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How does this folio work?

BaddAdvice said:
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.
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Correct. And it was set up in such a way that if one were to detach the ASK, flip it around and reattach it, it wouldn't activate the keys. I often do this when I'm out and about and want to use the 12.9 Pro in "tablet mode" and have no place to put the ASK down.

By reversing and reattaching, the silicone outside is what is facing outward when holding it.
 
On the SP4, the keyboard stays connected, when it’s flipped back, key presses don’t register. So, there are ways of doing it.
 
BaddAdvice said:
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.
Click to expand...

There are magnets in the slot on the “old” ASK. Somehow, the iPad is able to detect when the iPad is in that slot (and the ASK works) or not (and the onscreen keyboard pops up). I’m thinking that there are probably some magnets in the two positions for the new ASK and that the iPad will be able to tell when it and the keyboard are in typing configuration and when they are not. When they are not in typing configuration, the keys won’t be active.
 
Personally I like the new ASK. The microfiber doesn’t collect crap to smear all over your screen when you’re done using the keyboard. As for when not using a keyboard being magnetic it’s easily pulled out. Also the back is now covered that levels out the awful camera bump. So no more thick awful clamshell trash to attach. Much better design in my opinion. Slap a vinyl skin on the back if you’re worried about the aluminum scratching when not in the folio.
 
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Mabus51 said:
Slap a vinyl skin on the back if you’re worried about the aluminum scratching when not in the folio.
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agree in some ways but I'd rather have a vinyl back on and then just a smart cover when not needing the ASK, rather than current only option of the folio (non keyboard) version though.
 
ATP, accidental tech podcast, were invited to the iPad event. One of the hosts goes over exactly what the topic is here at the 1 hour 37 minutes mark of episode 298.

The keyboard part does flip over and is on the outside. The keys are not active in this mode. He found the action of flipping it over "clumsy", and it did seem weird of feeling a keyboard on the flip side while holding it in this fashion. They were impressed by it being seemingly less bulky (it doesnt have that double bulk multiple folds bulk), and the two angle options. They were quite curious on the weight of the cover, but couldn't figure out what it was.
 
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jozero said:
ATP, accidental tech podcast, were invited to the iPad event. One of the hosts goes over exactly what the topic is here at the 1 hour 37 minutes mark of episode 298.

The keyboard part does flip over and is on the outside. The keys are not active in this mode. He found the action of flipping it over "clumsy", and it did seem weird of feeling a keyboard on the flip side while holding it in this fashion. They were impressed by it being seemingly less bulky (it doesnt have that double bulk multiple folds bulk), and the two angle options. They were quite curious on the weight of the cover, but couldn't figure out what it was.
Click to expand...

You, sir, are a legend. Thank you! Look forward to listening to this part of the podcast. Glad I have the non-keyboard folio on order (strangely it shipped super fast and will arrive tomorrow).
 
tothemoonsands said:
(strangely it shipped super fast and will arrive tomorrow).
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I’ve received mine already!

27793643-FB77-42AF-897E-791BA23BE887.jpeg
 
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hammm said:
I would like to know what material the Smart Folio is made of. Is it the typical silicone / TPU rubber kind of material?

I usually buy only leather covers/cases for my Apple products as they tend to be more durable than the silicone ones.
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Yea I have always had leather cases too. Wish they had them again. May have something to do with the pencil and charging it, but I’m not sure how
 
hammm said:
I would like to know what material the Smart Folio is made of. Is it the typical silicone / TPU rubber kind of material?
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It’s basically identical to the previous cover, a kind of rubberised plastic. Maybe a tiny bit thinner. I’m impressed, actually, seems it will be super thin on the device. I don’t like covers or cases that are too thick.

I usually buy only leather covers/cases for my Apple products as they tend to be more durable than the silicone ones.
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I’ve used the rubberised Apple cases on all my iPads (starting with the original) and always found them to be excellent quality and very durable.
 
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danmart said:
It’s basically identical to the previous cover, a kind of rubberised plastic. Maybe a tiny bit thinner. I’m impressed, actually, seems it will be super thin on the device. I don’t like covers or cases that are too thick.


I’ve used the rubberised Apple cases on all my iPads (starting with the original) and always found them to be excellent quality and very durable.
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Ah man, what a shame on the material choice - no way in hell I'd pay SGD 149 (~US$ 109) for a thin piece of silicone folio. Guess I'll just wait for other 3rd party case makers to sell a leather version with a decent price.
 
RevTEG said:
And still only boring gray and white for the 12.9.
Three straight years of boring gray...
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With all the ways that apple introduces colourful options for products and accessories, I’m really disappointed that the 12.9 smart covers never received different colour options. Sad that yet again for this new generation its still the same. And even the 11” this time (besides that sandy pink colour).
 
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