Hands-On With the Magic Keyboard Folio for the New iPad

[MacRumors]

Alongside the 10th-generation iPad, Apple introduced a new Magic Keyboard Folio. Priced at $249, the Magic Keyboard Folio is just $200 less than the $449 iPad, so we thought we'd check it out to determine whether it's worth the asking price.

Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos.​

The Magic Keyboard Folio has a unique design compared to other Magic Keyboard options for iPads, with Apple offering both a case and a detachable keyboard that can be used independently of one another.

It has a full selection of keys, including a row of 14 function keys that aren't available on the iPad Pro version of the Magic Keyboard, and it comes with a built-in trackpad. The keys have a standard scissor mechanism with 1mm travel for comfortable typing, and there is an included stand that can be adjusted to different viewing angles.

Someone who wants to use the 10th-generation iPad for composing emails, browsing the web, and other writing tasks may want to invest in the keyboard as it does turn the iPad into a versatile Mac-like machine that's ideal for working at home or on the go. There are cheaper keyboards on the market, but Apple has built a lot of functionality into the Magic Keyboard Folio, which will make it worth the cost for some users.

What do you think of the Magic Keyboard Folio? Let us know in the comments below.

Article Link: Hands-On With the Magic Keyboard Folio for the New iPad

 

[dantracht]

A for effort, but way way too overpriced. Might as well get an M1 Air with 8/256 with what this costs plus the iPad.

 

[TechRunner]

I saw a MKB clone for the 10th gen on Amazon yesterday for $130. While this folio is nice, that's a hard price to pay.

 

[Htsi]

Pricing aside, the function row is the thing I want on Magic Keyboard

 

[BF1M]

$150.00 more than it should cost. Typical Apple nonsense.

 

[tomtad]

HomePod mini £89

Magic Keyboard Folio £279


Yes that is nearly 300 quid for a keyboard that isn’t even backlit. Something doesn’t add up here 🤔

 

[BWhaler]

“Funny. It’s not working.”

This is my experience with iPad keyboards from Apple. They don’t work an unacceptable amount of time.

Great video. I am excited about this design. Hope it comes to the pro line whenever Apple decides to upgrade the iPad Pro for real.

 

[BF1M]

HomePod mini £89

Magic Keyboard Folio £279


Yes that is nearly 300 quid for a keyboard that isn’t even backlit. Something doesn’t add up here 🤔

You want a backlit kepboard for your iPad? Don't worry, Apple has you covered. Just spend a little more for an Air or a Pro and get that one instead. Apple is all about choice. Sure, you can't actually choose exactly what you want but you sure can choose from a lot.

You like adapters? haha you came to the right place.

All jokes aside the worst thing about this iPad is the Apple Pencil 1. That is a blatant insult to anyone with a brain cell to spare; a design choice made simply to move more Air. It's a ****ing joke.

 

[Ryan H]

Can't get over the Apple Pencil 1 design choice. This and the M2 iPads that can't natively film ProRes are Apple's WORST refresh EVER. Someone needs to take accountability for this.

 

[norcom]

What?! It has an escape key now? But my last two iPad Pro Magic keyboards didn't have it. I have to map the globe key to esc. No idea what the globe key even does. I guess the iPad Amateur keyboard needs it more than the Pro users.

 

[roncron]

The 9th gen iPad is/was a terrific iPad for people who don't have a lot of money (and for people who don't like using dongles to pair and charge their apple pencil).

The 10th gen iPad is way more expensive, and buying it with this keyboard really moves it out of reach of many.

People who can afford the iPad 10 + keyboard would do well to consider an iPad Air instead.

 

[laughtalk]

Congratulations to Apple for finally engineered their version of a Surface Pro

 

[mdecorte]

I've a Logitech Touch for my Air. The keyboard is good. The trackpad is meh. Died after two years so I have to replace it.

Apple's version seems interesting. I'd like to know if the trackpad is more like a Magic Trackpad or the Logitech.

However, I don't care for detachable keyboard. I put my iPads into their keyboard case and it never comes off. True it ads weight but it provides more protection and won't be lost.

 

[GMShadow]

Why do people act like the Pencil and Keyboard are required iPad accessories?

It's optional. It's an open connector so other companies can make cheaper ones if you want.

Or you can not use any of them and just consume news/media with it.

The horror...

 

[Sophisticatednut]

I've a Logitech Touch for my Air. The keyboard is good. The trackpad is meh. Died after two years so I have to replace it.

Apple's version seems interesting. I'd like to know if the trackpad is more like a Magic Trackpad or the Logitech.

