iPad as a laptop replacement

[The-Real-Deal82]

Never seen the point of a separate keyboard on a tablet personally, for me it sort of contradicts what a tablet is intended for but maybe that is just me. Another annoyance is the keyboards seem to cost nearly as much as the iPad itself which I fail to see how they justify.

 

[DeepSix]

So where are you seeing the new version of the Logitech combo, every where I look has the version with the rubber sides.

Best Buy here in Canada. They only sell the newer version.

 

[DeepSix]

Mine is black. I believe that was the only color when it was originally released. I wouldn’t get a white simply because Ive had other devices, cases, etc. that were made of softer materials similar to the MKB and they always looked dull and grey after a time. The MKB might not suffer from that but I wouldnt want to take the chance. I also had seen any number of reports from people who had the white version about some issue with auto brightness or some other screen issue. I think it was due to reflection from the white surface. But the keys are excellent, perhaps not identical to a laptop keyboard but very pleasing nonetheless.

I wouldn't trust white either for a keyboard - keys yes but not a laptop one that has palm rests. My desktop mechanical keyboard has white keys but it's also double shot PBT keys caps. No discoloring or stains in the 1.5 years I've been using it. Apple really should release a mechanical keyboard I would probably buy it. Mechanical is just so much better in every way. White backlit keys is easy to see on a mechanical board because of the extra spacing but not a membrane board.

 

[DeepSix]

Don't listen to stupid stories on Reddit. Go see the Magic Keyboard for yourself. As for price, there are many available (including brand new, sealed) for lower prices on eBay and refurbished models on Amazon.

I'm going to check it out in the store. Have nothing to lose.

 

[Abazigal]

Never seen the point of a separate keyboard on a tablet personally, for me it sort of contradicts what a tablet is intended for but maybe that is just me. Another annoyance is the keyboards seem to cost nearly as much as the iPad itself which I fail to see how they justify.

I agree that Apple's first party keyboards are way more expensive than I would like, but at the same time, I have not found another third party keyboard which is as integrated with the iPad. What I like about the smart / magic keyboards are the use of magnets - they make it extremely convenient to remove and attach the iPad to the case as intended. This means I can have just the naked iPad as is when I want only the tablet (eg: when I am sitting on the sofa and playing slay the spire on my iPad).

I enjoy using the Smart Keyboard because as a teacher, I find I do a fair amount of typing on the iPad and it can be folded back to serve as a protective backing for the iPad (unfortunately, I went through 3 of them and they all seemed to have quality issues, with a tendency to come apart at the seams). The membrane keyboard also makes it waterproof and dirt proof and crumb-proof (I can eat breakfast and not worry about breadcrumbs getting in between the keys, which is what happened with my magic keyboard when I was testing it out).

I did also try the Logitech keyboard. It's way cheaper, and in the right situations, more versatile, since it has a built-in kickstand and a detachable keyboard, but the case also makes it so much thicker and heavier, something that bothered me a lot more than I thought.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

I agree that Apple's first party keyboards are way more expensive than I would like, but at the same time, I have not found another third party keyboard which is as integrated with the iPad. What I like about the smart / magic keyboards are the use of magnets - they make it extremely convenient to remove and attach the iPad to the case as intended. This means I can have just the naked iPad as is when I want only the tablet (eg: when I am sitting on the sofa and playing slay the spire on my iPad).

I enjoy using the Smart Keyboard because as a teacher, I find I do a fair amount of typing on the iPad and it can be folded back to serve as a protective backing for the iPad (unfortunately, I went through 3 of them and they all seemed to have quality issues, with a tendency to come apart at the seams). The membrane keyboard also makes it waterproof and dirt proof and crumb-proof (I can eat breakfast and not worry about breadcrumbs getting in between the keys, which is what happened with my magic keyboard when I was testing it out).

I did also try the Logitech keyboard. It's way cheaper, and in the right situations, more versatile, since it has a built-in kickstand and a detachable keyboard, but the case also makes it so much thicker and heavier, something that bothered me a lot more than I thought.

