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New Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro Now Available to Order, Deliveries Begin Next Week
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Sounds good! Yeah I thought I might miss those things but I guess there’s still the physical volume up/down on the iPad Pro and you can use your trackpad / control centre for some stuff too? Shame they don’t seem to have added the keyboard backlighting to control centre?
Perhaps you could use Shortcuts app to set up a shortcut to the brightness controls? Is that possible?
Yeah i’m sure could be an option. The auto brightness for the keyboard I imagine would be enough as even now it is at about the correct lighting for me.
just getting used to the trackpad being there after using touch and Magic Trackpad for so long.
Mine just arrived!!!! 
Just about to open it up and see what it's like!
Just about to open it up and see what it's like!
With how it connects i expect so, the next iPad will be the same as the 2020 just with mini LED. This keyboard should be compatible for many years i would expect.
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Hopefully you like itMine just arrived!!!!
Just about to open it up and see what it's like!
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I'm hoping that too! If the new 2021 iPads are a complete redesign that don't use this form factor for the keyboard I'll be gutted! Ha.
I'm stopping for a lunch break so will report back after I've tried it out!
Everyone else liking theirs that have received them?
Very happy with mine, i would say the keyboard could have been bigger but the main reason to buy this was the typing experience, trackpad and backlit all which do a great job.I'm hoping that too! If the new 2021 iPads are a complete redesign that don't use this form factor for the keyboard I'll be gutted! Ha.
I'm stopping for a lunch break so will report back after I've tried it out!
Everyone else liking theirs that have received them?
Loving my new keyboard so far!
Quick thoughts:
- Trackpad was almost too speedy for me, so had to turn down the settings
- The battery seems to get gobbled up a lot quicker using the keyboard case (just me?)
- I keep using Command+Q to try and quit out of apps, which doesn’t work haha! I saw in a YouTube video that you can use Command+Tab to get to the app switcher THEN hit Command+Q to quit the app, but the app still seems to remain open for me?
- Keyboard experience seems good typing wise so far, I would say the keys have great travel but do feel a little more “rubbery” than my MacBook keys? Still great to type on though!
Overall, really happy so far!
CoverBuddy question: I remember one of the UK guys on here said they ordered the CoverBuddy case also? Sorry, I can’t remember who it was! I just went on their site and it seems to have been redesigned and the 2020 CoverBuddy cases are now in stock with FREE shipping? I’m sure whoever it was said they paid a chunk for shipping? Have you heard from them?
Quick thoughts:
- Trackpad was almost too speedy for me, so had to turn down the settings
- The battery seems to get gobbled up a lot quicker using the keyboard case (just me?)
- I keep using Command+Q to try and quit out of apps, which doesn’t work haha! I saw in a YouTube video that you can use Command+Tab to get to the app switcher THEN hit Command+Q to quit the app, but the app still seems to remain open for me?
- Keyboard experience seems good typing wise so far, I would say the keys have great travel but do feel a little more “rubbery” than my MacBook keys? Still great to type on though!
Overall, really happy so far!
CoverBuddy question: I remember one of the UK guys on here said they ordered the CoverBuddy case also? Sorry, I can’t remember who it was! I just went on their site and it seems to have been redesigned and the 2020 CoverBuddy cases are now in stock with FREE shipping? I’m sure whoever it was said they paid a chunk for shipping? Have you heard from them?
Battery life doesn’t seem that different. Mine iPad is on 45% left after coming off charge at 8am this morning. I’m using it all day for work so not far off to be honest. Worth monitoring though I think its only when backlit is being used on full brightness.
I got the 12.9” version for 2020 iPad Pro
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Yeah, it’s maybe just me over analysing it? Haha. Mine was on 73% when I started using it and gone down 10% so far (about 40-50 minutes use)...
Also, any clue who it was who ordered the CoverBuddy yet?
I also wanted to ask if any of you use PaperLike protectors (or other brands)? Just wondering if they’re worth it and recommendations...
I’d like to keep this keyboard case for a while, so that if and when I upgrade next year to get better software, it won’t be a pain.
Well I’m super happy with my 11” case!
Two photos of it set up. Comparing it to an old Psion I had lying around for fun
Re the CoverBuddy yes I’ve ordered. Hoping it doesn’t ruin the sleek close of the case as it is stock. Will have to see.
Also awaiting a Paperlike protector. No idea if they’re all hype but had that kind of screen protector on my 9.7” Pro I’ve upgraded from and I liked it more for the fingerprintproof-ness.
Such a well built keyboard but I guess my old gripe would be that the materials aren’t going to age well.
A nice leather would have been ideal methinks...
Two photos of it set up. Comparing it to an old Psion I had lying around for fun
Re the CoverBuddy yes I’ve ordered. Hoping it doesn’t ruin the sleek close of the case as it is stock. Will have to see.
