I was in the market for either the 11” iPad Pro or the new 10.9” IPad Air. My current iPad is a second generation iPad mini. My laptop is a mid 2012 MacBook Pro. When my MacBook’s screen backlight went out, I thought it was time to upgrade. The new Air really intrigued me. But at 64GB for the base model, it was too small of storage. The next model at $749 with 256GB would be good. More than enough. But than that puts it into 11” iPad Pro territory. For $50 more you gain the better refresh rate (120 vs 60) and the extra cameras and a few other minor things. But that only includes 128GB of storage. But that actually is just the right amount.
I went to the store to get my hands on them to try them out. After holding them, I knew the form factor was just right. But than I saw the 12.9’ Pro. WOW. But do I need 12.9”? HECK YEAH. I’m not a pro user. I watch videos and maybe edit some photos. Nothing more than crops and lighting. What’re edits come with apple photos app. Using it, I realized that the size was almost identical to my crapped out MacBook Pro.
Now getting to the keyboard. Initially, I thought “Why in the world would any sane person pay $349 for a flipping keyboard? They had a display unit with the 12.9” and the larger keyboard. As I used it, it was plainly obvious. “This is why sane people pay $349 for a keyboard!” This absolutely worth every penny. It really turns the iPad into a laptop. The floating iPad is genius. The magnets hold it securely and it does not ever feel like its gonna fall off. The keyboard has a very satisfying click to them. They are backlit and self dim if the iPad goes into rest mode too.
The game changer is the trackpad. The trackpad is very responsive. Since iPadOS added trackpad support, it makes the interaction a lot laptop like. The curser moves around the screen in laptop like fashion. It sorta “snaps” to an area that is clickable when it gets near it. There is no weird trying to precisely move over the cursor.
Some complaints have been the viewing angle while using it as a laptop on your lap as opposed to it sitting on the table. I use it in my recliner with the keyboard laying on my stomach and the iPad sorta sitting close the my legs. It does not tip over, but it is top heavy. The viewing angle is just perfect. I have never felt that I needed to worry that it would tip over backwards. Although it has, but only when I’m in one of my unnatural watching and typing positions. What’s great also is that unlike a laptop, I can easily pop it off and use my iPad like an iPad. When closed with the iPad attached, it feels like it weights the same as a regular laptop. It feels like it weights more a Macbook air but less than a MacBook Pro. But overall, its the absolute best of both worlds.
If your debating weather its worth it, consider this: a 12.9” iPad with 128GB and this keyboard comes in at around $1350. It s’more than an MacBook Air. And roughly the same price as a MacBook Pro. So its laptop price. (Although, you can find the iPad for $949 and the keyboard for $329 on Amazon) with the 90% of the functionality of one, but also all the functionality of a great iPad. I do not miss not having a laptop since I got this.
Add to your order
-
Coverage for accidental damage including drops, spills, and broken parts, as well as breakdowns (plans vary) -
24/7 support when you need it. -
Quick, easy, and frustration-free claims.
Cover this product:
3-Year Protection $39.99
4-Year Protection $52.99
Cover all of your eligible devices:
Asurion Complete Protect: One plan covers all eligible past and future purchases (Renews Monthly Until Cancelled) $16.99/month
Select a plan
Add to your order
- Coverage for accidental damage including drops, spills, and broken parts, as well as breakdowns (plans vary)
- 24/7 support when you need it.
- Quick, easy, and frustration-free claims.
