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Gaprofitt

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Jul 30, 2009
322
475
Been testing both of these and really can’t decide..

Pros and Cons

Pros for Magic Keyboard

  • Always nice to have a full keyboard, backlit and very well designed touchpad.
  • Integrated charging port, can also use additional accessories with free port while charging.
  • Multi angles, easy to use in lap for typing much like a traditional laptop.
Cons for Magic Keyboard

  • Expensive at $349 vs $99 for the Folio
  • Heavier than the Folio
  • No protection for IPAD when removed from the dock when being used handheld
  • When removing from dock, using it on your lap is difficult. You pretty much have to use it handheld
  • As far as using the touchscreen, because of the physical keyboard it’s farther from you.
Pros for Smart Folio

  • Lighter weight, easier to transport, much more affordable.
  • Good lap experience, especially on couch or recliner when using touchscreen as the device is much closer to you
  • Various angles good for all sorts of scenarios.
  • Protection, including back when using handheld, will not scratch iPad when placed on a surface.
  • Microfiber interior to protect device.
Cons for Smart Folio

  • No trackpad, also must use onscreen keyboard, which overall I don’t think is a bad experience.
  • More difficult to use when charging, no dock type power connector.
  • No function keys

Obviously these are both expensive, I can’t keep both. I wish there was a case that would work with the Magic Keyboard dock. I know you can get skins that will work, but haven’t seen a full case.. I really hate when I take the IPAD off the Magic Keyboard stand and use it hand held with no way to prop it up, etc. That’s what I love about the folio. I truly can’t decide. Any thoughts?
 
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I suppose it comes down to how often you’ll want to type. When I was trying out the 13” iPad, the on-screen keyboard felt very comfortable to use when the iPad was laying down in the Smart Folio in a landscape orientation. However, I wouldn’t want to type like that if I was typing quite a bit throughout the day everyday. I stuck with an 11” iPad and have kept both the Magic Keyboard and Smart Folio to Be able to switch between the two whenever I want. I hear you on wanting them to be compatible with each other. An alternative might be something like the Logitech Combo Touch, which is cheaper than the Magic Keyboard yet still has a detachable keyboard and keeps the iPad protected and allows for propping it up. I know there have been folks on here that have shown that the keyboard doesn’t hold up great over time, but they did make some changes with the M4 version so perhaps it’ll turn out better.
 
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Have you tried the Logitech Combo Keyboard case? When not using the keyboard, you can detach it and the iPad is protected. And it has excellent viewing angles. Rests extremely comfortable on my lap. The only con and why I returned mine was that it is quite the fingerprint magnet.

I returned the Smart Folio case because it offered very little protection for the sides. Plus, I wasn't overly happy with the overall viewing angles.

I currently have the white Magic Keyboard. My only wish is that it was detachable and had the kickstand that the Logitech Combo keyboard does.
 
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