A thought I’ve had more than once lately: If I had to replace my iPad Pro (which I use mostly as a laptop in the Magic Keyboard case), would I replace it with another iPad or with a MacBook Air instead? The power of macOS in that superlight design sure is appealing.

overcast.fm/+QN1qX9sO…

@jarrod an iPad Mini Pro would fill the gap (for me). The 11.5 iPad w keyboard is just as heavy and less useful than my 14” MBA.

@mako The Mini is so close to being good enough as my one-and-only iPad. But they haven’t done a good job adapting the OS to the narrower screen (I wish they would go back to the 3:4 aspect ratio), and I’d miss the Magic Keyboard case.

@jarrod yeah, I’ve tried almost every keyboard cover and small keyboard I can find for the mini. There’s a few magic-keyboard like cases now, but it’s too cramped.

I wish for an m-series, so I could get stage manager when plugging in at the desk to a studio display. Needs 512gb too.

@mako What’s been the closest keyboard case you’ve tried? I’d be interested in taking a look…I have little confidence that it’s something Apple is pursuing. On the M-series…damn you. I hadn’t wanted that, but it would be super cool to be able to plug in for Stage Manager.

@jarrod yeah, for me it would be best to have it as a ultra portable tablet, then at desk, plug in for the full experience- use a great webcam, etc.

https://a.co/d/9qMS1EQ - had promise, but crammed and has a weird non standard power plug.

I switch between this and a Logitech pebble mouse:
https://a.co/d/1VswDpQ

And the Logitech keys to go..

This full-size isn’t bad: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BK4J5LSW

@jarrod haven’t tried this one: https://a.co/d/arKZqqs

@mako Wow, great recommendations — thank you! I might give the folio a shot. Does that last one’s trackpad work with iPadOS? I didn’t know there were any third-party trackpad options out there. And the Logitech KTG…sorry, but no. 😜

@mako Oh man, now we’re talking! I wonder how the weight is on that…looks kinda bulky. Looks like I have some experimenting to do! 🙌

@jarrod yup; trackpad works fine. Yeah; the KTG is squishy. But super light.

I’ve even tried using the studio neat keyboard cover w Magic Keyboard: https://www.studioneat.com/products/canopy

And just throw it in the bag with the Magic Trackpad. That way, use it as a tablet, when I need to write, just use this.

I really wish Apple showed the mini a little love. Almost perfect.

@jarrod and yes - bulky. Which often leads me to just throwing the 14 mba into the bag instead.

@jarrod “The weight of the mini6 ipad case is 1.17lb.”

@mako So double the weight of the Mini on its own… full package would just under 2lbs. Might be a non-starter. iPad Pro 11-inch + Magic Keyboard is 2.4lbs. 😬

@pimoore I didn’t realize you’re all in on iPad! Do you do the plugiin display with it now?

@pimoore If I was iPad-only, I would definitely want the option to drop it into something with more breathing room occasionally. But you’re right, can’t deny the cleanliness of one device, one setup for everything.

@jarrod yeah; I just hate the feeling of the keys when in “tablet” mode.

@jarrod yup. Welcome to the great dilemma.

@pimoore What brought you over from the Mac to iPad?

@pimoore lovely post! Got me curious as to what you do for a living - a lot of the folks I’ve known who move over to iPad only life have been writers or do a job where that plays a big part.