Thanks to the reviews and Apple not processing my order which I placed the day they announced it was available- I canceled my order. I do have the latest Smart Keyboard and I don’t really use trackpad. I do plan to use the $300 I saved towards upgrading my 2011 MBP soon.
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Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro Reviews and Unboxing Videos: Huge Jump Forward in Usability, But Expensive and Heavy
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It’s interesting to see just how divisive this new keyboard is, even with iPad users. Obviously cost is part of the issue - $300-$350 is a big ask for a lot of people and it will make some angry that they can’t or don’t want to pay this much.
But there does seem to be as much consternation for Apple seemingly making the iPad something, according to some people, it shouldn’t be (usable as what is effectively a laptop).
I take a slightly different tack, and think that the changes Apple made to iPadOS with its trackpad / mouse input should push other manufacturers to develop alternatives to the Magic Keyboard case that address some of the shortfalls. Perhaps someone will make a modular case / keyboard / trackpad?
I know I’ll end up picking up one of the new Magic Keyboard cases, once I’m back on the road for work. But for now while I’m stuck at my desk, I’m enjoying using a desktop keyboard and trackpad (with a separate stand I designed years ago). Having keyboard keys that feel “normal”, makes going back to the OG Keyboard Folio feel like a cheap alternative. It’s not as bad as my first Atari computer that had touch sensitive “keys”, but it’s not great for long typing sessions.
And having the additional function keys is super handy on this keyboard (only a few work currently - brightness levels, play/pause, volume up/down). I know the Magic Keyboard case does not have and that is an omission Apple shouldn’t have made, imho.
But there does seem to be as much consternation for Apple seemingly making the iPad something, according to some people, it shouldn’t be (usable as what is effectively a laptop).
I take a slightly different tack, and think that the changes Apple made to iPadOS with its trackpad / mouse input should push other manufacturers to develop alternatives to the Magic Keyboard case that address some of the shortfalls. Perhaps someone will make a modular case / keyboard / trackpad?
I know I’ll end up picking up one of the new Magic Keyboard cases, once I’m back on the road for work. But for now while I’m stuck at my desk, I’m enjoying using a desktop keyboard and trackpad (with a separate stand I designed years ago). Having keyboard keys that feel “normal”, makes going back to the OG Keyboard Folio feel like a cheap alternative. It’s not as bad as my first Atari computer that had touch sensitive “keys”, but it’s not great for long typing sessions.
And having the additional function keys is super handy on this keyboard (only a few work currently - brightness levels, play/pause, volume up/down). I know the Magic Keyboard case does not have and that is an omission Apple shouldn’t have made, imho.
I should have said this before - hope you and the family are staying healthy and safe.
Much like with cars, clothes, cities, spouses / s.o., it takes all kinds to make each of us happy and at the end of the day, that is really all that matters. I should clarify that my biggest issue with touch screen interaction with a keyboard / trackpad driven device isn’t that my arms get tired. It’s actually the interruption in workflow that I don’t like.
Whether I was working on my retina MacBook Pro 15” (that my wife now uses for her work computer) or my iMac or now my iPad Pro, I’ve gotten so fast typing and moving the cursor or re-sizing / manipulating / adjusting / swiping between apps using the trackpad that to have to shift one hand up away from the keyboard or trackpad is a movement that just isn’t necessary. That’s certainly been the case since Apple implemented multi-touch on the trackpad.
I wonder if that’s part of the reason why you’re more apt to reach to the screen to do things - given Microsoft’s not great trackpad implementation? Most PC manufacturers can’t seem to keep up with Apple’s trackpad capabilities, either because they’re just not as technologically advanced, or because Microsoft hasn’t been able to add similar trackpad functionality to their OS.
There is certainly the potential for injury due to repetitive motion for typing all day, as I often do, especially now when I’m at my desk all day, vs my normal schedule where I’m on the road. But there are benefits too, as I use a desk that I can adjust the height on, so I can have my arms at a height that takes pressure off of my arms and wrists.
Because with the folio keyboard it serves as a case protecting the screen when you throw it in your bag or have it out on a desk. Also, it makes it easy to switch between keyboard and screen use without having to attach or detach the iPad Pro from the keyboard. And no worry about leaving the keyboard behind at the end of a meeting or at home and then needing to type a document. It's always attached no matter what you do.
