Testing Apple's New Magic Keyboard for iPad Pro

[jmgregory1]

For those griping about the weight of the MK and/or that it doesn’t fold all the way over, I think Jason Snell’s review on Macworld nails it:

“There’s a reason Apple’s videos about the Magic Keyboard always show someone grabbing the iPad with one hand and walking away with it. That’s the killer feature. That’s what separates it from every Mac laptop. It’s a laptop—until the moment you decide you don’t want it to be that anymore. And then it’s not.”

That’s a brilliant description. I’ve figured this out myself over the past ~6 weeks or so, as I pulled my 12.9” out of the keyboard folio it has been in for the past year, and have been using it on a stand on my desk with external Apple bt keyboard and Magic Trackpad 2 while working during the day (typing, spreadsheet and doc creation), then grab it at the end of the day as an iPad for reading news and books, watching YouTube, Twitter, etc.

I just have to decide whether I need to spend the money on the new Magic Keyboard once life gets back to normal and I spend more time on the road. Or whether I can live with the old folio and separate trackpad (which I love because it’s so big and easy to move the cursor around without getting the edges). Right now I already have the benefit of a better keyboard and trackpad experience and don’t need a floating adjustable stand at this point.

 

[ct2k7]

That’s a brilliant description. I’ve figured this out myself over the past ~6 weeks or so, as I pulled my 12.9” out of the keyboard folio it has been in for the past year, and have been using it on a stand on my desk with external Apple bt keyboard and Magic Trackpad 2 while working during the day (typing, spreadsheet and doc creation), then grab it at the end of the day as an iPad for reading news and books, watching YouTube, Twitter, etc.

I just have to decide whether I need to spend the money on the new Magic Keyboard once life gets back to normal and I spend more time on the road. Or whether I can live with the old folio and separate trackpad (which I love because it’s so big and easy to move the cursor around without getting the edges). Right now I already have the benefit of a better keyboard and trackpad experience and don’t need a floating adjustable stand at this point.

I’d buy one and return it if I were you, you might like it.

 

[Techwatcher]

It just seems a clumsy direction to go in. They are trying to morph the iPad into a MacBook replacement. Why not give us a MacBook Air with a touch screen that double back on itself? I suppose they want people owning both devices, which I can understand. I do have both, but I prefer the Air by far.

I think it's because they notice Laptops don't make good tablets, so they're attempting to make Tablets good laptops. iPadOS is proof that this is the direction they're aiming to be victorious in.

 

[ct2k7]

I think it's because they notice Laptops don't make good tablets, so they're attempting to make Tablets good laptops. iPadOS is proof that this is the direction they're aiming to be victorious in.

I think they’re trying to redefine what a computer is

 

[Techwatcher]

I think they’re trying to redefine what a computer is

Yep.

 

[mazz0]

Best typing experience you’ve had on iPad? But you can use a normal Magic Keyboard with iPad, which you can position however you like and even use with the iPad in portrait mode. That’s gotta take some beating.

 

[Mooey]

What's the point of this

 

[ct2k7]

Yep.

I don’t know how successful they are though, because a computer is a wide thing. For basic tasks, yes the iPad suffices, but for lots of computer work, it just doesn’t. I wonder if that’s intentional as the Mac line provides for that in a perfect manner.

 

[gutefahrt]

I haven’t seen many folks like me who draw and write presentations regularly post up why they want the Magic Keyboard. I draw figures with my 🍎 Pencil for lectures regularly with the Graphic iPad app, then import them into PowerPoint. When I get to a lecture hall, I plug in a USB-C -> HDMI adapter, and present the lecture right from my iPad. I use the Pencil to draw on my ppt during the presentation. I’ve received great feedback from students who are used to folks just pointing with a mouse. The addition of the trackpad will speed my word processing. And the lighted, improved keyboard are making my $280 investment worth it for me. I’ll likely get ~$100 for my used Smart Keyboard, so the net isn’t terrible. In addition, I’ve had the 11” Pro for 1.5 yrs, so I’m spending a bit to get a refreshed experience.

 

[Jadelamb]

Honestly, there are use cases for this. Maybe it’s not you. But I’m thrilled for a real keyboard, trackpad, and pencil! The 11 inch model is lighter than the any MacBook.

For me, I have a powerhouse MacBook Pro 13, 16 GB ram powering two 4K monitors for work. For on the go, I like the iPad Pro 11 inch + obsolete iPhone 6S. I like not having to be glued to my phone. And the now obsolete iPhone gives me enough features when running errands and small form factor. When I need a bigger screen, etc. the iPad Pro comes in. Plus, I can do work things (slower) but possible.

The MacBook Air has no place in my workflow. If I need on the go MacOS, I have my MacBook Pro. When I need to really work, I dock the MacBook Pro. When I go grocery shopping, the iPhone 6S is perfect. When I need mobile, lightweight work, drawing and note taking, iPad Pro.

 

[ct2k7]

What's the point of this

What’s the point of what?

 

[Techwatcher]

I don’t know how successful they are though, because a computer is a wide thing. For basic tasks, yes the iPad suffices, but for lots of computer work, it just doesn’t. I wonder if that’s intentional as the Mac line provides for that in a perfect manner.

