I want a regular folio that works like the Keyboard folio. The Smart Folio's angle and base size aren't large enough to keep it upright when I watch shows in bed.
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Next decision - to buy or not to buy Keyboard Folio...
- Thread starter ssledoux
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I generally like the 2018 Apple Smart Keyboard. It performs well and is nicely designed for my needs. The biggest problem (not “issue” — overly used word) I have is the smooth surface of the front and back. The smooth surface scuffs and scratches and shows fingerprints way too easily. It should have been done in a textured surface to guard against easily shown wear.
I'm since considering 10.5 to 11"
Though not until this is in stock
Apple iPad Pro 3 11-Inch Smart Keyboard Folio
£152Cash in 30gb
Out of stock
Though not until this is in stock
Apple iPad Pro 3 11-Inch Smart Keyboard Folio
£152Cash in 30gb
Out of stock
I had the ASK for my gen 2 Pro and really liked it. It was enough of a keyboard for my needs without dominating the iPad exprience.
The new ASK is definitely more of a keyboard than the previous one was, so when buying the gen 3 I decided to go just for the Folio instead. I have a couple of Bluetooth keyboards, including a Logitech 810 and a Logitech Keys-to-go. Neither is quite as nice a typing experience as the previous ASK was in my opinion, but they are a better compromise than the new ASK would be for me.
I would ask yourself if you use your ipad with a keyboard 80% of the time, and if that is the case then get the ASK. If you only use your ipad with a keyboard 20% then stick with Bluetooth for definite.
In between you need to balance things from your own perspective and recognise that there is some kind of compromise to take.
For interest, here is my 12.9 with the Keys-to-go in position...
The new ASK is definitely more of a keyboard than the previous one was, so when buying the gen 3 I decided to go just for the Folio instead. I have a couple of Bluetooth keyboards, including a Logitech 810 and a Logitech Keys-to-go. Neither is quite as nice a typing experience as the previous ASK was in my opinion, but they are a better compromise than the new ASK would be for me.
I would ask yourself if you use your ipad with a keyboard 80% of the time, and if that is the case then get the ASK. If you only use your ipad with a keyboard 20% then stick with Bluetooth for definite.
In between you need to balance things from your own perspective and recognise that there is some kind of compromise to take.
For interest, here is my 12.9 with the Keys-to-go in position...
I despise the new keyboard folios as they prevent you from comfortably using the iPad with the keyboard folded away like the previous version.
Some bonehead "designer" thought it would be a grand idea to have the keys exposed outwards when the iPad is being used as tablet on the new version. Idiocy.
The flexing, bending, and lack of structural integrity on the cellular models and the major f*uckery going on with the folio keyboard keeps me from upgrading.
In fact, I'm replacing my launch day 10.5" with another 10.5" the moment the AppleCare+ expires on the original. The new 10.5 should get me into mid-2021, and I'll be able to keep my keyboard on when I need to flip into using the device as a tablet.
Some bonehead "designer" thought it would be a grand idea to have the keys exposed outwards when the iPad is being used as tablet on the new version. Idiocy.
The flexing, bending, and lack of structural integrity on the cellular models and the major f*uckery going on with the folio keyboard keeps me from upgrading.
In fact, I'm replacing my launch day 10.5" with another 10.5" the moment the AppleCare+ expires on the original. The new 10.5 should get me into mid-2021, and I'll be able to keep my keyboard on when I need to flip into using the device as a tablet.
I adore the new Smart Keyboard folio. Clearly the best version Apple has ever made. With the 11” I’m back around the typing speed I am with my iMac Apple keyboard of 70-80 wpm. Just love the thing.
However, there are a couple of glitches:
1.) Every now and then the apps misbehave where it thinks caps lock is enabled.
2.) The press-a-key to unlock with FaceID stops working randomly until you reboot the iPad Pro.
Nothing game-breaking, but a couple of annoying glitches.
However, there are a couple of glitches:
1.) Every now and then the apps misbehave where it thinks caps lock is enabled.
2.) The press-a-key to unlock with FaceID stops working randomly until you reboot the iPad Pro.
Nothing game-breaking, but a couple of annoying glitches.
I use ASK with 10.5 75-90% of usage.
Hope I enjoy the latest ask when it's in stock.
Currently holding up 11" order as I have to recycle 10.5 first.
