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Surfman

Suspended
May 24, 2021
360
436
Just a question: do you use the iPad 12,9” along the MK instead of a Mac? I ask this because for about a year I had a 12.9" iPad along with the Magic Keyboard but I actually used the tablet without a keyboard 99% of the time since when I needed a physical keyboard I preferred to use the Mac. On the go the iPad + MK combination was too heavy so in the end I decided to sell both the 12.9” iPad and the MK to buy an 11" one to use only as a tablet and use the Mac as a desktop computer.
Yes, sold my 27” late 2015 iMac a week ago, so far so good.

I also use it with no case and and also have the black apple folio. Depends on use case.

When i go away for work etc it goes in my vertical STM laptop bag i have had for years.

2509A64D-0F62-4299-9D1E-0E5D57A95CCD.jpeg
 

rui no onna

Contributor
Oct 25, 2013
14,920
13,264
When on a desk (at the office as a 3rd display), it’s on a Logitech K780 keyboard with built-in dock paired with MX Ergo trackball. I use the same keyboard and trackball for my Windows desktop. Switching is super easy.

At home, tablet mode all the time. I use an ESR Smart Folio lookalike that I got for ~$20 on Amazon.
 

applematic

macrumors member
Mar 1, 2011
94
31
Purposely did not purchase the Magic Keyboard to ensure I use it as a tablet. I picked up the Deep Navy Smart Folio and while ridiculously overpriced (ESR case mentioned above is 1/3 of the price or less) I have enjoyed it, using in both landscape and portrait mode. I am still struggling though a bit with the size. I like the 11 form factor I think a bit more if actually using mainly as a tablet.
 
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Surfman

Suspended
May 24, 2021
360
436
Purposely did not purchase the Magic Keyboard to ensure I use it as a tablet. I picked up the Deep Navy Smart Folio and while ridiculously overprice (ESR case mentioned above is 1/3 of the price or less) I have enjoyed it, using in both landscape and portrait mode. I am still struggling though a bit with the size. I like the 11 form factor I think a bit more if actually using mainly as a tablet.
Give it a week will be hard to go back, especially if you have another 11” in the house to compare.
 
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applematic

macrumors member
Mar 1, 2011
94
31
Give it a week will be hard to go back, especially if you have another 11” in the house to compare.
Lol I have a sickness and picked up a 2020 11inch like 2 weeks before the new ones launched. And will be returning that regardless at this point. The comparison in terms of the display is a blood bath but there are definitely some upsides to the portability of the 11inch. I also have an M1 MacBook Air so trying to have the least overlap possible with the products and the 12.9 really starts to blur that line as a laptop replacement obviously even more so when paired with the MK
 
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haruhiko

macrumors 604
Sep 29, 2009
6,690
6,242
I bought the new Magic Keyboard but ended up returning it because of that same reason. The iPad Pro 12.9 with magic keyboard just gets very bulky and heavy. You are better off getting a base M1 MBA along with a base 12.9 IPP. I now use my IPP with the Apple folio which significantly reduces weight and bulk. The touchscreen is fine for short typing, but the Magic Keyboard does improve upon that experience.
Being able to take off the keyboard is a great plus for the iPad Pro. It saves a lot of desk space if the keyboard is not needed. Just put the iPad on a stand it’s still the same great machine. No risk of liquid damage too.
 

kp98077

macrumors 601
Original poster
Oct 26, 2010
4,312
2,764
Whistler, BC
Purposely did not purchase the Magic Keyboard to ensure I use it as a tablet. I picked up the Deep Navy Smart Folio and while ridiculously overpriced (ESR case mentioned above is 1/3 of the price or less) I have enjoyed it, using in both landscape and portrait mode. I am still struggling though a bit with the size. I like the 11 form factor I think a bit more if actually using mainly as a tablet.
what brand is the folio
 

David53

macrumors regular
May 3, 2021
164
153
Canada
I’ve never used a keyboard with any iPads that I’ve owned, and I’m a hunt and peck typist anyway, so a keyboard wouldn’t be a huge plus for me. Also, I’ve gotten used to writing emails, and even surfing the web, while in portrait, rather than landscape mode.

I should also add that I always use some sort of protective, folio cases with mine. There’s a good selection on Amazon, and they are lightweight and the iPad Pro is held in place through a magnetic system. My current one us made by Moko.

I have the 12.9“, btw, received last week. This is my fourth iPad, following the original iPad, the first Air, and the 2017 11” iPad Pro.
 

pdoherty

macrumors 65816
Dec 30, 2014
1,491
1,736
I bought the new Magic Keyboard but ended up returning it because of that same reason. The iPad Pro 12.9 with magic keyboard just gets very bulky and heavy. You are better off getting a base M1 MBA along with a base 12.9 IPP. I now use my IPP with the Apple folio which significantly reduces weight and bulk. The touchscreen is fine for short typing, but the Magic Keyboard does improve upon that experience.
I just returned my Magic Keyboard for the 2021 12.9 as well. For me the edges of the case cut into my legs when using it on my lap. Also, the angles you can open it to are very limited, especially for a lap user which is mostly what I do. I have the new Brydge Max+ on order and hoping it will work better. It will still be heavy like the MK, but it has a bigger trackpad (found I was fond of the gestures on the MK), has smooth edges so no cutting, and best, it align the iPad with the actual hinge, so the more you open it the further from the keyboard keys the iPad moves. It also has the function key top row so that’s a bonus.
 

milgauss88

macrumors member
May 2, 2021
38
78
I’m a heavy user of the 12.9 + MK but in the past 12 days I’ve been try to accommodate the M1 12.9 as a tablet with just the folio case. The size and weight is just a little too overwhelming for exclusive tablet use. I do love the new screen and as much as I’d like to keep it, I feel I’ll be better served by the M1 11 as a tablet. That coupled with the M1 MBA will be my new combo moving forward.
 
