All iPads iPad Air 4/Pro + Magic Keyboard for Content Drafting?

[CRX]

Hey there,

I work as a full-time Copywriter and whittle away at personal fiction projects during my time off. Once the pandemic is over, I plan on travelling extensively for writing retreats/inspiration. While normally I use a custom-built PC and ultrawide monitor, changing up where I work makes me more productive.

I ordered the M1 MacBook Air but, to my surprise, the keyboard was rather tiring to use. Having enjoyed the Pixelbook Go and Apple desktop wireless Magic Keyboard, I don't believe this is a travel-related issue (some reviews stated the Pro feels better, but I'm not spending that much). However, what made me request a refund was the screen coating, which exhibited purplish, elongated smudges along the outer edges after about a week. I followed advice to use a lightly damp microfiber cloth and, after several attempts, nothing changed. Would rather not have to worry about such a thing.

I've been considering the iPad Air 4 or Pro with Magic Keyboard as an alternative. I can get $200 for my 64 GB iPad Mini 5 through Apple trade-in, which is fine as I'd avoid any hassle or pandemic-associated risks of putting it on Marketplace etc. Tested out the iPadOS cursor on the Mini using a wireless mouse and I was low-key amazed by how well it worked for editing text.

Some benefits off the top of my head:

• Great camera and mics for Google Meet/Zoom calls (plus my AirPods Pro = perfection).
• Magic keyboard design makes me wonder whether a coffee spill would only hurt it if I take the tablet off right away (don't plan on testing).
• Easy switching between "laptop" and tablet modes, plus I like to use Notability for jotting down fiction ideas/call notes.
• The rigid, heavy nature of the Magic Keyboard case instills confidence that the tablet won't bend easily and, if it does, will flatten inside.
• More portable/compact with much cheaper Applecare+.
• Great battery life for intended use, especially if writing offline.
• Magic Keyboard sturdiness appears to be suitable for lap-based typing while seated, especially with iPad Air 4/Pro 11 size.
• Apple Pencil 2 support (no more raping my Mini 5 with Pencil 1's ridiculous charging method).
• Can position in portrait mode on the stand I have for my Mini, using any wired/wireless keyboard I want.
• Can install Paperlike 2 or similar matte screen protector without worrying about clearance when closed.
• Silly but whatever: Green iPad Air 4 with my eventual green iPhone 12 Mini!

Since I have a desktop system for when I need to multitask more intensively, would this work as a secondary computer? At most I'd probably have one research pane/slack open in Safari in split view with Word or Google Docs. I feel like the experience of suffering while trying to write/edit on a 2017 iPad Pro wouldn't repeat itself thanks to the improvements made to iPadOS. I realize that the 11-inch Magic Keyboard has some smaller keys but not the main ones. I don't care about whether there's a function row either, so that's fine.

Either way, I'm waiting to see whether new iPads are announced this spring. Thanks for any insights!

 

[Osamede]

A laptop keyboard and touchpad will always be better for typing than “magic” keyboard

If you are not used to slanted angle of MBA keyboard try the MBP.

Obviously Apple doesn’t offer a devise optimised for both pen drawing and typing. So you gotta chose your priorities.

But if you are going to utilize the IPad for this use case 12.9 screen size is better, not 11 inch. Especially if multitasking.

 

[CRX]

A laptop keyboard and touchpad will always be better for typing than “magic” keyboard

If you are not used to slanted angle of MBA keyboard try the MBP.

Obviously Apple doesn’t offer a devise optimised for both pen drawing and typing. So you gotta chose your priorities.

But if you are going to utilize the IPad for this use case 12.9 screen size is better, not 11 inch. Especially if multitasking.

Yeah, valid points. Typing angle wasn't really an issue I don't think - there was something to the responsiveness of the keys themselves that felt off. As I said, this is a secondary machine, so I don't see the need to spend even more on a MacBook Pro.