Had Apple achieved that level of capability I would not be sending my Magic keyboard back. Hopefully Apple will upgrade it in the next iteration of the Magic keyboard.
That's certainly valid, I can see that as being an interruption to someone's muscle memory and how they are used to handling tasks. I've long felt that way about iOS, due to its simplicity I often find it more difficult and convoluted to use. With something like Windows everything is already there at my fingertips, and if it's not then I can modify, download, customize, streamline, etc to my heart's content. But again, that's for my own workflow. Many times it's simply a matter of some dev thought, a good example that comes to mind is the oversized ribbon/UI when in tablet mode in MS Office. Functionally MS Office on Windows has a ton more to offer than on iOS, yet it can morph and work well in a touch environment.
I think even if Windows had better trackpad integration I'd still always choose the touchscreen, it doesn't have a layer of abstraction like the trackpad does, and as mentioned is also much healthier long term. Of course if we are talking about a desktop then I would have no choice as I would not be reaching out to touch the screen, so I can see having to learn 2 paradigms as bogging someone down. Although personally I have no issue switching my workflow from desktop/mouse to laptop-tablet/touch at all, that's the power of Windows that you can have both workflows pretty seamlessly.
But anyhow I didn't want this to end up being an iOS vs Windows thread, better for another time and place. My point has always been why eschew something simply because you don't find it useful? Sure maybe a touchscreen drives the price of a laptop just a bit higher, but really these days touchscreen laptops are ubiquitous and I doubt they affect the price much. Windows has improved markedly and continues to improve on the touchscreen front, but if you only use it with a trackpad then there should be no complaints. Why wouldn't you want to have the extra functionality even if you only use it occasionally? Similar to what I've always asked, why wouldn't you (not necessarily asking you) want to have the power of x86 programs even if you only used them occasionally? That's how I feel using an ipad versus my surface pro, so much potential for if and when you need it versus always having a hard ceiling you hit.
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I believe that would the logitech case that just came out, it's extremely similar functionally to a surface pro kickstand and removable keyboard. It's a really nice case (other than weight/thickness) and really makes me fantasize about what Apple could have come up with if they made it. I'm really baffled about why the ipad doesn't have a kickstand yet, it's arguably the best hardware technology that's ever come out for tablets.
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Part of the consternation is because some ONLY want to buy things with an Apple logo. Logitec could come out with something cheaper that meets the need, but, because it’s not from Apple, it’s not even a consideration.
After using iPadOS for so long, for certain things, like when I need to hit a button (like editing a macosrumors reply) or select a field or select a single word, regardless of if it’s Windows, macOS, I have found myself many times reaching for the screen (then remember there’s no touch and try to pretend like I was just flicking some dust off
). I think it’s because for all three options, just a quick tap or double tap on the screen gets me there. With a cursor, I’d have to find my pointer (maybe with a waggle), then move it to the location before I could take an action. So, do you think there’s some things you may tend to reach for the screen for more than others?
I don't think he's trashing it, he is countering Apples claim that this is your next computer, which from what I gather is not marketed as your next computer if you only do x and y on it, is it your next computer or what? If it's my computer it has to do all the things I want from a computer. I don't want a computer for Luma Fusion and another for Autodesk Inventor and side one for working on complex spreadsheets. A computer to be described as such needs to be able to perform all my tasks; that's why a calculator is called a calculator.
It’s good to have options for sure. The Mac mobile lineup until recently wasn’t to my liking solely based on the horrible keyboard. That changed thankfully.
But at the end of the day, I used my iPads as my main computer for a long time and am comfortable with them most of the time. I surely have no interest in running Windows or Linux on my computer so that’s not a downside for me either.
I think this sums up the problem with Apple’s marketing. ”Your next computer is not a computer.” A computer means different things to different people, or rather, a computer has different requirements depending on who you ask.