That’s fair enough, I just can’t get my head around Apple charging £319 for a keyboard when an iPad 9th Gen is about the same price and significantly more technologically advanced for the money. I get the impression Apple would rather the people who need an iPad keyboard just spend a bit more on a Mac so the price is there to put a certain number of consumers off. I could be wrong but they don’t exactly offer a justification for an extortionately high price for what is a Bluetooth keyboard with conveniently placed magnets and a tiny trackpad. I’m not the market for this though so they can charge what they like I suppose.

 

[sparksd]

That’s fair enough, I just can’t get my head around Apple charging £319 for a keyboard when an iPad 9th Gen is about the same price and significantly more technologically advanced for the money. I get the impression Apple would rather the people who need an iPad keyboard just spend a bit more on a Mac so the price is there to put a certain number of consumers off. I could be wrong but they don’t exactly offer a justification for an extortionately high price for what is a Bluetooth keyboard with conveniently placed magnets and a tiny trackpad. I’m not the market for this though so they can charge what they like I suppose.

A couple of nice aspects are that the MKB is not Bluetooth and it has a charging port.

 

[FletchTopper]

Never seen the point of a separate keyboard on a tablet personally, for me it sort of contradicts what a tablet is intended for but maybe that is just me. Another annoyance is the keyboards seem to cost nearly as much as the iPad itself which I fail to see how they justify.

I’ve always sought out keyboards for my tablet (always an iPad) - to me, it’s always been an “on the go laptop”, which might be a poor way to explain things and make more sense in my head.

I’ve never had an apple-made laptop, but with my Air 2 my go-to has been the Logitech keyboard folio and I don’t think I’ve ever paid more than $40 or $50 for one - amazon or eBay always have a really good condition for a reasonable price.

 

[bondr006]

Never seen the point of a separate keyboard on a tablet personally, for me it sort of contradicts what a tablet is intended for but maybe that is just me. Another annoyance is the keyboards seem to cost nearly as much as the iPad itself which I fail to see how they justify.

1. Because you can. 2. Why limit that beautiful expensive tablet computer when it is capable of so much more? 3. Not everyone has a limited budget where they have to justify every expense. 4. You don't have to buy an Apple branded keyboard case.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

1. Because you can. 2. Why limit that beautiful expensive tablet computer when it is capable of so much more? 3. Not everyone has a limited budget where they have to justify every expense. 4. You don't have to buy an Apple branded keyboard case.

Even those who don’t have a limited budget like me still don’t see the point even if I could. As I said, whatever works but just sharing my perspective.

 

[bondr006]

Even those who don’t have a limited budget like me still don’t see the point even if I could. As I said, whatever works but just sharing my perspective.

Wasn't replying specifically to you or your economic status. Was just replying with general thoughts as to why there is indeed a point to using an iPad with a keyboard and pointing device. Why, even Apple intends that the iPads use goes beyond just being a tablet, both software and hardware wise. Heck, many people use their laptops as their desktops now, even though that's not what a laptop was intended for. I guess it's just a matter of imagination and vision.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

Wasn't replying specifically to you or your economic status. Was just replying with general thoughts as to why there is indeed a point to using an iPad with a keyboard and pointing device. Why, even Apple intends that the iPads use goes beyond just being a tablet, both software and hardware wise. Heck, many people use their laptops as their desktops now, even though that's not what a laptop was intended for. I guess it's just a matter of imagination and vision.

Personally I think Apple know there is a market for a keyboard, but that it is still a niche. If the intention was to entice the wider market to use iPads like laptops, they would be offering a more competitive and appealing option in regards to a keyboard. The third party companies seem to be making more of an effort on that front. I can appreciate vision being an industrial designer and like your example I use my laptop as a desktop most of the time.

 

[bondr006]

Personally I think Apple know there is a market for a keyboard, but that it is still a niche. If the intention was to entice the wider market to use iPads like laptops, they would be offering a more competitive and appealing option in regards to a keyboard. The third party companies seem to be making more of an effort on that front. I can appreciate vision being an industrial designer and like your example I use my laptop as a desktop most of the time.

I guess I will leave you with this...

“I think if you’re looking at a PC, why would you buy a PC anymore? No really, why would you buy one?”, asks Tim Cook, Apple’s chief executive. “Yes, the iPad Pro is a replacement for a notebook or a desktop for many, many people. They will start using it and conclude they no longer need to use anything else, other than their phones,” Cook argues.