 

[JD2015]

I enjoy using iPad more than a MacBook. Just find it more satisfying on the whole. Would be a great addition to compliment your main set up and is super light to take around. The magic keyboard is the best iPad accessory and I use the Apple Pencil 2 occasionally. The camera is good but is useless in landscape mode for video chat. You may find the screen slightly cramped when having it in split view. I also find Touch ID is inferior to Face ID and can be bit annoying to use at times when typing. But that is just me as know a lot of people really like it. What apps do you intend to use on iPad and are they universal i.e. work on your desktop also.

 

[CRX]

I enjoy using iPad more than a MacBook. Just find it more satisfying on the whole. Would be a great addition to compliment your main set up and is super light to take around. The magic keyboard is the best iPad accessory and I use the Apple Pencil 2 occasionally. The camera is good but is useless in landscape mode for video chat. You may find the screen slightly cramped when having it in split view. I also find Touch ID is inferior to Face ID and can be bit annoying to use at times when typing. But that is just me as know a lot of people really like it. What apps do you intend to use on iPad and are they universal i.e. work on your desktop also.

Thanks for this! Yeah, I agree on your points. The primary reason I don't really want a 12.9 pro, aside from price, is that it's rather unwieldy as a tablet and a little too thin considering its weight and size. Not that I want to start the whole bendgate conversation again, but I just feel more comfortable with the 11-inch size lol. Lap use is more realistic with the smaller size too, allegedly.

I'm starting to prefer iPads over Macs as well - something about the user experience on the M1 Air felt a little too... over-animated? More time-consuming? Clunky? I have no idea what to call it. Primary use is for writing drafts full-screen/portrait with the occasional video call or switching over to pencil to jot notes, or sometimes with a research pane open in split, so I like the idea of having that flexibility. I can always mirror to my 75-inch TV in the living room if I need more space doing split stuff anyway.

 

[AutomaticApple]

Either way, I'm waiting to see whether new iPads are announced this spring. Thanks for any insights!

I’m really excited for next month too.

 

[Osamede]

Thanks for this! Yeah, I agree on your points. The primary reason I don't really want a 12.9 pro, aside from price, is that it's rather unwieldy as a tablet and a little too thin considering its weight and size. Not that I want to start the whole bendgate conversation again, but I just feel more comfortable with the 11-inch size lol. Lap use is more realistic with the smaller size too, allegedly.

I'm starting to prefer iPads over Macs as well - something about the user experience on the M1 Air felt a little too... over-animated? More time-consuming? Clunky? I have no idea what to call it. Primary use is for writing drafts full-screen/portrait with the occasional video call or switching over to pencil to jot notes, or sometimes with a research pane open in split, so I like the idea of having that flexibility. I can always mirror to my 75-inch TV in the living room if I need more space doing split stuff anyway.

Literally on your own lap is a as position to be typing in even if it is a notebook aka “laptop”.

But again, the tablet with accessory keyboard isn’t going to be optimal for that. And at 11” screen size, well that’s you hunched over even more.

No one should spend that much money to replicate a bad netbook experience.

 

[The Game 161]

I have the m1 air and decided to use my 12.9 with magic keyboard and it’s something I’ve missed. Keyboard just seems smoother to use but more cramped to use coming from the MacBook but dunno now I’m have 2nd thoughts on ditching 12.9 and magic keyboard for M1 air. Hmmm decisions.

an iPad mini with a re-design to go with the 12.9 would be very tempting but i think 12 pro max and iPad Pro 12.9 might be enough i would say

 

[CRX]

Literally on your own lap is a as position to be typing in even if it is a notebook aka “laptop”.

But again, the tablet with accessory keyboard isn’t going to be optimal for that. And at 11” screen size, well that’s you hunched over even more.

No one should spend that much money to replicate a bad netbook experience.

Yes, I've been looking into it more and quite agree. Netbook/chromebook experience does sorta come to mind. Been checking out refurbished ThinkPads as another option, and for much less. Though, if I can't find anything decent I may check out a new x13 or x390 with onsite warranty.