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.
I’ve used both keyboards and I’d say the MK is the better typing one. I personally rarely use the trackpad myself. I been using iPads since the first one came out and muscle memory has me jumping to touch the screen on the iPad. I don’t have that issue on my desktop. :)
I’d personally suggest looking for sales or a good used one as I think both are grossly overpriced. For your use cases an iPad is definitely fine. One thing to note is you basically only get Safari for web browsing. The 3rd party one are just skins at the moment. I am hoping one of the EU laws will change that soon.