Cover this product:
Select a plan
Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime
Try Prime
and start saving today with fast, free delivery
There is a newer version of this item:
iPad Pro : Laptop Mode
The iPad Magic keyboard case is just another amazing product from Apple. Personally I’ve never used any type of accessories on phones or tablets however this one I had to get.Pros:Good back lit Keyboard. I’ve included a picture with a dark room to show the keyboard.Inclusion of a Cmd and Option key that allow for use of more short cuts to make using the keyboard more fun. However not all short cuts from the Mac work. Learning all the short cuts isn’t easy unless you’re iJustine however I recommend learning to use ones that can make your tablet experience better. The track pad is rather small but sufficient for me but I don’t speak for everyone.2 in 1. The regular 2 in 1 laptop tablet combos you see from other brands usually involve motors or some type of mechanism to keep the tablet inside the keyboard portion. The Magic Keyboard connects to the iPad using magnets and the smart connector on the back. The magnets and connector make taking the tablet off the keyboard as simple as pulling it off.Extra USB C port. The USB C port on the case allows you to charge and is on the opposite of the iPad leaving the other side (iPad side) for another USB C accessory which leads to my next positive.This is more of personal preference thing but this case does allow for a minimalist set up using just a charging cable and a USB C dock. Definitely a possibility if an iPad is all you need out of a computer.Looks. This keyboard definitely looks better in my opinion than some of the other brands of keyboards that use clips or something else to hold in the case versus the magnets that the Magic Keyboard uses. The magnets allow the sides of the iPad to show completely instead of plastic clips holding it in. In my opinion this gives the case and iPad a cleaner look.Build Quality. The case is also well built consisting a metal, plastic, and rubber construction. The rubber is similar to that we’ve seen on other iPad cases. The overall case is sturdy and doesn’t bend at the keyboard while staying very thin.Cons:This one is sort of a con for some but not for me. The keyboard is pretty heavy about the same weight as the iPad itself. So together they’re about 2 iPads heavy. In certain cases putting the laptop in your... lap is hard and not sturdy however if you put this at a desk it’s not a problem. The overall weight doesn’t affect is portability it can be taken anywhere and can definitely fit inside backpack or be taken in hand. It weights a bit less than a MacBook. You eventually get used to the weight and it becomes easier to mange but can be a struggle at first.I would definitely recommend this case overall for its looks and usefulness. The Magic Keyboard could control the iPad entirely without you ever having to touch the screen. This keyboard has also made me consider switching to it full time compared to my computer.
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Top reviews from other countries
Gabriel Gallardo
Es la opción indicada para trabajar en movimiento.
Reviewed in Mexico on June 16, 2021andrew james
Do you need this and is it right
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 27, 2021
andrew james
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 27, 2021
Fitment and Quality
Over the years I have come to learn that with Apple you get what you pay for quality and after support the keyboard is expensive but I bought this when it was £174 show it was an absolute bargain. I am using this on a brand-new 2021 M1 iPad Pro with a glass screen protector. I bought this as I figured I could return it if it didn’t fit and it was a lot cheaper than the brand-new fifth-generation one and it fits absolutely perfect. I have owned and I return the Logitech keyboard for this the keys are much better the sturdy base allows you to have it on your lap the fact the screen is lifted and closer to your face just enhance his experience.
Cost
There are cheaper alternatives out there but they don’t match the quality. As said in the sale for 174 this is a bargain, The reason I put this as a 4 out of five is because it is almost a price of a cheap laptop I’m not shame it’s not worth it I’m just saying it’s expensive if you pay full price.
Usability
At the time of writing this I’ve only had it a day or so but i am easily able Put this on the end of the armchair and work. I was not able to do with the Logitech keyboard as it does not have a solid base. I have this stored inside of Tom toc folio case, so that added protection let me sleep at night. The lack of protection around the frame was a concern that left me in two Minds if I wanted this, but after ordering a skin and storing it in the folio case I don’t see an issue.
New M1 fitment
I have done this is a separate category as it is something I spent hours searching reviews for and found no answers. The fitment on the brand-new M1 iPad 12 point pro seems to fit perfectly to me I also have a glass screen protector and I’ve enclosed a photo. I can’t understand why you would buy a brand-new model at double the price my suggestion is by this now while it’s on sale
Images in this review
Kanoa
Trasforma un iPad Pro in un comodo notebook
Reviewed in Italy on April 22, 2021