Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro Reviews and Unboxing Videos: Huge Jump Forward in Usability, But Expensive and Heavy

[The Game 161]

I use the ASK keyboard most of my days and it’s fine on the lap so I expect this will be even better based on what I seen. Guess will see tomorrow

 

[spinedoc77]

Your analysis is, frankly there is no polite way to say this, but it’s nearly 100% wrong. It’s readily apparent you are projecting your own biases on the review and haven’t actually used it yourself. This design is perfectly acceptable to use in your lap. Far better than the Surface Pro design (I’ve owned several). It’s more top heavy than a laptop for sure, but the base is absolutely rigid and solid. If it’s a situation where you could use a laptop, you’ll be able to use the iPad.

On the desk, writing on the screen is no problem. My iPad spends the entire day as an accessory to my main work computer, primarily for taking written notes. I’ve been using a rigid metal stand for the past year+. With the new keyboard I can leave it docked, have access to the keyboard and trackpad, and still be able to comfortably write notes on the screen. Even the Surface Pro doesn’t do that without some re-configuring.

I'm definitely willing to be wrong, and definitely I haven't used it myself. I am, however, basing my comments on what I saw occur in those reviews. You can't change physics and the ipad placement is several inches above the keyboard, and looked unstable in some of the conditions shown in the reviews. Of course, as I mentioned, none of those reviews actually demonstrated it on the lap.

But I'm glad you called me out, please let me know when you post up your videos so we can all see it in action. For myself I'd like to see:

1) writing and drawing on it putting the weight of your arm/hand on it, enough so that it simulates drawing on maybe an elevated drawing table or a surface pro with the kickstand at the lowest position. Of course you won't have to use your hand to stabilize it.

2) Put it on your lap in a regular seated position and repeatedly press the top of the screen, make it part of a work flow process where maybe you don't think about pressing the screen very lightly. Once again not using your hand to stabilize it. Now try the same with writing/drawing.

3) Lay in bed with the keyboard resting on your lap or chest, once again tap the top of the screen. Again not using your hand to stabilize. Now try the same with writing/drawing.

4) Lay sideways in bed with it resting on the bed, once again tap the top of the screen. No cheating, no hands. Now try the same with writing/drawing.

I can do all 4 of those situations with my surface pro without needing my hand to stabilize it or being afraid of it tipping forward. The SP is even more stable than a laptop because the kickstand edge serves as a hard stop where a laptop doesn't have that (but does have weight).

Have I told you how excited I am to be 100% wrong? It happens so infrequently that it even surprises me. I'll tell you a secret, once last year I thought I was wrong but I was mistaken.

 

[Zdigital2015]

That right there is where you guys raging against this machine are getting hung up on: If you think an iPad functions ANYTHING like a MacBook, you're not paying attention.

They are FUNDAMENTALLY different, from the OS to the hardware.

People buy iPads because they WANT to use that OS. They WANT to touch the screen. They WANT to draw on it with their Pencil. They WANT to leave the keyboard and trackpad at home when they choose to. They WANT to use the apps that are written for it.

Many people that buy iPads also DON'T want to use or learn macOS. They DON'T want a permanently-attached keyboard. They DON'T want a heavier device.

You guys are at the Harley Davidson dealership, yelling at people looking at saddlebags or a sidecar (pun intended) for not buying a Ford F-150 instead.

Let it go, fellas. Some people just want two wheels (or three).

BINGO!!! Winner, winner, chicken dinner!!!

 

[spinedoc77]

I hope you're prepared for the wrath of Spinedoc77...he likes his Microsoft products and hasn't backed down for years. I'm one of those who said, and still say, that a touch screen laptop is a horrid, terrible, inefficient way to interact with a computer. I've been using my iPad Pro with the keyboard folio for a year, primarily for work travel. But since iPadOS 13.4, I am using it all the time as my primary computer with an old Apple bt keyboard and Magic Trackpad 2 connected to it. It’s brilliant to be able to write, create and edit spreadsheets, go on my company’s customer service system, etc., then when I want to go do something, like I just did in having to pack up samples for a customer, I just grabbed the iPad Pro (with no keyboard) and took it to my sample room. I was able to Skype a quick note and photo of the samples I was packing to a colleague, then come back to my desk and keep typing without having to do anything to make the switch.

