Rene Ritchie No. I’m happy to have finally the iPad I’ve always wanted. No need for another device, simply a iPad and iPhone. Even the 16” MBP Pro has no 120 Hz or 600 Nits of Brightness. And It’s quiet all the time!
How has that switch been from the 11 inch pro to the 12.9? I have the 11 at the moment, though I'm a bit unsure if I'd rather swap the portability for the larger screen.
Tobias Sarkol The 12.9” is still ultra portable for me. I have had a 12.9” since 2018 and gave up my laptop then too. No sore points. I’m a bigger guy with big hands, so the 12.9” isn’t too bulky to carry around.
The key that you call “emoji key” is actually a language switch - very useful for those of us who regularly use more than one language at work or in private.
As a long term 'Bluetooth keyboard + Stand + iPad' user, I can't get excited about this smart keyboard. The missing media keys & brightness is a complete killer. But if it had that top row of keys it would be a whole different story. I'm sticking with the mini iMac-like setup.
It is borderline disturbing how excited I got when I saw the thumbnail for this , especially considering the fact that I already have a Magic Keyboard (and love it) lol. But I have been waiting to hear your take on this! Great video as usual:)
I'm waiting for a smartfolio with a trackpad. Imagine a trackpad on its own section below the keyboard that goes across where the pencil is and magnetically holds front and back together
Bought it with my iPad Pro 11 and haven’t touched my MacBook Pro 13 inch in about a month! It’s amazing and very travel ready which makes it a useful tool for everywhere! Especially to get writing and work done in a coffee shop and an airport. I actually wish I waited and saved to buy the 12.9 but just couldn’t stomach spending the money. I’m always in the hospital on the go and its awesome for that exact purpose. For a creative and drawing this thing is SOLID with SOLID apps and the keyboard makes it that much more better. I have had to get a separate case that’s lighter for when I just want to use it for watching purposes. Otherwise, it’s been great!! I love it!!
This is the most accurate review so far. My biggest annoyance with the case has to be the limited angle (doesn’t go far back enough for certain situations) and the weird weight distribution means that I’m not comfortable using it on my lap.
I'm so glad you do this. It's annoying how many reviews look at a product for a few hours and go out and recommend them. I understand getting on the keyword train, but nothing beats a real review based on use. It's what we always try to do too, so thanks for showing smaller TH-camrs, there's room for being thorough.
As WWDC is only a week away, can you mention how we can listen or watch the video (what ever Apple chooses). I am in Melbourne, Australia so I would need the time zone of where it will be broadcast from. I would also need the website subset it is being sent under. I am sure your other viewers would like this extra help. Ken (subscriber).
While I can’t replace my PC with an iPad (I’m a programmer in Python, C, C++, and Java), I could see it replacing a MacBook for some people. This was the final piece of the puzzle (if you’re not a programmer, heavy video editor using Final Cut Pro, or need something exclusively on macOS)!
I got the iPad Pro 12.9 with the magic keyboard about a month ago and it has been amazing! I completely replaced my MacBook Pro and i have been loving the experience it brings with iPadOS it is so smooth, intuitive and fun! Luckily for my workflow allows to be completely done with this setup.
I just bought mine and love it. I pair with a keyboard cover and skin that way it doesn't get dirt the case. The only thing that I'm missing is the case cover all three corners are protection. On the bottom expose piece I will put a skin on the back and bottom corners. When I don't want to have it dock I got it protected with the case and skin.
I do estimates for a living, and the combo of the iPad Pro, magic keyboard, and my iPhone is elite. I do my entire job with these, and never have to touch a desk top, or laptop. Couldn’t be happier.
I love mine. I can quickly bring up control center to control media functions so the lack of shortcut keys doesn’t really bother me. I’ve been using mine for 2 months now and it’s still clean, no scuffs or anything, so I don’t know why so many are having issues with the material scuffing and getting dirty. When I have the iPad on it’s own I transfer it into the Unicorn Beetle Case, since I’m paranoid about dropping it.
Lmao but fr that thing gets dirty really quick for no reason. Massive design flaw tbh. They shoulda used a different material, especially since it cost 350...
You mention the lack of an escape key. There is, actually, if you go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Hardware Keyboard > Modifier Keys where you can program any of the options to be an escape key. I chose the Option Key to be my escape key.
I wish apple had just made the second hinge can go to nearly 180 degrees such that you can close the case with the ipad screen outwards at an adjustable tilt for when you want to use tablet mode. Hope they bring this to the second version
Portrait mode for FaceTime video calls would solve the weird angle on the Magic Keyboard case. For now I just the iPad Pro on a Satechi stand with Magic TrackPad 2 and their wireless Bluetooth keyboard.
