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.
@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
@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.
@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.
@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 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.
@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!