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Next decision - to buy or not to buy Keyboard Folio...
- Thread starter ssledoux
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Thanks not that I know off.
I continue to await sky store re stocking the keyboard for 139 pounds mobile piggy bank rewards.
[doublepost=1549964563][/doublepost]Apple iPad Pro 3 11-Inch Smart Keyboard Folio
£139Cash in 50gb
Out of stock
I am very sorry there is not a time scale when these will be back available and in Stock. At the moment we are awaiting Stock from Apple.
Today via mobile providers
Today via mobile providers
I’ve also been fighting the urge to buy the keyboard folio.. almost bit the bullet the other day at an apple store but one of the employees talked me into waiting a bit more. Since I’ve been hoping that Logitech will come out with a keyboard for the pros sooner than later. I even almost ordered the Logitech k480 tonight just because I’ve been itching for something to use while on my lap.
The wait is difficult.
The wait is difficult.
An Apple Store employee talked you into not buying an Apple product?
— I’m not being sarcastic, I’m genuinely surprised.
The more I use the two keyboard folios, the more I think they’re very different in user experience.
The 11” one is really good - it fits the form factor of the iPad brilliantly, making it an ultra-portable device which is great for getting stuff done on the move. I’ve also found myself leaving it on when around the house and its really handy to use for quick emails and messages.
The 12.9” one is ok, but due to how I use the bigger iPad, I’m either at a desk when I’d rather use a Magic Keyboard, or if I’m on the move, I’d much rather have something like a Brydge keyboard. The larger folio isn’t as good on the lap as the 11” due to the heavier iPad - physics takes over and is more likely to try and tip the iPad.
So I think if the Brydge keyboard had been available on day one, I’d have gone with that over the Apple Folio and I possibly wouldn’t even have bothered with a stand and Magic Keyboard for it then either.
The 11” one is really good - it fits the form factor of the iPad brilliantly, making it an ultra-portable device which is great for getting stuff done on the move. I’ve also found myself leaving it on when around the house and its really handy to use for quick emails and messages.
The 12.9” one is ok, but due to how I use the bigger iPad, I’m either at a desk when I’d rather use a Magic Keyboard, or if I’m on the move, I’d much rather have something like a Brydge keyboard. The larger folio isn’t as good on the lap as the 11” due to the heavier iPad - physics takes over and is more likely to try and tip the iPad.
So I think if the Brydge keyboard had been available on day one, I’d have gone with that over the Apple Folio and I possibly wouldn’t even have bothered with a stand and Magic Keyboard for it then either.
That's unlucky 11" i pad could have arrived tomorrow, when I'm not at home.
Since requested Mon 11th March delivery.
At least I can finish enjoying 10.5 this week, before removing iCloud etc to post to recycling company.
11' has been very fast considering it was to be delivered in 2-3 weeks.
Since requested Mon 11th March delivery.
At least I can finish enjoying 10.5 this week, before removing iCloud etc to post to recycling company.
11' has been very fast considering it was to be delivered in 2-3 weeks.
After trying the Logitech Keys-to-go for a period I found the typing feel not conducive. So, I went to the Apple Store to look at the keyboard folio and make a final decision.
I couldn’t do it. I like the ‘regular’ folio too much and don’t (personally) like the feel of the new Smart Keyboard with the rigid keyboard plane. It was also really quite heavy on the 12.9 device.
Whilst I was there I also looked at the Magic Keyboard ‘in the metal’ and was very interested in it. It is almost exactly the same size as the 12.9 across the long edge, and it is a ‘proper’ desktop-class keyboard. So I decided to take a punt on it:
I’ve been using it fairly regularly for over a month, now, and I’m really happy with my purchase. In an ideal world it would be Space Grey but the aluminium finish is fine. It feels great to use and my go-to assessment is: would I be happy to write a book using it? The answer is yes...
Sure, it needs to be carried separately in my bag but I have a slim case for it and that’s no problem at all. The combined weight of iPad and Magic Keyboard is probably similar to the weight of iPad + Smart Keyboard, but you never really carry both in the hand at the same time so, again, no issues there.
Definitely worth considering and Smart Folio + Magic Keyboard is the same price as Smart Keyboard so comparable from that perspective, too.
I couldn’t do it. I like the ‘regular’ folio too much and don’t (personally) like the feel of the new Smart Keyboard with the rigid keyboard plane. It was also really quite heavy on the 12.9 device.
Whilst I was there I also looked at the Magic Keyboard ‘in the metal’ and was very interested in it. It is almost exactly the same size as the 12.9 across the long edge, and it is a ‘proper’ desktop-class keyboard. So I decided to take a punt on it:
I’ve been using it fairly regularly for over a month, now, and I’m really happy with my purchase. In an ideal world it would be Space Grey but the aluminium finish is fine. It feels great to use and my go-to assessment is: would I be happy to write a book using it? The answer is yes...
