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ahostmadsen

macrumors 65816
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Dec 28, 2009
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Any information about the weight of the new iPad Pro magic keyboard? It looks cool (expensive, of course), but if it weighs a ton, it completely negates one of the key points of the iPad, in my opinion: the easy portability.
 
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Given that cantilever design, and the main hinge / barrel with the USB-C connector, I imagine it must have some decent weight to it.

I love the look / setup and floating design it allows. I feel like I would likely treat it as a bit of a dock to drop the iPad into on my desk and not always carry it around.
 
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I feel like I would likely treat it as a bit of a dock to drop the iPad into on my desk and not always carry it around.

I was thinking the __exact__ same thing. If the USB-C port is a data and charging (i.e., exactly like the on-device port), that would be terrific, I'd "dock" it at my desk and get the TP and KB, plus charging and keep my little USB-C hub connected to run my external DAC/Amp setup on my desk. Detach, and I'm in tablet mode for reading on the sofa (or whatever :) )
 
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I was thinking the __exact__ same thing. If the USB-C port is a data and charging (i.e., exactly like the on-device port), that would be terrific, I'd "dock" it at my desk and get the TP and KB, plus charging and keep my little USB-C hub connected to run my external DAC/Amp setup on my desk. Detach, and I'm in tablet mode for reading on the sofa (or whatever :) )
I think charging only
 
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I was thinking the __exact__ same thing. If the USB-C port is a data and charging (i.e., exactly like the on-device port), that would be terrific, I'd "dock" it at my desk and get the TP and KB, plus charging and keep my little USB-C hub connected to run my external DAC/Amp setup on my desk. Detach, and I'm in tablet mode for reading on the sofa (or whatever :) )

I hadn’t thought about how you could keep the keyboard cover plugged in for charging, then easily grab the iPad when you want to use it for tablet things, and plop it back down for charging and desktop use. That will be great for after work use for me, where I am more likely to use it in tablet form. Makes me even more excited to get the new keyboard (and maybe a new iPad Pro to go with it).
 
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I hadn’t thought about how you could keep the keyboard cover plugged in for charging, then easily grab the iPad when you want to use it for tablet things, and plop it back down for charging and desktop use. That will be great for after work use for me, where I am more likely to use it in tablet form. Makes me even more excited to get the new keyboard (and maybe a new iPad Pro to go with it).

Yeah, the Smart Connector is like a magnetic/quick disconnect port, data/power, that would be great vs. constantly removing a USB-C cable. I'd probably switch out from my case to a skin, just for some scuff protection since the latter wouldn't likely interfere with the connection.

:cool:
 
I was wondering about the weight too as it would be useful to compare to alternative keyboard solutions and also laptops for those who're trying to work out the best setup for them.

Would also be good to see how stable this is on the lap - presumably if the screen isn't raised it should be pretty stable? I’ve just seen the “how to use a computer” ad and it clearly shows the new keyboard being used on a lap.

Yes, I think its been confirmed that the port on the keyboard is just for charging, so you'd connect any peripherals to the iPad's own port.

What's really weird is that on a few of the tech sites which reported on this new keyboard, there's loads of comments from people saying that it looks like the whole thing will topple over if you touch the screen..... Of course, we're all going to be touching the screen rather than using the keyboard and trackpad....
 
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Yeah, the Smart Connector is like a magnetic/quick disconnect port, data/power, that would be great vs. constantly removing a USB-C cable. I'd probably switch out from my case to a skin, just for some scuff protection since the latter wouldn't likely interfere with the connection.

:cool:

It’s funny, I have already got a skin from dBrand in a shopping cart, thinking the same thing about wanting to maintain some protection to the backside of the iPad. I’ve actually thought about getting one previously, even though I use the current keyboard folio - there are those times when it’s just easier to not have it in a case at all. I guess this is what will make the decision for me.
 
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Very heavy... Too heavy.

Will probably put the 12.9 very close to a MacBook.
In that case wtf is the point...
 
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Very heavy... Too heavy.

Will probably put the 12.9 very close to a MacBook.
In that case wtf is the point...
Exactly. But perhaps Apple has worked some magic so that although the keyboard looks like it weighs a ton, it is actually very lightweight?
 
Exactly. But perhaps Apple has worked some magic so that although the keyboard looks like it weighs a ton, it is actually very lightweight?

I prefer heavy sturdy design over a lightweight sloppy design. Hopefully Apple came up with a intermediate solution
 
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Jason Snell at sixcolors.com says: ”I wonder...how much it actually weighs. (Apple is not saying—and yes, I asked.)” So, the information is not available, and the fact that Apple hides it seems not a good sign.
 
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I think ppl make assumption its gonna be very heavy because in the 1st ads we see how the iPad can be pulled off the Magic Keyboard very easily with one hand. Lead to believe the bottom part must be real heavy to stay in place like that.

3B454300-6616-47C8-8329-7E55C009EB15.jpeg

But check out the 2nd ads ( the real world usage )
You still need to hold the bottom part to open the case and pull the ipad to keep it in place..

4AE784F2-6072-4196-AEB6-C5C26C3E2EE2.jpeg2466D5E3-7521-4342-B4DA-30D205D87533.jpeg47950663-50E9-4308-BDBF-46FA41C0B0D3.jpegAD3D995F-1CB5-44D7-9724-5B81BAA8298B.jpeg


I don’t work for apple so i dont know the precise weight
For some reason even Apple don’t provide weight for current smart keyboard and folio officially on their website..

