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Logitech today announced the launch of the Slim Folio Pro, a new keyboard case that's designed for the 11 and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models.

The Slim Folio Pro is a folio-style case for the iPad Pro with a built-in backlit keyboard that's an alternative to the Smart Keyboard offered by Apple.

slimfoliopro1-800x640.jpg

Logitech's Slim Folio Pro connects to the new iPad Pro models using a Bluetooth connection rather than through the Smart Connector, but the battery lasts for up to three months on a single charge so you shouldn't need to charge it often.

There are several different configurations you can use with the Slim Folio Pro for purposes like typing and drawing. Positioning the iPad upright within the case allows you to type on the keyboard, which Logitech says features "the perfect bounce" for fast and accurate typing.

slimfoliopro2-800x480.jpg

The keyboard spans from edge to edge and features a row of iOS shortcut keys for doing things like adjusting key backlight brightness, changing the volume, and more using keystrokes.

There's also a sketching position that puts the iPad Pro into an ideal configuration for drawing with the Apple Pencil. The sides of the case are left accessible so the second-generation Apple Pencil can be charged. A magnetic latch holds the Apple Pencil in place when not in use so it won't get lost.

slimfoliopro3-800x437.jpg

For use while reading or browsing the web, the keyboard of the Slim Folio Pro folds back so it's out of the way, leaving the display accessible.

When everything is closed up with the magnetic latch, the Slim Folio Pro is designed to keep the corners of the device protected and prevent scratches and scuffs.

Logitech's Slim Folio Pro will be available starting in April from the Logitech website. The Slim Folio Pro for the 11-inch iPad Pro will be priced at $120, while the Slim Folio Pro for the larger 12.9-inch iPad Pro will be priced at $130.

Article Link: Logitech Debuts New Slim Folio Pro Keyboard Case for 2018 iPad Pro Models
 
Finally. The long awaited Logitech keyboard. Quiet surprised they went with bluetooth connection rather than using the smart connector like previous gen. But then again, bluetooth is still a more reliable option. Smart connector failed miserably in the past. Idk if the new ipad pro is still having the same problem.
 
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Not for me :(

I would have preferred the kickstand case (like previous edition for 10.5”) and protection all the way around, there was no excuse not to do this as it’s using Bluetooth

Urghhh
 
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I’ll just continue typing away on my old Apple AA battery Bluetooth keyboard. Sure it’s Bluetooth 3.0, but it works with anything and everything Apple and it’s way more comfortable to type on than these ‘smart’ keyboards.
 
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Not for me :(

I would have preferred the kickstand case (like previous edition for 10.5”) and protection all the way around, there was no excuse not to do this as it’s using Bluetooth

Urghhh
I utterly hated the kickstand 10.5” version used it for a month and went to no name Bluetooth.

It was great if you were at a table or desk but horrible for use on a plane or in the go and needing to use your lap. If required you had depth to handle the kick stand. I loved the previous versions which allowed usage with very little depth or it was rigid enough to use just on lap.

Problem now is they released this so late many/most have already invested in an Apple or other 3rd party..
 
I wonder how it charges. USB-C would be the logical choice, and perhaps you'd be able to just charge the Slim Folio Pro from the iPad Pro.

Sorry to reply to self, but The Verge notes the following:
"That means you’ll have to charge the keyboard separately, although you can technically charge it directly from the tablet using a USB-C cable"

Source
 
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Finally. The long awaited Logitech keyboard. Quiet surprised they went with bluetooth connection rather than using the smart connector like previous gen. But then again, bluetooth is still a more reliable option. Smart connector failed miserably in the past. Idk if the new ipad pro is still having the same problem.

I am returning my Smart Keyboard because it is draining battery life even when not in use. Smart connector is reliable in my opinion (compared to previous Bluetooth keyboards I have had) but Apple should have the option of turning the keyboard off.

The belief that it takes small amount of energy is simply not true, I monitored it with the battery app and the keyboard in killing it, even over night.
 
I am returning my Smart Keyboard because it is draining battery life even when not in use. Smart connector is reliable in my opinion (compared to previous Bluetooth keyboards I have had) but Apple should have the option of turning the keyboard off.

The belief that it takes small amount of energy is simply not true, I monitored it with the battery app and the keyboard in killing it, even over night.
Glad you brought this up. I have the same case and my battery life is horrible. I thought is was just the iPad Pro, as my iPad Mini had an amazing battery life. I'll have to monitor how the keyboard affects my battery life and maybe adjust its use accordingly.
 
So compared to the last version that I loved, it's not magnetic removable keyboard, it's Bluetooth instead of smart connector, the kickstand is gone, and its not as rugged.. What a great improvement guys! I'm happy I switched to a Surface back in November, this wasn't worth the wait.
 
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Glad you brought this up. I have the same case and my battery life is horrible. I thought is was just the iPad Pro, as my iPad Mini had an amazing battery life. I'll have to monitor how the keyboard affects my battery life and maybe adjust its use accordingly.

Just curious...Is the iPad folded up in the closed Smart Keyboard folio when this battery drain is occurring or is the iPad being left on the Keyboard folio in the typing position? Have you tried putting the iPad in airplane mode when it’s not being used in an attempt to prevent the battery drain?
 
Do wish it was using the Smart Connector and had the removable keyboard like the 10.5. Still interested as it looks to offer more protection than the Smart Keyboard.
 
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