The new Apple Keyboard has been met with a lot of praise from the Apple Fans out there. It definitely makes your iPad more like a laptop, so why do I have no interest?
Magic? LOL
Is it just me or have others grown tired of Apple using the word "Magic"? I will save that rant for another day, but I have been very interested in the 12.9 iPad for a while and this year may be the year I pull the trigger. I am waiting for the end of the year to see if they come out with a new iPad (as rumored) and then decide if I want a new or a used version. In any event, unless this keyboard can pull a rabbit out of a hat, I fail to see what makes it so magical.
My Issues with it
I should mention that I am using the 9.7 iPad Pro with the Smart Keyboard for a few years now. I love it, but would love to have a larger screen with Lightroom, Photoshop, and Sidecar all being able to take advantage of that space However, this keyboard is really not something I would want and here are the main reasons:
1. Too Expensive - Maybe this this can be attributed to most Apple products, but for a 12.9 version, the price is $349. That just seems crazy to me for what you get.
2. The viewing angle - I realize that they are dealing with physics and a heavy display means that you can't tilt it back very far without tipping. However, I am 6'5 and this just doesn't tilt back enough for my typical needs.
3. Lack of a way to fold the cover back - The Smart Keyboard for that initial 9.7 inch took into account that people don't want to remove the cover every time they want to use the iPad in tablet mode. It is much more convenient to fold it back when not using the manual keyboard. Of course, the old Smart Keyboard even has a way to stand it up with the Keyboard folded back and out of the way. I don't think any of their iPad keyboards have this feature anymore. As a result, if you take the iPad off the Magic Keyboard, you now have two things to deal with. I realize some will just keep the Keyboard parked on a desk, however, I don 't have a need to use the iPad that way. Also, now if I am laying on the couch reading and then decide I want to type something, I have to trackdown the keyboard. With the Smart Keyboard it was always attached.
4. Heavy - Way too heavy. With the Keyboard attached, the combo weighs about the same as a MBP 13 inch.
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1. Too Expensive - Maybe this this can be attributed to most Apple products, but for a 12.9 version, the price is $349. That just seems crazy to me for what you get.
2. The viewing angle - I realize that they are dealing with physics and a heavy display means that you can't tilt it back very far without tipping. However, I am 6'5 and this just doesn't tilt back enough for my typical needs.
3. Lack of a way to fold the cover back - The Smart Keyboard for that initial 9.7 inch took into account that people don't want to remove the cover every time they want to use the iPad in tablet mode. It is much more convenient to fold it back when not using the manual keyboard. Of course, the old Smart Keyboard even has a way to stand it up with the Keyboard folded back and out of the way. I don't think any of their iPad keyboards have this feature anymore. As a result, if you take the iPad off the Magic Keyboard, you now have two things to deal with. I realize some will just keep the Keyboard parked on a desk, however, I don 't have a need to use the iPad that way. Also, now if I am laying on the couch reading and then decide I want to type something, I have to trackdown the keyboard. With the Smart Keyboard it was always attached.
4. Heavy - Way too heavy. With the Keyboard attached, the combo weighs about the same as a MBP 13 inch.
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What I like about it
Better keyboard than the Smart Keyboard - Yes, it is better to type on.
Back lit Keys - Nice to have back lit keys.
The power port built in - this is nice even though the port only does power.
Back lit Keys - Nice to have back lit keys.
The power port built in - this is nice even though the port only does power.
What I am considering
Right now, I am toward the $199 Smart Keyboard Folio. When I want to use it to type a lot, I can pair it with one of my many old Apple Keyboards (or even pair it with a mechanical keyboard..which I prefer) and an older Magic mouse or Logitech mouse. I already have a few different tablet stands for it that allow for better viewing angles. The thing is, it wouldn't be all that portable, but I would have the Smart Keyboard Folio to use for those type of situations.
Ditch the Laptop?
For those that really want to ditch the laptop, this may still be the best way to do that. I have a 2016, 15 inch MBP and it still works fine, so I am not on any track to get rid of it. I still like that screen size for some on the go activities, and with the unlimited viewing angles, it is better for using on the couch/chair when I need to type a lot. That being said, I spend a lot of time in front of my huge monitors in my office, so I use the laptop less and less all the time. I just don't feel like I need to get rid of it or start switching how I do things because Apple came out with a better keyboard for the iPad.
That being said, if I was in the market right this minute for a new laptop, I think I would try to get by with the iPad and the Smart Keyboard Folio and just use the desktop for things that need that larger screen. I do understand why people would like to just get by with an iPad, but this keyboard just doesn't do that for me due to the many issues I mentioned above.
If Apple figures out a solution for the viewing angles and way to keep the keyboard attached in tablet mode (as an option), I would definitely be interested in it....of course, they would probably charge $500 for the "All New, Much, Much, More Magical, Magic Keyboard".
That being said, if I was in the market right this minute for a new laptop, I think I would try to get by with the iPad and the Smart Keyboard Folio and just use the desktop for things that need that larger screen. I do understand why people would like to just get by with an iPad, but this keyboard just doesn't do that for me due to the many issues I mentioned above.
If Apple figures out a solution for the viewing angles and way to keep the keyboard attached in tablet mode (as an option), I would definitely be interested in it....of course, they would probably charge $500 for the "All New, Much, Much, More Magical, Magic Keyboard".
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