Smart Keyboard Folio alternatives for M4 iPad Pro?

[GimmeDatApple]

We're now almost a year since Apple killed off this accessory for iPads, and instead thinks we want to spend $300 or more turning them into MacBooks.

I don't need a trackpad and I love being able to flip the keyboard flat along the back of the device so it doesn't have to be stowed during takeoff. Has some wonderful third party come out with an alternative that mimics the Smart Keyboard Folio?

 

[nightcap965]

I know Apple doesn’t read this, but this is the reason I won’t upgrade to an M4 iPad Pro. I don’t want the Magic Keyboard, it’s too heavy and unstable for my lap.

I’ve seen at least three third party products, but they all share the same problem: they’re far too heavy.

 

[GimmeDatApple]

I know Apple doesn’t read this, but this is the reason I won’t upgrade to an M4 iPad Pro. I don’t want the Magic Keyboard, it’s too heavy and unstable for my lap.

I’ve seen at least three third party products, but they all share the same problem: they’re far too heavy.

I don't understand why Apple wants all of us to use our iPads as MacBooks. I would save myself hundreds of dollars and buy an M4 MacBook Air if I wanted to go that route.

As it stands, I might just get a folio case and give up on using a keyboard completely with my iPad.

 

[StoneJack]

I don't understand why Apple wants all of us to use our iPads as MacBooks. I would save myself hundreds of dollars and buy an M4 MacBook Air if I wanted to go that route.

As it stands, I might just get a folio case and give up on using a keyboard completely with my iPad.

any portable bluetooth keyboard will do

 

[It’s always something]

As it stands, I might just get a folio case and give up on using a keyboard completely with my iPad.

I’ve successfully used an inexpensive Bluetooth keyboard, a $50 keyboard case, and the onscreen keyboard with my iPads. There’s definitely no need to use Apple’s more expensive solutions for this. 🤷‍♂️

 

[GimmeDatApple]

any portable bluetooth keyboard will do

100% disagree. None of them are as lightweight as Apple's and that means there's yet another battery I need to charge if I want to use a physical keyboard.

 

[StoneJack]

100% disagree. None of them are as lightweight as Apple's and that means there's yet another battery I need to charge if I want to use a physical keyboard.

there third party bt keyboards which are lighter than Apple's. Even custom made for iPad mini, which Apple doesn't make.

 

[It’s always something]

100% disagree. None of them are as lightweight as Apple's and that means there's yet another battery I need to charge if I want to use a physical keyboard.

I don’t know what’s available specifically for iPad Pro, but my wife’s iPad has a keyboard folio that has not needed a recharge in almost two years. It’s almost like not having to worry about a battery at all. So perhaps there is something similar for the Pro. 🤷‍♂️

 

[bob_zz123]

It's not light and it has a trackpad but I would go with the Combo Touch, you can take the keyboard off or turn it around so the keyboard faces inwards and then fold it flat against the back of the iPad. It's not (very) cheap either but cheaper than a Magic Keyboard. For my money, I'm a huge fan.

 

[sledgehammer89]

I know Apple doesn’t read this, but this is the reason I won’t upgrade to an M4 iPad Pro. I don’t want the Magic Keyboard, it’s too heavy and unstable for my lap.

I’ve seen at least three third party products, but they all share the same problem: they’re far too heavy.

Same reason for me. No Smart Keyboard Folio, no iPad Pro M4. I find it also unstable on lap and too heavy, but most important reason:
Now in spring time, many many polls flying around. Smart Keyboard is perfect for this situation, where an very expensive magic keyboard with open keys is too good to use in this situation.

iPad is a mobile device, isn't it Apple?

 

[beardownchicago]

Are people generally happy with ESR keyboard cases for iPads? They are very popular on the YouTube group of reviewers, but I'm always a bit wary of sponsored reviews.

I don't use my iPad to type that much these days, but do use it that way occasionally.