So far, I’m just considering it to be a hybrid device with a magic keyboard, somewhere between a MacBook and an iPad. As the MacBook 12 inch has been discontinued, my favorite MacBook, I’m looking for something close to the functionality of the Macbook with essentially the same weight and added benefit of iPad touch screen features. Only trying it for a week or so will let me know if the limitations of the iPadOS are not worth the trade-off versus MacOS.
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iPad Pro iPad Pro Magic Keyboard Live review on YouTube now - weighs 0.6kg
- Thread starter Macintosh101
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D.T.
macrumors G4
I've got a couple of large scale iPad/App deployments (medical and Federal sector), where the iPad, being used in "standalone" mode (one use case is just terrific with the app + pencil + camera) is greatly preferred (both from the user experience and the operations/management/security consideration) , but as part of the use case, there's some non-trivial amount of "office chores", that are really improved through the use of a physical KB (and I would suspect, an integrated TP).
I'm the same way, when I'm occasionally on the road, I really prefer the iPad, but I have situations where I'd like a physical KB, for me, it's sort of an "iOS First" stance, but I recognize some tasks are improved with a product like this.
I'm a dev/designer/architect, but I don't need those tools away from my desk, which is why I went from a pretty stout MBP, to an '18 Mini. 🙂
The Game 161
macrumors Nehalem
Many want the iPad experience in laptop form. MacBook apps are trash so normal apps you can’t use.
You can use the tablet as a tablet by just taking it off. I don’t see how this is any different to just folding it back. You will still use it the same way
Imagine the scenario wanting to use the iPad in tablet mode, detaching it and wanting to move location while still using it. You'll have to carry the magic keyboard separately while the SKF can be folded back.
There are pros and cons to both keyboard solutions and one is not objectively better than the other. It is all relative to how you prefer using your iPad.
The Game 161
macrumors Nehalem
But if you wanted to do that why not just use a cheap case for that if anything it will be easier as it’s easy to take the tablet off the magic keyboard so really it would be easy to do more than normal when switching cases
What if you want to use the keyboard in the location you move to? With the SKF the keyboard is always there with you.
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Then you cannot use it while moving location. You'll have to fold the iPad away, while with the SKF you can continue using it in tablet mode while you move around and the keyboard is always attached ready for when you need it.
Cashmonee
macrumors 65832
It's different in that anytime I want to use tablet mode, portrait mode, or the Pencil, I have to remove the case (which is very easy) and find a place for it, then use a naked iPad which will either scratch surfaces or be scratched. The iPad is designed to be in a case.
As for the iPad experience in a laptop form, that I admittedly just do not get. For me, the iPad falls apart as soon as you want to multi-window or multi-task. It just doesn't work. My iPad is a single task machine, which is ok because it does single tasks really well. I cannot get behind the idea that an iPad with no touch is better than a laptop. Too many compromises and kludgy workarounds to make things work.
I don't understand the MacBook apps are trash comment. Everything from the web browsers to the productivity apps are far more full featured and easier to use for power users than what the equivalent iPad app is.
To be clear. I use my iPad every single day. It is a great machine and I would absolutely love for it to be able to reach the point where it can replace my MacBook Pro. This keyboard doesn't feel like it is going in the right direction. I would rather they concentrate on windowing and external monitor support. Fix those things and get me a hub. That will replace my MacBook.
Yeah I get that. And in my use case, that is kind of exactly what I was thinking about using this for. A sort of portable dock at work that lives on a desk and the iPad gets removed as needed.
The Game 161
macrumors Nehalem
Me personally I will always use my 12.9 with magic keyboard. I will likely never use it on its own. For stuff walking on the go I will use my pro max. So for certain tasks the phone can cope which is why this my laptop replacement
Those with a 12.9 I can’t imagine using it and holding it like a tablet as let’s face it is rather large to do so
In your case the magic keyboard is the right solution. But for people who like using their iPads in tablet mode on the go, this will be a problem.
For me personally, I have the 11" iPad Pro and regularly have it in tablet mode while moving around and like having a keyboard handy when needed. In my case, the SKF is the better keyboard.
Cashmonee
macrumors 65832
I agree, different keyboards for different use cases, which Apple so rarely offers so I am happy we have choice! Having said that, your example really drives home the idea that this is new keyboard is not as flexible a solution.
