iPad Pro Bought the Ipad Pro 11, loved it, but returned it. It’s not for me. Here is why.

[960design]

If you don't mind me asking what do you mean by adaptability?

I do not mind at all.
Adaptability: noun

• the quality of being able to adjust to new conditions
• the capacity to be modified for a new use or purpose

The obvious one: the software keyboard can change based on language.
Others: software keyboard can split to allow "thumb" typing, software keyboard can be updated with software ( flick numbers, ect ), software keyboard changes based on application being used ( coding, chemistry, math based application can alter the keyboard to allow faster entry for that specific app ), keyboard settings can be modified within iOS, 3rd party keyboard availability, programmable custom shortcuts, ect.

 

[secretk]

I do not mind at all.
Adaptability: noun

• the quality of being able to adjust to new conditions
• the capacity to be modified for a new use or purpose

The obvious one: the software keyboard can change based on language.
Others: software keyboard can split to allow "thumb" typing, software keyboard can be updated with software ( flick numbers, ect ), software keyboard changes based on application being used ( coding, chemistry, math based application can alter the keyboard to allow faster entry for that specific app ), keyboard settings can be modified within iOS, 3rd party keyboard availability, programmable custom shortcuts, ect.

Thanks for the explanation. In terms of languages switching I honestly have not thought about it because it is not that much of an issue for me. I am not English native speaker. My language is Bulgarian. We actually have hardware keyboards that show both English and Bulgarian symbols. However we also have supports for two type of Bulgarian keyboards. One of them is kind of literal translation to the English one. So basically you don't need to memorise two different positioning. You use the English ones to type in Bulgarian. Luckily this is supported in iOS too. I have a different issue related to languages - I need iOS to let me use Bulgarian in Skype and English in Safari in the same time so that I don't have to switch every 2 minutes. Also switching is faster with hardware keys shortcuts than in the software keyboard for me.

In terms of coding I don't need specific keyboard too. I just use the English one.

I get your point about math and chemistry though. I don't need to type stuff like that but I assume you can't just use the hardware keyboard. You have to rely on software keyboard.

 

[muzzy996]

Because perspective is based on personal experience, for me when I see adaptability with regards to on-screen keyboards I think of the changing of the keyboard based on application and ignore the rest of what 960design noted earlier since the rest doesn't apply to me. There's no question in my mind that I type faster on a physical keyboard than an on-screen one and that is in part due to tactile feel but also predictability. Once i'm on home keys on a physical keyboard the location of every other key is predictable to me to the point that I can type in the dark and backlighting is irrelevant to me.

Here is my problem with on-screen keyboards that change based on application - to me they fragment the user experience for those who rely on the predictable nature of input. I'm sure that the intent is to streamline input for certain circumstances but if said streamlining isn't really necessary but every app developer is allowed to do it and they do it differently then the fragmentation just gets worse and worse. I'm actually having issues with microsoft's outlook online login screen with the floating keyboard in ipadOS beta right now because of this; the skin of the keyboard is changing and making it difficult to move the keyboard or change layouts while trying to type my login info, its a pain. Just my 2-cents.

 

[spiderman0616]

I still disagree. A flat piece of glass is simply not a keyboard to me.

That's the whole problem with threads like this though. Just because something doesn't work for you doesn't mean it's wrong for someone else. There are no right or wrong opinions here. Some people are perfectly comfortable typing on screens. Some people like to handwrite. Some people like a physical keyboard. Some people like Mac. Some people like PC. Some people like iPad. Who cares? Just use what you like. Doesn't mean the things other people like are wrong.

 

[Cape Dave]

That's the whole problem with threads like this though. Just because something doesn't work for you doesn't mean it's wrong for someone else. There are no right or wrong opinions here. Some people are perfectly comfortable typing on screens. Some people like to handwrite. Some people like a physical keyboard. Some people like Mac. Some people like PC. Some people like iPad. Who cares? Just use what you like. Doesn't mean the things other people like are wrong.

I never ever said anyone else was wrong.

 

[Digitalguy]

I do not mind at all.
Adaptability: noun

• the quality of being able to adjust to new conditions
• the capacity to be modified for a new use or purpose

The obvious one: the software keyboard can change based on language.
Others: software keyboard can split to allow "thumb" typing, software keyboard can be updated with software ( flick numbers, ect ), software keyboard changes based on application being used ( coding, chemistry, math based application can alter the keyboard to allow faster entry for that specific app ), keyboard settings can be modified within iOS, 3rd party keyboard availability, programmable custom shortcuts, ect.