Also awaiting a Paperlike protector. No idea if they’re all hype but had that kind of screen protector on my 9.7” Pro I’ve upgraded from and I liked it more for the fingerprintproof-ness.
Such a well built keyboard but I guess my old gripe would be that the materials aren’t going to age well.
A nice leather would have been ideal methinks...
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Those who have this trackpad and the Apple Pencil do you think your usage will mean you use the pencil less? Or do you have different use cases?
Well I’m super happy with my 11” case!
Two photos of it set up. Comparing it to an old Psion I had lying around for fun
Re the CoverBuddy yes I’ve ordered. Hoping it doesn’t ruin the sleek close of the case as it is stock. Will have to see.
Also awaiting a Paperlike protector. No idea if they’re all hype but had that kind of screen protector on my 9.7” Pro I’ve upgraded from and I liked it more for the fingerprintproof-ness.
Such a well built keyboard but I guess my old gripe would be that the materials aren’t going to age well.
A nice leather would have been ideal methinks...
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View attachment 907970
Haha! Loving the set up comparisons there!
Awesome, I thought it was you who had ordered but I didn’t know for sure. I just tried ordering just now and I think it went through, as I got through a Paypal and order confirmation, but it seemed to be from a “galastar.net” email?
Would you be able to check on the site to see if you think it looks different or to see if you’ve and update on your order? Mine seems veeery glitchy my end. :-/
Cool! Where did you order the PaperLike from? I noticed that it was out of stock most places? @ahojfelixi
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I think I will use it less overall but will still use it for certain cases where I need to touch the screen (that it can be used for) and for drawing and note taking of course!
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I think that might have been me? I ordered one from Mobile fun - supposedly it will be delivered tomorrow (but I ordered for the iPad pro 2018 model). Sorry if I'm not the person you meant...
I’m not sure at this stage but I think I might fine I use the pencil more as it now feels like the whole thing is docked. That’s as I‘m coming from not having the folio case before this.
I’m tying the reply now with the keyboard as it zips along and I’m making fewer mistakes!
I plan to really adjust my work flow that basically says if I want to do some written notes, I’ll detach the iPad from the keyboard and that task. It may take a bit of a conscious step. But that’s the main reason as I see it why anyone would get this set up over a MacBook Air. If you want the mix of: TOUCH, KEYBOARD, PENCIL and MOUSE, along with the Apps an all they offer you get this - if you type most of the time and don’t do any handwriting I’d presume the MacBook Air would be more up your alley... But the nice thing about this is that it is all optional.
You could get the pro and never buy the pencil and keyboard as still really enjoy it, and you can extend the device buy adding on extra items.
I feel that a MacBook Air coversely is very much the static device it comes as it does when shipped. Barring software.
But getting back on the topic you mentioned, I think the keyboard completes the iPad experience and eco system. Meaning I can say I’m thinking as much as I did before: I wish Apple would add....
(Maybe just Apple’s Pro Apps as many other people have clammoured for else where!)
Anyone using this set up now, I’d find it hard to believe they’d say actually I‘ll go back to the Smart Folio keyboard with no integrated mouse. This package really ticks pretty much all the boxes I can think of...
And due to this I’ll be much more drawn to use the device that I was before - and I loved it before, and when you’re drawn to a device and USE IT a TON, you find new ways to do so as you use it day in day out, which in turn means the pencil will get used as part of the the tools at your disposal.
After seeing a lot of the reviews being for the 12.9” version I was a little worried I’d start to wish I’d gone with the bigger option now this keyboard exists, but I can say this for me the 11” is bang on the money for the size as it really is like a notepad / small journal and the keyboard is very very lapable -
Wrapping up my rather meandering thoughts here... for me this isn’t a computer or laptop replacement nor is it a well accessorised tablet. It is in its own area, genre - where workflows and how you think about computing does need to change - ever from Apple’s own macOS set up. But that’s in fact what I like so much about it. I’m glad this isn’t macOS on an iPad as much as I’m glad it doesn’t run Windows (!)...
In short the iPad Pro experience is a very accessible yet powerful computing platform that I feel is only going to get better with iPadOS 14..15 and beyond
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Well I’m super happy with my 11” case!
Two photos of it set up. Comparing it to an old Psion I had lying around for fun
Re the CoverBuddy yes I’ve ordered. Hoping it doesn’t ruin the sleek close of the case as it is stock. Will have to see.
Also awaiting a Paperlike protector. No idea if they’re all hype but had that kind of screen protector on my 9.7” Pro I’ve upgraded from and I liked it more for the fingerprintproof-ness.
Such a well built keyboard but I guess my old gripe would be that the materials aren’t going to age well.
A nice leather would have been ideal methinks...
View attachment 907970
Had to comment on this @ahojfelixi as I used to work for Psion back in the day (as a the Software Product Manager for Series 3, Siena and Series 5). Great times!!
