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adamfozzy

macrumors regular
Dec 4, 2012
122
80
I'm in similar situation as traded by 12 inch macbook (which i loved but battery was nearly gone and key fell off) for the 12.9 inch ipad and magic keyboard. keyboard arrived first strangely and firstly there was issues with quality control but also it was big and heavy - it needs to be I suppose to make it laptop replacement but coming from the beauty of the form factor of the 12 inch macbook it was just too big for me as I do work from desk at home office but also everywhere else in my house and also teach part-time too. I cancelled the ipad pro 12.9 order and returned the magic keyboard. Now considering a refurbed macbook 12 inch to see me through maybe to an ARM version or the 11 inch ipad pro magic keyboard which is just a little heavier than the macbook 12 inch.
A consideration I am having is to a get the 11 inch ipad pro and an external monitor for desk. I think better external monitor support in iPadOS 14.
 
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kp98077

macrumors 601
Original poster
Oct 26, 2010
4,306
2,760
Whistler, BC
I'm in similar situation as traded by 12 inch macbook (which i loved but battery was nearly gone and key fell off) for the 12.9 inch ipad and magic keyboard. keyboard arrived first strangely and firstly there was issues with quality control but also it was big and heavy - it needs to be I suppose to make it laptop replacement but coming from the beauty of the form factor of the 12 inch macbook it was just too big for me as I do work from desk at home office but also everywhere else in my house and also teach part-time too. I cancelled the ipad pro 12.9 order and returned the magic keyboard. Now considering a refurbed macbook 12 inch to see me through maybe to an ARM version or the 11 inch ipad pro magic keyboard which is just a little heavier than the macbook 12 inch.
A consideration I am having is to a get the 11 inch ipad pro and an external monitor for desk. I think better external monitor support in iPadOS 14.
Why not just get the new iPad Pro 11 with the new MK? Seems logical....
 

millydog

macrumors 6502a
Oct 21, 2007
564
515
Australia
Why not just get the new iPad Pro 11 with the new MK? Seems logical....

Are you still happy with your decision to get the 11” with the MK? I have the 12.9” 2018 and had the MK on order, but I had second thoughts and cancelled the MK. I felt that the MK would make the combination too big and heavy or I’d just end up leaving the MK at home when I take my iPad to work. I have a MacBook Pro anyway, so didn’t see the point in just having the MK stay at home. So I’ve just ordered the 11”, a Smart Cover and MK. I already have the Apple Pencil. It will be a much more portable package as I’m not looking to replace my MacBook Pro and I take my iPad in my handbag with me everywhere (when we can go places). It’s going to be lighter now.
 

adamfozzy

macrumors regular
Dec 4, 2012
122
80
Are you still happy with your decision to get the 11” with the MK? I have the 12.9” 2018 and had the MK on order, but I had second thoughts and cancelled the MK. I felt that the MK would make the combination too big and heavy or I’d just end up leaving the MK at home when I take my iPad to work. I have a MacBook Pro anyway, so didn’t see the point in just having the MK stay at home. So I’ve just ordered the 11”, a Smart Cover and MK. I already have the Apple Pencil. It will be a much more portable package as I’m not looking to replace my MacBook Pro and I take my iPad in my handbag with me everywhere (when we can go places). It’s going to be lighter now.
I didn't order an iPad in the end and have just ordered the 10th gen Macbook Pro - having traded in my Macbook 12 for store credit I think another macbook will be more useful to me than an iPad. iPad is tablet first with some laptop work with new MK but I need laptop first. My dream is an ARM Macbook to replace my 12 inch Macbook but looks like will have to wait until next year for that...if we believe the rumours.
 

kwahamoT_

macrumors newbie
May 8, 2020
16
6
England, UK
I have the 12.9 inch and I’m not a huge fan with it being on my lap, (more of the fear I’ll clumsily drop it). It just doesn’t feel right, and in my opinion quite uncomfortable. However, like @jazz1 said, having a little laptop board thing helps a lot more.