Sure, it needs to be carried separately in my bag but I have a slim case for it and that’s no problem at all. The combined weight of iPad and Magic Keyboard is probably similar to the weight of iPad + Smart Keyboard, but you never really carry both in the hand at the same time so, again, no issues there.
Definitely worth considering and Smart Folio + Magic Keyboard is the same price as Smart Keyboard so comparable from that perspective, too.
Easily. It’s not very different. It has less empty space on the edges and is only slightly smaller in actual keyboard space. The first time I typed on it I even forgot for a few minutes that I was trying the new one for first time.
I have an Omoton bluetooth keyboard I used with my 6th gen iPad and my iPP (before I bought the keyboard folio). It looked very much like the magic keyboard, cost me $12, and it also comes in black. I just put my iPad up on a metal stand, which I also liked because it made it a great height for looking at the screen.
That’s my beef with using the keyboard folio - to type comfortably, my iPP has to be where I’m always looking downward at it. Ultimately though, the folio is what I need when I go meet clients and things like that - much more convenient than lugging a separate keyboard around.
In the three months since I posted that I have no regrets. The Magic Keyboard is great to type on and doesn’t add significant weight to my bag.
I also go to client meetings. I mostly use the on-screen keyboard in those instances, but if I was in a longer meeting where I was anticipating taking a lot of notes then I can pull the Magic Keyboard out and be using it in seconds.
There is another benefit of working this way. Traditional laptops and keyboard folios make the screen into a barrier between you and your client. By using the laptop with the Folio case in the lower orientations you can have the full keyboard experience without any walls in between you.
I have tried all kinds of cases with my iPad Air 3, and I keep flip flopping between the ASK and a simple inexpensive light weight folio case without keyboard. At this time, I have simplified my approach to using the iPad as a pure tablet with Apple pencil, but no physical keyboard. This setup is great for taking notes, making sketches, annotating documents, and doing light productivity tasks. If I need to do a lot of typing, spreadsheets, and document creation, I use my MBA. MacOS is just made for these tasks. I am not saying they can't be done on an iPad. But, these tasks just feel more natural on my MBA.
Taking the physical keyboard off of my iPad encourages me to use the right tool for the job, so I am inclined to use the iPad as a tablet (which it is) and less likely to use it as a laptop (which it is not).
Taking the physical keyboard off of my iPad encourages me to use the right tool for the job, so I am inclined to use the iPad as a tablet (which it is) and less likely to use it as a laptop (which it is not).
Since I put the iPadOS beta on my 1st gen iPad Pro, I've been using the magic keyboard again with, and I still really like this combo.
(This is getting into de-rail territory for this thread) That really is driven by software at this point.
As a person who uses computers 99% of the time for comms, documents, spreadsheeting etc. I can use my 12.9 Pro for all of that (and do, when I am on the road and travelling light).
Only when specialist software which is not available for my iPad is needed do I have to use my laptop.
Just got my 12.9 on the BB deal and I am struggling with just a folio or the keyboard folio from apple. $200+tax?!? Really????
But man it makes life so much easier with an all in one solution though and I would just rip it off and go naked during my couch surfing.
What are people using as protection if not the ASK? A sleeve and another bag for the external keyboard?
Good discussion here!
But man it makes life so much easier with an all in one solution though and I would just rip it off and go naked during my couch surfing.
What are people using as protection if not the ASK? A sleeve and another bag for the external keyboard?
Good discussion here!
I wound up going for it for my 11" pro. I was hesitant because it's awkward compared to the original ASK, but man when I need to bring it to a client meeting or something, it's just so darn easy.
It's so easy to remove, that yes, you can just pull it off and leave it on the desk when you don't need it.
I will just pull the trigger I guess eventually but holding out fruitlessly due to the cost for what it is and the reviews being abysmal due to the Apple tax and quality. Ugh.
Thanks for the feedback
I have been using the Apple keyboard folio with my iPP 12.9 (2019) since January and although it is by no means perfect, it's been great for work travel. The key feel and action aren't ideal, but when you factor in the ease of connection, protection of the back and screen without adding any much to the overall form, I do think it is a great laptop alternative. With iPadOS changes, it's going to be even better of a solution for people looking to cut some weight from their travel / work / school bag.
I have a MBP for my computer, deeper dive needs. When I want to lounge and pound out some emails or do some blogging I would like a keyboard though much of the time will be naked and just surfing the web.
I have read some reviews on the apple website and seems durability has always been an issue with this thing and kind of a wear in materials so I am hesitant at the $200 price range but it does gets it worth in functionality if putting through the paces. I appreciate the input.
Same here - I've got a 15" MBP and 21" iMac so I'll typically use the iMac when at my desk, but just couldn't stand lugging the MBP around anymore when I travel. The iPP with keyboard folio, as expensive as it is, makes traveling just that much easier. I figure if there are wear or quality issues with the keyboard folio in the first 12 months, either Apple will replace it, or I'll chalk it up to the folio taking the beating that the iPad didn't have to and get a new one. Hopefully Apple won't change the form factor of the 12.9" iPad Pro for at least another year.