Also, just noticed you can assign an “Escape” key to one of the other keys...in case anyone was looking for that?
[automerge]1587487942[/automerge]Haha! Loving the set up comparisons there!
Awesome, I thought it was you who had ordered but I didn’t know for sure. I just tried ordering just now and I think it went through, as I got through a Paypal and order confirmation, but it seemed to be from a “galastar.net” email?
Would you be able to check on the site to see if you think it looks different or to see if you’ve and update on your order? Mine seems veeery glitchy my end. :-/
Cool! Where did you order the PaperLike from? I noticed that it was out of stock most places?
@SimonMScott Hey!
So I’m not sure re the site you refer to - I ordered my CoverBuddy from Switcheasy.com - and the billing email was a long number @ qq.com - but the confirmation email came from Switcheasy.com
Regarding your earlier questions re the CoverBuddy, I’d not see any stock in the UK for the 2020 iPad and just went with the one on their main site, but I never saw anything about it being in stock or pre-order. It was just available to add to the basket.
I think it will be slow to ship and arrive, but I decided to just go with it and see!
$20 for international posting is very annoying, but again I had a feeling this wouldn’t show up in the UK any time soon.
Having said all this, I’m a little concerned this may make the way the Magic Keyboard fit and close - less perfect, so perhaps it will be a total waste of £ ...
As for Paperlike - I got it from their official site, but it has been delayed twice due to COVID 19. It shipped yesterday and I ordered it way back at the beginning of April.
Hope that helps a bit
That’s amazing @trashmac ! Yes I love that era of tech - still remember being very jealous of my dad’s Psion Revo... I picked this one up in a charity shop for £15 as I find the keyboard to be such a stylish design.
Nice to meet someone virtually here who was clearly so intimately involved with those devices!
Before I started using iPhones again I was a die hard Nokia N9 user with MeeGo OS... Perhaps you might know that too!
When the iPhone X launched it was like Apple had been thinking - we need to use all those genius UX / UI achievements in MeeGo.
While the Psion and Magic Keyboard was more a silly comparison - to me, in a way I find the completeness of the iPad Pro 11“ and this Magic Keyboard to feel vaguely reminiscent of the Psion. From a different time and different software options, but there’s some shared DNA I feel 😍🤓
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Hi,
Yes, that makes some sense. I think perhaps the Switcheasy.com site has switched servers or designers? I ordered via the SwitchEasy.com site also, but for shipping it was either “free” or $25.00 for expedited shipping?
Then I got a confirmation email from Switcheasy.service@galastar.net? But then I googled Galastar and they are the SwitchEasy parent company, so it’s legit but all seems a bit weird?
No option to cancel my order either and they’re not responding to any of my emails. Do you have a tracking or account with them to check your order?
Ah yeah I saw that was the case with Paperlike. As a heads up for anyone else looking, Amazon UK has the 11” version of Paperlike in stock right now. Unfortunately, I need the 12.9” version otherwise I’d order up straight away!
Hubs Sidenote: Sorry, I’m a bit of an iPad Pro newbie so hence all the questions. I was looking for a USB-C hub and looks like the Hyperdrive one is the best I can find. Thoughts?
Sounds about right, and I’m hopefully they’re legit and not a bad company. Think they are from the reviews I’ve seen, but perhaps they’ll just be a bit slow and I’m already aware I’ll have little rights of return etc. Hey ho!
For my MacBookPro I went with which is fine at £35:
Anker USB C Hub, 7-in-1 USB C Adapter, with 4K USB C to HDMI, 100W Power Delivery, USB C Data Port, microSD/SD Card Reader, 2 USB 3.0 Ports, for MacBook Pro 2017/2018, Chromebook, XPS, and More https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07HMLTCPL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_awYNEb61SJF9D
But if I had my time again I’d now go with:
Inateck USB C Adapter USB C Hub 9 Ports USB Docking Station with Stowed Cable, PD Type C Ports, 4K HDMI, VGA for MacBook and Other USB-C Laptops https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07C6NBZG5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_-wYNEbTZ2Q9JY
Or:
Inateck USB C Hub, 8 Port USB C Adapter, Supports 100W Power Delivery, HDMI, VGA, RJ45 Ethernet, 2 USB 3.0 ports, SD/MicroSD card reader https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07X1PGXRX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_BxYNEbG0YT23H
I don’t personally like the flush design hubs as I like a bit of a cable taking it away from the device!
Fire away with questions, it’s all good
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On a really niche and techie point - just tested the 2020 iPad’s new microphone cut off feature and it works. Did a FaceTime Audio call with my partner and closed the keyboard up while talking. Interesting the call stayed activated and I could hear her speaking but she told me my voice cut out when I closed the device.
So the mics do get physically turned off - I presume by magnets when you shut the keyboard down.
