Is the Magic Keyboard worth it if you already have a MacBook Pro?

[kht410]

I know I can probably answer this myself but I would still like to hear some opinions from people who have a similar setup.

I currently have a 16” MacBook Pro as my main laptop and desktop. I also have the iPad Pro 12.9” as a companion device to my MBP and as a notebook replacement with the Pencil. I’ve gone paperless for a few years now and I love it. However, on days I don’t feel like carrying my MBP around, or when the iPad is just enough for the day, I’m really considering getting the Magic Keyboard.

Honestly, I’m just tempted to get the Magic Keyboard for my iPad. It feels like it’d make the iPad experience more ”complete” if that makes sense. The supposed perfect ’in-between’ device that can transform into whatever form you see fit in your workflow.

(It’d be great if someone can talk me out of it before I spend $500+ AUD for a Magic Keyboard 😂)

 

[The Game 161]

In my opinion no...

if i still had a MacBook Pro like the one you have i would get the smaller model but i think if you have a 12.9 keyboard would make sense due to the pure size and to me the 12.9 i think is best used as a laptop replacement and not something you would use a lot in the hand

 

[Np2350]

It depends on how much you can actually get done on your iPad. If you feel that you can get 80-90% of your work flow going on the iPad alone then sure it's a worthy investment. Alternatively you can keep your MacBook docked to an external monitor and use it just solely as a desktop and use the iPad + magic keyboard as your new "laptop" but again I don't know your work flow or your apps that you use so in the end if you can justify it and it makes your life easier then go for it.

 

[Cosmo M3]

I have the 16" MBP as well and I have the 11" iPad Pro with MK as my companion device. There is something to be said when the 12.9" iPad Pro with MK weighs more than a MacBook Air

 

[ejin222]

I have the 16" MBP and 12.9" IPP with the MK.

For me, they're different use case scenarios. I need a full MacOS because the programs in iOS aren't up to spec. But I also need a larger iPad to read off of. Does the iPad need to be a Pro? No. I just need the biggest screen possible.

However, with the MK, I find myself being able to do 80% of what I need without opening up the heavier MBP, albeit working a little harder to be able to do the 80%. With the MBP, I can do everything I need flawlessly without much effort. But I didn't get the iPP to replace my MBP. I need both for different purposes. It just so happens I can do a lot with the iPP with MK and it tends to be the first thing I grab when I'm not on my work Mac Mini.

 

[kht410]

It depends on how much you can actually get done on your iPad. If you feel that you can get 80-90% of your work flow going on the iPad alone then sure it's a worthy investment. Alternatively you can keep your MacBook docked to an external monitor and use it just solely as a desktop and use the iPad + magic keyboard as your new "laptop" but again I don't know your work flow or your apps that you use so in the end if you can justify it and it makes your life easier then go for it.

That’s actually how my setup works. I keep my MacBook mostly docked to an external monitor on my desk and have my iPad as my main portable machine. But there are days I’d take my MacBook along as well if I require desktop apps on the go. It’s those days when I leave with just an iPad alone that sometimes I wish I have a physical keyboard attached to it. I’ve tried a Smart Keyboard Folio in the past but I never liked the feel of the keys.
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I have the 16" MBP and 12.9" IPP with the MK.

For me, they're different use case scenarios. I need a full MacOS because the programs in iOS aren't up to spec. But I also need a larger iPad to read off of. Does the iPad need to be a Pro? No. I just need the biggest screen possible.

However, with the MK, I find myself being able to do 80% of what I need without opening up the heavier MBP, albeit working a little harder to be able to do the 80%. With the MBP, I can do everything I need flawlessly without much effort. But I didn't get the iPP to replace my MBP. I need both for different purposes. It just so happens I can do a lot with the iPP with MK and it tends to be the first thing I grab when I'm not on my work Mac Mini.

Same here! I use them both for different scenarios and different programs. They complement each other really well!

 

[kht410]

So I got the Magic Keyboard to test it out for myself and return it in two weeks if I don’t see the value in it. I've been using it for a few days now and so far so good. Typing experience is streets ahead of the Smart Keyboard Folio. Probably on par with the MacBook now. Really considering keeping it but the price tag is really a bummer.

 

[Apples Apples Everywhere]

Honestly, I’m just tempted to get the Magic Keyboard for my iPad. It feels like it’d make the iPad experience more ”complete” if that makes sense. The supposed perfect ’in-between’ device that can transform into whatever form you see fit in your workflow.

I’ve been doing a test drive for several days using an Apple desktop keyboard and trackpad via Bluetooth. I definitely want the iPad Magic keyboard, based on the great experience of the test drive. You might try that if you haven’t yet.

I worry that the trackpad will be too small though. I see people have battery drain. I see the keyboard stops working for some people. So I’m still planning to get one based on the awesome experience, but I’m waiting for Apple to fix some of those weird bug reports.

 

[Bearygoodfries1]

I already have the Folio keyboard and a MacBook Pro.