I played with the Magic Keyboard and the Smart Keyboard Folio and went for the latter simply for the weight and the fact that I alternate between writing on the iPad and typing emails where I can flip the Folio Keyboard flat to write on. Would have gone for the Magic Keyboard for sure if it could have done that. But both are great!
I can live without a function row, I have control center. But the missing ESC-key is what really annoys me, because it‘s a standard key simply missing. Also the price is really too high, even for Apple standards. Other than that: Really a great product! I like where Apple is heading with their pro products!
I really like my Logitech keyboard case and Logitech iPad mouse combo. Fraction of the price and works excellent. They keys are perfect on that case. Bought used on mercari for 100 bucks. Can’t beat it
Rene - Great review as always. I have not pulled the trigger on buying it yet. I have the 2018 12.9” IPad Pro with the Smart Keyboard Folio and Magic Mouse 2 and that seems to be working for me so far. However, I’m very tempted to buy it...
It wouldn’t fall backwards if it tilted back more. The way he’s showing it the base is losing it’s center of gravity when he lifts it up. And if you just tilt it back another 10 degrees it doesn’t topple over.
Ive just gotten my magic keyboard in the last few days and i would absolutely love to see apple implement some sort of on screen touchbar type feature.
I just bought a laptop cooler to raise the screen and provide extra cooling. That led me to buying a nice keyboard, went with the wireless mx keys, which has backlighting just like the magic keyboard, and 3 keys on it that lets you switch devices instantly (such as a laptop and an ipad). Pair that with a mouse that can do the same, and the added value of buying a magic keyboard (400 euro, 21% tax included) seems greatly diminished. It does look cool though...
I have a question for you, Rene. I also have the Magic Keyboard for my 2018 12.9" iPad Pro. My question concerns the Magic Keyboard trackpad. Specifically, should Apple adopt the purely mechanical design in the iPad Magic Keyboard and ditch the haptic Magic Trackpad design since they both have the same type of functionality - both allow "clicking" anywhere on their surface area - plus the mechanical trackpad design might be less costly to manufacture and might be less prone to failure over time.
If you finally decide to get it I can almost guarantee you wont regret it, I have it with the 12.9 and it is an amazing experience! It works so smooth with iPadOS that it makes my MacBook Pro and macOS outdated, I completely replaced my Mac, but of course my workflow allows for that.
My 2018 iPad Pro was really a big screen media consumption machine up until 2020, until I got the Magic Keyboard and a mouse. It really did replace my 2015 MacBook. I thought I was OK with the butterfly keyboard until I have the Magic keyboard. I can’t go back now.
i believe i like the ipad pro with the default keyboard...and a magic trackpad combo more than this. this keyboard is also too costly for what it provides with the drawbacks it has
Overall I like it. I do pop the ipad off to use as tablet - surprisingly useful - I had to add 4 tiny cheap plastic “feet” from hardware store to keep back from getting scratched up.
As always, this is the best tech review station on TH-cam. I’m on month two of using my iPad Pro and Magic Keyboard and am extremely pleased. This is what I’ve wanted out of my iPad for years. It’s so useful that I barely use my MacBook Pro. The only major drawbacks so far has been is that some 3rd party apps like Office still don’t support the keyboard to its max benefit, and there isn’t a real right click feature. It’s not hard to imagine these things improving with future updates to apps and operating systems.
Has anyone noticed that all of the keys are really stable but there is the odd key (caps lock) that feels slightly looser and there is a little downward movement when initially placing finger on the key before fully depressing the key.
I have the magic keyboard as well but I am concerned about how the rubber like material is going to hold up. Do you think the wear and tear will be very noticeable?
It’s super noticeable on my Smart Keyboard folio, which is the same material. I got it used though and I live in Vegas. Don’t take it out in the heat. It can warp the material to the texture of your skin as you hold it. Very gross lol
@@johannassburg thanks for the reply. Would you think that buying a skin for the magic keyboard a good move? Or do you think I would be fine if I just kept it out of heat?
Thanks for the video. I don't agree with many problems you mentioned, for example, the iPad doesn't need function keys. The fact that the magic keyboard turns your iPad to something similar to a laptop doesn't make me expect the same functionality I get from my Macbook Pro. The same for touch bar. Why do I need a touch bar when the whole display (iPad Pro) is a touch screen?
I’d like to see a MacBook Pro using a detachable iPad pro running iPadOS as its display when detached, and housing extended battery, cpu/GPU/RAM/storage/ports, on a standalone keyboard / docking chassis running macOS. Dream system
As an artist I was hesitant about investing in this keyboard right after buying a 2020 iPad 12.9 model. For artists, what matters to us is a drawing angle. This kit doesn’t really offer such a feature. That being said, I went ahead and bought the 350 dollar one because I also do Wordpress and this thing rocks. Because it’s magnetic, Ritchie is right about treating it more like a dock at your desk. I bought a magnetic cover with a drawing angle and now I just pop the iPad off the keyboard and pop it on the cover and go.
