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yillbs

macrumors 6502
Oct 2, 2015
382
158
Texas
Because the iPP is not a laptop! If you needed a laptop then you should be using a MacBook or Air. Everybody including 3rd part keyboard manufacturers seem to understand that except the OP.
I think you mean it's not a laptop to YOU, you can't really speak for what other people call it :)
 

Eric5273

macrumors 6502a
Apr 12, 2009
771
503
New Jersey
It sounds to me like if Apple were to add a touch screen to the Macbook Air, then half of the people who bought an iPad Pro would have gotten that instead.

While that may be the case for others, not for me. I got the iPad Pro because I wanted a tablet, not a laptop. Prior to getting the iPad, most of the time I used my laptop was spent watching video, reading forums (like this), reading the news, etc. A smaller percentage of the time is working, and as I own a music production company, most of that time is spent listening to music, and a very small percentage is spent using Microsoft Office programs. Lastly, I did quite a bit of gaming on my iPhone, which is now much nicer to do on the larger screen of the iPad.

So I figure I would have an easier time using a laptop for about 5% of what I do, and a tablet is probably easier for 95% of what I do. Yes, I could keep both if I wanted to, but lately I've been thinking about simplifying things and getting rid of the Macbook and just buying a keyboard for my iPad Pro. But whatever keyboard I buy, it must be easily removable and it does NOT have to be portable. I would probably just use it while at home. For the rare occasions that I need to type while I am traveling, I can get by with the on screen keyboard.

That said, I would prefer a keyboard that uses the smart connector so I don't have to deal with charging the batteries in the keyboard. So for now I'm waiting to see what comes in the near future.
 

jmaluso

macrumors member
Jan 15, 2016
60
60
San Luis Obispo, CA
It sounds to me like if Apple were to add a touch screen to the Macbook Air, then half of the people who bought an iPad Pro would have gotten that instead.

While that may be the case for others, not for me. I got the iPad Pro because I wanted a tablet, not a laptop. Prior to getting the iPad, most of the time I used my laptop was spent watching video, reading forums (like this), reading the news, etc. A smaller percentage of the time is working, and as I own a music production company, most of that time is spent listening to music, and a very small percentage is spent using Microsoft Office programs. Lastly, I did quite a bit of gaming on my iPhone, which is now much nicer to do on the larger screen of the iPad.

So I figure I would have an easier time using a laptop for about 5% of what I do, and a tablet is probably easier for 95% of what I do. Yes, I could keep both if I wanted to, but lately I've been thinking about simplifying things and getting rid of the Macbook and just buying a keyboard for my iPad Pro. But whatever keyboard I buy, it must be easily removable and it does NOT have to be portable. I would probably just use it while at home. For the rare occasions that I need to type while I am traveling, I can get by with the on screen keyboard.

That said, I would prefer a keyboard that uses the smart connector so I don't have to deal with charging the batteries in the keyboard. So for now I'm waiting to see what comes in the near future.

Wouldn't the Brydge fit your needs (except that it doesn't use the Smart Connector)? Closest to a full laptop keyboard that I've seen and seems very easy to remove.

If Apple added a detachable touchscreen to the Macbook or MacBook Air (that switches to iOS when detached) I would be all over it. When I want a tablet...I want a TABLET not half-baked touchscreen device running a full OS that I can't accurately use with just my fingers when it is detached from the keyboard accessory.

I would LOVE LOVE LOVE if someone released a keyboard cover for the iPP that is almost identical to the Surface Pro 4 keyboard cover. That thing is pretty much spot on in my opinion. Thin, light, accurate, and backlit.
 

meistervu

macrumors 65816
Jul 24, 2008
1,027
27
I suspect the reason there are not many offerings from 3rd party for IPP keyboard is that 3rd parties are smart enough to not try creating a cheap product for the IPP. If I were to spend that much money on an IPP, I would not cheap out and get a crappy keyboard no matter how tempting saving $50 is.

If my assumption is true, perhaps 3rd parties have products in design, but they can't for now come up with something that is compelling to the IPP target audience that is priced significantly lower than Apple's offering to entice IPP owners.

Just a guess.
 
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Night Spring

macrumors G5
Jul 17, 2008
14,858
8,037
But whatever keyboard I buy, it must be easily removable and it does NOT have to be portable. I would probably just use it while at home. For the rare occasions that I need to type while I am traveling,

Have you cconsidered just using a Bluetooth keyboard, such as Apple's Magic Keyboard?
 

Night Spring

macrumors G5
Jul 17, 2008
14,858
8,037
I always thought this was an interesting way to use the Apple Bluetooth Keyboard with an iPad. Not sure if it will work with iPad Pro though and obviously not with the newest Bluetooth keyboard. http://www.wingstand.com

Interesting idea, but I find I like propping up the iPad on the Smart Cover, so I can position it independently from the keyboard. Makes for better viewing angle that way.
 

Eric5273

macrumors 6502a
Apr 12, 2009
771
503
New Jersey
Have you cconsidered just using a Bluetooth keyboard, such as Apple's Magic Keyboard?

Yes I have. However, I see that many of the keyboards made specifically for iPad offer a ton of shortcut keys along the top row instead of the F1-F12 keys. Ideal would be a keyboard similar to the magic keyboard but with iOS shortcut buttons and a smart connector with built-in stand.
 