I could buy a Magic Keyboard 2, Trackpad 2 (which I was already planning on getting eventually), and an iPad stand for the same price as one Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro.

But the keyboard looks so lovely and I want it!

First world problems, huh?

 

[petvas]

If you want to have a smaller device that can be used for some productivity tasks then it makes sense to get the magic keyboard. I also have the 16" MacBook Pro and I prefer to use it instead of my iPad Pro. I bought the Magic keyboard though so that I can use my iPad for productivity when I am on the road, or when I go to vacation and do not want to take my MacBook Pro with me.

 

[kht410]

First world problems, huh?

Haha tell me about it
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I’ve been doing a test drive for several days using an Apple desktop keyboard and trackpad via Bluetooth. I definitely want the iPad Magic keyboard, based on the great experience of the test drive. You might try that if you haven’t yet.

I worry that the trackpad will be too small though. I see people have battery drain. I see the keyboard stops working for some people. So I’m still planning to get one based on the awesome experience, but I’m waiting for Apple to fix some of those weird bug reports.

I've done some test drive with that set up before I got my Magic Keyboard. I’m currently testing out the Magic Keyboard in the last few days and it's very enjoyable.

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If you want to have a smaller device that can be used for some productivity tasks then it makes sense to get the magic keyboard. I also have the 16" MacBook Pro and I prefer to use it instead of my iPad Pro. I bought the Magic keyboard though so that I can use my iPad for productivity when I am on the road, or when I go to vacation and do not want to take my MacBook Pro with me.

My thought process exactly. I love my 16" MacBook Pro but it wouldn't be a device I'd like to carry around every day, just on some days when I do need to do heavier tasks on the go. It's nice to have the options. The iPad on the other hand would go with me almost everywhere because of the Pencil and cellular capability.

 

[kht410]

With that being said, my current impression on the last few days of testing out the Magic Keyboard has been great. Maybe it's just me but I actually feel like it has a better typing experience than the keyboard on the 16" MBP. I think it has something to do with the super thin base of the keyboard. The MBP's keyboard base is a lot thicker and denser. Still a good typing experience, but the iPad Magic Keyboard might actually be better. Again, maybe it's just me.

 

[petvas]

With that being said, my current impression on the last few days of testing out the Magic Keyboard has been great. Maybe it's just me but I actually feel like it has a better typing experience than the keyboard on the 16" MBP. I think it has something to do with the super thin base of the keyboard. The MBP's keyboard base is a lot thicker and denser. Still a good typing experience, but the iPad Magic Keyboard might actually be better. Again, maybe it's just me.

This is how I felt at first with the Magic Keyboard. Now I believe that the MacBook Pro does offer a better keyboard experience, but the Magic Keyboard is not bad either.

 

[kht410]

This is how I felt at first with the Magic Keyboard. Now I believe that the MacBook Pro does offer a better keyboard experience, but the Magic Keyboard is not bad either.

I see. I'll definitely do more testing until the end of my return period to completely make up my mind.

 

[Cosmo M3]

This is how I felt at first with the Magic Keyboard. Now I believe that the MacBook Pro does offer a better keyboard experience, but the Magic Keyboard is not bad either.

my experience exactly

 

[Leo Wong]

It depends on how much you can actually get done on your iPad. If you feel that you can get 80-90% of your work flow going on the iPad alone then sure it's a worthy investment. Alternatively you can keep your MacBook docked to an external monitor and use it just solely as a desktop and use the iPad + magic keyboard as your new "laptop" but again I don't know your work flow or your apps that you use so in the end if you can justify it and it makes your life easier then go for it.

I just discovered that Word and Excel for the iPad Pro don't have the full features of the MacBook version of Word and Excel.

 

[ScottNWDW]

I just bought the Magic Keyboard for my 11" iPad Pro. I also have a 13" MacBook Pro. I too was wondering if it would be overkill, and before the COVID shutdown I often carried both the iPad and the MacBook to work with me. The MacBook was for more intense typing things I had to do where the iPad was more for note taking. Now when we start up again, I may just bring the iPad with me. I've only had the keyboard a few hours but so far am thoroughly enjoying the experience. I will note that I also connected the Magic Keyboard 2 and Trackpad 2 from iMac via Bluetooth to test how typing would be on the iPad since the release of 13.4 and that it was a deciding factor in spending the $300 for the keyboard. Once my work opens up again, I think after the first few weeks I may just carry the iPad with me and leave the MacBook Pro at home.

 

[Bearygoodfries1]

I just bought the Magic Keyboard for my 11" iPad Pro. I also have a 13" MacBook Pro. I too was wondering if it would be overkill, and before the COVID shutdown I often carried both the iPad and the MacBook to work with me. The MacBook was for more intense typing things I had to do where the iPad was more for note taking. Now when we start up again, I may just bring the iPad with me. I've only had the keyboard a few hours but so far am thoroughly enjoying the experience. I will note that I also connected the Magic Keyboard 2 and Trackpad 2 from iMac via Bluetooth to test how typing would be on the iPad since the release of 13.4 and that it was a deciding factor in spending the $300 for the keyboard. Once my work opens up again, I think after the first few weeks I may just carry the iPad with me and leave the MacBook Pro at home.

