iPad Pro 10.5-inch for university - should I get smart keyboard or just sleeve? (Will get pencil)

[KensaiMage]

iPad Pro 10.5-inch for university - should I get smart keyboard or just sleeve? (Will get pencil)

Would one manage to write everything university relatet using just screen keyboard?

Maybe magic keyboard + leather cover and pencil is a better choice?

I will not use a notebook at uni.

Thanks in advance

 

[JD2015]

Get the smart keyboard or if you want backlight then get the new Logitech Slim combo as looks really good.

 

[Cyroceon]

Get the smart keyboard or if you want backlight then get the new Logitech Slim combo as looks really good.

Smart Keyboard without Pencil, unless you're an artist. There isn't really many reasons non-artists would need a pencil. You shouldn't have to write notes anymore, as typing has become the norm.

 

[KensaiMage]

Can notes app convert handwritten text into a computer font?
I am buying the pencil for sure as i am attending drawing classes.

I would like to go "apple only".

What is your opinion on sleeve + on-screen keyboard + pencil? Would it work for uni?

 

[profets]

Just an FYI - the sleeve is designed to fit an iPad + smart cover or iPad + smart keyboard cover. Early reviews mentioned how the iPad can slide out easily if its in the sleeve on its own.

My opinion - I'd go for the iPad + smart keyboard cover + pencil. Been using that combination in the 9.7" for 15 months and love it. The smart keyboard cover can turn into the keyboard in a second and be really useful for typing. The pencil can be quite handy for marking up documents and annotating. Overall I think it's a pretty powerful combination. My only suggestion is that if it was my primary / only computer, I'd go for the 12.9.

 

[willmtaylor]

If you won't have a laptop or desktop, get the keyboard as well. I'm assuming you can type faster gen you can write?

Either way long-term composing with the on-screen keyboard is NOT recommended.

 

[Altimax98]

Get the smart keyboard or if you want backlight then get the new Logitech Slim combo as looks really good.

I have the Slim Combo at my house now. The Keyboard is fairly compact, but thick and heavy. I am going to be picking up a Smart Keyboard to compare it to though. I got it mainly for the palm rest, it basically turns the iPad Pro into a small Netbook which I am totally fine with as it will be replacing a Surface Pro 3

 

[sracer]

Smart Keyboard without Pencil, unless you're an artist. There isn't really many reasons non-artists would need a pencil. You shouldn't have to write notes anymore, as typing has become the norm.

Except when having to draw out equations or diagrams. Those aren't easily done with only a keyboard.

 

[willmtaylor]

Except when having to draw out equations or diagrams. Those aren't easily done with only a keyboard.

Annotations as well.

 

[Cyroceon]

Except when having to draw out equations or diagrams. Those aren't easily done with only a keyboard.

Great point, and one that I hadn't thought of.

Annotations as well.

Great point, and one that I hadn't thought of.

 

[marmiteturkey]

Smart Keyboard without Pencil, unless you're an artist. There isn't really many reasons non-artists would need a pencil. You shouldn't have to write notes anymore, as typing has become the norm.

With respect, I disagree with this for a couple of reasons:
Handwritten notes are proven to be more easily recalled than typed (up to five times more info recalled); and mindmaps and sketchnotes are great with the pencil
Marking up docs is an absolute killer app for the pencil and one I wish I had had access to when at uni myself.

I use the pencil for note taking in meetings far more than typing these days - wouldn’t be without the keyboard but if you’re going for the iPad Pro I think you’re missing out on a key part of its value proposition if you don’t also spring for the pencil.

 

[spiderman0616]

With respect, I disagree with this for a couple of reasons:
Handwritten notes are proven to be more easily recalled than typed (up to five times more info recalled); and mindmaps and sketchnotes are great with the pencil
Marking up docs is an absolute killer app for the pencil and one I wish I had had access to when at uni myself.

I use the pencil for note taking in meetings far more than typing these days - wouldn’t be without the keyboard but if you’re going for the iPad Pro I think you’re missing out on a key part of its value proposition if you don’t also spring for the pencil.

I definitely remember things much better when I write them, and I love being able to sign and return documents right from my iPad--removes the need to send to the printer, print, sign, scan, and send again. Saves several minutes every time.