The 12.9 inch and the magic keyboard IS heavy in my opinion and this made my friend change his mind into getting the smaller IPAD. However, I do not regret my decision in getting the 12.9 at all as I feel like it works well as a laptop, although I just wouldn’t try holding it up for long periods at a time.
 
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jazz1

Contributor
Aug 19, 2002
4,670
19,654
Mid-West USA
Well I'm finding I like the keyboard part of the MK. The trackpad, while on the lap, not as much due to a strange angle it puts my wrist at.

I'm sure desktop use of the MK is heaven due to the new keyboard, and trackpad. Frankly speaking, I'm tempted to revert to my older version of the keyboard folio for lap use, and of course have to touch the screen.

In a way I wish Apple made a new keyboard version w/o the trackpad. I know crazy idea.

Heck, this is probably just a "me" issue with my angled wrist while using the MK on my lap (even with a laptop desk for laps). Maybe a larger laptop desk for laps would help me with the wrist angle problem? I'll give it a shot.

In the end, for most people, I'm sure the MK is a great device that they will use all of the time. Damn my short arms and legs ;)
 

petvas

macrumors 603
Jul 20, 2006
5,479
1,808
Munich, Germany
I find the Magic Keyboard for the iPad ok in size and weight and I like to use it on my lap. It is at least very stable on my lap. The Smart Folio was not and that was the reason I sold it. (together with the awful typing feeling)
 

ctyrider

macrumors 65816
Jul 15, 2012
1,042
620
12.9” iPad with a Magic Keyboard is just basicalily a bad laptop. Certainly not for me.

I'm sure desktop use of the MK is heaven due to the new keyboard, and trackpad. Frankly speaking, I'm tempted to revert to my older version of the keyboard folio for lap use, and of course have to touch the screen.

I too find keyboard folio a much more convinient for a lap use. Small cramped trackpad of a MK is just weird to use. I find it much more natural to use folio keyboard for typing, and just control the iPad UI with my finger.

For the desktoo use - one doesn’t need a MK. Just use an external keyboard/trackpad unattached to the iPad - lot nicer experience.
 
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secretk

macrumors 65816
Oct 19, 2018
1,494
1,229
For the desktoo use - one doesn’t need a MK. Just use an external keyboard/trackpad unattached to the iPad - lot nicer experience.

Indeed a good point. If you want to use the iPad as a pure desktop setup - you can always use regular size keyboard. The only thing I see (and I am not sure that it is true) is that there is more lag if you use keyboard, trackpad through Bluetooth compared to using the Smart Connector.

Not sure if this is true though.
 

ctyrider

macrumors 65816
Jul 15, 2012
1,042
620
Indeed a good point. If you want to use the iPad as a pure desktop setup - you can always use regular size keyboard. The only thing I see (and I am not sure that it is true) is that there is more lag if you use keyboard, trackpad through Bluetooth compared to using the Smart Connector.

Not sure if this is true though.

If there is any latency difference between Bluetooth Apple Keyboard/Trackpad and Smart Connector - it is not perceivable I use both in different scenarios and cannot tell the difference.
 

mattcube64

macrumors 65816
May 21, 2006
1,297
115
Missouri
I have a 2018 11" iPad and the MK has completely rejuvenated my love for the device. The (great) trackpad makes multitasking way more manageable, and with a keyboard nothing holds me back from just very effortlessly using iMessage, Safari, Outlook, Teams, etc... and then with the Pencil I can goof around in ProCreate making animations (that suck).

With the 120hz display and the context-sensitive cursor - Apple has done something amazing: they have - IMO - somehow managed to make a trackpad experience even better than on the superlative Mac.

But the 11" feels a bit cramped. The size is the only thing holding me back from treating it like a full blown PC experience (for my needs on the go). So today I've splurged on a 2020 12.9" iPad a a matching MK. I'll give it a hands-on trial, but I have a good feeling I'll be keeping that and selling off my 11" iPP and returning its keyboard.
 
