iPad Pro Need advice on keyboard question

[ardchoille50]

I bought a 9.7 inch iPad Pro yesterday. After doing some research I have found that the Smart Keyboard drains the iPad Pro battery a bit due to the keyboard transferring data and power through the iPad's smart connector. The Apple Magic Keyboard (Bluetooth data transfer) is much cheaper, but I'm wondering if the magic keyboard will work with the new iPad Pro devices. If it will work, I think I will buy the magic keyboard instead of the Smart Keyboard. I also wonder if having Bluetooth engaged on the iPad Pro will run the battery down just as much as the Smart Keyboard would.

Anyone have any advice about this?

 

[Stevi]

Although I haven't used my keyboard a lot, I don't find it drains my iPad. I see no reason why the magic keyboard wouldn't work with your iPad. Since I am sitting comfortably in my la-z-boy recliner with a miserable summer cold, I honestly don't feel up to getting up and getting the iPad from my bedroom or the magic keyboard from the office to test it out. However if no one tests it out before me, when I next have to get up I will go get the stuff and try it for you.

 

[Stevi]

OK, I tried pairing and since it was still paired to my iMac it of course wouldn't pair. HOWEVER in looking to find out how I unpair it I came across this:
https://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT202041
It clearly says that the magic keyboard will work with ALL iPads. Incidentally my IPP would see the keyboard but would not connect.

So, no I didn't pair it, but I am 100% sure that they will pair with iPads.

Stevi

 

[ardchoille50]

OK, I tried pairing and since it was still paired to my iMac it of course wouldn't pair. HOWEVER in looking to find out how I unpair it I came across this:
https://support.apple.com/en-ca/HT202041
It clearly says that the magic keyboard will work with ALL iPads. Incidentally my IPP would see the keyboard but would not connect.

So, no I didn't pair it, but I am 100% sure that they will pair with iPads.

Stevi

Thank you very much for your help.

However, it seems my choice was made for me. Well, I went into Best Buy to look for a keyboard. And, this was the last smart keyboard they had:

I couldn't pass up the deal.

 

[Stevi]

Nice deal! I think it is the better choice. The magic keyboard would be great for home but it is not so portable.

 

[ardchoille50]

Nice deal! I think it is the better choice. The magic keyboard would be great for home but it is not so portable.

I agree, the Apple rep at Best Buy also said that the smart keyboard would be easier on the iPad battery.

 

[zhenya]

I think any power the Smart Keyboard uses would be equalized by the fact it doesn't need to use Bluetooth to communicate. The Smart Keyboard is stupid expensive, but it's somehow still worth it because it's the only keyboard that is slim and light enough to carry all the time without turning your iPad into a laptop, it removes instantly, and has no pairing or latency issues as all bt keyboards do.

 

[ardchoille50]

I quite like the Apple Smart Keyboard, though I'll have to get used to the smaller typing area.

Tip: hold down the Command key in different apps, it shows app-specific shortcuts! Even the home screen has shortcuts.

 

[Southern Dad]

I have the 12.9" iPad Pro. I have the Apple Smart Keyboard. I love it and I don't feel that it drains my battery significantly. I am glad that I purchased it.