Max Your Macs

macrumors member
Sep 13, 2008
99
37
Daytona Beach, FL
Ha anyone tried the Logitech Keys-To-Go? I am using the Lgitech Create keyboard case now, but honestly, after a couple weeks I am getting tired of the extra size and weight and I just got the Apple Pencil and it's a pain to use with the Create and equally aggravating to have to remove it every time I want to use it. I bought (as a backup) a Moku SmartCase from Amazon and it is surprisingly nice. Inexpensive, lightweight and fits perfectly just like Apple's SmartCase for th Air/Air 2 used to work. I a thinking about returning the Create and giving the Keys-To-Go a try but I'd like to hear someone's thoughts on this option who has used it.
 

flapflapflap

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Dec 13, 2013
768
439
Ha anyone tried the Logitech Keys-To-Go? I am using the Lgitech Create keyboard case now, but honestly, after a couple weeks I am getting tired of the extra size and weight and I just got the Apple Pencil and it's a pain to use with the Create and equally aggravating to have to remove it every time I want to use it. I bought (as a backup) a Moku SmartCase from Amazon and it is surprisingly nice. Inexpensive, lightweight and fits perfectly just like Apple's SmartCase for th Air/Air 2 used to work. I a thinking about returning the Create and giving the Keys-To-Go a try but I'd like to hear someone's thoughts on this option who has used it.


I have used it. It's excellent. It's a real shame, that someone cannot take this little, thin, light keyboard and make it compatible with the smart connector.

I am hoping someone is able to replicable the hardware design of the SP4 by requiring iPPs to be encased into a cover with a built in kick stand.
 
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Max Your Macs

macrumors member
Sep 13, 2008
99
37
Daytona Beach, FL
I have used it. It's excellent. It's a real shame, that someone cannot take this little, thin, light keyboard and make it compatible with the smart connector.

I am hoping someone is able to replicable the hardware design of the SP4 by requiring iPPs to be encased into a cover with a built in kick stand.
Thanks flapflapflap! I have about had it with this Logitech Create so I think I will give the KTG a try. I looked at them inBest Buy and it was amazingly small and thin so it might just the the right combo I'm looking for!
 

flapflapflap

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Dec 13, 2013
768
439
I emailed them asking to license their patent so I can custom create one for the iPP.
 

artfossil

macrumors 68000
Oct 5, 2015
1,785
2,059
Florida
How does the breaks in the edges near the home button and the headphone jack feel? I considered that case, but I like the edges to be smooth, and those breaks make me hesitate.
I have that case. The openings are very smooth. The thing is cheap but precisely tooled.
 

Max Your Macs

macrumors member
Sep 13, 2008
99
37
Daytona Beach, FL
How does the breaks in the edges near the home button and the headphone jack feel? I considered that case, but I like the edges to be smooth, and those breaks make me hesitate.

Hi NightSpring,

Sorry for the delay in getting back! The openings around all the buttons and speakers are perfectly located and very. Smooth. I see no issues with them at all. This is a very, very nice case for less than $20. It has a good feel and texture and fairly close to the older SmartCase. I wish Apple would release a real SmartCase for the IPP just to keep consistent with everything but this Moko is very solid.
 
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artfossil

macrumors 68000
Oct 5, 2015
1,785
2,059
Florida
I have that case. The openings are very smooth. The thing is cheap but precisely tooled.
Well, I take back my praise for the Moko cover. I've had it on my iPad Pro since January 14th and never took it off and today I noticed it was developing cracks in two corners. The corners will soon break off. I'm returning it to Amazon for a refund.
 

flapflapflap

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Dec 13, 2013
768
439
Well, I take back my praise for the Moko cover. I've had it on my iPad Pro since January 14th and never took it off and today I noticed it was developing cracks in two corners. The corners will soon break off. I'm returning it to Amazon for a refund.

Finally caved and purchased the ASK. I like it because it's thin, lightweight, and uses the smart connector. However, it's very inconvenient to fold and unfold all the flaps to get the right angle. And I am still annoyed that third party keyboards have not yet come out with their own smart connector compatible keyboard cases. Would love to see a design similar to Logitech's Blok Keyboard, thinner of course, and with a storage slot for the Pencil.
 
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artfossil

macrumors 68000
Oct 5, 2015
1,785
2,059
Florida
Finally caved and purchased the ASK. I like it because it's thin, lightweight, and uses the smart connector. However, it's very inconvenient to fold and unfold all the flaps to get the right angle. And I am still annoyed that third party keyboards have not yet come out with their own smart connector compatible keyboard cases. Would love to see a design similar to Logitech's Blok Keyboard, thinner of course, and with a storage slot for the Pencil.
I caved as well and am loving the Apple Smart Keyboard. And just ordered the silicon cover for the back. I am almost fully assimilated now . . . .
 

NavySEAL6

macrumors 6502a
Dec 13, 2006
613
79
People with the Apple smart keyboard, is it sturdy enough to use on your lap or does it have to be a table? And is it bothersome that there's really only one angle?
 

artfossil

macrumors 68000
Oct 5, 2015
1,785
2,059
Florida
People with the Apple smart keyboard, is it sturdy enough to use on your lap or does it have to be a table? And is it bothersome that there's really only one angle?

Sturdy enough to to use on your lap. (I'm typing on it now). That said, I'm just not a big lap typist and when I'm writing anything longer than a paragraph I prefer to have my keyboard on a table. But that's me, and that applies, for me, to both iPads and laptops.

As for the one angle, it's just fine by me and I can't think why I would want different angles when typing.

I was lucky and got to play with a loaner for two weeks so I knew how the keyboard would function for me. You can always try it out and return it if you don't like it.
 

nalbagli

macrumors 6502
Sep 11, 2014
310
35
People with the Apple smart keyboard, is it sturdy enough to use on your lap or does it have to be a table? And is it bothersome that there's really only one angle?
It's sturdy enough, and I really like it as a keyboard I write really fast on it. My biggest problem though it's I wish I've had more viewing angles and backlight for the keyboard
 
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