this post was submitted on 24 Nov 2023
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Magic Keyboard vs Smart Keyboard Folio for iPad Pro (self.apple_enthusiast)
submitted 10 months ago by TORFdot0 to c/apple_enthusiast
17 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

We have a MacBook Air 2013 that is on its last legs and we need to replace it. My wife also wants an iPad so that she can read our Apple News+ subscription and watch movies in bed. I feel like the most cost effective solution is to get a keyboard case for the iPad and use it as the laptop replacement. The only thing we use the MacBook Air for is normal web browsing, ordering pictures prints via the web, some home office work using Google Docs, and I use it to remote to my PC when I don't feel like going to my basement office.

I don't see why a keyboard case wouldn't suffice in this scenario. The Magic Keyboard trackpad entices me, especially potentially not having to rewire any muscle memory with normal web usage, using google docs, or when I remote to my PC. But is the web browsing experience nerfed enough by iPadOS that its not worth spending $300 on the Magic Keyboard? Is it better to get the cheaper Smart Keyboard Folio case and try to use the Apple Pencil for the same workflow instead?

Just curious what this community's experience with these accessories are. Thanks in advance for the input.

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[–] thehatfox 6 points 10 months ago

The Magic Keyboard is a much more natural experience, iPadOS has good cursor support now and touchpad is decent too.

Trying to use the Pencil as a mouse replacement feels awkward when using the iPad propped up with a keyboard.

Logitech also make some keyboard+touchpad cases if you wanted an alternative to the Apple one. I used one for a while with an older iPad Pro and it was good, very robust and protective case as well.