My experience is that people tend to use ONE keyboard layout for all their languages. I write in 3 languages like 1/3 each plus more rarely a 4th one, but I can only use one keyboard, the Swiss keyboard (which is closer to the German one, but German is not one those 3 languages for me). My experience is that once you learn one keyboard you go on with that. I teach at University and I see that my students (who are in their early 20ies) all use one layout for all their languages (not all the same, depending on where they are from). As for special layouts, they are always there with a true physical keyboards when needed. The opposite is not true. And for thumb typing I already said it, it's a different thing, good when you don't have a surface for your tablet but not something a lot of people that touch type would even consider replacing touch typing with, especially when writing thousands of words.

 

[ssledoux]

The 10.5 and 11 inch are the same size physically. Only difference is the 11” has smaller bezels making for a larger screen. iPad OS also negates your keyboard concerns. Just saying, to each his/her own.

I know this is kind of OT, but I’m curious what you mean about OS13 negating keyboard concerns. What am I missing? Probably a lot, but what am I missing regarding this specifically? ;-p

 

[Mabus51]

I know this is kind of OT, but I’m curious what you mean about OS13 negating keyboard concerns. What am I missing? Probably a lot, but what am I missing regarding this specifically? ;-p

iPad OS has the floating keyboard and allows you to use USB devices. Which means wider compatibility to use any keyboard you want without hassle.

Before Bluetooth or Smart connector were really the only supported way. Yes you could buy the camera dongle and attach keyboards through that but that didn’t work for all keyboards. Mice are now compatible as well. It’s not a full laptop/desktop replacement but has made the right step as a true in between like the Surface. The Surface is a slightly underpowered laptop but a terrible tablet due to Windows and the way it functions. The iPad is a great tablet but a terrible laptop due to the way iOS functions. Like Windows 10 trying to be better at being a tablet OS, iPad OS is trying to be a better desktop OS. Neither are perfect at both, but both are making strides to get there. Either way you still need the right tool for what works best for your workflow.

 

[Digitalguy]

iPad OS has the floating keyboard and allows you to use USB devices. Which means wider compatibility to use any keyboard you want without hassle.

Before Bluetooth or Smart connector were really the only supported way. Yes you could buy the camera dongle and attach keyboards through that but that didn’t work for all keyboards. Mice are now compatible as well. It’s not a full laptop/desktop replacement but has made the right step as a true in between like the Surface. The Surface is a slightly underpowered laptop but a terrible tablet due to Windows and the way it functions. The iPad is a great tablet but a terrible laptop due to the way iOS functions. Like Windows 10 trying to be better at being a tablet OS, iPad OS is trying to be a better desktop OS. Neither are perfect at both, but both are making strides to get there. Either way you still need the right tool for what works best for your workflow.

Ipad OS has changed nothing when it comes to external keyboards. They work exactly as before. You can connect them via bluetooth or via a CCK and if they require too much power for lightning you'll just need to used the USB 3.0 CCK and plug it in, same thing in Ipad OS and in previos IOS versions... What Ipad OS changed is mouse support (with some limitations) and external USB drives support (with some power limitations for non USB 3.0 lightning devices, those limitations were there before already, except that you could not see them before Ipad OS). So, to sum up, your statement about a change in external keyboard support is simply wrong.

 

[Mabus51]

Ipad OS has changed nothing when it comes to external keyboards. They work exactly as before. You can connect them via bluetooth or via a CCK and if they require too much power for lightning you'll just need to used the USB 3.0 CCK and plug it in, same thing in Ipad OS and in previos IOS versions... What Ipad OS changed is mouse support (with some limitations) and external USB drives support (with some power limitations for non USB 3.0 lightning devices, those limitations were there before already, except that you could not see them before Ipad OS). So, to sum up, your statement about a change in external keyboard support is simply wrong.

Maybe for lightening iPad’s but that’s not the case for the USB-C iPads.

 

[Digitalguy]

Maybe for lightening iPad’s but that’s not the case for the USB-C iPads.

Absolutely nothing has changed in terms of keyboard support for the USB C Ipads with Ipad OS

 

[Mabus51]

Absolutely nothing has changed in terms of keyboard support for the USB C Ipads with Ipad OS

Not true at all. Not sure what beta you’re using of iPad OS. But the 2018 Pro models are not limited on USB keyboards. Since you know longer have one and returned it for the old 10.5 version I don’t get why you’re being so defensive of this.

 

[Digitalguy]

Not true at all. Not sure what beta you’re using of iPad OS. But the 2018 Pro models are not limited on USB keyboards. Since you know longer have one and returned it for the old 10.5 version I don’t get why you’re being so defensive of this.

