this post was submitted on 24 Nov 2023
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15
Magic Keyboard vs Smart Keyboard Folio for iPad Pro (lemmy.world)
submitted 11 months ago by TORFdot0@lemmy.world to c/apple_enthusiast@lemmy.world
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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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[–] GrayBoltWolf@lemmy.world 2 points 11 months ago (1 children)

Only thing to note is that the trackpad doesn’t give you a real mouse cursor, so it’s not all that useful for remote desktop.

Personally think it’s very overpriced, I’d get the cheaper keyboard folio.

[–] TORFdot0@lemmy.world 1 points 11 months ago (2 children)

That’s a very helpful thing to note. I don’t know how useful the trackpad is going to be for me then without an actual cursor.

[–] rebelsimile@sh.itjust.works 3 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago) (1 children)

Unsure what the other user is running but I’ve used my iPad Pro + MK as a Remote Desktop for my PC and my Mac (I’m traveling now and left the PC at home and I’ve been using it remotely Ike the iPad was a windows laptop); I’m using the Microsoft Remote Desktop app and (my personal favorite, no sponsorship 😃) Jump desktop app to do it. I have a regular cursor in Windows and macOS

[–] Fades@lemmy.world 2 points 11 months ago (1 children)

hey friend, I've been using team viewer for many years and HATE it!! I was looking into alternatives like anyConnect but jump desktop looks great!

I was looking for pricing and found their app store entry (black friday, 50% off!)

The description says:

Jump Desktop is very easy to configure; anyone can do it! Just visit: https://www.jumpdesktop.com on your PC or Mac, click the ‘Automatic Setup’ link and follow step-by-step instructions. You’ll be up and running in no time.

Does this mean if I buy it in the mac app store I can use it on windows as well without another license? Is it one-time purchase?

[–] rebelsimile@sh.itjust.works 2 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago)

I appreciate your comment because I’ve been sitting in getting the desktop (macOS) app, but the sale helps lots! Thank you!

I am not sure if I’m understanding your question but thus far I’ve used the (paid) ios app and the free desktop sharing app, but I they have a desktop app that connects computer to computer that I don’t have yet (referred to above).

[–] Fades@lemmy.world 1 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago)

There is a cursor homie it's just not the triangle pointer, it's a small circle with which you can adjust the size and color via Settings>Accessibility>Pointer Control.

I love my magic kb! Replaced my laptop with my iPad Pro + MK combo. If I need anything more serious I can remote in to any of my other machines and have a desktop in my office if it comes to it.