Agree! With all! Two main things, material and position of the camera becomes awkward! So next iPad put in two or shuffle the camera around! Ow make the case from leather! Love that patina look
Just a thought, if this is a dock, why don’t we all use the good old apple Bluetooth keyboard with all that good stuff including escape keys and such and a massive Bluetooth Magic Trackpad? Why? Even the total cost of the too is almost less... thoughts?
I like your idea about the touchbar solution with the three finger swipe, maybe you could some of the bottom of your expose or something. . I feel control center does cover a lot of the functionality, but it doesn’t feel as intuitive as pressing the play key. Maybe we just all have developed a muscle memory for it.
My iPad Pro already replaced my MacBook Pro , even before the magic keyboard ⌨️. The magic keyboard just made the replacement permanent. Although I might get an iMac 🖥 in the near future
@Rene Ritchie Long time reader, I have to say, as a writer, learning to touch type with more than four fingers would increase your productivity by leaps and bounds, more than hardware ever can. Consider typing lessons, never too late!
No one says this, but I only missed the escape key until I found that a 4 finger swipe up exits anything. It’s so much easier than reaching up and hitting an escape key.
What bugs me is that, contrary to mac, you cannot use the trackpad and the mouse at the same time and have them scrolling in the proper direction... If you enable natural scrolling, as you should, the mouse scrolls unnaturally...
Providing a perfectly acceptable alternative to function keys would be to simply allow people to set their own keyboard shortcuts. Something like Option + 1 = Increase brightness. And let me map that pointless upper left key with Escape.
The whole you have to be careful if using it on your lap- Um, no you don’t. Unless you’re a freak who sits halfway out a chair and puts an iPad on their knees... I’ve been using it for two weeks now. I use it on my recliner, couch, even on the patio furniture. No issues. Sit like a normal person and it works great. I also haven’t found one time where the screen isn’t far back enough to see and use.
I love all the facts about the mechanics, the things the keyboards does really good and what we would like to see. I would also love a post about how we manage to move workflows from the Mac with the Magic keyboard and how existing workflows on the iPad profits from the trackpad, the mouse control. Does Apple have success moving the iPad closer to the Mac and what would it take to create the next steps in that? I find my self using the iPad more with the new keyboard. I write documents in word, make my weekly reviews in Onmifocus much, much more. But that about making presentations, using Numbers or Excel, is the full Safari and the keyboard a game changer for laptop workflows?
Hi! I have the Macbook 12 and I’m still split between getting the Magic Keyboard or the Smart Keyboard Folio for an iPad pro 12.9. If I plan to use the ipad pro 12.9 mostly note taking (60-70% of the time), which one would you suggest for me? (I am a fan of productivity and portability)
I've been waiting for your review since day one. THANK YOU for doing an in-depth review and uses case scenarios video. I am still rocking my MacBook Retina 2012 and she is showing her age. I have been wanting an iPad replacement for my Macbook since all she is being uses for is email, youtube, and web surfing these days. But my introduction to the Apple pencil on a newer iPad and your review of the iPad Magic Keyboard has helped me finalize my decision. AND I am still using an iPhone 6 (not even the S) so 2020 is going to be an EXPENSIVE year for me.
What if they put Macbook innards into the keyboard, so when you doc it it becomes a Macbook and the ipad just becomes a touchscreen now it is conveniently closer for touch. And a touchbar appears on the bottom of the screen.
I like the way you included the creator, Katie Cameron, in this video. I just watched her review video of this product, and she makes some good points. Anyway to Americans anyone with a British or English accent sounds like he or she knows what he or she is talking about lol. With this comment I am essentially saying it is cool you are shining a light on quality creators even if their channels are not as large as yours. It looks like she has less than 200 subscribers right now (and yes, 200, not 200k!), though I'm sure that will shoot up really soon.
What would happen if apple used the same material as the Apple Watch Sport bands. I don’t see that pick up any finger oils and seems to have similar texture the the material currently being used
One of the best MK vids I’ve seen - very in depth, so thank you. I’m still really struggling with this decision myself. In Aus, price is even more of a factor; a whopping $499 for the 11” MK, with the keyboard folio filling in the $299 price spot (and as yet, third party options are nearly as expensive and not quite up to snuff for the price); a mistake here will be quite costly. I recently decided to buy the 2020 ipad pro and combine tablet and laptop (which will work for my use purpose, and I have a desktop as backup when I need it), but that makes the keyboard decision all the harder; a compromise has to happen somewhere. I know I would love the MK; as a student and writer, text editing with portability is incredibly important and the MK definitely makes it closer to a laptop experience, so would be perfect for school/work. However, I also use the Apple Pencil a great deal to take notes and do some of my writing, and at home, the iPad is in my hand 95% or the time for reading, consumption and light text. Would the the folio keyboard be better here, as it’s always on, more portable, durable and more flexible? For work though, I would still have to spend on a decent BT mouse though, or Magic Trackpad, which brings the price closer to the MK again. I am tearing my hair out over this!