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applematic

macrumors member
Mar 1, 2011
94
31
I’m a heavy user of the 12.9 + MK but in the past 12 days I’ve been try to accommodate the M1 12.9 as a tablet with just the folio case. The size and weight is just a little too overwhelming for exclusive tablet use. I do love the new screen and as much as I’d like to keep it, I feel I’ll be better served by the M1 11 as a tablet. That coupled with the M1 MBA will be my new combo moving forward.
Alas I think I am leaning this way too… ugh love this display though, tough decision and need to make it by tomorrow.
 
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DNichter

macrumors G3
Apr 27, 2015
9,385
11,184
Philadelphia, PA
I use an iPad (11 Pro) as my primary work computer all day, but I just couldn’t get used to the size of the 12.9. Just too big for me to use comfortably as a tablet in the house or traveling. I’ve considered getting one of each size, but that just seems ridiculous to me. 12.9 feels like an iPad you should only use with a keyboard case or on a desk.
 
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nightlong

macrumors 6502a
Jun 16, 2012
864
168
Australia
The trouble with magic keyboards is they are not good for your neck or your wrists. Ok for brief periods of typing, but I do many hours. So, I use a stand that has the iPad at eye level, not looking down, and a keyboard where I can type with my wrists up, level with my arms, rather than down flat which will give you RSI
 

MrEcted

macrumors regular
Apr 21, 2011
222
473
I just returned my Magic Keyboard for the 2021 12.9 as well. For me the edges of the case cut into my legs when using it on my lap. Also, the angles you can open it to are very limited, especially for a lap user which is mostly what I do. I have the new Brydge Max+ on order and hoping it will work better. It will still be heavy like the MK, but it has a bigger trackpad (found I was fond of the gestures on the MK), has smooth edges so no cutting, and best, it align the iPad with the actual hinge, so the more you open it the further from the keyboard keys the iPad moves. It also has the function key top row so that’s a bonus.
The edges on the MK are super annoying. It would be perfect if it was just nice and smooth and not like a santoku knife digging into me.
 

Apple_Robert

Contributor
Sep 21, 2012
35,670
52,498
In a van down by the river
I’m a heavy user of the 12.9 + MK but in the past 12 days I’ve been try to accommodate the M1 12.9 as a tablet with just the folio case. The size and weight is just a little too overwhelming for exclusive tablet use. I do love the new screen and as much as I’d like to keep it, I feel I’ll be better served by the M1 11 as a tablet. That coupled with the M1 MBA will be my new combo moving forward.
I have that 11" iPad Pro / M1 MBA combo and found it works really well, especially for hand holding and being mobile. I also have a 12" MB that I regularly use and a 11" MBA for bedroom use.
 

Traverse

macrumors 604
Mar 11, 2013
7,711
4,491
Here
While I have and use the magic keyboard for my 12.9 inch iPad Pro a very frequently pull it off and just use the iPad and tablet mode when sitting on the couch or casually browsing on a table etc.
 

Marshall73

macrumors 68030
Apr 20, 2015
2,713
2,837
Wondering how many are actually using their 2021 12.9” with just the Apple cover or another cover keeping it as thin and lightweight as possible? I feel the 12.9 with the magic keyboard is a beast and not very portable. Any tips or trick?
I use mine with both. I don’t always need the keyboard so I have a selection of cheap folio cases from Amazon. The magnetic kind. It’s much more comfortable to use when reading etc.
 
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milgauss88

macrumors member
May 2, 2021
38
78
Alas I think I am leaning this way too… ugh love this display though, tough decision and need to make it by tomorrow.
I've chosen to go with portability this time so will be returning mine this weekend. Plus I've used the 2020 12.9 as my main device for quite a while and time to change my setup for a different experience.
I use an iPad (11 Pro) as my primary work computer all day, but I just couldn’t get used to the size of the 12.9. Just too big for me to use comfortably as a tablet in the house or traveling. I’ve considered getting one of each size, but that just seems ridiculous to me. 12.9 feels like an iPad you should only use with a keyboard case or on a desk.
Agree. Mine was constantly attached to the MK and used on a desk. I really wanted to use it as a tablet without the MK but the footprint and weight was uncomfortable for prolong use.
I have that 11" iPad Pro / M1 MBA combo and found it works really well, especially for hand holding and being mobile. I also have a 12" MB that I regularly use and a 11" MBA for bedroom use.
I think this combo will work well for me in the next couple of years.
 

KadMac

macrumors regular
Sep 13, 2009
215
89
I also have the 12.9“ but I am considering the 11“ depending on how things go at WWDC. If iPad OS supports external screen resolutions then having the 11“ would be perfect. You get great portability and when at a desk, just connect it via external monitor, without jail bars, and you are good to go.
 
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