Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
But I think if I did use a keyboard, I would just use Apple’s keyboard folio. It’s not much thicker than the regular folio. Why don’t you just do that? Then you wouldn’t have to worry about changing covers and would have the keyboard with you all the time.
The problem I have with using the keyboard folio all the time is that you can’t hide the keyboard, you’re stuck with it sitting out. No good if you’re in the kitchen and don’t want it taking up a ton of counter space, propping it on a window ledge, etc. Also, the lack of a good way to put it in the low configuration is a dealbreaker for me. So it’s swapping or Bluetooth keyboard. I ultimately sent my keyboard folio back.
 
The problem I have with using the keyboard folio all the time is that you can’t hide the keyboard, you’re stuck with it sitting out. No good if you’re in the kitchen and don’t want it taking up a ton of counter space, propping it on a window ledge, etc. Also, the lack of a good way to put it in the low configuration is a dealbreaker for me. So it’s swapping or Bluetooth keyboard. I ultimately sent my keyboard folio back.

Yeah, I hear ya. Another solution is to keep the folio keyboard on your desk...or put it on when you plan to go out to a cafe to type...and then use the regular folio for everything else. There are 3rd party regular folios on Amazon for like $10 so it wouldn’t be much more to add it to apple’s Keyboard folio. Again, I use the on screen keyboard, so this isn’t a decision I have to make. But there are many options out there to solve your dilemma.
 
The apple keyboard folio is so thick and bulky. Unless you're doing a task that is 100% typing, its not worthwhile. The soft keyboard is really good. If you put some work in being proficient on the soft keyboard, you won't miss the real keyboard, and you've just reduced the bulk of the iPad by half. I write code with the soft keyboard, its really no big deal even if you're hitting weird keys like curly braces all the time. In 10 years, keyboards will be a specialty item for old people who can't get on board with soft keys. Get on board sooner, its better this way.
 
  • Like
Reactions: John.B.Sirius
I have the old 12.9, so I use the Smart Keyboard cover on the front and a skin on the back—goes in my messenger bag just like that. I’ve taken it to work with me every day for two years and it’s still mint. A sleeve in addition seems like overkill—protecting the protection.

The apple keyboard folio is so thick and bulky. Unless you're doing a task that is 100% typing, its not worthwhile. The soft keyboard is really good. If you put some work in being proficient on the soft keyboard, you won't miss the real keyboard, and you've just reduced the bulk of the iPad by half. I write code with the soft keyboard, its really no big deal even if you're hitting weird keys like curly braces all the time. In 10 years, keyboards will be a specialty item for old people who can't get on board with soft keys. Get on board sooner, its better this way.

How can typing on flat glass be faster and more accurate than typing on tactile keys? One is designed for the sole purpose of typing, the other is a compromise.
 
I prefer using the physical keyboard any day.

The smart folio Case got sold out in the first week in HK.

Even today if you order one you have to wait for at least 2 weeks. Big demand for it.

For those who carrying a bag and will put the iPad Pro in the bag, bulk is not an issue.

Better use the iPad Pro the proper way rather than make compromises for an expensive product
 
I prefer using the physical keyboard any day.

The smart folio Case got sold out in the first week in HK.

Even today if you order one you have to wait for at least 2 weeks. Big demand for it.

For those who carrying a bag and will put the iPad Pro in the bag, bulk is not an issue.

Better use the iPad Pro the proper way rather than make compromises for an expensive product

Well, that’s a matter of opinion. I would argue that the way a tablet was intended to be used is thru touch. I prefer typing on the screen when using an iPad. With my 11” iPad Pro, I can type easily and very fast with my thumbs in portrait or landscape while holding the iPad. I can also type normally with all my fingers while the iPad is laying on a table top. To me, it is not a compromise at all.

I know it’s not for everybody. Just depends on which you prefer. For me, the whole point of an iPad is the simplicity. Nothing wrong with using a physical keyboard if that’s what you prefer, but it certainly isn’t a compromise not to.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Mr.C
I use my 12.9 in the Smart Folio and carry it in this bag when out-and-about: Troop London

It is a perfect fit for the 12.9 with Smart Folio; should work with the Keyboard Folio but I don’t have one personally.
 
Well, that’s a matter of opinion. I would argue that the way a tablet was intended to be used is thru touch. I prefer typing on the screen when using an iPad. With my 11” iPad Pro, I can type easily and very fast with my thumbs in portrait or landscape while holding the iPad. I can also type normally with all my fingers while the iPad is laying on a table top. To me, it is not a compromise at all.

I know it’s not for everybody. Just depends on which you prefer. For me, the whole point of an iPad is the tactile feel. Nothing wrong with using a physical keyboard if that’s what you prefer, but it certainly isn’t a compromise not to.

I guess you are right.

Anyway, I am using my iPad Pro in 2 ways.

Like an iPad at home and as a MacBook at the office.

I do use it as a MacBook at home too sometimes.
 
Last edited:
I picked up a pouch for my pencil. Was worried it may get damaged if I just put it in my notebook pouch.

dedcb3bc2ab2ce40adb0f647a09be0f3.jpg
15e722b6684e0821f4bea89c4ec02b48.jpg
 
I have the old 12.9, so I use the Smart Keyboard cover on the front and a skin on the back—goes in my messenger bag just like that. I’ve taken it to work with me every day for two years and it’s still mint. A sleeve in addition seems like overkill—protecting the protection.



How can typing on flat glass be faster and more accurate than typing on tactile keys? One is designed for the sole purpose of typing, the other is a compromise.

