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vine-boating

macrumors 68020
Original poster
Aug 10, 2017
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I am debating which keyboard to buy with my new iPad that I am about to purchase and wanted opinions.

I am debating between the smart keyboard folio and the Logitech slim folio pro. I know the Logitech is cheaper but I have heard conflicting stories about how good it is. I also don't want the new apple ipad magic keyboard as I don't like how you can't fold it over like a book and rest it flat on a desk. I will be primarily using the pencil to take notes so they I won't be using the keyboard that much...just only occasionally like in lectures etc....
 

ejin222

macrumors 6502a
Oct 12, 2011
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432
One good thing to think about is that if you have AppleCare+ on your iPad, the Smart Keyboard Folio would also be covered~
 

vine-boating

macrumors 68020
Original poster
Aug 10, 2017
2,183
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One good thing to think about is that if you have AppleCare+ on your iPad, the Smart Keyboard Folio would also be covered~
Thats true, I will be getting Apple care plus.
I am leaning towards the Apple keyboard then....
 

Allan in T.Dot

macrumors regular
Jul 14, 2010
206
37
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Are you certain about that? I think you have to have purchased both the iPad and the keyboard at the same time/on the same receipt in order to qualify. When I just purchased my IPP in September and did my return to buy it in store, I asked the CSR and she wasn't certain and just said to return it and buy it again to be safe. The MKB being so bloody expensive is gonna' get covered, I made certain of that.

One good thing to think about is that if you have AppleCare+ on your iPad, the Smart Keyboard Folio would also be covered~
 
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ejin222

macrumors 6502a
Oct 12, 2011
564
432
Are you certain about that? I think you have to have purchased both the iPad and the keyboard at the same time/on the same receipt in order to qualify. When I just purchased my IPP in September and did my return to buy it in store, I asked the CSR and she wasn't certain and just said to return it and buy it again to be safe. The MKB being so bloody expensive is gonna' get covered, I made certain of that.
It doesn’t say that on the website. On the website, it says AppleCare:
“Service coverage is available only for iPad, its original included accessories, one compatible Apple Pencil, and one compatible Apple‑branded iPad keyboard used with your iPad...”
There’s no mention that it has to be purchase together. You can check the AppleCare section for iPads at the bottom of the site.
 

Allan in T.Dot

macrumors regular
Jul 14, 2010
206
37
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
No, you are absolutely correct, it doesn’t say that it has to be purchased together. Apple is just assuming that it somehow got damaged in the course of using it with my iPad. So, what happens if I go into the store and say that The MKB got damaged when my wife/friend used it with their iPad? Or I bought the MKB as a present for someone and they damaged it. Technically, they don’t need to provide coverage. I’m just saying, it doesn’t say it clearly and maybe they left it unclear on purpose. I don’t feel like playing chicken with really, Really, REALLY expensive accessories and with a trillion dollar company that didn’t just get there with high priced products and ingenuity. They can nickel and dime just like other companies as well If they really wanted to (hence the right to repair movement).


It doesn’t say that on the website. On the website, it says AppleCare:
“Service coverage is available only for iPad, its original included accessories, one compatible Apple Pencil, and one compatible Apple‑branded iPad keyboard used with your iPad...”
There’s no mention that it has to be purchase together. You can check the AppleCare section for iPads at the bottom of the site.
 

vine-boating

macrumors 68020
Original poster
Aug 10, 2017
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If it’s in your budget, highly reccommend the Magic Keyboard. Mine is absolutely amazing.
I will be using mine in lectures etc
the magic keyboard isnt suited because it can't fold back....I dont want to keep taking it out tbh.
 

vine-boating

macrumors 68020
Original poster
Aug 10, 2017
2,183
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I'm in the same boat as DiamondarBoss - we both got ours at about the same time too. But when you say "it can't fold back", what do you mean?
basically I will be using my iPad mostly for writing notes with the pencil
the new magic keyboard doesn't fold back like the Smart Keyboard folio when you can then use the pencil. In order to use the iPad with the pencil flat on a desk with the new magic keyboard you need to remove the iPad from the keyboard. To me that's long to have to keep removing it and putting it back.
 

Allan in T.Dot

macrumors regular
Jul 14, 2010
206
37
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Got it. Makes sense. If you want a trackpad, the Logitech is the only other option available to you that supports your needs. Heavy beast though but will not be noticeable if you have a backpack.

Otherwise, you are looking at an external Logitech bluetooth keyboard like the K380 or K480. Put your tablet in a case with a built-in stand and voila!

