replaced my MacBook for these reasons. And why magic keyboard is going to be perfect for my usage.

People need to stop assuming everybody has the same work and overall usage patterns

My MacBook was always on a charger, my iPad never is for the same work usage
 
The guy is posting videos since we all asked for extra info and examples. I for one am really grateful that during lockdown I get to see what Apple have failed to show. I do not care about whether his desk is tidy or if he has camera shake. He is just helping us all out.

I’m really looking forward to it arriving now.
 
how many years has the rotation bug been around? Since 6+? Don't remember it ever being a problem on iPad until after a certain point either
 
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I think the original Smart Folio Keyboard for last year's iPad Pros are superior in the sense of balancing utility with portability. The whole assembly is very thin and lightweight, yet key travel is quite good. Last year's version can also fold COMPLETELY 360° to the backside, so there's no need to remove the case to simply use it as a tablet. I suppose Apple did a good job considering the additional functionality, but to me, that's WAY TOO MUCH COMPROMISE just for a trackpad, because that's ALL this adds (in addition to weight!).

Not sure how much more it weighs and don’t feel like looking it up, but I’m guessing less than the Brydge and Logitech keyboards so that would be a plus.

With how easy it is to take off why wouldn’t you just pull it off the magic keyboard to use it as a traditional tablet? That should be way less awkward then flipping over the smart folio keyboard and lighter!
 
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.
I agree. I thought at first it was a hardware related issue because my iPad Pro had an extremely faint bend to the body.. had it replaced, set it up like new and it still gets stuck.
 
What apps are missing? Basically every possible app. The apps you get in macOS are nothing like apps you can get on IOS. From reddit to sport apps to food to shopping apps. Also you get spilt screen on iPad which you don’t get on macOS

My iPad has replaced my MacBook for these reasons. And why magic keyboard is going to be perfect for my usage.

People need to stop assuming everybody has the same work and overall usage patterns

My MacBook was always on a charger, my iPad never is for the same work usage
Perhaps you can enlighten me somewhat. I don't use any apps on my Mac. I use Reddit, shopping sites, sports sites and many others....all through their website. I don't see the need or appeal for apps. What am i missing?
 
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400 Canadian Dollar keyboard.... that is already a laptop money for good....
[automerge]1587229364[/automerge]


You are asking too much. iPadOS will be forever iOS based which means you will never have developer mode, partition managers. People here want iPad being iPad and Mac being Mac....

How do I save this post for when iOS replaces Mac OS in the next 10 years? ;)
 
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Perhaps you can enlighten me somewhat. I don't use any apps on my Mac. I use Reddit, shopping sites, sports sites and many others....all through their website. I don't see the need or appeal for apps. What am i missing?

I only use Reddit through the app, I feel the website version is slow and unusable so I like using the same app on my phone and iPad. Same with sport apps where I get notifications from. Apps like sky/nba app/ BT sport I prefer on the apps provided when watching. Plus you get picture in picture on NBA and BT sport so can browse and watch if needed

I like the same experience on my phone and iPad.

MacBook is great for many but I can do more on an iPad for my usage
 
What apps are missing? Basically every possible app. The apps you get in macOS are nothing like apps you can get on IOS. From reddit to sport apps to food to shopping apps. Also you get spilt screen on iPad which you don’t get on macOS

My iPad has replaced my MacBook for these reasons. And why magic keyboard is going to be perfect for my usage.

People need to stop assuming everybody has the same work and overall usage patterns

My MacBook was always on a charger, my iPad never is for the same work usage

I am not questioning why you like iOS better than macOS. I am just curious to know which apps or functions are missing from macOS according to you. I don't assume anything. I enjoy using both macOS and iOS but when I think about apps, I miss more on iOS than on macOS, but of course this is personal preference.

iPadOS has become very capable but there are still things that are missing, or are difficult to do. Let me give you an example of something I just did.
I am conducting monthly health checks of Windows Server systems for a customer of mine. In order to do that, I have to use Citrix (which also works on the iPad), to connect to the remote systems. After I perform the tasks I need to in order to check the health of the servers, I document everything in Notes. I export the notes to PDF and send them to the customer and also update its ticketing system by attaching these files on corresponding tickets that are assigned to me. Using macOS for this workflow is much much better than with iPadOS. It might change with the magic keyboard (which I am getting on Monday), but I think it will not. macOS provides a native PDF export function which allows me to quickly export my notes to PDF. On my iPad, I have to tap on print and then click on the share icon and after that select the save to files option, select the location I want my note to get saved and then repeat this for all of my notes (around 20, one per System checked). On macOS this happens much easier, but I am glad that this is now possible on the iPad too, even if it is not as good as on macOS.

Each of us has different expectations and usage patterns. I am trying to make the iPad fit my usage and workflows, by doing as few adjustments as possible, but also remaining productive.
 
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