My light only stay on for about 10 seconds. Also the brightness auto adjust with direct light. Maybe it was an update implemented later on but I don’t see what people are crying about.
Hey Rene,I have the 2015 MBP as of now and am thinking of upgrading it to either an Ipad Pro 12.9 with Magic Keyboard or Base level Of 2020 MBP 13inch .I am on the fence here between these 2.I value portability and the touch screen capabilities has me hooked on the ipad pro but dont know if the ipad os is gonna get better with some mac programs like logic pro and have more streamlined experience of Microsoft office tools down the line as i use them quite a lot.Let me know your advice on this buying dilemma.
I love it, but I have been having the repeating 'charging' sound every time I plug the power into the case, even when I use apple cables. I have no trouble using it on my lap.
are you using the 12.9 or 11 inch version? I personally found the 11 inch version of the keyboard to be cramped. So if i ever try again, I’ll be trying when the *actually new* iPad Pro’s drop in the 12.9 inch iteration.
The iPad pro should take some serious notes from Microsoft’s Surface Pro line.. especially the current Surface Pro 7. I’d like to have an iPad in a Microsoft Surface Pro 7’s body..
I prefer Bluetooth magic keyboard as i can’t afford to buy a new “ work with one device only” specific device every time l get a new iPad. It also works with just about every other apple device
I love it. My new iPad Pro 12.9 with Magic Keyboard has replaced my MBP Pro 13 and my iPad 11 Pro.
Oh, wow. Any sore points still?
Rene Ritchie No. I’m happy to have finally the iPad I’ve always wanted. No need for another device, simply a iPad and iPhone.
Even the 16” MBP Pro has no 120 Hz or 600 Nits of Brightness. And It’s quiet all the time!
Me too. And zero sore points. Maybe book reading. I may get an iPad mini for reading books. For magazines the 12.9” rocks
How has that switch been from the 11 inch pro to the 12.9? I have the 11 at the moment, though I'm a bit unsure if I'd rather swap the portability for the larger screen.
Tobias Sarkol The 12.9” is still ultra portable for me. I have had a 12.9” since 2018 and gave up my laptop then too. No sore points. I’m a bigger guy with big hands, so the 12.9” isn’t too bulky to carry around.
The key that you call “emoji key” is actually a language switch - very useful for those of us who regularly use more than one language at work or in private.
Caps lock can switch language, remap the globe key to escape
It’s been 2 months?!?! Jesus Christ I’ve lost all semblance of time.
Same!
@@daniellees627 Nah..massive quantities man. Massive quantities.
Same I felt like it’s been 2 months since the 2020 iPad Pro came out
As a long term 'Bluetooth keyboard + Stand + iPad' user, I can't get excited about this smart keyboard. The missing media keys & brightness is a complete killer. But if it had that top row of keys it would be a whole different story. I'm sticking with the mini iMac-like setup.
I think Apple is making shortcuts in a future update to serve as function keys
I’ve been using the Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse 2 for 2 months. I love it and it’s only a $178,
@@mattwiland9692 I'm surprised how much my productivity has improved with the addition of the Magic Mouse to the setup! Mini-iMac FTW! 👍
@Aziz Rahman Grab a 2nd hand mouse and keyboard and you can do it for even less!
"The way nature and steve jobs intended" 😂😂😂 that one made me laugh out loud
@Kingsley Alonzo damn these bots wildin
It is borderline disturbing how excited I got when I saw the thumbnail for this , especially considering the fact that I already have a Magic Keyboard (and love it) lol. But I have been waiting to hear your take on this! Great video as usual:)
Means a lot Michelle! Thank you!
Hey Rene, you said the 11” was USD 229.00 when in fact is USD 299.00. Other than this, great video!
Thanks for the mention Rene! 👍
Thanks for the awesome content!
I'm waiting for a smartfolio with a trackpad. Imagine a trackpad on its own section below the keyboard that goes across where the pencil is and magnetically holds front and back together
I wish that would be amazing
Bought it with my iPad Pro 11 and haven’t touched my MacBook Pro 13 inch in about a month! It’s amazing and very travel ready which makes it a useful tool for everywhere! Especially to get writing and work done in a coffee shop and an airport. I actually wish I waited and saved to buy the 12.9 but just couldn’t stomach spending the money. I’m always in the hospital on the go and its awesome for that exact purpose. For a creative and drawing this thing is SOLID with SOLID apps and the keyboard makes it that much more better. I have had to get a separate case that’s lighter for when I just want to use it for watching purposes. Otherwise, it’s been great!! I love it!!
