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 @jarrod A mini with an M-series chip would see me buy one instantly, and replace my 12.9–which itself is my only computer. Pair the ultimate ergonomic tablet experience with the ability to plug into a studio display for full desktop use, and you have my dream scenario.

@mako I've done the separate keyboard thing, but find that I never take the time to pull it out. Needing enough room to set up both the iPad and the keyboard is just enough friction that it never seems worth it. Doubly so if I also had to pull out the separate trackpad. The existence of these folio covers (with trackpad!) is very exciting.

Apple does show love for the mini. It just doles it out sparingly, every few years. 😝 If it sticks with being the little brother to the iPad Air, and M-series chip isn't out of the question.

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

@jarrod Yep, I love the iPad-only life. I’m actually not using an external display right now, though I’m still debating getting a Studio Display. There’s admittedly something appealing about the clean, minimal setup I currently have—my aging eyes might disagree though. ;)

@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.

@jarrod Having come from using just a 13” MBA previous to switching to iPad, I’m definitely accustomed to working in a single small screen. For a while that single small screen was my iPad Air 2, propped up on a Twelve South Compass stand.

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

@jarrod Long story short I was looking to go iPad only for some time. I really enjoy the device, and how it brought a new—and fun—paradigm to computing for me. I put my MBA away in storage and set everything up for both personal and work on my Air 2, and used it for literally everything. When the MBA came out of storage, it was to be traded in when I bought my 12.9” M1. When I got really nasty viral bronchitis last year, the ability to work from home sitting comfortably on the couch or recliner was game changing—more proof how versatile the iPad is for me.

I wrote about my experience too, if you’re interested in reading more.

@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.

@pete That was a fun read! I've never been able to settle into the minimalism you've found working for you. My tiny house is like a tinkerer's organized chaos. 🤣 Keyboards, a trackpad and a mouse, stands, screens, shelves for screens, wires, homemade, improvised lap desks, always is a state of experimental rearrangement around me and whatever iPad I'm using. I'm loving the mini and the 12.9" as a complimentary pair. And a big yes on the external display!

@jarrod

@dennyhenke @jarrod Thanks, Denny! I actually re-read the post myself to rekindle the joy I experienced moving all my workflows to the iPad. I still recall the first time I connected to my work Windows server via Jump Desktop over VPN, and was interacting with everything via touch on my Air 2, all while sitting on the couch. It felt like a magical future from Star Trek made manifest.