Man, if there is one who is being defensive it's you. I am trying to explain to you something and instead of trying to listen you insist on your position against any evidence. That's unfortunately what sometimes happens in these forums. Fortunately most of the time they are places where you can learn a lot. And I am the first to be ready to learn or say when I am wrong about something. But in this case I know exactly what I am saying. So let's make it very clear and let's hopefully end it here. And hopefully it will be useful to some who might have been in doubt about this.
2018 ipad pro have NEVER EVER had any limitations when it comes to USB keyboards, with IOS 12 or Ipad OS. Any USB keyboard worked with them. So NOTHING has changed with Ipad OS. I have tested all kinds of keyboards on all my ipads, including power hungry gaming keyboards with RGB lighting and they all worked flawlessly on IOS 12 and on IpadOS. The ipad pro does not need any external power to power them. So again, nothing has changed with Ipad OS for the ipad pro 2018 when it comes to keyboards. And nothing has changed for lightning Ipads either.

 

[Mabus51]

Man, if there is one who is being defensive it's you. I am trying to explain to you something and instead of trying to listen you insist on your position against any evidence. That's unfortunately what sometimes happens in these forums. Fortunately most of the time they are places where you can learn a lot. And I am the first to be ready to learn or say when I am wrong about something. But in this case I know exactly what I am saying. So let's make it very clear and let's hopefully end it here. And hopefully it will be useful to some who might have been in doubt about this.
2018 ipad pro have NEVER EVER had any limitations when it comes to USB keyboards, with IOS 12 or Ipad OS. Any USB keyboard worked with them. So NOTHING has changed with Ipad OS. I have tested all kinds of keyboards on all my ipads, including power hungry gaming keyboards with RGB lighting and they all worked flawlessly on IOS 12 and on IpadOS. The ipad pro does not need any external power to power them. So again, nothing has changed with Ipad OS for the ipad pro 2018 when it comes to keyboards. And nothing has changed for lightning Ipads either.

No I’ve had lots of incompatibility with external keyboards in the past, so much so when the pencil came out I’ve adapted to use that entirely. Plus there is all these changes with keyboards making things a lot easier. https://www.macworld.com/article/3403455/whats-new-with-the-keyboard-in-ios-13-and-ipados-13.html external keyboards when connected also don’t bring up the soft keyboard automatically it’s detected by the OS now.

 

[Digitalguy]

No I’ve had lots of incompatibility with external keyboards in the past, so much so when the pencil came out I’ve adapted to use that entirely. Plus there is all these changes with keyboards making things a lot easier. https://www.macworld.com/article/3403455/whats-new-with-the-keyboard-in-ios-13-and-ipados-13.html external keyboards when connected also don’t bring up the soft keyboard automatically it’s detected by the OS now.

I have plugged all kinds of keyboards to my ipads in the past (I rarely use an ipad without a keyboard) and the only issue has been power, since lightning does not deliver enough power for some (backlit) keyboards. Solution, use a powered hub or the 2015 USB 3.0 CCK with power. Even my IBM PS/2 keyboard (Model M) from 1992 worked perfectly with as PS2 to USB adapter. The only benefit of ipad OS is shortcuts. The fact that external keyboards don't bring soft keyboards worked already with previous IOS versions, it's not an Ipad OS novelty (that's why the article you linked does not mention it at all). So we can simply agree to disagree and hopefully move on. Written on an external (USB) keyboard on IOS 12....

 

[spiderman0616]

I have plugged all kinds of keyboards to my ipads in the past (I rarely use an ipad without a keyboard) and the only issue has been power, since lightning does not deliver enough power for some (backlit) keyboards. Solution, use a powered hub or the 2015 USB 3.0 CCK with power. Even my IBM PS/2 keyboard (Model M) from 1992 worked perfectly with as PS2 to USB adapter. The only benefit of ipad OS is shortcuts. The fact that external keyboards don't bring soft keyboards worked already with previous IOS versions, it's not an Ipad OS novelty (that's why the article you linked does not mention it at all). So we can simply agree to disagree and hopefully move on. Written on an external (USB) keyboard on IOS 12....

I’ve been using the iPad with both external USB and Bluetooth keyboards since 2011. I’m so confused right now.

 

[ericwn]

No I’ve had lots of incompatibility with external keyboards in the past, so much so when the pencil came out I’ve adapted to use that entirely. Plus there is all these changes with keyboards making things a lot easier. https://www.macworld.com/article/3403455/whats-new-with-the-keyboard-in-ios-13-and-ipados-13.html external keyboards when connected also don’t bring up the soft keyboard automatically it’s detected by the OS now.

In all my years of using iPad - basically since the first version the software keyboard has always disappeared when an external one was recognised by the system.
I don’t see any great additional benefit in iPad OS for external keyboards other than maybe more shortcuts.