This is what I’m thinking about.

With the current WFH situation, I don’t need something like the Magic Keyboard when I can just use my MacBook Pro, but if things go back to how they were, I wouldn’t feel comfortable carrying around my MBP.

I’ll just wait to see what happens.

 

[kht410]

I just discovered that Word and Excel for the iPad Pro don't have the full features of the MacBook version of Word and Excel.

Exactly. Same goes with google docs and sheets. It’s really frustrating.

 

[petvas]

Exactly. Same goes with google docs and sheets. It’s really frustrating.

This is something I have been saying for a long time now. The iPad is severely lacking in desktop class apps. I don't know what the exact reasons for that are, but I can only assume the following:

• Hardware limitations, especially the RAM installed is just not enough for power user features and desktop class apps
• OS limitations. Compared to macOS there are many limitations imposed by iPadOS
• Lack of developer interest to push the iPad as a desktop/laptop replacement.

MS Office on the iPad is a joke. There are also no productivity apps that can even touch their desktop equivalents. The iPad is a great tablet and surely has its use cases for many professionals too, but for traditional productivity tasks it is just not good.

 

[kht410]

This is something I have been saying for a long time now. The iPad is severely lacking in desktop class apps. I don't know what the exact reasons for that are, but I can only assume the following:

• Hardware limitations, especially the RAM installed is just not enough for power user features and desktop class apps
• OS limitations. Compared to macOS there are many limitations imposed by iPadOS
• Lack of developer interest to push the iPad as a desktop/laptop replacement.

MS Office on the iPad is a joke. There are also no productivity apps that can even touch their desktop equivalents. The iPad is a great tablet and surely has its use cases for many professionals too, but for traditional productivity tasks it is just not good.

I could not agree more. Although I do believe that the iPad Pro's hardware is more than capable at this point, especially with the mouse/trackpad support and Magic Keyboard being around now. It definitely depends on the developers on whether they want to take advantage on the iPad Pro's hardware or not.

 

[Ludatyk]

This is something I have been saying for a long time now. The iPad is severely lacking in desktop class apps. I don't know what the exact reasons for that are, but I can only assume the following:

• Hardware limitations, especially the RAM installed is just not enough for power user features and desktop class apps
• OS limitations. Compared to macOS there are many limitations imposed by iPadOS
• Lack of developer interest to push the iPad as a desktop/laptop replacement.

MS Office on the iPad is a joke. There are also no productivity apps that can even touch their desktop equivalents. The iPad is a great tablet and surely has its use cases for many professionals too, but for traditional productivity tasks it is just not good.

IMO, your missing a vital reason. Microsoft is competing with Apple when it’s all said and done... and I think it’s more of a competitive advantage.

Don’t get me wrong, Microsoft wants Office to have a wonderful experience on the iPad. But when you look at Adobe in the steps they are taking for a full featured Photoshop app... they have no hardware to compete with Apple. Microsoft on the other hand, has the Microsoft Surface tablet.

It’s all speculation at this point, I think that seems like a legitimate reason for the lack of features in Office. Perhaps it’s the leading factor of lacking of developer interest.

 

[ScottNWDW]

Excel and Word, for my needs mainly for work are working beautifully on the iPad Pro. For my personal use I prefer to use Pages and Numbers though. But for work I do use the Excel and Office.

 

[petvas]

IMO, your missing a vital reason. Microsoft is competing with Apple when it’s all said and done... and I think it’s more of a competitive advantage.

Don’t get me wrong, Microsoft wants Office to have a wonderful experience on the iPad. But when you look at Adobe in the steps they are taking for a full featured Photoshop app... they have no hardware to compete with Apple. Microsoft on the other hand, has the Microsoft Surface tablet.

It’s all speculation at this point, I think that seems like a legitimate reason for the lack of features in Office. Perhaps it’s the leading factor of lacking of developer interest.

I disagree. That would be the old Microsoft. The new Microsoft doesn't care about things like that. All they care about is to make you use their cloud offerings.
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I could not agree more. Although I do believe that the iPad Pro's hardware is more than capable at this point, especially with the mouse/trackpad support and Magic Keyboard being around now. It definitely depends on the developers on whether they want to take advantage on the iPad Pro's hardware or not.

The hardware is very capable, but the RAM should be user configurable during purchase. We should be able to have iPads with 16 and 32GB of RAM.

 

[Ludatyk]

I disagree. That would be the old Microsoft. The new Microsoft doesn't care about things like that. All they care about is to make you use their cloud offerings.

Yeah, maybe I’m wrong. I’m just acknowledging that Apple and Microsoft are competing in the same space in terms of hardware.

We should be able to have iPads with 16 and 32GB of RAM.

I don’t think we are there yet.