Keyboard seems to be good but price should have been lower.
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Hands-On With the Magic Keyboard Folio for the New iPad
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Indeed and thank you. As seemingly convenient the kickstand is, it’s a total pain in the rear especially when trying to use it on anything other than a perfectly flat surface. (I.E. your lap)
Really like my iPad 10 and the new keyboard combo. Yes, the iPad is more expensive for someone coming up from the old entry-level iPad with its smaller screen (which you can still buy). But the overall package, including keyboard, is the least expensive iPad setup ever with a Smart Connector-enabled keyboard/trackpad. Plus it’s the only iPad with a sensibly placed webcam (a big deal for my use). And I find the screen quality just fine compared with my old 2020 IPP 11 — and do not notice the tiny size difference.
Logitech K380 (under $50) or current equivalent is way better. Can switch seamlessly between my iPhone, iPad Pro, and Mac with the push of a button. Apple accessories are generally to be avoided, except when they are too good to be without - thinking mainly of the track pads and the newer touch log on enabled keyboard to go with my spectacularly great M1Max Studio. Just haven't bought that keyboard yet due to the high price.
Agreed. My own iPad use involves touching the screen (and typing on it, when I have to) - I mean - it's a tablet. If I'm going to be typing enough to warrant attaching something else to it, I'll be using a laptop or desktop.
Microsoft currently has their Surface Go type covers on sale for $72 as a first-party accessory on their own website. Even at full price in the UK, they‘re „only“ £125 (incl. tax).
They do have a trackpad and function keys. And just having and tested received one, I think they look and feel well-made and worth the price (not like many cheap knock-offs). Not inferior to Apple’s „Magic“ folios.
If Microsoft made one for iPads, I‘d probably get one.
At Apple’s magical prices though? No, thanks. I don’t like getting ripped off.
They do have a trackpad and function keys. And just having and tested received one, I think they look and feel well-made and worth the price (not like many cheap knock-offs). Not inferior to Apple’s „Magic“ folios.
If Microsoft made one for iPads, I‘d probably get one.
At Apple’s magical prices though? No, thanks. I don’t like getting ripped off.
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? How?
Never mind. It’s a philosophical statement. Despite being allegedly opposite, we Don’t have the individual choices we think we have.
The kickstand was added because at this price it needed all the support it could get¡ 😜
I guess the price is right for this folio case, just that nobody wants this level of craftsmanship and heavy engineering. It's not required. After all, it's just a keyboard.
Like you can make a super expensive doormat, but generally, people would be happy with a very regular cheap one, after all, it's just a doormat and a very limited role to play.
Like you can make a super expensive doormat, but generally, people would be happy with a very regular cheap one, after all, it's just a doormat and a very limited role to play.
Great looking keyboard. I especially like the fact that it's in two pieces as when you use the iPad Pro/Air and Smart Folio in an actual tablet mode, the tucked away keyboard is big and annoying.
Also like that they've brought the function (and escape) keys back. I had to create a bluetooth escape key so I could use vim.
But the price? and the new iPad Pro isn't compatible? Apple's marketing/product management seem to have lost the plot (especially when you add the Pencil 1 madness).
Also like that they've brought the function (and escape) keys back. I had to create a bluetooth escape key so I could use vim.
But the price? and the new iPad Pro isn't compatible? Apple's marketing/product management seem to have lost the plot (especially when you add the Pencil 1 madness).
Buy the LogI version. It’s backlit, fully protects the sides of the iPad and costs less.
I have one for my iPad Pro. It has transformed my iPad/Mac experience and is the best accessiry thst anyone can buy for their iPad.
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It adds a lot of weight to the iPad and is difficult to use if you are literally using the iPad as a laptop on your lap. You can’t fold the keyboard out of the way. Logitech’s is a little better. It also adds weight but at least you can fold the keyboard up behind the screen out of the way. The problem then if you want to use the onscreen keyboard is you have to keep selecting it. I found the best solution was a Zugu case, great for everywhere, and the low cost small portable keyboard from Logitech. This gives the best all round solution for all types of use. After all if you are going to fold out the keyboard for desktop use, why not simply plonk the Logitech case in front.? Same provision but much easier to carry and an awful lot less in cost.
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.
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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
None of these are "worth" the price manufacturers are listing them at, everybody is using the Apple tax logic to price anything "Apple compatible" higher than their generic (but functionally identical) counterparts.
Other than having to pay a few cents to Apple for the license when there is a Lightning port (or Intel for Thunderbolt stuff etc), everything else is the same and costs a few bucks at most.
I agree. I have the Bridge (and a Logitech Combo Touch) for my iPad Pro 11". I go between the two but prefer the Bridge as it has a smaller footprint. It's a chunky boi and weighs a bit but functions well and looks nice. It's the main reason I've held of getting a Mac Book as this just about turns my iPad into one (looks wise) lol
Looks like a feature of capitalism is to present to individuals as if they have choices when actually in the larger scheme of things they don't. Capitalism can obfuscates where the work is and who is doing it.
I am quite surprised, Apple made the product with this kind of (bad) design. It’s not lappable, you may lose the 2nd piece, also it made the screen farther and inefficient footprint. Finally, it looks like a product from 3rd parties rather than Apple’s (not as beautiful / smart design as other Apple products).
Why not just make the connector compatible with the existing keyboard (Magic Keyboard, Folio)? Or make Magic Keyboard 2 - with complete keys (just like Apple Pencil 2)? Why messed up by having a new “standard” connector and “standard” keyboard for cheap iPad? Apple’s keyboard case is already expensive anyway, why did they make further discrimination for the base iPad?
Why not just make the connector compatible with the existing keyboard (Magic Keyboard, Folio)? Or make Magic Keyboard 2 - with complete keys (just like Apple Pencil 2)? Why messed up by having a new “standard” connector and “standard” keyboard for cheap iPad? Apple’s keyboard case is already expensive anyway, why did they make further discrimination for the base iPad?
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Looks like the apple version of logitech‘s folio touch. Sure, the logitech one is pretty bulky but it cost's 50% of apple's keyboard, is backlit and has a holder for the apple pencil. Also, apple's version looks like it's going to get dirty fast.
Either way, everytime I take the logitech off, I'm reminded why the ipad is not a laptop. While it adds touchpad and keyboard-function and is quite useful at the times you need that, it makes the ipad bulkier and heavier at the same time. Essentially you get a gimped laptop that you can't use on your lap with a small screen, iOS apps and twice the size.
Either way, everytime I take the logitech off, I'm reminded why the ipad is not a laptop. While it adds touchpad and keyboard-function and is quite useful at the times you need that, it makes the ipad bulkier and heavier at the same time. Essentially you get a gimped laptop that you can't use on your lap with a small screen, iOS apps and twice the size.