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ct2k7

macrumors G3
Aug 29, 2008
8,382
3,439
London
I have a 2018 11" iPad and the MK has completely rejuvenated my love for the device. The (great) trackpad makes multitasking way more manageable, and with a keyboard nothing holds me back from just very effortlessly using iMessage, Safari, Outlook, Teams, etc... and then with the Pencil I can goof around in ProCreate making animations (that suck).

With the 120hz display and the context-sensitive cursor - Apple has done something amazing: they have - IMO - somehow managed to make a trackpad experience even better than on the superlative Mac.

But the 11" feels a bit cramped. The size is the only thing holding me back from treating it like a full blown PC experience (for my needs on the go). So today I've splurged on a 2020 12.9" iPad a a matching MK. I'll give it a hands-on trial, but I have a good feeling I'll be keeping that and selling off my 11" iPP and returning its keyboard.

this is exactly my sentiment, look forward to your trial. I’m just awaiting my MK for the 12.9"
 

Petey07

macrumors regular
May 30, 2008
224
52
San Francisco Bay Area
I received my new iPad Pro 12.9 a few days ago and then yesterday, my magic keyboard (apple) which actually works just great! However, sitting with the iPad and keyboard has been challenging, and it is a bit heavier and larger than I imagined. Anyone lease having this experience or thinking going down to an 11” any input appreciated.
I been using the iPad Pro 12.9 (2020) for a couple weeks now, and the Size is alittle too big for me, which makes it uncomfortable, but I do like the size on it when I place it on the AMK (which I received last week). I tend to use both at my work space or in bed (I have to order a laptop desk for the bed to place the ipad & keyboard, since it's alittle uncomfortable just typing on the keyboard on my lap.

I always wonder, if I got the 11 inch, would the experience be similiar or better in hand.

But I'm actually happy with the 12.9, and have no regret in my purchase especially the AMK... it does make the experience of using the iPad goes another level. I still used the pencile as much... which I don't know If I really needed it. I was thinking of editing PDF and stuff... but just writing it on paper, and scanning it via the iPad camera seems alot easier than going to many steps editing on the iPad.
 

TomOSeven

Suspended
Jul 4, 2017
571
699
The sexiest use case, probably only used in marketing, is to have the Magic Keyboard permanently at a desk and just pick up / put on the iPad as you leave or enter your home. That's super futuristic. Certainly not 1500 Euro futuristic, but cool nevertheless.
 

Jacobi

macrumors regular
Aug 8, 2012
116
520
I have a 2018 11" iPad and the MK has completely rejuvenated my love for the device. The (great) trackpad makes multitasking way more manageable, and with a keyboard nothing holds me back from just very effortlessly using iMessage, Safari, Outlook, Teams, etc... and then with the Pencil I can goof around in ProCreate making animations (that suck).

With the 120hz display and the context-sensitive cursor - Apple has done something amazing: they have - IMO - somehow managed to make a trackpad experience even better than on the superlative Mac.

But the 11" feels a bit cramped. The size is the only thing holding me back from treating it like a full blown PC experience (for my needs on the go). So today I've splurged on a 2020 12.9" iPad a a matching MK. I'll give it a hands-on trial, but I have a good feeling I'll be keeping that and selling off my 11" iPP and returning its keyboard.
Did you end up liking the 12.9 more?
 

Chucky666UK

macrumors member
May 17, 2008
57
25
United Kingdom
I received my new iPad Pro 12.9 a few days ago and then yesterday, my magic keyboard (apple) which actually works just great! However, sitting with the iPad and keyboard has been challenging, and it is a bit heavier and larger than I imagined. Anyone lease having this experience or thinking going down to an 11” any input appreciated.

I'm glad you've sad this!! Thats exactly what I am experiencing at the moment. I tend to use my iPad more in bed . I find that with the magic keyboard the centre of gravity of the 12.9 seems to be much higher making it much more awkward and prone to tipping over - even when it is in the lap. So I'm planning on downgrading - I have an 11" pro and keyboard on order with should arrive hopefully in the first week of august - hopefully will see it goes and will report back!
 

