With the recent discounts on the Magic Keyboard combined with some Best Buy gift cards, I decided to pick up one for my 1st gen. 11" iPad Pro. I have the original keyboard, but I really haven't used it that much. The original keyboard works okay, but you can't really used the iPad as a laptop. The Magic Keyboard however, has completely changed how I use my iPad. I also have a 13" MacBook Pro and up until now, that has been my go to for sitting on the couch watching videos and surfing the web. With the Magic Keyboard, I can use my iPad just like a laptop and I find that I prefer iOS for many sites (eBay, Zillow and YouTube). Even when both are sitting on my night stand, I find that I'm picking up the iPad with Magic Keyboard more often than my MBP. I still don't know if it's worth $299, but it's definitely a great accessory and worth picking up on sale.
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Late to the party - Apple Magic Keyboard is great!
- Thread starter mcpix
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Good to know! I am currently trying to decide whether or not to buy a Magic Keyboard for my 11” iPad Pro. I also have a 2019 13” MacBook Pro. I have to use a full Mac for my masters program because of software needs. Trying to decide if it’s worth $200, since I already have a laptop.
The addition of a keyboard does make the iPad into more than just a consumption device. You can get quite a lot of productivity done.
I picked one a Smart Folio keyboard that also work with my new iPad Air 4. I like that you can use it as a laptop plus hold it vertically and sketch.
However, I couldn’t get myself to spend $399 CDN on the magic keyboard. I deliberated long and hard trying to justify but it would be almost half the cost of the iPad Air itself.
Enjoy your keyboard, nonetheless.
Well, I ended up deciding to give the Magic Keyboard a shot. Just picked one up from Target with price matching to Amazon and Walmart. We’ll see over the next few days. I can definitely appreciate how much faster my iPad Pro is for basic tasks. I’ll have to see how much value the keyboard adds to my workflow.
I got the Magic keyboard for my Air 4 with the Amazon sale. It does add a different take on using the ipad. Once I got used to the trackpad and the ease of typing with a real keyboard, I'm glad I took a chance and bought it. Watching videos hands free, is an added plus with better sound without your hands blocking the speakers.
I’ve just bought the new iPad Air and am deciding what I should do, I have bought a magic keyboard and Magic Trackpad and it works very well when I’m sat at the desk, I can also plug the iPad into my monitor for a bigger screen experience.
I’m now thinking should I send those items back and just grab the magic keyboard instead
I’m now thinking should I send those items back and just grab the magic keyboard instead
I’m using the magic keyboard, a folio case and Apple Pencil. With this portable combination I can adjust to any given situation.
I have said this elsewhere on this forum - the MK completely transforms the iPad. I know a lot of people here reading that will think I am exaggerating but if you want to be productive on the iPad it’s a must have. I have the 12.9” IPP and I got the iPad about 2 weeks before the MK turned up, the difference was huge. Nothing now is one handed, I can use it for hours doing work, I can have it just sitting on the side with a film playing or recipe for cooking etc.
And it is so easy to attach / detach that you keep the flexibility of the iPad for when you want to hold it use it for media consumption or drawing.
Downsides? And these are minor, no escape key (yes you can remap one existing or use cmd-.), no function keys which I do not mind and finally, it will not lie at a shallow angle for drawing - I’ll repeat - these are only minor drawbacks.
And it is so easy to attach / detach that you keep the flexibility of the iPad for when you want to hold it use it for media consumption or drawing.
Downsides? And these are minor, no escape key (yes you can remap one existing or use cmd-.), no function keys which I do not mind and finally, it will not lie at a shallow angle for drawing - I’ll repeat - these are only minor drawbacks.
Naturally with two cases, you’re ready for anything.
Ideally there would be one case that did it all.
I’m using a smart folio case I picked up on eBay for cheap, and frankly once you get use to the keyboard, it’s pretty good. Of course, no trackpad, but it’s lightweight and flexible jumping from vertical to horizontal. Flipping the cover back and using the pencil is also quick and easy.
At this point, I’ve decided not to invest in a Magic Keyboard...maybe unless I can find one for dirt cheap.