So, I bought a 2024 M4 iPad Pro 13 inch and now I need something to carry it in. So which choice is best?
Magic Keyboard
Most of the reviews I have seen focus on the $350 Magic Keyboard. However, I have always had issues with this keyboard because of its lack of protection when it’s in tablet mode. For just protection from dropping it or even minor scrapes, it wouldn’t work for me. Also, I just don’t like the feeling of the metal in my hands. I guess the upside is that it’s lighter without any case, but holding it that way doesn’t make me feel as comfortable. Also, I am sure this is a technological marvel, but $350 for a keyboard case? It doesn’t make sense to me, but perhaps that is because I would never use the keyboard enough to justify that price.
Logitech Combo Touch
The second option for people that want tablet-mode protection, but still want to have a keyboard that directly connects to the iPad, there is the $259 Logitech Combo Touch Folio. This would be my first choice in most circumstances for travel. Having the kickstand on the case makes it easier to get into a proper position when I am using it on a desk or table. This is the keyboard case that I used with my M1 iPad. The reason that I am holding off is the price and the fact that I rarely used the keyboard. Yes, it’s nice to have on the road, but I am not traveling much these days.
LEOMARON Compatible with iPad Pro 13 Inch Case
So, I have been looking for a case that is mainly protection for the iPad and found just a general case with a cutout that holds the Pencil when it is being charged by the iPad. It’s a really good choice for those that just want to throw their iPad in a bag and not worry about the Pencil detaching. The cover can be folded behind it to make a stand, as well. It is one angle (two if you flip it around), but better than nothing. Mine had some issue with the cover magnets, so I am sending it back.
ESR for iPad Pro 13 Inch Case M4 Shift Series
To replace the cases above, I got one from ESR. This case is most unusual. First off, it has a case inside the case. The lightweight internal case is for handheld use or when you want to lay it flat on a surface. The outer case holds the iPad in with magnets, so it can be removed with ease. The outer case allows 9 different angles, so it works great in the lap when I am sitting on the couch. If I want to type on the couch, which is rare, I have an old Bluetooth Keyboard that has a trackpad built in that I can fit on my lap with this case. The case is very sturdy in this position, so it is not as cumbersome as it sounds, but I have long legs which helps.
I can also fit my old Apple Keyboard in front of it on my lap and type without any issues. Of course, I don’t have a trackpad in this setup, but the function keys help and I can use touch with my fingers. When I want to have a mouse, I have Logitech Ergo MX mouse that I have used with the iPad for years. It works great since you control the curser with a ball on top rather than moving the mouse around. This allows it to work on the arm of the couch or in tight spaces.
The weight of this $56 stand/case fully loaded is a hefty ~1337g! It is probably the heaviest case on the market. I will have a full review with more photos coming soon!
The inner case alone only adds 187g to the 582g iPad, so not nearly as heavy when you hand hold the device outside the case. That being said, you are only carrying the case from place to place, but even on the couch, you can just rest the case on your body and it is pretty sturdy thanks to the magnets holding everything in position and the weight makes it feel less like it will fly off when you move around a little bit. I do think the heavy outercase does kind of defeat the point of a light iPad, but its nice to have the protective inner case, that doesn’t add a lot of weight when you are hand holding the device.
Despite the weight of the ESR, it is really starting to grow on me. I love the way the iPad can be mounted near the top of the case/stand which puts it at a much better height for playing games or watching media. The stand will even allow you to mount it in portrait mode, which I prefer for reading books and magazines.
As I said, the main downside is the weight, but the cover, when closed, doesn’t hold the cover to the iPad if you flip it upside down. I wish those magnets were just a little bit stronger.
I would have looked at the Zugu cases, but they won’t ship until the end of July. I may take another look in August when they are available if the ESR Shift case doesn’t end up working out for me in the long run.
I can also fit my old Apple Keyboard in front of it on my lap and type without any issues. Of course, I don’t have a trackpad in this setup, but the function keys help and I can use touch with my fingers. When I want to have a mouse, I have Logitech Ergo MX mouse that I have used with the iPad for years. It works great since you control the curser with a ball on top rather than moving the mouse around. This allows it to work on the arm of the couch or in tight spaces.
The weight of this $56 stand/case fully loaded is a hefty ~1337g! It is probably the heaviest case on the market. I will have a full review with more photos coming soon!
The inner case alone only adds 187g to the 582g iPad, so not nearly as heavy when you hand hold the device outside the case. That being said, you are only carrying the case from place to place, but even on the couch, you can just rest the case on your body and it is pretty sturdy thanks to the magnets holding everything in position and the weight makes it feel less like it will fly off when you move around a little bit. I do think the heavy outercase does kind of defeat the point of a light iPad, but its nice to have the protective inner case, that doesn’t add a lot of weight when you are hand holding the device.
Despite the weight of the ESR, it is really starting to grow on me. I love the way the iPad can be mounted near the top of the case/stand which puts it at a much better height for playing games or watching media. The stand will even allow you to mount it in portrait mode, which I prefer for reading books and magazines.
As I said, the main downside is the weight, but the cover, when closed, doesn’t hold the cover to the iPad if you flip it upside down. I wish those magnets were just a little bit stronger.
I would have looked at the Zugu cases, but they won’t ship until the end of July. I may take another look in August when they are available if the ESR Shift case doesn’t end up working out for me in the long run.
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