iPad External keyboard vs software keyboard

[i0Nic]

Hey all,

I'm ready to get the 10.5 iPad Pro and reenter the world of mobile productivity, however I'm not sure if the smart keyboard or similar external keyboard is the way to go. I love the idea of using the iPad as my portable device, but trying to make it like a laptop with an external keyboard doesn't feel right to me. Also when you use the external keyboard, you can't make use of some of the clever software keyboard enhancements, like auto-correct etc.

I love the idea of just grabbing the ipad and the pen, and seeing how that goes. I do type a lot though, and want to use the iPad to type blog posts and emails.

Basically what I'm asking is do you use and value the smart keyboard for your iPad Pro? Did you switch back to the software keyboard? Do you use another external keyboard like the Apple bluetooth keyboard?

Let me know what you think.

 

[danmart]

I use the soft keyboard 99% of the time on my 12.9 gen 1 Pro, and did with earlier iPads, too. I find it fine for short note taking (including taking notes for long meetings, just not long notes). For long form typing I would want a physical keyboard.

I have a Bluetooth keyboard for this purpose. I wouldn't personally use the SmartCover as I don't want to carry / hold the keyboard at all times.

 

[emembee]

Hey all,


Basically what I'm asking is do you use and value the smart keyboard for your iPad Pro? Did you switch back to the software keyboard? Do you use another external keyboard like the Apple bluetooth keyboard?

Let me know what you think.

The ASK is good as a cover and if you don't want to use it, just pull it off and use on-screen. Nothing bad to say about it except cost. If you are into a lot of typing though, it comes into its own. I prefer it to external Bluetooth.

 

[darkarn]

I used to use physical keyboards like the Matias One Slim keyboard with my iPad Air 1, but ever since I went to 12.9, I went with the soft keyboard.

Besides, I don't think I can play games with the 12.9 on my lap comfortably had I went with the Smart Keyboard