Ahh yes, aren't you the guy who said touch screens were not good because you arms would get tired? I might have that wrong, apologies if that wasn't you. I'm assuming you don't touch your ipad for interaction at all? How did you survive all these years without being able to touch your ipad? Mind control?

 

[dingclancy23]

Like I said, if you want to draw or do touch screen stuff, entry level iPad is more than enough.

What is the existence of iPad Pro right now? Run same stuff as entry level iPad can do, just tide bit faster? If you are going to do any professional work, that suppose iPad Pro does, Mac is way better. Video editing is still way better on Mac, coding is still on Mac, running animation is still better on Mac etc.

Spending MacBook Pro money on iPad Pro is ridiculous, frankly it is such waste of money.

And I suppose Apple can learn something from HP or Microsoft. Do a touch screen Mac and make 360 degree hinge, so one can fold keyboard and trackpad back.

The existence of the iPad Pro is to avoid using the Mac if you want a pro device, and do not want a Mac.

There are people who want a device that does not have fans, does not have a keyboard attached, have great battery life, have a more than decent camera, can morph to any form factor.

There are people who do not want an old OS that its primary and only input is the keyboard and trackpad.

There are people who do not want a computer that you cannot draw on and sign documents, and still want the tastefulness of a 120fps immersive touch screen that you can arrange and position anywhere.

There are people that frankly just do not take to the Mac. Especially with Catalina, there is nothing interesting on it. There is no whimsy. Feels like from year 2000. I am not sure what Apple added in its latest point update.

What else will OSX have next year that pushes computing forward? That is it, there is no more. Every year these desktop OSes seem to be something chained to the desk as the iOS devices do a lot more and evolve more.

For me a Macbook Pro at higher than $1500 is waste of money. I can do a lot of things that a Mac can do with a Macbook Air at $999. Why need the Pro? To run an uninspiring OS for more money? That can't even connect to the internet without cellular?

 

[Zdigital2015]

So a big resounding Meh, or more accurately a very expensive Meh. I love The Verge's review and it still tickles the same fantasy of Apple just getting it over with and putting a freaking kickstand on the ipad, sigh. I'm really surprised Apple was ok with the combo being heavier and thicker than the surface pro combo. Looks really uncomfortable to use on the lap and it's interesting to watch some of the reviewers (well actually only one), like Peter, take the ipad out then just hold it in front of them because of course it will now just slide down your thighs and you have no choice but to hold it up in front of you unsupported. Reminds me of the guys who say MacOS will never be touch because your arms would get tired, lol.

I am really perplexed that I didn't see a single reviewer actually use this in their lap, not a single one. The only one who came close was Peter who used it with his legs up on a table and his thighs really high up, but not a typical position than say an airport seat or a waiting room seat. I did note that it was wobbly when being touched in the middle to the top, not like the whole thing wobbled but you could see some movement in there instead of it feeling solid, that would most likely be heavily exacerbated in a true "lap" placement to the point where I would bet it would be in danger of just flopping over onto the floor. Forget about writing/drawing, even on a stable surface, you can see in Tyler's review he either has to hold the back with one hand so it won't tip over, or just write lightly without resting his hand on the screen, something I don't have to worry about with my surface pro and the kickstand.

Don't get me wrong, this actually looks really neat for "desktop" type use, ie: having it on a solid surface, although with the caveat of being limited with writing/drawing. But overall it just really reinforces my feeling that no one will ever pry my surface pro with kickstand out of my cold, dead hands, especially for $349.

Shouldn’t you be over at Thurrott.com commiserating with your homies?

 

[zhenya]

I'm definitely willing to be wrong, and definitely I haven't used it myself. I am, however, basing my comments on what I saw occur in those reviews. You can't change physics and the ipad placement is several inches above the keyboard, and looked unstable in some of the conditions shown in the reviews. Of course, as I mentioned, none of those reviews actually demonstrated it on the lap.

But I'm glad you called me out, please let me know when you post up your videos so we can all see it in action. For myself I'd like to see:

1) writing and drawing on it putting the weight of your arm/hand on it, enough so that it simulates drawing on maybe an elevated drawing table or a surface pro with the kickstand at the lowest position. Of course you won't have to use your hand to stabilize it.