 

[Analog Kid]

With respect, I disagree with this for a couple of reasons:
Handwritten notes are proven to be more easily recalled than typed (up to five times more info recalled); and mindmaps and sketchnotes are great with the pencil
Marking up docs is an absolute killer app for the pencil and one I wish I had had access to when at uni myself.

I use the pencil for note taking in meetings far more than typing these days - wouldn’t be without the keyboard but if you’re going for the iPad Pro I think you’re missing out on a key part of its value proposition if you don’t also spring for the pencil.

After years of trying to figure out how to reliably type meeting notes, I'm back to pencil on glass. I think my written notes are less useful long term because they're not searchable (and I don't care what Apple says, if that guy in the keynote thinks his handwriting is atrocious then they're using 14 year old girls as their focus group). They're more useful short term though because it's easier to take non-linear notes, insert sketches, math, and, as you mention, retain the information even without digging up the notes.

What app are you using? I use GoodNotes, but I'm not entirely satisfied with it...

 

[marmiteturkey]

After years of trying to figure out how to reliably type meeting notes, I'm back to pencil on glass. I think my written notes are less useful long term because they're not searchable (and I don't care what Apple says, if that guy in the keynote thinks his handwriting is atrocious then they're using 14 year old girls as their focus group). They're more useful short term though because it's easier to take non-linear notes, insert sketches, math, and, as you mention, retain the information even without digging up the notes.

What app are you using? I use GoodNotes, but I'm not entirely satisfied with it...

For some of my work (facilitation and coaching), I’ve been using notability - the synced inking and audio recording is wonderful - and I like the endless paper metaphor more than goodnotes’ Pages in a notebook alternative - but I’m also in the process of shifting from Evernote back to Apple notes. The handwriting recognition in notes on ios11 is pretty good (unlike my handwriting, which gives OCR plenty of work to do).

It’s disappointing to me that Evernote’s inking and doc markup isn’t up to scratch - or I’d possibly be staying put. But it’s clearly not a priority for them.

 

[mrklaw]

how is the keyboard for normal typing? Seems like it'd be similar in size to a netbook and I could never get on with those when my wife had an NC10. If you think you're going to be typing a lot I'd be tempted to get a standalone bluetooth keyboard (plenty of compact ones to choose from)

 

[marmiteturkey]

how is the keyboard for normal typing? Seems like it'd be similar in size to a netbook and I could never get on with those when my wife had an NC10. If you think you're going to be typing a lot I'd be tempted to get a standalone bluetooth keyboard (plenty of compact ones to choose from)

Most of the reviews out there are saying that it's effectively full-sized. I had the 12.9in keyboard and it was really, really good (overpriced though), and much more convenient than a separate keyboard (wasn't expecting it to be, but I wouldn't be without one now). My 10.5 w. keyboard arrives today and I'll come back and share thoughts.

 

[KensaiMage]

Well it would suck to buy the keyboard if ipad is meant to be... an ipad. I hoped to work effectively with on-screen one.

As for the durability of smart keyboard ... - this is what I found - http://chatter.entropy.works/ipad-pro-smart-keyboard-durability-really-apple
[doublepost=1497341952][/doublepost]What I mean is... if you buy an expensive keyboard for an expensive ipad... why don't you go with a macbook 12"?

I hoped to use my iPad as a device for drawing, handwriting (OCR handwritten -> computer font) and ofc for media consumption and "relax".

I am planning to buy next year's new macbook pro 15 with 32 gb ddr for professional stuff.

 

[MisterMillz]

You asked the community if you should get the keyboard or just the sleeve. You aren’t satisfied with their answers as most people say get the keyboard. So why bother continuing to ask or defend the idea of the on-screen keyboard? It’s your money and your device when you buy it. Use it how you please. Personally, as a third year university student, if I were strapped for cash on accessories I’d purchase the pencil first. HOWEVER, the Smart Keyboard is more than useful and convenient in times where typing out a paper, long email, etc. make it better than pecking away on that beautifully flat glass screen. I would certainly purchase both. *Notability is an amazing app. Have used it exclusively for handwriting and maintaining all of my course notes for the last 2 school years.

 

[sracer]

You started this thread with...

iPad Pro 10.5-inch for university - should I get smart keyboard or just sleeve? (Will get pencil)
Would one manage to write everything university relatet using just screen keyboard?
Maybe magic keyboard + leather cover and pencil is a better choice?
I will not use a notebook at uni.
Thanks in advance

...and then posted...