I‘m happy about that small but valid feature!
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As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
Sounds about right, and I’m hopefully they’re legit and not a bad company. Think they are from the reviews I’ve seen, but perhaps they’ll just be a bit slow and I’m already aware I’ll have little rights of return etc. Hey ho!
For my MacBookPro I went with which is fine at £35:
Anker USB C Hub, 7-in-1 USB C Adapter, with 4K USB C to HDMI, 100W Power Delivery, USB C Data Port, microSD/SD Card Reader, 2 USB 3.0 Ports, for MacBook Pro 2017/2018, Chromebook, XPS, and More https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07HMLTCPL/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_awYNEb61SJF9D
But if I had my time again I’d now go with:
Inateck USB C Adapter USB C Hub 9 Ports USB Docking Station with Stowed Cable, PD Type C Ports, 4K HDMI, VGA for MacBook and Other USB-C Laptops https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07C6NBZG5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_-wYNEbTZ2Q9JY
Or:
Inateck USB C Hub, 8 Port USB C Adapter, Supports 100W Power Delivery, HDMI, VGA, RJ45 Ethernet, 2 USB 3.0 ports, SD/MicroSD card reader https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07X1PGXRX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_BxYNEbG0YT23H
I don’t personally like the flush design hubs as I like a bit of a cable taking it away from the device!
Fire away with questions, it’s all good
[automerge]1587489142[/automerge]
On a really niche and techie point - just tested the 2020 iPad’s new microphone cut off feature and it works. Did a FaceTime Audio call with my partner and closed the keyboard up while talking. Interesting the call stayed activated and I could hear her speaking but she told me my voice cut out when I closed the device.
So the mics do get physically turned off - I presume by magnets when you shut the keyboard down.
I‘m happy about that small but valid feature!
Thanks for the epic reply! Appreciate the help and advice.
Yeah, I’ve not heard great things to be fair, but it seems to be the only cover/case that provides the pass through charging allowance via the smart connector? Just really hoping that they at least reply and don’t take my money and run. Did you pay through PayPal? That seemed to be the only option I had on the site....
Oh cool! I have that exact same Anker hub for my Macbook also!
I really like it as a hub but I’m just trying to find a neater solution at the moment as I prefer less things dangling off the side of my device (especially with the angle of this new keyboard)? I already have to then attach a USB-C SSD to whatever dongle or hub I’m using which then means there is a wire, then anoooother wire and device hanging off the first at the moment?
I’d been looking at this one from Hyperdrive and it’s just been updated to support 60hz 4K over the HDMI connection for the 2020 iPads, so I was tempted? https://www.hypershop.com/collectio...-hub-for-ipad-pro-2018?variant=19292802187326
That’s awesome about the microphones that they do work like that!
I was talking about battery life earlier and I was on 73% earlier, probably used it for 1.5-2 hours with the keyboard attached, then went out for a walk for an hour and been using it again for 10 mins or so and it’s down to 38% now...as a newbie, is that normal or am I doing something wrong?
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
Thanks for the epic reply! Appreciate the help and advice.
Yeah, I’ve not heard great things to be fair, but it seems to be the only cover/case that provides the pass through charging allowance via the smart connector? Just really hoping that they at least reply and don’t take my money and run. Did you pay through PayPal? That seemed to be the only option I had on the site....
Oh cool! I have that exact same Anker hub for my Macbook also!
I really like it as a hub but I’m just trying to find a neater solution at the moment as I prefer less things dangling off the side of my device (especially with the angle of this new keyboard)? I already have to then attach a USB-C SSD to whatever dongle or hub I’m using which then means there is a wire, then anoooother wire and device hanging off the first at the moment?
I’d been looking at this one from Hyperdrive and it’s just been updated to support 60hz 4K over the HDMI connection for the 2020 iPads, so I was tempted? https://www.hypershop.com/collectio...-hub-for-ipad-pro-2018?variant=19292802187326
That’s awesome about the microphones that they do work like that!
I was talking about battery life earlier and I was on 73% earlier, probably used it for 1.5-2 hours with the keyboard attached, then went out for a walk for an hour and been using it again for 10 mins or so and it’s down to 38% now...as a newbie, is that normal or am I doing something wrong?
No worries!
Ah you may like the Baseus hub that this chap reviewed
It wasn’t my cup of tea but looks good.
Yep paid via PayPal so some buyer protection and if nothing turns up / no emails within say a week or two then I’ll start emailing and chasing to get myself in a position to push for a chargeback but I don’t think it’ll come to that and suspect they’ll not have the best customer support but will ship it.
That doesn’t sound like the best battery run times. I’ve not had it long enough to really test.
So far before the keyboard the 11” battery life has been fantastic.
I’ll test it across a full days usage from a 100% charge.
I’d hope the max I’d lose from the keyboard is 10%
I’ll report back how it goes