I have the magic keyboard for the iPad Pro 11 and love it! I love it so much that my MacBook stays docked to my Thunderbolt Display at my desk now.
This is the most accurate review so far. My biggest annoyance with the case has to be the limited angle (doesn’t go far back enough for certain situations) and the weird weight distribution means that I’m not comfortable using it on my lap.
Escape key = Command + . Usually works - since OS 6 or even from the beginning of MacIntosh?
Lennart Araskoug Thank you. Most people don’t know about this. I recently bought the magic keyboard and the cmd . Works as an escape key fine.
Lennart Araskoug extremely useful comment
Rene’s videos are always so thorough and well scripted. Huge respect, Rene.
I'm so glad you do this. It's annoying how many reviews look at a product for a few hours and go out and recommend them. I understand getting on the keyword train, but nothing beats a real review based on use. It's what we always try to do too, so thanks for showing smaller TH-camrs, there's room for being thorough.
As WWDC is only a week away, can you mention how we can listen or watch the video (what ever Apple chooses). I am in Melbourne, Australia so I would need the time zone of where it will be broadcast from. I would also need the website subset it is being sent under. I am sure your other viewers would like this extra help. Ken (subscriber).
While I can’t replace my PC with an iPad (I’m a programmer in Python, C, C++, and Java), I could see it replacing a MacBook for some people. This was the final piece of the puzzle (if you’re not a programmer, heavy video editor using Final Cut Pro, or need something exclusively on macOS)!
I got the iPad Pro 12.9 with the magic keyboard about a month ago and it has been amazing! I completely replaced my MacBook Pro and i have been loving the experience it brings with iPadOS it is so smooth, intuitive and fun! Luckily for my workflow allows to be completely done with this setup.
I just bought mine and love it. I pair with a keyboard cover and skin that way it doesn't get dirt the case. The only thing that I'm missing is the case cover all three corners are protection. On the bottom expose piece I will put a skin on the back and bottom corners. When I don't want to have it dock I got it protected with the case and skin.
I do estimates for a living, and the combo of the iPad Pro, magic keyboard, and my iPhone is elite. I do my entire job with these, and never have to touch a desk top, or laptop. Couldn’t be happier.
I love mine. I can quickly bring up control center to control media functions so the lack of shortcut keys doesn’t really bother me. I’ve been using mine for 2 months now and it’s still clean, no scuffs or anything, so I don’t know why so many are having issues with the material scuffing and getting dirty. When I have the iPad on it’s own I transfer it into the Unicorn Beetle Case, since I’m paranoid about dropping it.
I just want a full funtional word and excel for my iPad 🙏
Use the web version, fully fledged office apps, just not a native app..
If I had that I would never use my laptop again.
I put power into the keyboard USB, and a USB mini-dock on the iPad port to add peripherals, and it just works
Lol the girl complaining about how dirty the case is - honey, that’s on you...
N A 😂😂😂
Lmao but fr that thing gets dirty really quick for no reason. Massive design flaw tbh. They shoulda used a different material, especially since it cost 350...
You mention the lack of an escape key. There is, actually, if you go to Settings > General > Keyboard > Hardware Keyboard > Modifier Keys where you can program any of the options to be an escape key. I chose the Option Key to be my escape key.
I wish apple had just made the second hinge can go to nearly 180 degrees such that you can close the case with the ipad screen outwards at an adjustable tilt for when you want to use tablet mode. Hope they bring this to the second version
Rene, I couldn't agree more. I came to a similar conclusion. It's not a laptop replacement, it's not a case, it's its own category. 👍
Portrait mode for FaceTime video calls would solve the weird angle on the Magic Keyboard case. For now I just the iPad Pro on a Satechi stand with Magic TrackPad 2 and their wireless Bluetooth keyboard.
At what point do we say “wow this is too expensive 🥺”. I bought it but returned it
I have a Logitech keyboard at a second hand store with the esc button for 15 dollars works very well for my iPad Air
I played with the Magic Keyboard and the Smart Keyboard Folio and went for the latter simply for the weight and the fact that I alternate between writing on the iPad and typing emails where I can flip the Folio Keyboard flat to write on. Would have gone for the Magic Keyboard for sure if it could have done that. But both are great!
Would the keyboard work if you have a case on the iPad? I would be nervous to use my iPad case-free just to be able to dock it to the keyboard
I agree, that is a dealbreaker for me; I dented it because I dropped it without a case.