2) Put it on your lap in a regular seated position and repeatedly press the top of the screen, make it part of a work flow process where maybe you don't think about pressing the screen very lightly. Once again not using your hand to stabilize it. Now try the same with writing/drawing.

3) Lay in bed with the keyboard resting on your lap or chest, once again tap the top of the screen. Again not using your hand to stabilize. Now try the same with writing/drawing.

4) Lay sideways in bed with it resting on the bed, once again tap the top of the screen. No cheating, no hands. Now try the same with writing/drawing.

I can do all 4 of those situations with my surface pro without needing my hand to stabilize it or being afraid of it tipping forward. The SP is even more stable than a laptop because the kickstand edge serves as a hard stop where a laptop doesn't have that (but does have weight).

Have I told you how excited I am to be 100% wrong? It happens so infrequently that it even surprises me. I'll tell you a secret, once last year I thought I was wrong but I was mistaken.

Literally none of these positions are even slightly difficult with this new design. The keyboard base is MUCH heavier and dense than you would possibly anticipate until you actually have it in hand. Apple typically gets “balance” type designs right (see the original Pencil, one-handed opening of MacBooks, the weight balance of iPads, etc. This design is FAR more stable on your lap than the Surface Pro design. Not even close - and it takes up about half of the total area to achieve that.

It’s also perfectly rigid. I can grab the entire docked device from one of the furthest front corners of the keyboard and carry it around without even a hint of flex. The SP keyboards feel like cardboard in comparison.

 

[GuruZac]

That right there is where you guys raging against this machine are getting hung up on: If you think an iPad functions ANYTHING like a MacBook, you're not paying attention.

They are FUNDAMENTALLY different, from the OS to the hardware.

People buy iPads because they WANT to use that OS. They WANT to touch the screen. They WANT to draw on it with their Pencil. They WANT to leave the keyboard and trackpad at home when they choose to. They WANT to use the apps that are written for it.

Many people that buy iPads also DON'T want to use or learn macOS. They DON'T want a permanently-attached keyboard. They DON'T want a heavier device.

You guys are at the Harley Davidson dealership, yelling at people looking at saddlebags or a sidecar (pun intended) for not buying a Ford F-150 instead.

Let it go, fellas. Some people just want two wheels (or three).

This is an outstanding post. You hit the nail on the head.

 

[C. Robert]

My iPad is 90% tablet and it’s great at that. Less than a pound, beautiful screen, stereo speakers, well made, and with a thin case it’s very safe. I have keyboards and mice that I can use with it, just in case I have to write a 12 page paper. I don't want to spend $380 to make it twice as heavy and into a laptop. Laptops are boring, sure they’re easy to type on bu unless you spend $2000 plus, they’re just media consumption machines that can do some Microsoft suite items. I’d rather have a set up like above vs a plastic(it will age like apple’s folios) case that takes away from all the things tablets are great at. The verge nailed the review.

 

[The Game 161]

Think a popular YouTube Sara said it’s more comfortable in the lap than the SP

The ASK was ok in lap so any improvement on that is perfect for me. I will be using the magic keyboard on my lap each day while working from home so will judge for myself as early as tomorrow

 

[Darth Tulhu]

I know people will be disagreeing with me as is evident from this thread alone, but to me, it used to be clear what Apple's idea was, what they see people doing with their devices and what they don't see people doing with their devices. I can't see that any longer. Yeah, I know that there's always half a dozen one-legged performance artists that would like to ride a tricycle while in a handstand, but I just don't see how this fits together with what people are actually doing as a fraction of potential customers. When I think about all the devices Apple has discontinued in recent years with the implied explanation that "nobody does X any longer" (say, a wired desktop keyboard), I don't see how in their minds it's a good idea to offer five different keyboards for iPads. Yeah, maybe I just don't get it and am ignorant of all those people that need to type and write on their devices, but only sometimes, but if I think back just a few years it would have seemed unthinkable that Apple would water down the clarity in their line up with a variety of peripherals like this.

Think of it: the iPhone is the single best selling "computing" device out there, if I'm not mistaken. The iPad uses almost the same OS. People are familiar with it. That's at the heart of Apple's "what's a computer" campaign.

The last caveat for laptop replacement (for those that really didn't need the power of a laptop) was text editing.

