Here it is: The typically "no keyboard = only consumption" - attitude. 🙄I don’t think Steve Jobs ever positioned the iPad as a laptop replacement.
I don’t think Tim Cook is trying to turn iPad into laptop. iPad doesn’t require a keyboard and can still be used as a mostly consumption device for those that want.
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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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Dieter @ the Verge nailed it. That thing would sit on my desk all the time if I had one. It needs to operate like the Folio keyboard and allow you to use iPad as a tablet WHILE THE KEYBOARD IS ATTACHED.
So I have decided to stay with my Folio keyboard and cancel my order for the Magic Keyboard case. Sort of sad. Apple could have been a contender. And maybe I too will try the Surface X in my continuing search for something like and portable and comfortable to use as a tablet and a laptop
So I have decided to stay with my Folio keyboard and cancel my order for the Magic Keyboard case. Sort of sad. Apple could have been a contender. And maybe I too will try the Surface X in my continuing search for something like and portable and comfortable to use as a tablet and a laptop
No he didn’t. He just expressed his opinion after having limited time with the keyboard. Apple has already a product for what you are describing, and it‘s called Smart Keyboard folio. The Magic Keyboard is for everybody that wants to type a lot on the desk or on the lap and isn’t bothered to use the iPad as a tablet naked. That actually describes me exactly. I never use my iPad with a case. Only for protecting it when traveling (before the Corona crisis) Or when I want to have the iPad stand so that I can watch a video. Now I can use the Magic Keyboard for that and when I want to use it as a tablet I just remove the iPad from the Magic keyboard. Very easy and practical.
“We“ people are so funny. When the first ASK was released, I clearly remember, many people (including myself) complaining because it folded back and our hands touched the keys. Now some us are now complaining because the Magic Keyboard doesn’t fold back. 😂
But with a macbook, you can’t: detach the keyboard from the screen; control with touch interface; get it with LTE; use the Apple Pencil; etc.
And fwiw I would buy a new laptop over an iPad Pro with this keyboard (Because I love macOS), but let’s not pretend there aren’t clear advantages both ways.
also: I guess everyone likes video reviews nowadays? I hate them. Just give me text. I don’t want to watch any of these people.
Fortunately I can afford to have both, and they each serve their own purpose.
Ultimately that’s the biggest stumbling block for me as well. Some kind of ‘release latch’ allowing the keyboard to swing all the way around the back would have been nice... although I’m sure gripping actual keys on the back of the iPP would have felt awkward as hell too.
As it stands, this is a luxury/quality of life improvement gadget to most given that the same desktop/at home functionality can be had much cheaper (Magic Trackpad, Bluetooth keyboard.) It’s only maximally useful/essential to post-laptop folks who regularly need to generate high word count away from home or have very limited space to work with.
I already have a 15” MBP which I never intended to replace with my iPad. So this accessory is sexy AF, but given that this AMK only works in landscape mode it lacks the utility of an always-on case, and as such it’s a bit pricey for a part-time accessory. (For me.)
I agree. But, really when I use my Smart folio keyboard with my 11" IPP the keys do not bother me. The keys are deactivated when you flip the case fully over for using the IPP as a tablet, so no issues with touching them. And they are rather flat, so after a few days I did not notice them when using the iPP as a tablet with touch or pencil.
Like you said, some sort of release mechanism to let you fold it all the way over like the Smart Folio would have been great. As it is now it is more like a desktop docking station with keyboard for an iPad Pro. And I have a 16" MBP I can use like that.
I dislike using the iPad with any sort of case folded back on it. It adds unnecessary weight and bulk for me and makes it an uncomfortable/compromised experience. The best iPad experience is a naked iPad experience for me. The magic keyboard provides the exact kind of versatility that fits my usage and preferences. Obviously not everyone uses their iPad in the same way and so this keyboard will be a boon for some while seem compromised to others.
I think it's okay if you use it mostly as a "workstation" setup at your desk/office, and bring along the iPad with a regular folio the rest of the day. Sure it's expensive and you could buy a cheaper keyboard and mouse and stand, but it's a neat and tidy solution if the iPad Pro has become your daily driver.
I like the fact that my iPad Pro (2018 12.9”) works much like a laptop when I need it to (for type interface) AND it works as the iPad that it was designed as for touch interface. Rarely a day goes by that I don’t interact with it both ways. As much as the new Magic Keyboard is expensive and has some negatives, it does force you to use it both in the case and out of it, which I think some people just can’t seem to get their arms around.
This fear of those use-cases where you pull the iPad from the keyboard and use it without a case is going to keep a bunch of people from buying into this new format for a keyboard / case. I used to be this way, but since working from home, I’ve made it a point to start using my iPad Pro case-less and it’s been like having an all-new device. I’m actually finding more times when I’m holding it out of the case, than in the case, which I didn’t expect to be the...case.
This fear of those use-cases where you pull the iPad from the keyboard and use it without a case is going to keep a bunch of people from buying into this new format for a keyboard / case. I used to be this way, but since working from home, I’ve made it a point to start using my iPad Pro case-less and it’s been like having an all-new device. I’m actually finding more times when I’m holding it out of the case, than in the case, which I didn’t expect to be the...case.