Paired with the $99 Apple Pencil and $169 Smart Keyboard, Cook believes the iPad Pro, which starts at $799 for a 32GB Wi-Fi model, will be a creative professional’s dream work machine. But what does that mean for smaller tablets like the iPad mini, and for Apple’s own line of notebooks and desktops?

“I think it clearly creates some cannibalization—which we knew would occur—but we don’t really spend any time worrying about that, because as long as we cannibalize ourselves, it’s fine,” Cook told The Telegraph.

 

[bondr006]

Personally I think Apple know there is a market for a keyboard, but that it is still a niche. If the intention was to entice the wider market to use iPads like laptops, they would be offering a more competitive and appealing option in regards to a keyboard. The third party companies seem to be making more of an effort on that front. I can appreciate vision being an industrial designer and like your example I use my laptop as a desktop most of the time.

This may only be my opinion, but I don't think Apple has ever been in business to be competitive. Apple is purely in business to be better than their competition. That is Apple's bottom line.

 

[The-Real-Deal82]

I guess I will leave you with this...

“I think if you’re looking at a PC, why would you buy a PC anymore? No really, why would you buy one?”, asks Tim Cook, Apple’s chief executive. “Yes, the iPad Pro is a replacement for a notebook or a desktop for many, many people. They will start using it and conclude they no longer need to use anything else, other than their phones,” Cook argues.

Paired with the $99 Apple Pencil and $169 Smart Keyboard, Cook believes the iPad Pro, which starts at $799 for a 32GB Wi-Fi model, will be a creative professional’s dream work machine. But what does that mean for smaller tablets like the iPad mini, and for Apple’s own line of notebooks and desktops?

“I think it clearly creates some cannibalization—which we knew would occur—but we don’t really spend any time worrying about that, because as long as we cannibalize ourselves, it’s fine,” Cook told The Telegraph.

Mr Cook does seem to make those statements with the assumption most computer based jobs are either graphic design, web design or those who do spreadsheet work and want a nice looking computer on their desks. I’d love to use a Mac as my main computer as my wife has always had them and the interface is so nice, but I couldn’t do my job on a Mac let alone an iPad as they are just not capable for the software I use. My current iPad is great as a sofa surfing device and on the couple of occasions I have tried to update a word or excel document, it’s been a cumbersome and frustrating experience to put it lightly. I’ll stick with YouTube and Netflix as it’s maximum demand lol. My wife has an iPad Pro 12.9” with Apple Keyboard, so I have experience using them.

 

[DeepSix]

Never seen the point of a separate keyboard on a tablet personally, for me it sort of contradicts what a tablet is intended for but maybe that is just me. Another annoyance is the keyboards seem to cost nearly as much as the iPad itself which I fail to see how they justify.

I was in your shoes too when I first got another iPad last year for the first time in 8 years. And I've been a Surface Pro user during that time. The Surface Pro was an Ultrabook to me since it sucks as a tablet but the iPad is a tablet first device. It's the best tablet experience bar none, nothing else even comes close. But getting a keyboard for it just makes it much more versatile and turns it into a 2 in 1 and so far I am really liking it as a true 2 in 1 device. Doesn't bother me that it's not a computer since I rarely need a desktop OS with me on the go. And if I do I have my laptop. Having a keyboard for the iPad just makes it a true mobile device IMO. On screen typing is okay for bits here and there but I would not want to be using it to type up lots of text. This is where a keyboard for it shines.

 

[DeepSix]

I did also try the Logitech keyboard. It's way cheaper, and in the right situations, more versatile, since it has a built-in kickstand and a detachable keyboard, but the case also makes it so much thicker and heavier, something that bothered me a lot more than I thought.

I wouldn't say the Logitech combo touch is that much thicker than the MKB. It's the same weight at the MKB from what I read. The material on the combo touch is far superior though as it doesn't attract fingerprints and oil stains. Logitech really nailed it for the material. Feels quite nice when folded and in hand. I'm normally not a fan of grey color but it looks very nice and is half the price.

 

[DeepSix]

How does this even happen with the MKB? Are people using them as frisbees too?

 

[sparksd]

How does this even happen with the MKB? Are people using them as frisbees too?

View attachment 2186298

Good question. Hard to say, not knowing their usage patterns.