Well it would suck to buy the keyboard if ipad is meant to be... an ipad. I hoped to work effectively with on-screen one.

As for the durability of smart keyboard ... - this is what I found - http://chatter.entropy.works/ipad-pro-smart-keyboard-durability-really-apple
[doublepost=1497341952][/doublepost]What I mean is... if you buy an expensive keyboard for an expensive ipad... why don't you go with a macbook 12"?

I hoped to use my iPad as a device for drawing, handwriting (OCR handwritten -> computer font) and ofc for media consumption and "relax".
I am planning to buy next year's new macbook pro 15 with 32 gb ddr for professional stuff.

So in summary, you said:

• You are considering getting a smart keyboard for the iPad Pro
• You will not use a notebook at university
• If you buy an iPad and an keyboard why not buy a notebook

I'm going to assume that you are confused and talking yourself in circles.

 

[KensaiMage]

You started this thread with...


...and then posted...

So in summary, you said:

• You are considering getting a smart keyboard for the iPad Pro
• You will not use a notebook at university
• If you buy an iPad and an keyboard why not buy a notebook

I'm going to assume that you are confused and talking yourself in circles.

Exactly, just dunno...

 

[sracer]

Exactly, just dunno...

which means you need to re-evaluate one of your premises.

You need to ask yourself:

"why don't I want to use a notebook at university"?
"why do I think that there should be no benefit of a physical keyboard over an on-screen keyboard?"
"why do I not see the value of having a tablet than can be used in a pinch as a netbook?"
"why do I think that a 10.5 iPad Pro + ASK costs as much as a 12" Macbook?"

Don't post your answers. But they should help you sort out which direction to go.

 

[iPadDad]

Well it would suck to buy the keyboard if ipad is meant to be... an ipad. I hoped to work effectively with on-screen one.

As for the durability of smart keyboard ... - this is what I found - http://chatter.entropy.works/ipad-pro-smart-keyboard-durability-really-apple
[doublepost=1497341952][/doublepost]What I mean is... if you buy an expensive keyboard for an expensive ipad... why don't you go with a macbook 12"?

I hoped to use my iPad as a device for drawing, handwriting (OCR handwritten -> computer font) and ofc for media consumption and "relax".

I am planning to buy next year's new macbook pro 15 with 32 gb ddr for professional stuff.

An iPad is far more versatile than a Mac, the Keyboard is an excellent addition. I would go with Keyboard and pencil, no sleeve!

 

[KensaiMage]

An iPad is far more versatile than a Mac, the Keyboard is an excellent addition. I would go with Keyboard and pencil, no sleeve!

I am afraid that a pencil without case might get damaged (visually at least) and the same goes for the back of the iPad. I care about resale value. I also don't want to spend a lot of money on accessories cause: iPad Pro + keyboard + pencil + pencil leather protection = ... A lot of $$$ which makes me think about getting a macbook 12" instead. (resale value of accessories is...low)

 

[MisterMillz]

Kensai,

I have the 9.7 pro and am picking up a 10.5 today. I totally understand your desire for a back cover. I find it slightly absurd that Apple is charging $129 for a leather sleeve. (I might end up buying one tbh rather than a cheapie) As for the pencil, I found a nice little leather sleeve with the Apple logo embossed on it for less than $10 on Amazon. While that was a cheapie, it was a nice cheapie. I’m very particular about what goes on my products. Lol I’m sure skins will be coming out for them very soon. Zagg has already emailed me as far as screen protectors go. Good luck with whatever you decide. I agree with sracer. Time to reevaluate. If you can, check one out at the store first and see what you think.

 

[sracer]

I am afraid that a pencil without case might get damaged (visually at least) and the same goes for the back of the iPad. I care about resale value. I also don't want to spend a lot of money on accessories cause: iPad Pro + keyboard + pencil + pencil leather protection = ... A lot of $$$ which makes me think about getting a macbook 12" instead. (resale value of accessories is...low)

If you care about resale value then forget the iPad Pro in particular. iPads no longer hold their value as they once did. The Pro is slightly worse than that. That is in part because there are regular sales on iPads.

In addition, I don't think it is wise to purchase Apple cases and sleeves. They are too expensive.

For example: today only, Best Buy is selling the 32GB 9.7 iPad Pro for $150 off. That's $450. That's a great price.