I think that, with this peripheral and the real game-changing implementation of mouse/trackpad support in the software, Apple is FINALLY giving Post-PC'ers an alternative to the truck that is the Mac.

And I've always been a proponent of Apple expanding their lineups. It's not 1998 anymore. Steve found Apple's niche in the computing world, and Tim has managed to expand on it successfully.

I love Apple is offering something for (almost) everyone. Fill the gaps, I say.

 

[johnnylarue]

How much does a 50 year old Porsche 917 chassis weigh?

Listen, I’m on your side. For $400 I also want nothing less than a physics-defying featherweight super case with its own gyroscope-enhanced centre of gravity, capable of keeping a Jenga tower upright through a 6.0+ magnitude earthquake. We’re just not *quite* there yet.

 

[dingclancy23]

View attachment 907752
My iPad is 90% tablet and it’s great at that. Less than a pound, beautiful screen, stereo speakers, well made, and with a thin case it’s very safe. I have keyboards and mice that I can use with it, just in case I have to write a 12 page paper. I don't want to spend $380 to make it twice as heavy and into a laptop. Laptops are boring, sure they’re easy to type on bu unless you spend $2000 plus, they’re just media consumption machines that can do some Microsoft suite items. I’d rather have a set up like above vs a plastic(it will age like apple’s folios) case that takes away from all the things tablets are great at. The verge nailed the review.

Had a think about this too. But I think the Magic Keyboard is really for people who want to bring the keyboard and trackpad experience as one piece when going outside but do not want a Mac.

I agree that at home, if you have a good stand, a normal keyboard, and a trackpad, they seem better at a desk than the new Magic Keyboard. But it also helps that the iPad Pro can be pulled easily from the Magic Keyboard.

 

[spinedoc77]

No one is trying to pry anything out of anyone's hands...why bring that up??

Now, lemme say I LOVE the Surface built-in stand. Microsoft got that right. It's truly brilliant. But it's a Windows device, which I don't want, and using a Surface on the lap begs the same question: why not get a (2-in-1) laptop? Windows works better with KB and mouse (their trackpad implementation is NOWHERE NEAR Apple's).

From what I see, this thing is specifically for desk and travel use, not "in transit" or couch use. I would leave this on my desk as a dock, whether at home or hotel room, or bring it along easily for sit-down meetings, if I need to take notes. I'm not sure I'd use it on a flight.

I would also have just the cover (and a skin for the back), for when I want to travel really light.

Now my daughter can sit at a desk and type stuff like this and do her homework on an iPad much easier, pull it off and sit on the couch and plop it next to her, ready for when she wants to look something up, or take a FaceTime call, or draw while watching TV, like she does now with her older iPad Pro.

Me, on the other hand, would get a MacBook Air and call it a day. But that's because:

A. I prefer macOS
B. I don't draw
C. I don't (currently) have an iPhone
D. I do a lot of surfing/video watching in bed, face down, so the built in KB/TP/screen stand is a simpler fit for me
E. I have a work-issued PC (even if I totally could use an iPad now that it has KB & Mouse support)

Oh I definitely feel you guys prying my SP out of dead cold hands, let go !! But in all seriousness I highly agree that this is mainly for desktop type use, that's the main point I was trying to make, it doesn't seem like a halfway bad desktop dock.

 

[ct2k7]

Agree... Dieter @ The Verge gave a good breakdown (as someone who's ex-frog design I find these influencer reviews beyond annoying and less than useless... they're just fluff for those that want to look @ijustine or whatever).

Anyway, got mine an hour ago. I also have the Smart Folio... but the keyboard is *really* good (and I have the 11" and it doesn't feel cramped). The trackpad is also well done and if Xcode ran on this setup I'd be thrilled coding on it.

As it is it makes for a good tech documentation machine.

iOS is how I make my living so it's expense I need to make. However, you really need to feel like $400 is not really a big deal (like a nice dinner/evening out) if you already have a iPad Smart Folio.

However, if this is your first keyboard for your Pro I'd say stretch the money and go for the Magic Keyboard if you plan on using your iPad a fair amount and for a few years

According to Jon Prosser, XCode is coming to the iPad.

