Seeing so many videos pop up in my Youtube lists with the Magic Keyboard left me wondering if I could put together a decent laptop-like experience with the iPad Pro.
Note: I get paid commissions for purchases made through any links to Amazon products on this page and website.
Note: I get paid commissions for purchases made through any links to Amazon products on this page and website.
Couch Usability
I already had the old "Origami" Smart Keyboard which consisted of a nice light cover for the front and back, a keyboard, and a stand for the iPad, so I already had a decent option for couch use. Personally, I would go with this type of keyboard again if they made it. Their current version of this keyboard still folds back, but it will not work as a stand....bummer.
Table Top Use
Since the Magic Keyboard essentially doubles the weight of the iPad, I assume many are just keeping it on a desk and just popping the iPad off when they want to use it in tablet mode. Apple doesn't really give you much choice. For me, this would end up with the Keyboard being in storage near the kitchen table and I could just get it out when I want to use it on the kitchen table.
I think there are better, much cheaper options than going this route. However, the only way to get the same functionality as the trackpad on the Magic Keyboard would be with a new Magic Trackpad or Magic Mouse. The Magic Mouse is $79, so you really have to decide how often you plan to use this setup to see if it is actually worth this money. At one time, I thought my old first gen Magic Mouse would work with it. Apple decided to cripple it by not even allowing scrolling! I have that feature with my Logitech Mouse! Personally, I went with the Logitech MX Ergo Pro, which works with a scroll ball rather than moving the mouse along the table, so it can be used in small spaces. Also, I keep it near my spot on the couch to use with my Mac Mini and I can switch to the iPad with a touch of a mouse button. It works fine, but it is clunkier than using it with a mini or a laptop.
Of course, I could use the iPad Keyboard stand, but I have a few options that can fold down for travel. For me, the one I use depends on the stability that I think I will need. At home, I just use a lightweight stand that works with this iPad, but isn't the most stable. If I need something stable, I have something like this and this.
I think there are better, much cheaper options than going this route. However, the only way to get the same functionality as the trackpad on the Magic Keyboard would be with a new Magic Trackpad or Magic Mouse. The Magic Mouse is $79, so you really have to decide how often you plan to use this setup to see if it is actually worth this money. At one time, I thought my old first gen Magic Mouse would work with it. Apple decided to cripple it by not even allowing scrolling! I have that feature with my Logitech Mouse! Personally, I went with the Logitech MX Ergo Pro, which works with a scroll ball rather than moving the mouse along the table, so it can be used in small spaces. Also, I keep it near my spot on the couch to use with my Mac Mini and I can switch to the iPad with a touch of a mouse button. It works fine, but it is clunkier than using it with a mini or a laptop.
Of course, I could use the iPad Keyboard stand, but I have a few options that can fold down for travel. For me, the one I use depends on the stability that I think I will need. At home, I just use a lightweight stand that works with this iPad, but isn't the most stable. If I need something stable, I have something like this and this.
The Keyboard
I have multiple options for this, as well. I have small Bluetooth keyboards, the magic keyboard, and a mechanical keyboard.
I have been using the mechanical keyboard since it can be plugged in or run off of the battery. Also, I just prefer typing on it. Of course, I didn't get one with the number keys, since I wanted this to be somewhat small for travel. I also like the fact that this one has back-lit keys. The only downside is that the keys are a bit thicker (which I like for typing) which means it takes up more space in a bag. I have to see how much room I have for it before deciding which keyboard to use.
However, the keyboard itself is a pleasure to type on, so I am very happy with the experience. The keyboard also has function buttons, so you can change the back-lighting of the iPad, control volume, etc. without needing to touch the iPad or go into settings (you can't do this with the Magic Keyboard).
As a side note, I have it pictured with the cable since I can slowly charge it with the iPad, but it can also go without the cable since it works with Bluetooth. I would just have to watch running down the battery.
I have been using the mechanical keyboard since it can be plugged in or run off of the battery. Also, I just prefer typing on it. Of course, I didn't get one with the number keys, since I wanted this to be somewhat small for travel. I also like the fact that this one has back-lit keys. The only downside is that the keys are a bit thicker (which I like for typing) which means it takes up more space in a bag. I have to see how much room I have for it before deciding which keyboard to use.
However, the keyboard itself is a pleasure to type on, so I am very happy with the experience. The keyboard also has function buttons, so you can change the back-lighting of the iPad, control volume, etc. without needing to touch the iPad or go into settings (you can't do this with the Magic Keyboard).
As a side note, I have it pictured with the cable since I can slowly charge it with the iPad, but it can also go without the cable since it works with Bluetooth. I would just have to watch running down the battery.
Headphones
For me, it is important to be able to listen to music while I work. When I need to save room in the bag or just want to work quickly, I use the Jabra Elites 75t Earbuds. I haver reviewed them here. When I am going to be working a while, I go with a more complicated setup that pairs the Shure SRH940 headphones with an older Dragonfly DAC. They work great together and sound fantastic. Note that some of the Amazon reviews complain that they "broke their 4th pair", but I haven't had issues with mine since I reviewed them in 2012. That being said, I'm not rough on headphones. I keep these near my spot on the couch and don't wear them out in the rain or elements. I have different earbuds I use for those purposes (Beatsx or the Jabras that I mentioned above).
Power
With my version of the iPad, I need power if I am going to plug anything into it. I have the Lighting to USB adapter with the two ports. It allows USB to plugged into one port and power into the other. On the road, I like having an Anker power supply. If I am just plugging in one thing, I can just use a Plugable device that fools the iPad into thinking it is getting enough power. It is nice for this setup since I can go without power if I need to.
The Wrap Up
As you can see, I have put together a setup for my current iPad that gives me ultra portability with the Smart Keyboard case, but also gives me a great desktop experience when I am going to be sitting at a table for a while.
For me, this is better than having a heavy case that goes with it everywhere. The only thing I might add down the road is a Magic Mouse, but we will see if it makes sense when I get a 12.9 inch iPad late this year or sometime next year. For now, I am pretty happy with this setup. Even when, or if, I get that 12.9, I plan to keep this setup around for more portability. They great part is that I can just as easily use this "desktop" setup with the new iPad as the old, even though they are different sizes. It also helps with longevity when Apple eventually moved the pins or changes the design so they can sell you a new "Magic Keyboard" with your next iPad.
Note: I get paid commissions for purchases made through any links to Amazon products on this page and website.
For me, this is better than having a heavy case that goes with it everywhere. The only thing I might add down the road is a Magic Mouse, but we will see if it makes sense when I get a 12.9 inch iPad late this year or sometime next year. For now, I am pretty happy with this setup. Even when, or if, I get that 12.9, I plan to keep this setup around for more portability. They great part is that I can just as easily use this "desktop" setup with the new iPad as the old, even though they are different sizes. It also helps with longevity when Apple eventually moved the pins or changes the design so they can sell you a new "Magic Keyboard" with your next iPad.
Note: I get paid commissions for purchases made through any links to Amazon products on this page and website.
RSS Feed