How is the ASK?

[macdaddy1991]

Ordered my 2018 12.9" iPad pro today along with pencil 2. I was hoping there to be smart covers as usual but it seems like due to the new magnet setup, it will only be the folio cases. Thinking about getting a keyboard to go along with the ipad but im wondering if the ASK is a worthwhile investment. I plan to turn this thing into one of my main devices for my PhD work along with incorporating it into my photography workflow once photoshop is released. Just curious what the consensus is on the ASK vs something like the magic keyboard.

 

[sracer]

Ordered my 2018 12.9" iPad pro today along with pencil 2. I was hoping there to be smart covers as usual but it seems like due to the new magnet setup, it will only be the folio cases. Thinking about getting a keyboard to go along with the ipad but im wondering if the ASK is a worthwhile investment. I plan to turn this thing into one of my main devices for my PhD work along with incorporating it into my photography workflow once photoshop is released. Just curious what the consensus is on the ASK vs something like the magic keyboard.

I think in general, having a physical keyboard is a great idea. As for whether or not to go with the ASK or separate BT keyboard, I think the first question to ask yourself is, "how often will I be taking the keyboard with me?"

I have found for myself, with the 1st gen 12.9 Pro, having the ASK made all the difference in productivity. I also have the smartcover. The ASK is the thinnest, lightest, and most integrated option for the iPad Pro. The downside, because of the design of that original ASK, when attempting to use the iPad without the ASK in a mobile setting, I ended up with an unwieldy albatross. Completely unfolding that ASK makes it insanely long. You won't have those problems with the new ASK.

If you plan on primarily using the iPad Pro as a tablet, Pencil for handwritten notes and photos, then it might make sense to have the folio case and separate magic keyboard. This gives you the flexibility having the keyboard only when you need it.

It's a bit sad that there is only a folio case and no smartcover at this point. The benefits of the thinner Pro is offset by the added thickness of the folio.

 

[macdaddy1991]

I think in general, having a physical keyboard is a great idea. As for whether or not to go with the ASK or separate BT keyboard, I think the first question to ask yourself is, "how often will I be taking the keyboard with me?"

I have found for myself, with the 1st gen 12.9 Pro, having the ASK made all the difference in productivity. I also have the smartcover. The ASK is the thinnest, lightest, and most integrated option for the iPad Pro. The downside, because of the design of that original ASK, when attempting to use the iPad without the ASK in a mobile setting, I ended up with an unwieldy albatross. Completely unfolding that ASK makes it insanely long. You won't have those problems with the new ASK.

If you plan on primarily using the iPad Pro as a tablet, Pencil for handwritten notes and photos, then it might make sense to have the folio case and separate magic keyboard. This gives you the flexibility having the keyboard only when you need it.

It's a bit sad that there is only a folio case and no smartcover at this point. The benefits of the thinner Pro is offset by the added thickness of the folio.

I was also hoping for a Smart Cover to pair it with a dbrand skin to match my XS Max. My primary use will be handwritten notes, annotating PDFs, and photo editing with the Apple Pencil along with the typical media/web browsing stuff. However, this will likely replace my MBP in general day to day use in the lab so having a keyboard to use when writing emails would be ideal. My desktop will still be my primary device to do any intensive work like massive batch editing of photos as well as when I eventually write my PhD dissertation.