 

[spinedoc77]

Literally none of these positions are even slightly difficult with this new design. The keyboard base is MUCH heavier and dense than you would possibly anticipate until you actually have it in hand. Apple typically gets “balance” type designs right (see the original Pencil, one-handed opening of MacBooks, the weight balance of iPads, etc. This design is FAR more stable on your lap than the Surface Pro design. Not even close - and it takes up about half of the total area to achieve that.

It’s also perfectly rigid. I can grab the entire docked device from one of the furthest front corners of the keyboard and carry it around without even a hint of flex. The SP keyboards feel like cardboard in comparison.

That's is awesome, that's why I'm so excited for when you post videos in all those positions and even more excited that none of the positions/actions I outlined will be even "slightly difficult" I do realize the base is much heavier than it looks, hence the reports that it's heavier than a SP with keyboard or even a macbook, that should help with carrying it around as an ipad case.

If you post your videos I will post videos of the surface pro doing the same things, we can see which one will tip over first. Although anticipating myself being 100% wrong proactively I'm sure the ipad won't tip over first, or maybe not even at all.

 

[Darth Tulhu]

View attachment 907752
My iPad is 90% tablet and it’s great at that. Less than a pound, beautiful screen, stereo speakers, well made, and with a thin case it’s very safe. I have keyboards and mice that I can use with it, just in case I have to write a 12 page paper. I don't want to spend $380 to make it twice as heavy and into a laptop. Laptops are boring, sure they’re easy to type on bu unless you spend $2000 plus, they’re just media consumption machines that can do some Microsoft suite items. I’d rather have a set up like above vs a plastic(it will age like apple’s folios) case that takes away from all the things tablets are great at. The verge nailed the review.

But you can't take the above setup with you, can you?

This kb/tp allows a "travel" version of the picture, which is the intent.

The beauty of it is now you can truly have whichever setup you prefer with an iPad. It has redefined my needs, because I don't do pro work with my Apple devices at home. Do I REALLY need an iMac anymore? A MacBook?

Most of what I've EVER done with my Apple devices falls within the middle category in Steve's original iPad presentation.

Now with 1 TB storage (!!), iCloud, cell connectivity, and iPad-equivalent software for productivity, music creation, photo and video editing, file-management, and mouse support, I TOTALLY COULD ditch the Mac for a single hand-held device.

Do I want to? That's a DIFFERENT question.

 

[C. Robert]

Had a think about this too. But I think the Magic Keyboard is really for people who want to bring the keyboard and trackpad experience as one piece when going outside but do not want a Mac.

I agree that at home, if you have a good stand, a normal keyboard, and a trackpad, they seem better at a desk than the new Magic Keyboard. But it also helps that the iPad Pro can be pulled easily from the Magic Keyboard.

$350! I agree that what you are saying is the way people would use it. It’s a case with a keyboard though that doesn’t let it function as a tablet, unless you detach it. I guess it serves a purpose, just not for me.

 

[Rogifan]

Someone in the Verge comments bought this keyboard and complained about not being able to fold it all the way back. If that was something you wanted/needed why would you buy this keyboard? I think it was pretty clear this didn’t fold all the way back.

 

[Abazigal]

Someone in the Verge comments bought this keyboard and complained about not being able to fold it all the way back. If that was something you wanted/needed why would you buy this keyboard? I think it was pretty clear this didn’t fold all the way back.

I guess on some level, I was hoping against hope that it could fold back and Apple simply didn’t show this in the promo shots. Which is a shame, because the reviews all point towards this magic keyboard offering an excellent typing experience (even more so than the Smart Keyboard).

Watching iJustine’s review video has whetted my appetite for the 12.9” iPad Pro though. Staying at home and preparing HBL resources for my students means a lot more time spent behind the desk and that larger screen is looking mighty tempting...

 

[LovingTeddy]

The existence of the iPad Pro is to avoid using the Mac if you want a pro device, and do not want a Mac.

There are people who want a device that does not have fans, does not have a keyboard attached, have great battery life, have a more than decent camera, can morph to any form factor.

There are people who do not want an old OS that its primary and only input is the keyboard and trackpad.

There are people who do not want a computer that you cannot draw on and sign documents, and still want the tastefulness of a 120fps immersive touch screen that you can arrange and position anywhere.

There are people that frankly just do not take to the Mac. Especially with Catalina, there is nothing interesting on it. There is no whimsy. Feels like from year 2000. I am not sure what Apple added in its latest point update.