Yeah I don't know how they will fully accomplish this. iPadOS aside, even macOS is still trying to catch up with Windows 10 especially in IT departments. So Apple has a lot of work to do.

 

[ct2k7]

Yeah I don't know how they will fully accomplish this. iPadOS aside, even macOS is still trying to catch up with Windows 10 especially in IT departments. So Apple has a lot of work to do.

AD is extremely flexible and I like the idea, for all of its faults.

 

[dk001]

While the cost does not put me totally off, it would solve a couple of issues. Still, I went through 4 ASK for my original IPP 12.9 to find a good defect free item.

IPP 11 is my current iPad.
I currently use a Logitech SK Folio. It is great except for one crazy issue: Bluetooth.
It connect via BT and disconnects when I close the folio. But my IPP doesn't always know it is closed (shows as disconnected in Settings) and the apps act as if it is connected. This looks like it would solve that and it is backlit like my Logitech.

I will be in the wait and see crowd on how this turns out for purchasers so keep the updates coming! 🤪

 

[hamiltonrwatch]

For me, essentially a $350.00 boat anchor. Sent mine back. YMMV.

 

[kevinpdoyle]

It just seems a clumsy direction to go in. They are trying to morph the iPad into a MacBook replacement. Why not give us a MacBook Air with a touch screen that double back on itself? I suppose they want people owning both devices, which I can understand. I do have both, but I prefer the Air by far.

Because MacOS isn’t built for touch, if I wanted an OS that forces touch into an interface where it doesn’t belong I’d buy a Windows machine.

 

[dk001]

I think they’re trying to redefine what a computer is

Chuckle. They have been. Kind of? Sort of? 🙄

For me:
In order of usefulness

• Computer: Laptop > Chromebook > iPad
• Tablet: iPad

My Windows laptop and Chrome book are both touchscreens but do not make the greatest tablets.

If I got a MK it would mostly be used at my desk then pop it free as needed.

 

[Zmmyt]

The idea behind it all I find rather interesting and exciting but the execution doesn’t seem very “Apple-lesque”

 

[Techwatcher]

Chuckle. They have been. Kind of? Sort of? 🙄

For me:
In order of usefulness

• Computer: Laptop > Chromebook > iPad
• Tablet: iPad

My Windows laptop and Chrome book are both touchscreens but do not make the greatest tablets.

Chromebook? Chromebooks are terrible for productivity and severely underpowered. Those are true definitions of email machines. Windows laptop I can agree with though.

 

[Mooey]

What’s the point of what?

The thing that is being tested...?

 

[ernestoche]

How do you lock the screen?
We're talking about the new Magic Keyboard (not the iPad Pro).




Don't give me unintelligent answers!
How does the keyboard lock/unlock the screen?

 

[zhenya]

I really don‘t get the point of this design. It adds a nicer typing feeling than the previous model but at the price of doubling the weight. Still, it‘s limited by ipadOS and lacks the productivity of a Macbook when doing real work. And what‘s the weight for ? Just to have the display floating above the keyboard ? Looks nice, indeed, but at the price of adding such weight ? No, really.

So for doubling the weight (which is a very important property of a mobile device) you get something that can‘t be fully exploited given the limited capabilities of the OS and the available software for the price of a notebook.

Looks rather strange to me.

The weight is entirely to counteract the fact that with a tablet, the screen half of a “laptop” style setup is going to be top heavy. The floating design functions to move the center of gravity a couple of inches forward, which combined with the weight, make this by far the most stable of this kind of design ever produced. It’s extremely well designed.

 

[darkslide29]

Mine comes in tomorrow, I'm still looking forward to it! It's very interesting to read everyone's uses for tablets/PCs, and whether this fits into their life or not.

I have a Mac, but it's a Mac Mini 2018 connected to an eGPU. I've convinced myself for my uses that I like the idea of my main, powerful computer being at a desk, whether it's my current Mac Mini or MacBook Pro. But an iPad Pro 11" with the new Magic Keyboard will fill in that void of wanting a MacBook, since I have my Mac Mini for a traditional computer OS, but will be able to use my iPad Pro as a "casual laptop" around the house (or out of the house, someday again...), while always being able to take it off the magic keyboard to use it as a thin and light tablet on the couch or bed, whenever I want. Best of both worlds to me!

 

[nylonsteel]

good macrumors reveiw
i dont own one but
v2 wishlist
func keys
full thunderbolt usb 3 ports both sides
cover material less of grime magnet
height adjustment??
lower price

 

[zhenya]

The idea behind it all I find rather interesting and exciting but the execution doesn’t seem very “Apple-lesque”

I think you’d have a different opinion if you had one in hand and actually tried to have an objective view of it. I’ve been using nearly every iteration of tablet/keyboard design from Apple, Microsoft and Google for 10 years now since the introduction of the original iPad. This is BY FAR the most well-rounded, fully thought out execution from any manufacturer so far. Microsoft tried really hard with the Surface kickstand which has its positives, but the combined keyboard/tablet device in laptop mode is really clumsy. The Magic Keyboard design is as stable as any laptop, and you can solidly write on the screen. Try that with your “Macbook with Pencil support” so many people say they want.