Logitech Debuts New Slim Folio Pro Keyboard Case for 2018 iPad Pro Models

[ahostmadsen]

I wish the original article linked to the official site.

This is a very heavy keyboard! 11 is 1.2 lb! That’s more than the weight of the iPad alone.

Yes, the Apple Keyboard is 297g, the Logitech one is 552g!

 

[dantracht]

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.

I stopped using my Smart Keyboard for this very reason. With the iPad plugged in, fully charged, the Smart Keyboard would begin to drain the battery after only a few moments of use. It got so annoying, I stopped using it and put a plain old smart cover on.

 

[Rafterman]

Wrong. There is nothing "slim" about that keyboard.

Take Apple's thin, simple, smart connector driven keyboard design. Add backlighting. Done.

 

[Veinticinco]

Seems Logitech are going the Apple route of “updating” products by downgrading functional utility combined with negligible design tweaks, whilst keeping prices at a healthy premium.

Oh and I see it’s just the Henry Ford option available.

 

[DEMinSoCAL]

Why does no one use the smart connector (except for Apple)? Seems it would be cheaper as BT hardware adds to the cost of a KB, not to mention power/charging, etc.

 

[Rafterman]

Why does no one use the smart connector (except for Apple)? Seems it would be cheaper as BT hardware adds to the cost of a KB, not to mention power/charging, etc.

Paying a royalty to Apple?

 

[leebroath]

Unbox Therapy has a review

Also, why is this thread in IOS Blog forum?

 

[RevTEG]

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 loved the kickstand on the last gen slim combo. I used it for hours at a time flying internationally from the States on my 12.9. It worked great for me, even in economy seating. It was a bit tight flying domestic.
[doublepost=1554225372][/doublepost]I loved the first generation slim combo for the 12.9. Yes, it was, in my opinion, heavy. But it worked great. I would have occasionally reconnect to the smart connector. Not sure if that was a smart connector issue or keyboard issue. I loved the kickstand. I loved the kickstand so much that when I didn’t need the keyboard cover I’d just run the Apple Smart Cover with the slim combo back.

I will be buying this new one because I NEED backlit keys when I’m flying overnight. I keep the overhead light off so others can rest. I need the backlit keys to type better.

I hope the Bluetooth auto connects pretty fast since they moved away from using the smart connector. If I don’t like the new design I can always go back to Apples smart folio. I like it a lot. Just wish I could see the keys better at night.

 

[lakerchick4life]

Does this keyboard case also have Auto Sleep / Wake function doesnt mention it on the description

 

[Stryder541]

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

It would end up covering the four speakers.

 

[bluespark]

I usually like Logitech stuff, but this seems like a miss. Boring, bloated, heavy, and doesn't allow the user to magnetically pull the iPad away from the case when no case is wanted.

 

[jcshas]

I have really liked all of the Logitech iPad keyboards I’ve used, but their decision to go with Bluetooth vs. the Smart Connector is baffling and a disappointment. I’ll stick with my Apple SmartKeyboard, despite its shortcomings.

 

[mlhennessy]

I've been waiting so long for Logitech to come out with a keyboard case for my iPad Pro 11". Disappointed it is SO heavy & bulky looking. I had the Cooper Notekee clamshell keyboard & case for my previous iPad 9.7". Loved it, like a mini laptop. Unfortunately, they don't seem to have come up with a version for the newest iPad Pro. Using a Finite keyboard & case for now (acceptable, inexpensive on Amazon.ca), until I find the 'perfect' one.

 

[BrennanWDavis]

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?

I have the iPad closed while playing music on my Bose speaker connected via Bluetooth. The music is stored locally on the device, and the screen isn't even on. I haven't tried putting it in Airplane mode yet, because that seems like more of a hassle than it's worth. At lunch I use the iPad to stream something from Netflix/HBO, and I'd rather not have to remember to turn Airplane mode on and off a couple times per day.
It's not like I ever run out of power, it's just that it drains the battery at seemingly twice the rate of my iPad Mini 2.

 

[ignatius345]

Not for me then. What a pity.

I have really liked all of the Logitech iPad keyboards I’ve used, but their decision to go with Bluetooth vs. the Smart Connector is baffling and a disappointment. I’ll stick with my Apple SmartKeyboard, despite its shortcomings.

Genuine question: what's so bad about a Bluetooth keyboard? Does the Smart Connector do something more? I get that it draws power off the main battery, but beyond that?
[doublepost=1555696058][/doublepost]

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.

Yeah, that's my thought too. The newer Magic Keyboard even charges (when it needs to, which isn't often at all) via Lightning cable, which I almost always have handy because I own an iPhone. I'm not sure why everyone is so jazzed for the Smart Connector, unless there's something I'm seriously missing in all this.