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If you’re referring to her tech review skills (doubtful) I agree her decision to film (or smell, hug and gush over it like a 12 year old) the dark grey keyboard case with space grey iPad Pro on an almost black table for that first 3 minutes is absolute genius
Well said. Once she compared the plastic factory smell to cinnamon there are no further questions on the quality of the non-review. But let’s not pretend that there is much useful content with the reviewers on YouTube anyway.
If the keyboard brightness needs to be adjusted in Settings somewhere that’s a clear win for a function key. Volume keys are more comfortable than reaching around the device. Sure it can be done but would be nicer with these typical shortcuts.
Right now, to address the brightness of the iPad, once can do it from the actions centre, but for the keyboard, you have to go into settings, assuming you don’t want to take advantage of the auto brightness system.
If only Apple already had some device with a built in keyboard and trackpad which closes shut. One that was lightweight and had an OS with a proper fully functional filesystem. Perhaps allowing multiple apps to run with multiple windows.
...then you wouldn’t have to come into the comments section to an accessory of a different product that you don’t like to wish for one.
Makes total sense.
The iPad forum here is full of examples of users for whom this is an ALTERNATIVE. which of course is also not the topic of the article of course.
Like with most keyboards this is a complete oversight. A stand or keyboard with a large groove for devices would probably work.
Easy to accomplish with an external Bluetooth keyboard at a desk when you add a separate stand. A bit more tricky to accomplish nicely in a case as you need to engineer a hinge to rotate along with the device. Some cheaper iPad cases from third parties catered to that in the past but maybe the majority of users only uses their stuff in one orientation.
I am extremely disappointed with this product, and I have subsequently returned it. Thoughts:
- It is unintuitive. You shouldn't struggle to even use a case—it is difficult to know what side to open, and you must use two hands to open it up (as discussed in other reviews, it is top-heavy unlike laptops which are bottom-heavy). It is even more difficult to open with the pencil attached.
- It is too small to be practical. Perhaps this is less of an issue on the 12.9" version, but I often hit the iPad itself when typing at the maximum angle (130°). The trackpad is too small and many of the most important keys are reduced in size.
- It does not look good. It is reminiscent of the 1st-generation iPad case which was an eye-sore.
Advanced is an attribute that for some reason I’d never have associated with her.
I think had Apple marketed a stand that allows the iPad to "float" [let's be honest, that is 90% of the appeal and wow factor] and then use any keyboard and mouse of choice it would be a better solution for those craving a [desktop] computer experience; personally, I am stunned that everyone is gushing over a trackpad as some wondrous addition as they are already a compromise over a mouse in my opinion.
It’s just an additional accessory for their flagship iPad. No need for the drama. The touch nature of the iPad is not in danger.
This is by far the most intuitive of the folio-style keyboards Apple has made. The first model, which literally was origami, I could understand the point. The second model was hugely improved. This model opens up 100% like any other laptop so I really don't see that point at all. ALL tablet based keyboard systems are going to be top-heavy in some way because the entire computer is in the tablet/screen half. If this is unacceptable, buy a laptop.
The size of the main keys are within a fraction of a mm of the key size on my X1 Carbon which pretty much sets the standard for laptop keyboards. Yes, the modifier keys are smaller on the 11". That's the best possible tradeoff for this size device.
I totally disagree that it doesn't look good. It looks nearly identical to the previous folio cases which I think are understated and make the device look and feel like a notebook. I understand some have had issues with durability. I haven't, and Apple tried the leather route previously - the results were far worse. Synthetics wear far better than natural leather.
By all means you should return it if it's not right for you, but I feel it's necessary to provide an alternative view for others who may be taking advice from what they read on this site.
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Not for me. I use 100% trackpads for my workflow which is mostly Adobe CC/Web/Office based. The precision is better than a mouse, the pinch to zoom, panning, and perhaps most importantly, the gestures, are all things that a mouse cannot do nearly so fluidly, if at all. Adding a trackpad to my iPad opens up the possibility of me eventually being able to do some larger portion of my workflow on my iPad.
As it has been explained to you in multiple threads already it’s good to have options. There is a ton of users who no longer have a portable Mac and the iPad took its place. Just like the iPhone is the most used computer platform for many.
The weight is irrelevantester this is an accessory meant for specific use cases and you can detach the iPad for other use cases.