iPad Pro iPad Pro 11 M4: Smart Folio or Magic Keyboard or Both

[alecgold]

I definitely open and close my Smart Keyboard countless times a day. I am a teacher, so standard classroom environment. My bag is those typical backpack with 2 sleeves for laptop and tablet.

It’s possibly the way I handle it (faced similar issues with this roughly 1 year in as well).

JETech Magnetic Case for iPad Pro 11 Inch (2022/2021/2020/2018 Model), and iPad Air 5/4 (10.9-Inch 2022/2020), Support Pencil 2nd Gen Charging, Magnetic Attachment (Black) | For iPad Air 5/4 10.9" (2022/2020) & Pro 11" (2022/2021/2020/2018), Slim Sma

JETech Magnetic Case for iPad Pro 11 Inch (2022/2021/2020/2018 Model), and iPad Air 5/4 (10.9-Inch 2022/2020), Support Pencil 2nd Gen Charging, Magnetic Attachment (Black) | For iPad Air 5/4 10.9" (2022/2020) & Pro 11" (2022/2021/2020/2018), Slim Smart Cover, Auto Wake/Sleep, Lightweight Protection

amzn.asia

Let’s see how my Smart Folio fares. Maybe I should sign up for AppleCare…

had this too. Within one year the keyboard started to wear around the corners. And I baby my iPad, my bags are usually very expensive and not from Cordura. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

 

[purdue1014]

As a fellow frequent flyer… I know exactly what you mean, and it’s definitely still there. The (slight) extra weight of the keyboard helps a bit but it’s not a total cure.

Thanks. Guess I gotta get into an Apple Store and compare weight of M4 11 + MKB vs. M3 MBA.

 

[Aka757]

Thanks. Guess I gotta get into an Apple Store and compare weight of M4 11 + MKB vs. M3 MBA.

If it helps, the M4 13 + MKB is almost identical in weight and thickness to the 13” MBA. Comparing the 11” to the 13” both with the MKB, the 11” feels marginally lighter. I believe it’s 2.2 lbs vs 2.7 lbs. The 0.5 lbs difference certainly feels less substantially than it looks on paper.

My guess is that if you are wanting the MBA for better balance, the extra weight won’t really bother you.

 

[purdue1014]

Very helpful, thank you.

 

[bluegt]

If it helps, the M4 13 + MKB is almost identical in weight and thickness to the 13” MBA. Comparing the 11” to the 13” both with the MKB, the 11” feels marginally lighter. I believe it’s 2.2 lbs vs 2.7 lbs. The 0.5 lbs difference certainly feels less substantially than it looks on paper.

My guess is that if you are wanting the MBA for better balance, the extra weight won’t really bother you.

The issue with the 13” isn’t the weight, it’s that it’s unwieldy as a tablet.

- can’t fit in a small sling bag
- can’t fit in tablet pockets of backpacks, must go in the laptop pocket
- can’t be used for extended periods one handed
- barely fits on economy class plane trays and can’t fit alongside a meal in business

13 is good if you are a large individual, need a laptop sized replacement, hard of sight or intend to use it more stationary (ie not going to whip it out on a plane, train, bus).

13 is an amazing device but it’s closer to a laptop size.

 

[Aka757]

The issue with the 13” isn’t the weight, it’s that it’s unwieldy as a tablet.

- can’t fit in a small sling bag
- can’t fit in tablet pockets of backpacks, must go in the laptop pocket
- can’t be used for extended periods one handed
- barely fits on economy class plane trays and can’t fit alongside a meal in business

13 is good if you are a large individual, need a laptop sized replacement, hard of sight or intend to use it more stationary (ie not going to whip it out on a plane, train, bus).

13 is an amazing device but it’s closer to a laptop size.

100% agreed! I was specifically responding to the question asking about the weight of the M4 11” + MKB vs the 13” MBA (using the 13” M4 as a proxy since they are the same weight) ☺️

 

[bluegt]

100% agreed! I was specifically responding to the question asking about the weight of the M4 11” + MKB vs the 13” MBA (using the 13” M4 as a proxy since they are the same weight) ☺️

I couldn’t help but jump in hahaha - you are totally right on the weight.

 

[Isengardtom]

13 is an amazing device but it’s closer to a laptop size.

I agree but for me it’s still very manageable as a tablet, whereas something like a Galaxy tab S9 Ultra or Surface pro is too heavy and becomes less of a good tablet as a result of that for me.

part of me wishes there was a 12” pro. That would probably be the perfect size. but let’s not make the lineup even more confusing 😅

 

[bluegt]

I agree but for me it’s still very manageable as a tablet, whereas something like a Galaxy tab S9 Ultra or Surface pro is too heavy and becomes less of a good tablet as a result of that for me.

part of me wishes there was a 12” pro. That would probably be the perfect size. but let’s not make the lineup even more confusing 😅

Physical size of an iPad Pro 11” with a 12” screen…

May be possible, iPad borders are very thick!

They just need to incorporate a “Dynamic Moat” for when people are holding the iPad with their hands.

 

[Amplelink]

Anyone using the folio with a Logitech Keys 2 Go 2 keyboard? It's great for portability, but part of me likes the Magic Keyboard for the convenience factor, and for using it on my lap on the go.

 

[Blowback]

I have the 11 inch iPad Pro M4. I currently have both the iPad Magic Keyboard and Smart Folio. I’m deciding which one I should keep.

What's your decision?

 

[Greenmeenie]

Neither! Since ditching my Macbook for an iPad Pro back in 2018, I haven’t looked back. I always use my iPad without an external keyboard of any kind. To me that’s the way a true tablet was meant to be used. When writing or drawing, I mainly use the Apple Pencil. But I also use the onscreen digital keyboard. So obviously I didn’t get the Apple Smart Keyboard. But I say neither because I also didn’t buy the Apple Smart folio. I love Apple devices & don’t mind paying top dollar for them, but their cases are waaaay overpriced For simple cases. I always buy my iPhone & iPad cases on Amazon for a fraction of the price.

 

[kkh786]

Just got my Space Black M4 iPP 11 with the black Smart Folio. They go well together.

 

[Abazigal]

I recently bought another case for my iPad.

TineeOwl for iPad Pro 11 inch (M4) 2024, Adjustable Kickstand Cover - Infinite Viewing Angles, Portrait/Landscape Stand, Apple Pencil Charging, Wing Series, (Black)

️ ADJUSTABLE STAND Enjoy infinite adjustment with the built-in stand to achieve the perfect viewing angle. ️ Landscape to Portrait Instantly Best for reading books, video calls, games, or scrolling through long spreadsheets and documents. ️ Stand Stops at Typing Angle The stand stops at an ideal ...

www.amazon.sg

Now I have 3 folio cases. 🤣

 

[leifp]

I recently bought another case for my iPad.

TineeOwl for iPad Pro 11 inch (M4) 2024, Adjustable Kickstand Cover - Infinite Viewing Angles, Portrait/Landscape Stand, Apple Pencil Charging, Wing Series, (Black)

️ ADJUSTABLE STAND Enjoy infinite adjustment with the built-in stand to achieve the perfect viewing angle. ️ Landscape to Portrait Instantly Best for reading books, video calls, games, or scrolling through long spreadsheets and documents. ️ Stand Stops at Typing Angle The stand stops at an ideal ...

www.amazon.sg

Now I have 3 folio cases. 🤣

Thanks, that looks great! Guess I’ll have three now as well…