iPad Pro Hand/Arm fatigue Ipad, plus Magic Keyboard

[Moyapilot]

I like your two device idea. The MK has been killing my wrist. I have to assume it is the small track pad and what I consider an awkward angle going from the keyboard to the trackpad. To be fair maybe I have a pre-existing wrist issue from years of using a mouse and trackpad.

I actually started using an external Apple trackpad with the MK. Kind of weird I know. Messed around with a Logitech MX Master 3 mouse on the iPad. Even easier on my wrist, but too big for laptop desk use on the couch.

When the ARM laptops come out I’ll be supplementing my iPad Pro with a new laptop which I assume will have a bigger trackpad. Maybe even replacing it with a smaller iPad for pure table use.

Are you on the 12.9 or 11pro?

I actually did have some wrist pain last week from the 11 + MK, so I think it is the small size and awkward bend you have to put your wrist in, and the way you curl your fingers too. I think laptops have a much bigger area to rest your wrist on and that helps to minimize discomfort.

I watched a youtube video that suggested how to use trackpads more ergonomically. Basically, use the middle finger for pointer control...switch hands every so often, use a gel pad under wrist so you can keep the wrist as flat to the forearm as possible. It's really helped and I've not really experienced the pain since being more mindful of ergonomics. I do agree a sculpted mouse like the MX Master is probably the best, but like you said its not convenient on the couch.

 

[BigMcGuire]

It may be my age and many years of heavy computer use but I’ve had to switch to a Logitech MX Vertical mouse - I use it with my Mac, Work PC, iPad, everything. It has really helped with wrist pain.

Not having a full sized keyboard with the amount of typing I do is why I have not sprung for the MK.

I use a Logitech Full Sized Keyboard with my iPad (I am right now to type this).

 

[jazz1]

It may be my age and many years of heavy computer use but I’ve had to switch to a Logitech MX Vertical mouse - I use it with my Mac, Work PC, iPad, everything. It has really helped with wrist pain.

Not having a full sized keyboard with the amount of typing I do is why I have not sprung for the MK.

I use a Logitech Full Sized Keyboard with my iPad (I am right now to type this).

On a desk a day ago I used a Logitech MX Mac keyboard, and a MX Master 3 mouse. It was kind of liberating I’d like to figure out how to get the MX Master 3 mouse‘s buttons fully programmable like it is with my iMac.

 

[macdogpro]

I’d like to figure out how to get the MX Master 3 mouse‘s buttons fully programmable like it is with my iMac.

Have you tried: settings > accessibility > touch > assistivetouch > devices > ”your mouse” > customize additional buttons

 

[rmanbike]

I have had carpal tunnel and ulnar nerve surgery at the same time on my right hand because of my work I been diagnosed with neuropathy . Currently I have a MP with Microsoft ergonomic keyboard with a track pad for right hand and a mouse for the left hand. So I can understand about wrist and arm pain. At the point of retirement and considering selling my MP and getting ipad air or ipad pro, either way when or "IF" I use it at a desk setup will need external ergonomic keyboard and separate trackpad.

 

[sunapple]

I actually sold the MK and the 12.9 inch. I bought a MacBook Pro and 2018 11 inch iPad Pro as a second device. I wasn't comfortable with the pain that the case gave me.

I might be opting for a 12.9” with Smart Cover at first then as I’ll be using the Pencil and screen a lot either way (which may be better at a low angle). Screen typing kind of sucks, but I’ll give it a go.

The old Keyboard Folio with an external pointing device may be a better alternative then the 400€ MK, both economically and ergonomically ?

 

[danmart]

The ergonomics of the MK are very poor (I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Ergonomics).

The kicker is that there are three places you want to reach with your hands - the trackpad, keyboard and screen. That encourages you to have the screen within reach, where normally you are only looking to have the keyboard and trackpad in reach, and this means the trackpad is too close to you for you to use it with straight wrists (bent wrists are a major factor in the discomfort people experience from too much computer use).

A much better configured is to have your trackpad to the side of your keyboard, so you can just pivot your arm at the elbow to move from typing to pointing without needing to flex your wrist to any significant degree. But that is difficult to engineer with the laptop format, and also the MK.

 

[C. Robert]

I might be opting for a 12.9” with Smart Cover at first then as I’ll be using the Pencil and screen a lot either way (which may be better at a low angle). Screen typing kind of sucks, but I’ll give it a go.

The old Keyboard Folio with an external pointing device may be a better alternative then the 400€ MK, both economically and ergonomically ?

I also think the old keyboard folk is better but if I was to go back to using my iPad for heavy typing is get a separate keyboard and mouse. I do miss the gestures a lot. The MK isn’t a great design in my book and if you use it a lot I think eventually you will feel the pain.

 

[danmart]

I carry the ‘original’ Magic Keyboard (i.e. the Bluetooth one) with me for when I want to do serious typing on my 12.9 Pro. It is a desktop-class keyboard, but you can place it where ever you want relative to the screen.

The combined weight of iPad + separate keyboard is very similar to iPad + MK, so I’m not carrying any extra weight in my bag, but I have a lighter iPad for doing ‘just iPad’ stuff like reading or drawing.

I guess the separate keyboard is a little less convenient for lap use, but it can be done. And unless you are using multiple Bluetooth devices heavily I haven’t personally experienced any key-lag with the Apple Bluetooth keyboard.

 

[C. Robert]

I carry the ‘original’ Magic Keyboard (i.e. the Bluetooth one) with me for when I want to do serious typing on my 12.9 Pro. It is a desktop-class keyboard, but you can place it where ever you want relative to the screen.

The combined weight of iPad + separate keyboard is very similar to iPad + MK, so I’m not carrying any extra weight in my bag, but I have a lighter iPad for doing ‘just iPad’ stuff like reading or drawing.

I guess the separate keyboard is a little less convenient for lap use, but it can be done. And unless you are using multiple Bluetooth devices heavily I haven’t personally experienced any key-lag with the Apple Bluetooth keyboard.

Its the best solution in my book, if you're using an iPad for heavy typing. Using a iPad and MK on my lap was crazy annoying. I needed a pillow or arm or something stable. It tended to fall backward or move around a lot due to it being top heavy. When Macs change over to new silicon, use touchscreens, and remain bottom heavy, then it will probably be better.

 

[sunapple]

I also think the old keyboard folk is better but if I was to go back to using my iPad for heavy typing is get a separate keyboard and mouse. I do miss the gestures a lot. The MK isn’t a great design in my book and if you use it a lot I think eventually you will feel the pain.

I already own a (non-iPad) Magic Keyboard and Trackpad for my Mac mini, so the decision has been made made. Thanks.

 

[C. Robert]

ill be there soon.

 

[darngooddesign]

If only the regular iPad keyboard had backlit keys; that's literally the main thing I want from the Magic Keyboard.

 

[sunapple]

If only the regular iPad keyboard had backlit keys; that's literally the main thing I want from the Magic Keyboard.

Just tried both out in store, the keys themselves are the biggest deal of all IMO. So amazing on the Magic Keyboard.

 

[C. Robert]

Just tried both out in store, the keys themselves are the biggest deal of all IMO. So amazing on the Magic Keyboard.

They are night and day.