Nikhil72

macrumors 68000
Oct 21, 2005
1,620
1,462
I'm glad you've sad this!! Thats exactly what I am experiencing at the moment. I tend to use my iPad more in bed . I find that with the magic keyboard the centre of gravity of the 12.9 seems to be much higher making it much more awkward and prone to tipping over - even when it is in the lap. So I'm planning on downgrading - I have an 11" pro and keyboard on order with should arrive hopefully in the first week of august - hopefully will see it goes and will report back!

So if you’re using it with your legs propping it up, the 11 is a bit better but the top is still heavier and because it’s a bit shorter, I find I have to use my hands to push it back a bit so I’m not awkwardly typing. I personally find using the 12.9 with keyboard easier than the 11. Sitting on a couch with my lap, I also find the 12.9 more stable. Just FYI.
 

Mobileadam

macrumors regular
Apr 22, 2015
187
76
I‘ve had the 11” with MK since launch and loved using it out and about (well in the car waiting for my mum to shop!) but I really struggled with split screen. I also found that using my iPad with MK meant I used the Pencil less and was then writing my notes on hundreds of post it notes! (No idea why!) instead of Apple Notes. I picked up a 12.9 with MK last week and have been using that as my desktop replacement with 11” as note taking / tablet duty. I’m really happy with the weight combo on the 12.9. A colleague who also has 11” and MK picked my 12.9 up and said it felt the same (I think the weight is just spread out better!). I love the 12.9 for focus of task, and slide over has been working really well for doing my main tasks and then sliding over with Sparkmail or Things. Not sure how much I’ll use 12.9 as a tablet but I’ll try it out when we go back to work in September.
 
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Nikhil72

macrumors 68000
Oct 21, 2005
1,620
1,462
after giving it some time, I’ve started to get comfortable using my 12.9 as a tablet. It just took adjustment from my old 11”. I read for over an hour in bed last night in Apple Books with it in landscape with two pages viewed and it essentially felt like holding a hardcover which I’ve always propped up on my legs while sitting in bed (laying down to read is guaranteed to make me sleep 2 seconds). For viewing videos, there’s no reason to hold it with the magic keyboard, and when I’m reading news or something in the morning, it’s just laid down flat on the counter while I’m eating breakfast like I would a newspaper or even the 11”

for ultra-portable, my iPhone 11 Pro Max has become my lightweight quick tablet. My 12.9 is my computer now more so than my 11 in the last year.

I‘ve had the 11” with MK since launch and loved using it out and about (well in the car waiting for my mum to shop!) but I really struggled with split screen. I also found that using my iPad with MK meant I used the Pencil less and was then writing my notes on hundreds of post it notes! (No idea why!) instead of Apple Notes. I picked up a 12.9 with MK last week and have been using that as my desktop replacement with 11” as note taking / tablet duty. I’m really happy with the weight combo on the 12.9. A colleague who also has 11” and MK picked my 12.9 up and said it felt the same (I think the weight is just spread out better!). I love the 12.9 for focus of task, and slide over has been working really well for doing my main tasks and then sliding over with Sparkmail or Things. Not sure how much I’ll use 12.9 as a tablet but I’ll try it out when we go back to work in September.
 
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ascender

macrumors 603
Dec 8, 2005
5,021
2,897
I do think the more you use the 12.9”, the more it seems to “shrink” and become the new normal for an iPad.

I know they’re a similar weight, but the materials and format of the 12.9” with Magic Keyboard feels less bulky to me when I’m carrying it around or having it in a rucksack.
 
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MacMandy

macrumors 6502a
Nov 13, 2006
740
905
Manchester, UK
I moved down to the 11” after adding the MK to my 12.9”. It just got too heavy for me, but I love the MK. I’m much happier with the 11” with MK now.
 

ericwn

macrumors G5
Apr 24, 2016
12,113
10,903
The sexiest use case, probably only used in marketing, is to have the Magic Keyboard permanently at a desk and just pick up / put on the iPad as you leave or enter your home. That's super futuristic. Certainly not 1500 Euro futuristic, but cool nevertheless.

Cool, but sexy? Naaa! :D
 
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