This is exactly the type of gymnastics I am referring to with trying to make the iPad be more than it really is. If something requires more effort to make work, it isn't the best tool for the job. You are advocating using two separate cases, but then you would have to decide before you leave which to use. Sounds not great.
Having said that, you have actually given me an idea here. I already have the smart folio keyboard and likely would just hang on to it because the resale values aren't fantastic. I could get this to augment that one. Again though, it seems ridiculous to have two cases.
For me it’s no problem to remove the ipad from the magic keyboard and use it without any case. I don’t mind scratches on the back either. It’s like I ever put my MacBook in any cases to prevent scratches.
The Game 161
macrumors Nehalem
I guess it depends on what you plan to do that and use it as a tablet. For me using the Apple Pencil with the keyboard is more common with the keyboard. If you don’t want to it to be scratched i don’t see why you wouldn’t be able to just use it by laying it on the magic keyboard when it’s closed. Would having a spare case really be than much of an issue in your bag or on the table?
i guess it depends what you mean by multitask. For me using split view on the iPad Pro in keyboard mode is the best usage.
There really is no one is better than the other. It totally depends on your usage and what you use it for. For me my iPad can replace my MacBook completely. For others it can’t. I just like to use my iPad like a laptop fir browsing it is perfect for forums like this. I don’t like typing using touch on forums when typing meeting notes or just replying on here.
by MacBook apps being trash I’m talking apps that i normally use on my iPhone and iPad are not on the MacBook so for me that is a major drawback. The only thing that’s the same is browsing.
Which is fine as this will not be perfect for everybody. There’s a reason why MacBooks will still be used long into the future.
I agree it’s not something i would do as if i wanted to use it like a tablet i would just take it off and use it as such but my typical usage for that would be on a sofa not walking around with it.
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This is why choice is a beautiful thing not everybody’s usage are the same. I think those with the 11 inch a normal case is the best option. I do feel this keyboard is best suited for those who want to use it as mainly a laptop replacement
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Cashmonee
macrumors 65832
I didn't quote your whole thing because it is getting huge between us!
I agree that it is different for different people. I am just disappointed in the new case. I was hopeful it would fit the bill of a more stable option in the lap and I like the idea of a trackpad. For me, it puts too many limits on the flexibility of an iPad and seems to really tie you into using it as a laptop.
This part is getting off topic, but I just want to give my experience with multitasking and why the iPad is insufficient. In general, I am doing one thing or a ton. Yesterday I was using 4 desktops on my MacBook Pro. One was personal stuff, one was for work (I am a teacher), another was for school (getting another credential), and one was for testing (trying to figure out how to record a zoom lesson on an iPad which requires me to use a laptop because I do not have a paid account). Each of these had many windows. My school one for example had 4 Word windows, 2 Preview, and 1 Safari all of which needed to be switched to back and forth. Windowing is the only way to accomplish this sanely in my opinion.
The Game 161
macrumors Nehalem
I can imagine planning lessons can be a nightmare with how things are certainly with the amount you have to do. More so when kids are at home and has to fit into a normal day so credit to you as bet it’s not easy at all.
What are your plans then did you order then cancel or are you seeing how it might fit your work flow?
I always say the best review is always your own
Cashmonee
macrumors 65832
I have not ordered yet. I will be coming into a large amount of Best Buy certificates in a few weeks and so I was going to use those to help blunt the cost. I will likely get it and see if it fits me or not. I do really like the idea of it being a sort of dock and using the iPad naked could work for me. I agree, the best review is your own and with Best Buy's generous return policy, I will likely at least try it out.
And thanks for the kind words! It is definitely different doing distance learning, but also fun to explore a new way of reaching kids!
hovscorpion12
macrumors 68040
I have high hopes for WWDC's iPadOS 14. While I do not expect Apple to fully implement everything your asking for since it undercuts MacBooks, I believe Apple may take the the OS to the new highs in June. Possible Sidecar improvements.
You Can have multiple word documents open as well as other apps. I've had 6 open side-by-side. 3 separate windows.
Cashmonee
macrumors 65832
I agree that they will likely move in a positive direction with the next iOS. I think the trackpad is evidence of that.
And yes you can have multiple docs and multiples of other apps, but after 2 it gets much more cumbersome.
alecgold
macrumors 68000
If you want to make it work, you really need to start with an open mind. The workflow is really different, when you come from a Macbook. But as a consultant I can do everything I want and it works. My 11” is light, portable, has a reasonable keyboard (folio) and probably gets a great keyboard on Monday, pencil is nice to have, and with 1Tb I have all my stuff and the kitchensink on it.