I can live without a function row, I have control center. But the missing ESC-key is what really annoys me, because it‘s a standard key simply missing. Also the price is really too high, even for Apple standards.
Other than that: Really a great product! I like where Apple is heading with their pro products!
Big fan of your content Rene, brilliant explanation on how the Magic Keyboard was intended to be a dock. Keep doing what you’re doing brother. 👍🏼
Thanks so much!
Hopefully the second generation Magic Keyboard will include function keys on the top row.
New animations, camera angles, and B roll/other shots are great! Major upgrade. Bravo.
I really like my Logitech keyboard case and Logitech iPad mouse combo. Fraction of the price and works excellent. They keys are perfect on that case. Bought used on mercari for 100 bucks. Can’t beat it
Rene - Great review as always. I have not pulled the trigger on buying it yet. I have the 2018 12.9” IPad Pro with the Smart Keyboard Folio and Magic Mouse 2 and that seems to be working for me so far. However, I’m very tempted to buy it...
It wouldn’t fall backwards if it tilted back more. The way he’s showing it the base is losing it’s center of gravity when he lifts it up. And if you just tilt it back another 10 degrees it doesn’t topple over.
Ive just gotten my magic keyboard in the last few days and i would absolutely love to see apple implement some sort of on screen touchbar type feature.
I just bought a laptop cooler to raise the screen and provide extra cooling. That led me to buying a nice keyboard, went with the wireless mx keys, which has backlighting just like the magic keyboard, and 3 keys on it that lets you switch devices instantly (such as a laptop and an ipad). Pair that with a mouse that can do the same, and the added value of buying a magic keyboard (400 euro, 21% tax included) seems greatly diminished. It does look cool though...
I have a question for you, Rene. I also have the Magic Keyboard for my 2018 12.9" iPad Pro. My question concerns the Magic Keyboard trackpad. Specifically, should Apple adopt the purely mechanical design in the iPad Magic Keyboard and ditch the haptic Magic Trackpad design since they both have the same type of functionality - both allow "clicking" anywhere on their surface area - plus the mechanical trackpad design might be less costly to manufacture and might be less prone to failure over time.
What do you mean by this?
Still on the fence, after I was onboard at launch 🤦🏾♂️
What's keeping you so on-fenced?
I am a owner of the magic keyboard for the 12.9 inch its great and i love it
Rene Ritchie I’m on the fence because I have a 2017 iPad Pro 10.5 and I don’t know if it’s worth the upgrade.
If you finally decide to get it I can almost guarantee you wont regret it, I have it with the 12.9 and it is an amazing experience! It works so smooth with iPadOS that it makes my MacBook Pro and macOS outdated, I completely replaced my Mac, but of course my workflow allows for that.
Marcelo Padilla Even worth it from a 10.5?
My 2018 iPad Pro was really a big screen media consumption machine up until 2020, until I got the Magic Keyboard and a mouse. It really did replace my 2015 MacBook. I thought I was OK with the butterfly keyboard until I have the Magic keyboard. I can’t go back now.
i believe i like the ipad pro with the default keyboard...and a magic trackpad combo more than this. this keyboard is also too costly for what it provides with the drawbacks it has
Overall I like it. I do pop the ipad off to use as tablet - surprisingly useful - I had to add 4 tiny cheap plastic “feet” from hardware store to keep back from getting scratched up.
Great video Rene! I am still so tempted by one of these and not just because I hate finger prints on my screen!
How about a 14” iPad Pro so there is more room for function keys, larger trackpad, and larger screen? I would buy it in a hot minute.
A 14 inch phone, no thanks
As always, this is the best tech review station on TH-cam. I’m on month two of using my iPad Pro and Magic Keyboard and am extremely pleased. This is what I’ve wanted out of my iPad for years. It’s so useful that I barely use my MacBook Pro. The only major drawbacks so far has been is that some 3rd party apps like Office still don’t support the keyboard to its max benefit, and there isn’t a real right click feature. It’s not hard to imagine these things improving with future updates to apps and operating systems.
I'd love to be able to plug a dock into the magic keyboard usb c port.
Has anyone noticed that all of the keys are really stable but there is the odd key (caps lock) that feels slightly looser and there is a little downward movement when initially placing finger on the key before fully depressing the key.
I have the magic keyboard as well but I am concerned about how the rubber like material is going to hold up. Do you think the wear and tear will be very noticeable?
It’s super noticeable on my Smart Keyboard folio, which is the same material. I got it used though and I live in Vegas. Don’t take it out in the heat. It can warp the material to the texture of your skin as you hold it. Very gross lol
@@johannassburg thanks for the reply. Would you think that buying a skin for the magic keyboard a good move? Or do you think I would be fine if I just kept it out of heat?
