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I’m disappointed to see I can’t fold the iPad into a similar position as the folio only case.

I’ve often used my iPad in the low “screen typing” angle with the ASK, will miss that.
 
In that video it looks like the magnets hold a pretty firm grip. This is good news for me because I use my iPad a lot on my lap already and propped up without me having to hold it up. The two different angles are going to be great for me. I was going to try to hold out for Zugu to release a case for these reasons but when I saw how the keyboard folio props up the iPad I had to get it. I’ve always wanted a keyboard case as well...I really like the one my wife’s current iPad has.
 
It is facing outwards. You can tell when she flips it back out. That’s my problem...is that we will be holding keys when it’s folded back behind the iPad.
 
Thanks but is the keyboard facing outwards in the magazine folded position? The video doesn’t show the back...

Yes it is. Go to 1:22 and you will see her flip the keyboard into position. It doesn't show the back but you can definitely tell the keys are facing down (outwards).
 
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Yes it is. Go to 1:22 and you will see her flip the keyboard into position. It doesn't show the back but you can definitely tell the keys are facing down (outwards).

Thanks! I got to 0:52 and stopped watching haha

It definitely seem some like a step backwards from the previous smart keyboards, where the keys are tucked away neatly when you open it up in magazine folded configuration.
 
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Will it have a "movie" viewing move like the below image from the 10.5" ASK? Or will you always need the keyboard out in front to select the 2 different angles?

c7849e1eb2d9b6e0e04b82b93df0ee73.jpg
 
No keyboard for me!

I use my iPad mostly in my lap and an attached keyboard will suck. I have been using the on screen keyboard for years now and it work fine for me. I bought the Folio case which should suit my needs.

Looks like it is held by magnets only as it does wrap around a hold onto the edges like previous cases. I have ordered the 11” with the smart case folio and hope it works. I got a box full of old 3rd party cases that all sucked for the 10.5. Hoping Apple got this right.
Yeah I got the keyboard case on my 10.5”. Don’t care for it, not buying it this time. Kinda bulky, had to be replaced by Apple because it came apart at the seams even though I didn’t use it much. Didn’t sit well in my lap. I wanted to try doing more web development on it but it’s just a pain.
 
Seems a backward step in some regards then. I presume if folded back then the keys will not register, like surface do.

Must be much heavier than 10.5" ASK as well having a back as well now.

I personally prefer to have a front cover and use shields/zagg/BSE on the back, doesn't seem to have that option now.
 
I personally prefer to have a front cover and use shields/zagg/BSE on the back, doesn't seem to have that option now.
I don’t think that will be an option as the only anchor points on the new iPad seem to be the magnets on the back. So whether a case uses the magnets or a more traditional wrap-around design there wouldn’t be anything for a separate case to latch on to.
 
Keep in mind for right handers, the ledge will allow you to grab it without hitting keys.

Lefties like myself would be forced to either hold the iPad upside down or hold the keys.

Regardless of your dominant hand though, keys could potentially collect debris if the iPad is set down, and that could end up scratching the screen when you fold it back up again.

Needless to say, I now have a simple folio ordered! Coming Friday!
It is upside down for a lefty, but everything should be operationally the same unless you are doing a video chat.

I'm a bit torn on this design. I usually take the keyboard off when holding just the tablet, so I don't think this will bother me too much. That plus folding out is simpler and the keyboard base should be more stable when you are holding it in your lap because there isn't the moving triangle piece, it is all flat.
 
Thanks! I got to 0:52 and stopped watching haha

It definitely seem some like a step backwards from the previous smart keyboards, where the keys are tucked away neatly when you open it up in magazine folded configuration.
Yes, it does look like a step backward in that regard, but a step forward in another. Fully unfurling the original 12.9 ASK reveals something large enough to completely cover a dining room table. (yes, hyperbole) That doesn't seem to be the case with this new ASK.