However, I don't care for detachable keyboard. I put my iPads into their keyboard case and it never comes off. True it ads weight but it provides more protection and won't be lost.

i think the best part is the ability to remove the keyboard when it's in the way. Because the kickstand is perfect, and it's sad it doesn't exist for the iPad Pro yet

 

[sracer]

Fantastic! That is very reminiscent of the Galaxy Tab S6 book cover keyboard (but this is better because it uses magnets for the back cover/kickstand) which I really enjoyed. If this were $100 less, it would convince me to move on from the 9th gen + smartkeyboard cover combo. 😂

 

[BF1M]

Why do people act like the Pencil and Keyboard are required iPad accessories?

It's optional. It's an open connector so other companies can make cheaper ones if you want.

Or you can not use any of them and just consume news/media with it.

The horror...

This. This right here is why Apple does this ****.

 

[ndouglas]

What?! It has an escape key now? But my last two iPad Pro Magic keyboards didn't have it. I have to map the globe key to esc. No idea what the globe key even does. I guess the iPad Amateur keyboard needs it more than the Pro users.

Seriously, I did the same mapping but only works sometimes for me. Gah. Not having an Escape key continues to be rough on the Magic keyboard for iPad Pros…I’m glad that was re-added finally for other ipads (and jealous).
I’m looking with disdain at the ~ and ‘ key where my Esc should be, and wondering if I have ever used that button… lol


Also wow, Apple went the MS Surface route and added a kickstand for propping up this new Magic Keyboard?! 🤯 never thought I’d see that happen…

 

[apple_ec]

Alongside the 10th-generation iPad, Apple introduced a new Magic Keyboard Folio. Priced at $249, the Magic Keyboard Folio is just $200 less than the $449 iPad, so we thought we'd check it out to determine whether it's worth the asking price.

Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos.​

The Magic Keyboard Folio has a unique design compared to other Magic Keyboard options for iPads, with Apple offering both a case and a detachable keyboard that can be used independently of one another.

It has a full selection of keys, including a row of 14 function keys that aren't available on the iPad Pro version of the Magic Keyboard, and it comes with a built-in trackpad. The keys have a standard scissor mechanism with 1mm travel for comfortable typing, and there is an included stand that can be adjusted to different viewing angles.

Someone who wants to use the 10th-generation iPad for composing emails, browsing the web, and other writing tasks may want to invest in the keyboard as it does turn the iPad into a versatile Mac-like machine that's ideal for working at home or on the go. There are cheaper keyboards on the market, but Apple has built a lot of functionality into the Magic Keyboard Folio, which will make it worth the cost for some users.

What do you think of the Magic Keyboard Folio? Let us know in the comments below.

Article Link: Hands-On With the Magic Keyboard Folio for the New iPad

I don't understand why Apple did not release a Magic Keyboard Folio for the iPad 12.9 inch!! The Esc key is quite helpful!

 

[HorstBockman]

the worst thing about this iPad is the Apple Pencil 1. That is a blatant insult to anyone with a brain cell to spare; a design choice made simply to move more Air. It's a ****ing joke.

My guess is Apple has a large, unsold stockpile of the 1st generation Pencil. Oh, and the company is not above shoving outdated technology on customers.

 

[HorstBockman]

I don't understand why Apple did not release a Magic Keyboard Folio for the iPad 12.9 inch!! The Esc key is quite helpful!

It'll happen after the unsold stockpile is gone.

 

[sorgo †]

A for effort, but way way too overpriced. Might as well get an M1 Air with 8/256 with what this costs plus the iPad.

And that’s exactly what I did…because this iPad and its crazy pricing pushed me towards it

 

[BF1M]

My guess is Apple has a large, unsold stockpile of the 1st generation Pencil. Oh, and the company is not above shoving outdated technology on customers.

Agreed. It's so blatant there is literally no other excuse. They can't even go with the "we are saving the customers money" route because YOU NEED ANOTHER ADAPTER. This iPad will go mostly to kids and students, who will lose the pencil and parts of this ****** keyboard, which they won't sell or replace separately, meaning more money. When is everyone going to internalize that THIS is Apple now.

 

[citysnaps]

Agreed. It's so blatant there is literally no other excuse. They can't even go with the "we are saving the customers money" route because YOU NEED ANOTHER ADAPTER. This iPad will go mostly to kids and students, who will lose the pencil and parts of this ****** keyboard, which they won't sell or replace separately, meaning more money. When is everyone going to internalize that THIS is Apple now.

Vote with your wallet purchasing non-Apple tech goods and free yourself from this tyranny?

 

[contacos]

I’d like a trackpad keyboard combo case for my Air but those Apple accessories are way too overpriced and for some reason all the 3rd party ones are all too bulky 😵‍💫