Thanks for the video. I don't agree with many problems you mentioned, for example, the iPad doesn't need function keys. The fact that the magic keyboard turns your iPad to something similar to a laptop doesn't make me expect the same functionality I get from my Macbook Pro. The same for touch bar. Why do I need a touch bar when the whole display (iPad Pro) is a touch screen?
I’d like to see a MacBook Pro using a detachable iPad pro running iPadOS as its display when detached, and housing extended battery, cpu/GPU/RAM/storage/ports, on a standalone keyboard / docking chassis running macOS. Dream system
Most comprehensive review ive come across. Thanks
Good for you for featuring smaller creators Rene. Glad to see your channel growing too. Thanks for the upload
As an artist I was hesitant about investing in this keyboard right after buying a 2020 iPad 12.9 model. For artists, what matters to us is a drawing angle. This kit doesn’t really offer such a feature. That being said, I went ahead and bought the 350 dollar one because I also do Wordpress and this thing rocks. Because it’s magnetic, Ritchie is right about treating it more like a dock at your desk. I bought a magnetic cover with a drawing angle and now I just pop the iPad off the keyboard and pop it on the cover and go.
Agree! With all! Two main things, material and position of the camera becomes awkward! So next iPad put in two or shuffle the camera around! Ow make the case from leather! Love that patina look
Finally. Thank you. Hit nail on its head. Its a Dock! Makes sense and works for me. The Keyboard is so much better than the Smart Keyboard case.
Just a thought, if this is a dock, why don’t we all use the good old apple Bluetooth keyboard with all that good stuff including escape keys and such and a massive Bluetooth Magic Trackpad? Why? Even the total cost of the too is almost less... thoughts?
I like your idea about the touchbar solution with the three finger swipe, maybe you could some of the bottom of your expose or something. . I feel control center does cover a lot of the functionality, but it doesn’t feel as intuitive as pressing the play key. Maybe we just all have developed a muscle memory for it.
My iPad Pro already replaced my MacBook Pro , even before the magic keyboard ⌨️. The magic keyboard just made the replacement permanent. Although I might get an iMac 🖥 in the near future
@Rene Ritchie Long time reader, I have to say, as a writer, learning to touch type with more than four fingers would increase your productivity by leaps and bounds, more than hardware ever can. Consider typing lessons, never too late!
No one says this, but I only missed the escape key until I found that a 4 finger swipe up exits anything. It’s so much easier than reaching up and hitting an escape key.
Really great of you to include small TH-camrs like Katie Cameron in your video!
The over head cam stuff looks great, really draws me in. Great B/roll
What bugs me is that, contrary to mac, you cannot use the trackpad and the mouse at the same time and have them scrolling in the proper direction... If you enable natural scrolling, as you should, the mouse scrolls unnaturally...
Providing a perfectly acceptable alternative to function keys would be to simply allow people to set their own keyboard shortcuts. Something like Option + 1 = Increase brightness. And let me map that pointless upper left key with Escape.
I wish they made it for the regular ipad. I like the design but the cost of an ipad pro and the magic keyboard is just way too expensive for me.
The whole you have to be careful if using it on your lap- Um, no you don’t. Unless you’re a freak who sits halfway out a chair and puts an iPad on their knees... I’ve been using it for two weeks now. I use it on my recliner, couch, even on the patio furniture. No issues. Sit like a normal person and it works great. I also haven’t found one time where the screen isn’t far back enough to see and use.
That moment when you realize Rene doesn’t type using all 10 fingers 🤯
You use your thumbs for typing?
@@natlus_ Thumbs handle the space bar. I suppose that still counts.
I type with both my ring, middle and index fingers without a pinky or thumb.
The battery life concern of the keyboard backlight seems a bit silly when you check it’s tiny power draw.
Ok I like it. What can I say?
Just purchased mine to be my official college computer!! It is the best of everything I need. Solid video.
I love all the facts about the mechanics, the things the keyboards does really good and what we would like to see.
I would also love a post about how we manage to move workflows from the Mac with the Magic keyboard and how existing workflows on the iPad profits from the trackpad, the mouse control. Does Apple have success moving the iPad closer to the Mac and what would it take to create the next steps in that?
I find my self using the iPad more with the new keyboard. I write documents in word, make my weekly reviews in Onmifocus much, much more. But that about making presentations, using Numbers or Excel, is the full Safari and the keyboard a game changer for laptop workflows?
3 months old iPad Pro shipping time slips to 3-4 weeks, just like the iMac 27”.
Supply chain issues or A14X model? 🤔
Could you explain why its sucks for zoom? Maybe that means the iPad itself sucks in landscape mode for FaceTime or zoom?