It is expensive, it is not “normal”, but it certainly has it advantages as wel as disadvantage. The biggest disadvantage is that you have to re-learn how to do things quick and efficient. And that is not easy after 20 years of windows and 10 years of Apple.
OTOH my son and daughter both are growing up with an ipad. My son (now 8) was 2 years old and utterly confused why a picture at his grandma didn’t react to swiping...
But my kids tell me that a Macbook is heavy, large, you can’t swipe, there is no good otterbox, if you want to throw it in your backpack you need to be really careful with it, you can’t use the screen (touch), there is no pencil, you can’t scan documents and if you want to lay down and watch some movie/school instruction/face time with other kids/read comics/do games its really really inconvenient. Oh and they think it is bloody expensive when the cheapest MacBook is an Air at €1199 and the cheapest iPad is €389. (I know the Air has 256Gb etc etc, but for them the cloud is just as good).
But if you want to work on an iPad, take a look at these apps: Documents 5 (free, paid but good upgrades) adobe acrobat, Microsoft office, GoodNotes or Notability. Nice to haves are: fantastical, myScript Nebo, Narwahl, Anki (for study, pick the right one).
There is a lot of info on MacStories (no Macrumors affiliation AFAIK) take a look at their tutorials on Apple’s Shortcuts.app
Great to get such an early review of this thing—thanks, OP!
Definitely more confused than ever now as this AMK is far from the magic bullet I was hoping for.
As a desktop solution its only clear advantages over a Bluetooth Magic Keyboard + Trackpad combo seem to be portability and compactness. Doesn’t seem to offer much in the way of protection (ASK plastic is a bummer), a bit too heavy to turn my 11” iPP into a tiny ninja laptop replacement, and basically renders itself totally irrelevant when using the iPad in portrait/tablet mode.
It still looks cool AF and maybe if it were $100 cheaper the value proposition would win out, but priced as it is it’s no longer an instant buy for me personally.
Definitely more confused than ever now as this AMK is far from the magic bullet I was hoping for.
As a desktop solution its only clear advantages over a Bluetooth Magic Keyboard + Trackpad combo seem to be portability and compactness. Doesn’t seem to offer much in the way of protection (ASK plastic is a bummer), a bit too heavy to turn my 11” iPP into a tiny ninja laptop replacement, and basically renders itself totally irrelevant when using the iPad in portrait/tablet mode.
It still looks cool AF and maybe if it were $100 cheaper the value proposition would win out, but priced as it is it’s no longer an instant buy for me personally.
cambookpro
macrumors 604
Apparently ~600g is the 11” weight. I wouldn’t be surprised if a 12.9” Pro with a Magic Keyboard was as heavy as a MacBook Pro 13”.
I think people who ask what’s the point aren’t going to be the target audience. Macs still exist and will for a long time. I just sold my last Mac and am iOS only at this point. I work in healthcare; my EMR is iPad first and its desktop app is terrible. I communicate with patients via my iPad or iPhone. I avidly consume PDFs of medical articles, annotate, and take notes if needed, and the Smart Keyboard folio and now the magic keyboard make text based tasks or even desktop based consumption so much more streamlined for what I use my iPad for. Even browsing safari while the iPad is angled like a laptop on a desk with a keyboard and track are more comfortable than reaching my hand up, and when I just want to read a magazine, PDF, or casually browse, I can detach and use the pencil or my finger on the sofa. That’s versatile. My most intense activity is Lightroom with iPhone-shot images.
with the above in mind, tell me why an iPad and keyboard with trackpad inbuilt isn’t an ideal solution? I’m not a developer, I’m not in a field requiring copious content creation or numerous documents open...I have an instant on, portable, highly efficient for my workflow mobile computer without regard for some of the old school approaches to computing that are not pertinent to my computing needs.
looking forward to my magic keyboard coming this week
with the above in mind, tell me why an iPad and keyboard with trackpad inbuilt isn’t an ideal solution? I’m not a developer, I’m not in a field requiring copious content creation or numerous documents open...I have an instant on, portable, highly efficient for my workflow mobile computer without regard for some of the old school approaches to computing that are not pertinent to my computing needs.
looking forward to my magic keyboard coming this week