I DO use my pro with a keyboard a LOT, but I have a pretty good setup, and it was cheap. Mainly I like that if I wanna take the iPad and go, the case on it is light and doesn’t really add much bulk at all. I’m under $50 in for the stand, keyboard, iPP case AND screen protector, so that’s definitely a positive!
I just really loved the typing experience on the ASK, and know I’d love that aspect of it, but not sure I like the idea of exposed keys when I’m not using the keyboard, having more bulk, etc.
I think I’ll stick with my setup for a bit.
I just really loved the typing experience on the ASK, and know I’d love that aspect of it, but not sure I like the idea of exposed keys when I’m not using the keyboard, having more bulk, etc.
I think I’ll stick with my setup for a bit.
I think if i used a physical keyboard, i would definitely get the ASK. But i prefer to type on the virtual keyboard when using an ipad. It’s a touch device, and i just like it better. But thats me.
I like the idea of using the ratio of keyboard use as a way to decide. If keyboard use were occasional... just for big projects... then, sure, a detached keyboard would be totally fine. I strongly prefer a physical keyboard to virtual, though and use it all the time. Having something attached makes a world of difference.
For me, the advantages of the Apple Keyboard Folio are that you don't have to connect via Bluetooth and that you can easily pull the iPad away for caseless use. The latter, though, is probably the main thing that will separate users into camps: some people prefer to use the device without a case when not typing; others want it always in a protective case regardless of what they are using it for. If you know which you are, that might guide your decision.
As to the case itself, I think the keyboard is great, I love the way it attaches, and I don't care about side protection. OTOH, I wish the cover material had a more premium feel and color options. Apple should consider cloth options for these folio cases -- there are some good, high-tech fabrics that would work really well on the outside of a cover like this.
As to the case itself, I think the keyboard is great, I love the way it attaches, and I don't care about side protection. OTOH, I wish the cover material had a more premium feel and color options. Apple should consider cloth options for these folio cases -- there are some good, high-tech fabrics that would work really well on the outside of a cover like this.
Now that I’ve discovered third party skins with endless design options, I’m ok with apple’s boring gray.
I have just noticed from your signature that you don't have a Mac!?! If so, I would definitely recommend the keyboard folio - it's brilliant. I have both a Mac and MBP so I didn't bother for my 11", but if you don't then I would!
The only downside is the material does tend to get fairly gunky after a few hours usage, but a quick wipe tends to solve that issue.
Good luck (-:
Think it’s worth it to me. Keyboard is heavier than previous versions but needed for me and works better for my usage.
As someone who was in the same situation, after a couple weeks of using it without the SKF, I realized that I simply wasn’t using it as much or as productively as my 10.5”. So I’d recommend it. Mine arrives tomorrow, and the smart folio (without Keyboard) goes back.
No waaaay is it heavier. It’s back protection and front protection. The old model was just the front piece.
And also, it was ugly as sin and was fiddly to set up.
I feel conflicted today as for the first time I have experienced significant lag on a Bluetooth keyboard. I’m on a conference call using my AirPods and attempting to use my Keys-to-go and the lag is terrible.
If this becomes a common experience for me then I would think again about the Smart Keyboard Folio.
If this becomes a common experience for me then I would think again about the Smart Keyboard Folio.
This is probably the only thing holding me back right now. I really like mine in a case at all times, and what I’ve been reading about the keys being exposed when you fold it back, makes me really unsure.
As of now, my Bluetooth keyboard is always “connected.” I have to tap a key on the keyboard a couple times to get it going, but that’s pretty simple. I also have a nice little case/screen cover on the iPad, which can be on it and flipped back while it’s in the stand, but makes it super easy to grab it and go (just flip the cover) when I wanna take it with me.
I guess the biggest thing is just that I know I loved the feel of my old ASK, and I’d love to go back to that. I think I’m really gonna need to make a trip to the Apple store and really play with one to see what I think.
I'm not sure why Apple still refuses to put a backlight in their smart keyboards.
Here you go!
In person it has more of a purple hue to it...it looks like a washed out gray here.
Guessing battery life and weight/size constraints.
I just bought the keyboard folio because i was tired of carrying another keyboard with my iPad in my bag. So it has been convenient but i think that adjustable placements (2) are useless. I only 1 placement, the other way is way too vertical.