Hi! I have the Macbook 12 and I’m still split between getting the Magic Keyboard or the Smart Keyboard Folio for an iPad pro 12.9. If I plan to use the ipad pro 12.9 mostly note taking (60-70% of the time), which one would you suggest for me? (I am a fan of productivity and portability)
I've been waiting for your review since day one. THANK YOU for doing an in-depth review and uses case scenarios video. I am still rocking my MacBook Retina 2012 and she is showing her age. I have been wanting an iPad replacement for my Macbook since all she is being uses for is email, youtube, and web surfing these days. But my introduction to the Apple pencil on a newer iPad and your review of the iPad Magic Keyboard has helped me finalize my decision. AND I am still using an iPhone 6 (not even the S) so 2020 is going to be an EXPENSIVE year for me.
Hinge is still as snappy as the day I got it and easy to clean!
What if they put Macbook innards into the keyboard, so when you doc it it becomes a Macbook and the ipad just becomes a touchscreen now it is conveniently closer for touch. And a touchbar appears on the bottom of the screen.
Great review and great job working to get so many different camera shots and angles for the video
Really hope they come up with a better version. By better I mean better material. The smudges just killing me
I like the way you included the creator, Katie Cameron, in this video. I just watched her review video of this product, and she makes some good points. Anyway to Americans anyone with a British or English accent sounds like he or she knows what he or she is talking about lol. With this comment I am essentially saying it is cool you are shining a light on quality creators even if their channels are not as large as yours. It looks like she has less than 200 subscribers right now (and yes, 200, not 200k!), though I'm sure that will shoot up really soon.
The one big problem with using physical keyboard is how slow the cursor moves, it’s nowhere near as fast as the Mac version.
I will never stop rolling my eyes at how monolingual Americans call the key for switching keyboards "the emoji key".
He’s Canadian
What would happen if apple used the same material as the Apple Watch Sport bands. I don’t see that pick up any finger oils and seems to have similar texture the the material currently being used
A few more additions on the left and right sides and they have a full on transformer 👨🏼🔧
One of the best MK vids I’ve seen - very in depth, so thank you. I’m still really struggling with this decision myself. In Aus, price is even more of a factor; a whopping $499 for the 11” MK, with the keyboard folio filling in the $299 price spot (and as yet, third party options are nearly as expensive and not quite up to snuff for the price); a mistake here will be quite costly. I recently decided to buy the 2020 ipad pro and combine tablet and laptop (which will work for my use purpose, and I have a desktop as backup when I need it), but that makes the keyboard decision all the harder; a compromise has to happen somewhere.
I know I would love the MK; as a student and writer, text editing with portability is incredibly important and the MK definitely makes it closer to a laptop experience, so would be perfect for school/work. However, I also use the Apple Pencil a great deal to take notes and do some of my writing, and at home, the iPad is in my hand 95% or the time for reading, consumption and light text. Would the the folio keyboard be better here, as it’s always on, more portable, durable and more flexible? For work though, I would still have to spend on a decent BT mouse though, or Magic Trackpad, which brings the price closer to the MK again. I am tearing my hair out over this!
My light only stay on for about 10 seconds. Also the brightness auto adjust with direct light. Maybe it was an update implemented later on but I don’t see what people are crying about.
Also the awkward side camera isn’t going to matter because for class no one pays attention in zoom calls anyway.
Hey Rene,I have the 2015 MBP as of now and am thinking of upgrading it to either an Ipad Pro 12.9 with Magic Keyboard or Base level Of 2020 MBP 13inch .I am on the fence here between these 2.I value portability and the touch screen capabilities has me hooked on the ipad pro but dont know if the ipad os is gonna get better with some mac programs like logic pro and have more streamlined experience of Microsoft office tools down the line as i use them quite a lot.Let me know your advice on this buying dilemma.
Seems like yesterday you were on my podcast In Touch With iOS we had our keyboard for 1 week when your were on. Great review and glad you liked it.
I love it, but I have been having the repeating 'charging' sound every time I plug the power into the case, even when I use apple cables. I have no trouble using it on my lap.
I use my magic keyboard just like Rene describes. As a dock for my 11 inch iPad Pro.
are you using the 12.9 or 11 inch version? I personally found the 11 inch version of the keyboard to be cramped. So if i ever try again, I’ll be trying when the *actually new* iPad Pro’s drop in the 12.9 inch iteration.
I love mine. It has replaced my aging MacBook Pro.
I don’t know what it is about this guy but I love his videos
The iPad pro should take some serious notes from Microsoft’s Surface Pro line.. especially the current Surface Pro 7. I’d like to have an iPad in a Microsoft Surface Pro 7’s body..
I prefer Bluetooth magic keyboard as i can’t afford to buy a new “ work with one device only” specific device every time l get a new iPad. It also works with just about every other apple device