I think that Apple is taking a cue from the rest of the industry. People don't seem to mind having the keyboard exposed when folding back those 2-in-1 devices. The only exception is the Lenovo Yoga Book (1st and 2nd gen) because they have a touch keyboard not physical keys
 
ya this really turns me off. spent some time trying to find videos / pictures after the presser that would suggest this not be the case. Really really love my back case + ASK on the 1st gen 12.9. That combo felt perfect. Kept back case on, and took the ASK or regular smart cover with me for the day depending on needs.
 
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Yes, it does look like a step backward in that regard, but a step forward in another. Fully unfurling the original 12.9 ASK reveals something large enough to completely cover a dining room table. (yes, hyperbole) That doesn't seem to be the case with this new ASK.

I think that Apple is taking a cue from the rest of the industry. People don't seem to mind having the keyboard exposed when folding back those 2-in-1 devices. The only exception is the Lenovo Yoga Book (1st and 2nd gen) because they have a touch keyboard not physical keys

I tend to agree - this is aimed at the Surface Pro crowd who basically use their device as an ultra portable laptop.
ya this really turns me off. spent some time trying to find videos / pictures after the presser that would suggest this not be the case. Really really love my back case + ASK on the 1st gen 12.9. That combo felt perfect. Kept back case on, and took the ASK or regular smart cover with me for the day depending on needs.
You could still do that by switching between regular- and keyboard-folios, but it would be very expensive!
 
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You could still do that by switching between regular- and keyboard-folios, but it would be very expensive!
I have them both ordered—I ordered the ASK with the iPad and then realized it might not fold the way I want it to—but I expect I’ll keep the folio and return the keyboard. My existing BT keyboards should work just fine with it.
 
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I have them both ordered—I ordered the ASK with the iPad and then realized it might not fold the way I want it to—but I expect I’ll keep the folio and return the keyboard. My existing BT keyboards should work just fine with it.
My plan is regular folio plus Bluetooth, too. Shame, as I like the always-available nature of the current ASK but my usage is maybe only 25% typing so the new keyboard folio is the wrong compromise for me personally.

If I used the keyboard over 60% of the time I would probably swallow it.
 
My plan is regular folio plus Bluetooth, too. Shame, as I like the always-available nature of the current ASK but my usage is maybe only 25% typing so the new keyboard folio is the wrong compromise for me personally.

If I used the keyboard over 60% of the time I would probably swallow it.
I’m a writer, and while my MBP is my main working machine, I don’t take it out of the house. The iPad is how I work in cafes, waiting rooms, hotels, etc., so I may just suck it up and keep both.
 
For those concerned about errant key stroking (that sounds dirty, for some reason), I’m thinking the keyboard only works while in one of the viewing position slots. I’m sure Apple have come up with a way to disconnect the keys when folded around. At least I hope so. We all shall see, sooner rather than later!
 
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For those worried about holding onto the keys when it's folded back as long as you hold it normally (towards the bottom of the iPad when looking at it and where the home button used to be is on the right) you'll be holding onto the part of the keyboard folio where the iPad sits in when it's propped up and relatively flat. The keys will be at the top part of the iPad facing backwards. Most people I ever see holding an iPad in this fashion are holding it towards the bottom and not the top anyway.
 
For those concerned about errant key stroking (that sounds dirty, for some reason), I’m thinking the keyboard only works while in one of the viewing position slots. I’m sure Apple have come up with a way to disconnect the keys when folded around. At least I hope so. We all shall see, sooner rather than later!

The current ASK works when the screen is slotted into place but if you move the iPad off that slot, the onscreen keyboard pops up. There’s something in the groove where the bottom edge of the iPad fits that both holds it in the groove and lets the iPad know that it’s in keyboard position.
 
The current ASK works when the screen is slotted into place but if you move the iPad off that slot, the onscreen keyboard pops up. There’s something in the groove where the bottom edge of the iPad fits that both holds it in the groove and lets the iPad know that it’s in keyboard position.
On the current iPads, the smart connector is on the side and that’s what’s activating the keyboard when it’s in the slot - at least I think that’s how it works.

On the new iPads, the smart connector’s on the back, so, in theory, the ASK will always be attached to the smart connector, regardless of keyboard orientation.
 
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