One thing I did envy before switching to the IPP from Android was the crazy number of good accessories available.

basically I will be using my iPad mostly for writing notes with the pencil
the new magic keyboard doesn't fold back like the Smart Keyboard folio when you can then use the pencil. In order to use the iPad with the pencil flat on a desk with the new magic keyboard you need to remove the iPad from the keyboard. To me that's long to have to keep removing it and putting it back.
 

vine-boating

macrumors 68020
Original poster
Aug 10, 2017
2,183
561
Got it. Makes sense. If you want a trackpad, the Logitech is the only other option available to you that supports your needs. Heavy beast though but will not be noticeable if you have a backpack.

Otherwise, you are looking at an external Logitech bluetooth keyboard like the K380 or K480. Put your tablet in a case with a built-in stand and voila!

One thing I did envy before switching to the IPP from Android was the crazy number of good accessories available.
I think I will get the Smart Keyboard folio
the Logitech is an option but I like that the Smart Keyboard folio is covered by apple care plus.
 

Allan in T.Dot

macrumors regular
Jul 14, 2010
206
37
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Since you'll be using the Apple Pencil make sure you get a case where the Pencil doesn't get lost in your bag - the tip is a bit fragile. I'm fond of Spigen cases and have just ordered this one:

This one doesn't have a cover for the screen but it's shielded in my bag so is what works for me. Good cases, I've got one on my old tablet and cellular phones.




Hmm true maybe you're right
What's the best case for the iPad Pro that's not a keyboard?
 

vine-boating

macrumors 68020
Original poster
Aug 10, 2017
2,183
561
Since you'll be using the Apple Pencil make sure you get a case where the Pencil doesn't get lost in your bag - the tip is a bit fragile. I'm fond of Spigen cases and have just ordered this one:

This one doesn't have a cover for the screen but it's shielded in my bag so is what works for me. Good cases, I've got one on my old tablet and cellular phones.


thanks
what screen protector do you use?
 

Allan in T.Dot

macrumors regular
Jul 14, 2010
206
37
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
I don't use one. I've never been fond of them on cell or tablet. Some folks will say otherwise. A lot of people get sponsored by Paperlike so those reviews are biased but my understanding is that it wears down the pencil tip a whole lot faster because of the increased friction - which is why you write better as it slows you down. I practice my lettering all the time (helps when the kids see me doing letters) between tablet and pencil/paper. Pencil/paper wins hands down bc I am so much slower.

Again, my tablet is in a case with a soft interior so I'm not worried about that. If I toss my keys in there with an exposed tablet, that is my idiocy but I'm pretty careful with my gear.

thanks
what screen protector do you use?
 
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DiamondarBoss

macrumors 65816
Jul 8, 2020
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Dallas, TX.
I don't use one. I've never been fond of them on cell or tablet. Some folks will say otherwise. A lot of people get sponsored by Paperlike so those reviews are biased but my understanding is that it wears down the pencil tip a whole lot faster because of the increased friction - which is why you write better as it slows you down. I practice my lettering all the time (helps when the kids see me doing letters) between tablet and pencil/paper. Pencil/paper wins hands down bc I am so much slower.

Again, my tablet is in a case with a soft interior so I'm not worried about that. If I toss my keys in there with an exposed tablet, that is my idiocy but I'm pretty careful with my gear.
Same with me. If I do drop or do anything that would cause the screen to shatter, I would just use a AppleCare+ Accidental Damage Claim.
 

vine-boating

macrumors 68020
Original poster
Aug 10, 2017
2,183
561
I don't use one. I've never been fond of them on cell or tablet. Some folks will say otherwise. A lot of people get sponsored by Paperlike so those reviews are biased but my understanding is that it wears down the pencil tip a whole lot faster because of the increased friction - which is why you write better as it slows you down. I practice my lettering all the time (helps when the kids see me doing letters) between tablet and pencil/paper. Pencil/paper wins hands down bc I am so much slower.

Again, my tablet is in a case with a soft interior so I'm not worried about that. If I toss my keys in there with an exposed tablet, that is my idiocy but I'm pretty careful with my gear.
I want to write with the pencil and I hate writing on glass
I have tried my friends one and didn't like it at all compared to my other friend who has the paper-like protector and it felt better.
However the paper-like protector isn't worth the price I know so I am looking for alternatives
 
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DiamondarBoss

macrumors 65816
Jul 8, 2020
1,389
2,414
Dallas, TX.
I want to write with the pencil and I hate writing on glass
I have tried my friends one and didn't like it at all compared to my other friend who has the paper-like protector and it felt better.
However the paper-like protector isn't worth the price I know so I am looking for alternatives
Well, I didn’t like writing on glass originally. But I got used to it. It’s not so bad after a week or two.
 
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