What else will OSX have next year that pushes computing forward? That is it, there is no more. Every year these desktop OSes seem to be something chained to the desk as the iOS devices do a lot more and evolve more.

For me a Macbook Pro at higher than $1500 is waste of money. I can do a lot of things that a Mac can do with a Macbook Air at $999. Why need the Pro? To run an uninspiring OS for more money? That can't even connect to the internet without cellular?

Frankly, I don't know how inspiring iPadOS is. It is very lacklustre in terms of multitasking, file management and running professional applications. Spending $1000 dollar into iPad Pro that runs watered down version of macOS and spend even more money just to make it as a laptop is frankly laughable, not motion it is more heavier than MacBook Air.

There are so many laptop out there has touch scree, 120fps screen and more powerful and capable than iPad Pro could ever dreamed of.

Tell me old school. Mouse and Keyboard is better than touch when comes to computing devise. Touch screen makes sense to phones. Mouse and keyboard is much more accurate and more efficient. Complete file system with proper file management is key for any professional settings. A real multitasking capable OS should be basic for any Professional devices.

 

[BroTim52]

So in ordering the basic 128GB iPad Pro 12.9 with this magic keyboard so with that in mind your up to around 1500.00 in the cost. So I suppose its whatever you use this device for. Could it be the only device you will ever use?

 

[dingclancy23]

Frankly, I don't know how inspiring iPadOS is. It is very lacklustre in terms of multitasking, file management and running professional applications. Spending $1000 dollar into iPad Pro that runs watered down version of macOS and spend even more money just to make it as a laptop is frankly laughable, not motion it is more heavier than MacBook Air.

There are so many laptop out there has touch scree, 120fps screen and more powerful and capable than iPad Pro could ever dreamed of.

Tell me old school. Mouse and Keyboard is better than touch when comes to computing devise. Touch screen makes sense to phones. Mouse and keyboard is much more accurate and more efficient. Complete file system with proper file management is key for any professional settings. A real multitasking capable OS should be basic for any Professional devices.

Yes and that is you.

I think MacOS is uninspiring. I do not like to manage multiple windows and I cannot seem to find the window that I want always. File management is great for OSX if you like managing files. I do not like managing files. I want to go to my app and open my most recent files.

(Anyway, even for me using a Mac, my folders in OSX are just one hot dumpster fire of files. There is no file management for me at all, just feels too lazy to keep everything sorted).

I do not want to spend $1000 dollars for a Mac that is now in 2020, a watered down version of iOS. Just look at the new features of the last two OS versions, all they have now are watered down versions of new iOS features.

Those laptops that have a touch screen and 120 fps screens, they suck as tablets, and frankly they also suck as laptops.

Mouse and keyboard is better when it comes to some computing applications. Do pilots needs a mouse and a keyboard to look at flight paths, or for doctors going through medical charts? These people are more professional than most of us (in terms of years of professional training), yet for their most critical tasks when they are up an about, they can use the iPad.

 

[R3k]

Must say, my usage case makes this a product that is / almost is perfect for me.

I use a Mac Pro for content creation, a MacBook Pro for general productivity / office work / research, an iPad for reading books, general media consumption and traveling, and an iPhone, cause iPhone.

When my 2016 MBP gives up the ghost, I could either buy another MBP while continuing to buy iPads every couple of years or I could eliminate the MBP from the equation completely for the price of this keyboard.

I feel that iPadOS will need to go through a couple more iterations until the filesystem is stress free and full featured enough for this to be a comfortable enough option though, along with alot more workflow enhancements. But i may be able to make do.

Question: Is there any chance in the future that there will be a layer added to iPadOS that allows MacOS apps to run? Akin to how there is movement in being able to port iOS apps to MacOs?

 

[zhenya]

Question: Is there any chance in the future that there will be a layer added to iPadOS that allows MacOS apps to run? Akin to how there is movement in being able to port iOS apps to MacOs?

Obviously nobody who knows is saying anything. My guess is that the ARM on Macs rumors we are hearing are step 1 in what will eventually become an ecosystem where apps are fully compatible on both devices. That said, I don’t think it will be through an emulation layer on iOS, rather than Mac apps will be forced to be re-written to be ARM (and hence iOS compatible). This will take longer but will be the better solution long-term.