Its a winning compromise. I used to think typing speed mattered, and would practice, and get like 120wpm scores. But then I worked under an experienced engineer who could run circles around me. All while really slowly typing with only his pointer fingers! It made me realize, I'm not actually typing that often when im working. Thinking about the correct thing to type is by far more important than being able to type fast. I can still type way faster than that guy on a soft keyboard, and he's still a way more effective engineer than me! The tactile feedback isn't that critical, since you're eyes are looking right above your hands you use the visual feedback instead of the tactile feedback. Its no big deal, and its worth it to not have to carry around a keyboard device. I'm a super early adopter, the world will catch up to me. Look at how kids use computers, they are very proficient with the soft keyboards in phones and they use autocomplete to be as effective as adults on a keyboard. Its the future.
 
Its a winning compromise. I used to think typing speed mattered, and would practice, and get like 120wpm scores. But then I worked under an experienced engineer who could run circles around me. All while really slowly typing with only his pointer fingers! It made me realize, I'm not actually typing that often when im working. Thinking about the correct thing to type is by far more important than being able to type fast. I can still type way faster than that guy on a soft keyboard, and he's still a way more effective engineer than me! The tactile feedback isn't that critical, since you're eyes are looking right above your hands you use the visual feedback instead of the tactile feedback. Its no big deal, and its worth it to not have to carry around a keyboard device. I'm a super early adopter, the world will catch up to me. Look at how kids use computers, they are very proficient with the soft keyboards in phones and they use autocomplete to be as effective as adults on a keyboard. Its the future.
It may be a winning compromise for people who don’t need to type as fast as possible, but many people do. Eg. transcribing notes- your eyes need to constantly be on the notes as you type. That’s painfully slow using an onscreen keyboard. Autocorrect helps but it still doesn’t make it as fast as a real keyboard, plus it still has pretty big limitations.
Sure, a keyboard isn’t necessary for everyone, but to say that onscreen keyboards are just as good for actual typing simply isn’t true.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: artfossil and flur
Its a winning compromise. I used to think typing speed mattered, and would practice, and get like 120wpm scores. But then I worked under an experienced engineer who could run circles around me. All while really slowly typing with only his pointer fingers! It made me realize, I'm not actually typing that often when im working. Thinking about the correct thing to type is by far more important than being able to type fast. I can still type way faster than that guy on a soft keyboard, and he's still a way more effective engineer than me! The tactile feedback isn't that critical, since you're eyes are looking right above your hands you use the visual feedback instead of the tactile feedback. Its no big deal, and its worth it to not have to carry around a keyboard device. I'm a super early adopter, the world will catch up to me. Look at how kids use computers, they are very proficient with the soft keyboards in phones and they use autocomplete to be as effective as adults on a keyboard. Its the future.

I think its great that you love using the on-screen keyboard, it works for you and many others so stick with it!

For me and others though the pendulum swings the other way when we evaluate this issue and carrying a keyboard cover that is easily removable is not seen as much of a hindrance to us as using the on-screen keyboard. For me personally, I'm not inclined to invest in a larger screen size only to relinquish screen real estate to an on-screen keyboard. I have no doubt that i could get more proficient at typing on-screen than I am now but I have no interest in putting in the effort. I will say this though - if Apple allowed smaller floating keyboards for touch typing like Android does that would make me use on screen keyboarding a bit more (but still when I want to do some serious typing I need the smart keyboard).

So therein lies the crossroads for me when it comes time to upgrade my gen 2 IPP 12.9. Being an avid smart keyboard user I don't want to migrate to the new design and when I do eventually upgrade to Apple's new form factor for the pros I'll likely end up going with a separate bluetooth keyboard altogether and carry the tablet in a sleeve rather than using one of Apple's folios. Currently I carry my ipad pro loose and just toss it in whatever bag I have. I have the smart keyboard on it most times and the back is protected with just a dbrand skin.
 
I swear by these cross body type satchels. I’ve got a couple for the iPad mini format and a few for the 9.7” iPad. Getting in and out of a car with one of these is ergonomically easy. Mostly eBay finds.
CD16B7F2-AB94-4667-A832-1A3F6A542397.jpeg
 
I’m going to use this iPad at home so basically no case for now. I love the big screen and light weight
 
If I’m going to class I put the keyboard folio on and put it in a protective pocket in my backpack. But I only use the keyboard folio if I know I’m going to need the keyboard. I’ve also got the regular folio. The keyboard folio is great... unless you need to use the iPad as a tablet. When the folio folds back the keys are exposed ruining everything. You can prop it open like a book but that sucks. So, if I go out and I took my keyboard, I take it off and use it naked.

At home I switch back to regular folio... but even then sometimes take the iPad out and use it naked because it’s so so beautiful :)
 
I bought this bag for my 10.5" but ended up not using it. My husband had made me a beautiful leather sleeve for the 10" and I would just throw it in my bag and go. My new 12.9 fits in this perfectly (I use just a folio, no keyboard). It is narrow so you don’t have tons of room, but enough for a few essentials.

Mission Rucksack. Canvas Messenger Cross body bag, Day Bag, Rucksack, Compartment for iPad PRO 10.5 & similar sized tablets, Strap (Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EK2ZXGK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_BxdgCb3QST538
[doublepost=1545091445][/doublepost]08E9DF85-D4FC-48FB-B56D-36B09A02A6BD.jpeg Here is a photo of the case my husband made for my 10.5". I haven’t had the heart to ask him for the 12.9" one. It takes a lot of leather! I had him put the heart on and the paw prints.
 
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
6EC1EAD1-DD2D-41D4-B9EE-2A0D7DA3470F.jpeg
I got this TOMTOC sleeve for my 11” iPad Pro. I love it. It has a detachable shoulder strap which I find cool too...but my brother totally made fun of me.
[doublepost=1545091738][/doublepost]


 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.