I was playing around today, switching my 12.9 between my Combo Touch and MKB and one aspect I really like about the MKB vs the Combo is that the iPad display is raised up and forward over the end of the lower keyboard. It's been a while since I used the Combo and having the display lower and farther back was really striking, and not in a positive way. I'd likely get used to the Combo after using it again but it surprised me how much I disliked this difference.

 

[DeepSix]

Good question. Hard to say, not knowing their usage patterns.

I was playing around today, switching my 12.9 between my Combo Touch and MKB and one aspect I really like about the MKB vs the Combo is that the iPad display is raised up and forward over the end of the lower keyboard. It's been a while since I used the Combo and having the display lower and farther back was really striking, and not in a positive way. I'd likely get used to the Combo after using it again but it surprised me how much I disliked this difference.

That's one thing I like too especially on a smaller screen having it closer makes a big difference. I wish the combo touch floated too.

Does the MKB open and close easily? I hate how there's no indent on the touch combo so it takes a couple secs just to open it every time. Logitech could have prevented this problem by making the keyboard a few cm longer in depth than it currently is, so there was a tab to pull when opening the keyboard. I really like the combo touch a lot but it's definitely not perfect.

But no doubt the material of the combo touch is far superior and it doesn't require skins to prevent oil stains. I worry about the hinge wearing out on the MKB over time and the magnet not gripping as strong as day one.

 

[sparksd]

That's one thing I like too especially on a smaller screen having it closer makes a big difference. I wish the combo touch floated too.

Does the MKB open and close easily? I hate how there's no indent on the touch combo so it takes a couple secs just to open it every time. Logitech could have prevented this problem by making the keyboard a few cm longer in depth than it currently is, so there was a tab to pull when opening the keyboard. I really like the combo touch a lot but it's definitely not perfect.

But no doubt the material of the combo touch is far superior and it doesn't require skins to prevent oil stains. I worry about the hinge wearing out on the MKB over time and the magnet not gripping as strong as day one.

The MKB does open & close easily. The Combo Touch material will stain, too, as I found.

 

[prospervic]

Paired with the $99 Apple Pencil and $169 Smart Keyboard, Cook believes the iPad Pro, which starts at $799 for a 32GB Wi-Fi model, will be a creative professional’s dream work machine.

That was back in 2015. Today both the 11 inch ($799) and 12.9 inch ($1099) have 128gb base storage.

 

[teh_hunterer]

I'm super hesitant now checking out the magic keyboard after hearing about the long term wear on it and seeing threads like this. Unacceptable for such a costly keyboard.

That's fair enough, but I will say that thread is a bit on the extreme end; I used a magic keyboard daily for 2 years and I didn't get the kind of wear they were showing in that thread. But the Magic Keyboard is still a bit of an oddity.

Compared to the premium feel of Apple's metal laptops, you've got a fragile low grade material that doesn't feel premium at all and wears pretty fast. And as I mentioned before, there is dead weight added just to keep the iPad from toppling over. It's an OK product, but you have to wonder, if the 11" Pro and MK is 2.4lbs, and the 12" MacBook was 2lbs, what could Apple do with 2lbs-2.4lbs today with a MacBook and Apple silicon?

As an aside, the OP was also probably in their rights to get that replaced under Apple Care as well, but there is a bit of a fail in Apple's support where they just don't understand how Apple Care works and they insist it's not covered. I had to speak specifically to the Apple Care admin department to register my MK to my Apple Care plan before the normal support people would help me. The issue I got it replaced for was the top hinge started making a loud cracking sound.

 

[teh_hunterer]

I guess I will leave you with this...

“I think if you’re looking at a PC, why would you buy a PC anymore? No really, why would you buy one?”, asks Tim Cook, Apple’s chief executive. “Yes, the iPad Pro is a replacement for a notebook or a desktop for many, many people. They will start using it and conclude they no longer need to use anything else, other than their phones,” Cook argues.

He does still sell MacBooks and desktop Macs 7 years later though doesn't he.

 

[Abazigal]

How does this even happen with the MKB? Are people using them as frisbees too?

View attachment 2186298

My experience with the iPad Pro smart keyboard, and my initial impressions of the Magic Keyboard, is that the fabric covering isn't very durable. It may very well just be the way I handle mine, but I wouldn't be surprised if the corners got worn out just through daily wear and tear (eg: sliding it in and out of your backpack).