But i dont think its gonna be that heavy people led to believe

With that double hinge method and limitation to 130degree, the bottom part does not need to be as heavy as the ipad itself ( unlike bridge keyboard ). The whole case can still use the same material and plastic internal keyboard structure as the current smart keyboard.

What we don’t know is how heavy that metal hinge construction, trackpad and that extra thickness (looks thicker than the current smart keyboard based on the image)

Current 11” smart keyboard is 295 grams, my guess the magic keyboard is around 400 - 450 grams for the 11”
Cant speak for the 12.9”

I could be wrong.

Fyi
iPad Pro 11”: 468 grams
Brydge keyboard for 11”: 550 grams
Logitech not-slim-at-all Slim Folio Pro for 11”: 552 grams


edited: grammar.. sorry English isnt my first language :)
 
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I don't know whether the numbers are right, of course, but both B&H and Adorama have the following weights listed:

11": 1.81 lb / 0.82 kg (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1553851-REG/apple_mxqt2ll_a_magic_keyboard_for_11.html/specs)
12.9": 2.2 lb / 1 kg (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod..._mxqu2ll_a_magic_keyboard_for_12_9.html/specs)

If that's right, the 11" with keyboard would be over 2.8 lbs vs. 2.8 for a MacBook Air while a 12.9" would weigh 3.6 lbs. Hopefully the listed numbers are wrong...
 
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I don't know whether the numbers are right, of course, but both B&H and Adorama have the following weights listed:

11": 1.81 lb / 0.82 kg (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1553851-REG/apple_mxqt2ll_a_magic_keyboard_for_11.html/specs)
12.9": 2.2 lb / 1 kg (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod..._mxqu2ll_a_magic_keyboard_for_12_9.html/specs)

If that's right, the 11" with keyboard would be over 2.8 lbs vs. 2.8 for a MacBook Air while a 12.9" would weigh 3.6 lbs. Hopefully the listed numbers are wrong...
They are probably shipping weights, including packaging.
 
They are probably shipping weights, including packaging.

For comparison, the Brydge keyboard for 12.9 iPad Pro weight 1.51 pounds and its shipping weight on Amazon is 2.95 pounds. If these are indeed shipping weights, and that ratio is a good guess, then the 12.9 Magic Keyboard weighs about 500 grams, or about 1.1 pounds. The iPad weighs 1.4 pounds, so the total would be 2.5 pounds. For comparison, the new Retina Air is 2.8 pounds and the 13" MacBook is 3 pounds. The current iPad Pro 12.9 with smart keyboard is about 2.3 pounds.
[automerge]1585583600[/automerge]
For comparison, the Brydge keyboard for 12.9 iPad Pro weight 1.51 pounds and its shipping weight on Amazon is 2.95 pounds. If these are indeed shipping weights, and that ratio is a good guess, then the 12.9 Magic Keyboard weighs about 500 grams, or about 1.1 pounds. The iPad weighs 1.4 pounds, so the total would be 2.5 pounds. For comparison, the new Retina Air is 2.8 pounds and the 13" MacBook is 3 pounds. The current iPad Pro 12.9 with smart keyboard is about 2.3 pounds.

Well, on more careful examination, the bhp photo link lists the "Physical" spec for the 12.9 Magic Keyboard with a weight of 2.2 pounds. In comparison, for the Brydge keyboard, they list "Physical" specs weight as just the weight of the device, not the shipping weight. The shipping weight is listed separately and is over 3 pounds. For the Magic Keyboard, they don't list a shipping weight.

So, of course, who knows?
 
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I believe the weight listed in BH is the shipping weight. Because if its dimensions is:11.5 x 9.4 x 0.9" / 29.2 x 23.9 x 2.2 cm.
The actual dimension of The iPad pro 12.9 is: height of 11.04” (280.6 mm), width of 8.46” (214.9 mm), depth of .23” (5.9 mm), and weighs 1.42 lb (.643 kg).
 
Interesting. If this guess is correct, it would weigh pretty much exactly the same as the Brydge one with the trackpad.

Yup the 12.9 keyboard is roughly the same weight. The 11” is lighter. 483g vs 550g (brydge pro+)

But again this is just pure speculation. Many instances at play and can be wrong.

I come to wonder myself does the weight really matters? As this magic keyboard cannot be folded back so the only time we feel the weight is when we carry it / transporting it somewhere. Not when actually using it. So long it still have a combined weight similar or slightly less to laptop with same dimension i think it should be fine. imo :) But again no complain either if apple can push boundaries and make it lighter than other brand.
 
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Yeah, what‘s up with that? I would guess it must be pretty heavy if Apple hides the weight like this …

Don’t know why but Apple never specify weight for all their first party cases. This goes to the smart folio, current smart keyboard, even their iphone cases as well. I remembered i had to wait for reviews to find out weight of the Smart Keyboard
 
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The answer is that the 12.9 is 710g (1.57 lbs) just on its own, and 1.36k (3 lbs) with the iPad attached. It’s HEAVY.

Mine arrived today. If you’re going to use it on a desk, or as a dock, fine. But I agree with Meboy - why am I going to carry this around as well as a MBP?

Pretty sure I’m going to return it. In fact I only took it back out of the box to take these photos.
EBC4B2D2-E53F-4CFC-AA99-12E3605F206B.jpeg
34ECF724-BB56-457A-BF97-5379B8587D64.jpeg
 
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