iPad Pro ASK or Smart Cover? Still Undecided.

[jaybar]

Hi

I love the larger IPP. I use it mainly for consumption (85%) and productivity (15%). I am beginning to watch TV shows as well. Since I have an iMac 27", I don't see myself using the larger iPad to replace my desktop.

My concern about the ASK, is that it adds weight, when holding the iPad in bed, when I am not using it as a keyboard.

I remain undecided between the Smart Keyboard and Smart Cover. With my use pattern, which is the better choice ? Is there a rationale for both? What is the best way to manage this?

 

[sracer]

I recommend both, but if you are set on only one then the Smart Cover. The SC is better for consumption which will be 85% of your usage.

 

[jaybar]

SRacer

Do you or anyone else have both? How do you manage them if you have both? The ratio of consumption to productivity could change to 75%/25%. Would tgat change your recommendation ?

 

[David58117]

I have both, and have had both for all the pros I've had.

Usually I keep the Smart Cover on, and just switch to keyboard when I need it. Or I keep it in my bag if I'm going out.

 

[Ipadlover29]

I have both. Smart Cover for when in bed. Ask for when I'm typing or when it's in my lap. I got the Smart Cover for $15 so I guess that's the main reason I have both.

 

[sracer]

SRacer

Do you or anyone else have both? How do you manage them if you have both? The ratio of consumption to productivity could change to 75%/25%. Would tgat change your recommendation ?

Yes, I have both. There really isn't anything to "manage". When I'm around the house, I'm using the smart cover. When I take it to the office, I'll usually use the ASK... except for those times when I know I'll use the Pro as a digital notebook rather than a notebook-like device.

 

[jaybar]

I decided on the SC for now. The SC is fine for me, even when composing an email or a Word document of limited size.

I have a spare (unused) Apple Magic keyboard, that I suppose I could use, for those times I need a keyboard.

 

[jaybar]

I would also like to explore drawing, doodling and coloring with the Apple Pencil. I felt the ASK made pencil use, for these tasks to be more difficult, given the fixed viewing angle.

 

[spiderman0616]

I have both the Apple Smart Keyboard and the Smart Cover for my 10.5" Pro and also had both for the 9.7" Pro. With the 9.7" Pro, I feel like it was kind of overkill. With the 10.5" Pro, I do not feel that way.

I have never been able to type effectively with the onscreen keyboard with the iPad mini or 9.7" iPads. To use the iPad Pro 9.7" as a laptop, I felt like the ASK was necessary if I wanted to do any typing at all, even though it was a pretty cramped hardware keyboard.

With the 10.5" iPad Pro, I've been experimenting a lot with typing on the screen, and I have to say, there's enough of a difference here where I can type as I normally would on the Apple Smart Keyboard or my Magic Keyboard. Does it still feel a bit weird? Yes. But I think with a few days of practice, I could get pretty good at it. And if that were the case, I would probably start using my Smart Cover a lot more and my Keyboard cover a lot less.

 

[lax28]

I have had Smart Cover and a keys to go keyboard for my 9.7. Both together cost about as much as ASK maybe a little more. Yes the keyboard does need to be charged but it lasts forever. Is is small enough and easy to hold and cary with iPad possibly even less weight and thickness together than the ASK as well. Also get a function row of keys that are very useful, and being detached there are advantages there. I sold that with my 9.7 when I got my 10.5, and part of me wants to just use ASK to only have one and have keys with me always but not sure and will most likely do the same as before, but if you are planning/thinking about both covers and switching when needed I recommend giving this a look and just bringing it with you when needed.