Interesting debates and opinions. I never imagined this was going to be such a polarizing product. The keyboard folio will continue to exist, and at the same $179 price. The new $299 magic keyboard is an extra option. For those saying they are canceling their order and sticking with their keyboard folios, that is great that your usage won't be enhanced by this keyboard. Keep that money in your pocket while happy.
For others, having scissor keys, that are backlit, an adjustable angle beyond the two fixed angles the folio gives, and the pass through charging are worth the drawbacks. Sure it would be great if it were light as a feather and could be bent backwards like a book. I myself don't do professional work on the iPad Pro, but for those that do, this is going to be a big upgrade for them. I've enjoyed using a magic trackpad via USB with my iPad, and the tech bug hits me, so I will be picking this up. Here's hoping I like it when it gets here.
I currently own both the keyboard folio, and the regular folio. I realize this is somewhat an expensive solution, but I like to switch between them when I don't want to use the keyboard at all. The keyboard folio+ipad has always felt thin to me, but once I switch to the regular folio, I'm surprised at how much thinner it feels. I'll still carry the regular folio in my bag just in case (it's small enough to not even notice), but most of the time and at home I'll just use it without a case for holding it. I've been doing that lately with being at home so much, and it's actually been really nice to do.
For others, having scissor keys, that are backlit, an adjustable angle beyond the two fixed angles the folio gives, and the pass through charging are worth the drawbacks. Sure it would be great if it were light as a feather and could be bent backwards like a book. I myself don't do professional work on the iPad Pro, but for those that do, this is going to be a big upgrade for them. I've enjoyed using a magic trackpad via USB with my iPad, and the tech bug hits me, so I will be picking this up. Here's hoping I like it when it gets here.
I currently own both the keyboard folio, and the regular folio. I realize this is somewhat an expensive solution, but I like to switch between them when I don't want to use the keyboard at all. The keyboard folio+ipad has always felt thin to me, but once I switch to the regular folio, I'm surprised at how much thinner it feels. I'll still carry the regular folio in my bag just in case (it's small enough to not even notice), but most of the time and at home I'll just use it without a case for holding it. I've been doing that lately with being at home so much, and it's actually been really nice to do.
I had ordered the magic keyboard, but later cancelled the order. I use the iPad for real estate and loans. Keyboard make data entry nice; but, I also use the iPad as, well, an iPad tablet. And, the weight/size of the keyboard combined with the annoyance of always having to remove the case when I use the pencil to fill out one-off escrow paperwork, just doesn’t work for me.
To be honest, I wish it would have worked better. Docusign sucks without a trackpad to move signature fields. And, typing on screen isn’t ideal. But, keeping the size/weight down, and having the iPad do what the iPad does best here still wins.
ultimately, My MacBook isn’t going anywhere anytime soon...
To be honest, I wish it would have worked better. Docusign sucks without a trackpad to move signature fields. And, typing on screen isn’t ideal. But, keeping the size/weight down, and having the iPad do what the iPad does best here still wins.
ultimately, My MacBook isn’t going anywhere anytime soon...
I just went to cancel my order for this keyboard and noticed I can't. My delivery date got moved up by 7 days since Friday and now the order is preparing for delivery. I guess I will just have to send it back when I get it.
I wonder if these reviews have given people second thoughts about this expensive accessory.
I wonder if these reviews have given people second thoughts about this expensive accessory.
If I had an iPad Pro I would definitely buy this. Alas I have an iPad Air and MacBook Air which works well enough for me. I've always liked the iPad though feels so much more futuristic. I have thought about selling my iPad and MacBook and going for this pro and keyboard. The tiny trackpad puts me off though tbh.
I think that Microsoft really nailed the Tablet keyboard add on with the Surface Pro keyboard. Of course, a big part of the solution is because the Surface have the built in stand, which I find quite useful even in tablet mode. The typing experience on a Surface Pro + Type Cover is really unmatched by any other tablet in my opinion.
The angle and stability of the ipad is perfectly acceptable for taking notes, filling out forms, etc. without needing to remove it from the case.
No function row = absolutely useless.
What a waste of a R&D. Apple really should've thought this one through more. What a joke.
What a waste of a R&D. Apple really should've thought this one through more. What a joke.
So what trade off should apple have made to fit a function row? Smaller keys? Smaller trackpad? Not make the keyboard at all?
Why do I need a function row on an iPad anyways?
Yeah, for a highly practical feature that’s regularly included on $20 Bluetooth keyboards, it does feel pretty chintzy of Apple to have skipped it. I imagine the bottom edge of the iPad would have partially blocked access to that row of keys, though. 🤷♂️
Come on, one-touch access to things like brightness, volume, etc is just basic laptop functionality which you’d expect to find (and use) on any lap-toppy device, so its absence is conspicuous. (Which isn’t to say I would have opted for any of the concessions you mentioned to include it.)
If you have iPhone, it already runs all the apps you need. Why need iPad? When you are docking iPad with this Magic Keyboard, you are making it laptop. Just get real laptop instead.
I would just grab cheap iPad for drawing and staff...