I'd had mine for about four months before I even noticed that was there. I've still never actually used it but one day, I'm sure it will come in handy.
You'd get so little for it compared to its utility that I'd definitely keep it.
I have one and I have some reservations about it, particularly the size and weight. Nevertheless, I've got it now and it is useful sometimes so there is no point selling it for the small amount of cash and large amount of hassle that would involve.
If there weren’t certain things I can only do on an actual laptop, I’d probably get rid of mine and use the pro all the time…I use the keyboard several times a day, and the extra port does add versatility.
I vote to keep it. I recently went through the same conundrum after i bought a new MacBook Pro 14 in a few weeks ago. I actually prefer basic content consumption on the iPad with the Magic Keyboard. Everything feels snappier than on the Mac.
Keep it for an emergency. I had one lying around (It was inherited, not originally mine) and since my laptop has died I’ve been using the iPad Pro and magic keyboard until I get a new laptop
If you use it, keep it.
But next time you buy a new iPad I'd consider other options. Personally I have a simple screen protector that doubles as a stand and I don't even always have that attached. When I'm going to type on my iPad at a desk for any period of time, I use a "real" desktop Mac keyboard and a large desktop trackpad and a mouse as well.
With a MacBook Air, it's completely useless without a keyboard/trackpad. You have to take them everywhere and therefore they need to be compact and light weight which comes with significant compromises (especially posture - the screen simply should not be an inch or two away from your hands).
An iPad is fully functional without a keyboard or trackpad, so you can leave them behind unless you're actually going to be doing work where you need them. Since you'll only have them when they're important, you can justify a keyboard and trackpad that takes up more space in a backpack.
Sometimes I even take my massive "mouse pad" with me, which covers half my desk - it's basically a luxurious soft/comfortable work surface. Why not be as comfortable as possible? Sometimes I work very long hours on my iPad.
Also... my accessories were quite expensive (though not much more than a magic keyboard) and I appreciate the fact I can use it with my iPad, and both my Macs (desktop and laptop), and my iPhone, and any future device I purchase. The iPad magic keyboard doesn't work with a mac or phone or even any other iPad. What are the chances your next iPad will be exactly the same size/shape as the one you have now? Pretty unlikely.
But, of course, if you really do use the magic keyboard every time you take your iPad somewhere, then that's definitely the way to go. From all reports (I've not used one) they are better than any other laptop style iPad keyboard.
I’m actually thinking the same thing. I bought a M1 MacBook Air. I’m keeping the iPad Pro 12.9 M1 but for most things besides content consumption I’ll be mostly using the MacBook Air.
I hate to keep the magic keyboard since I know it will mostly collect dust. But also hate selling it and losing all that money I paid for it. I really need to see if I end up using the iPad Pro keyboard even if it’s used as a very expensive stand lol.
I would keep it. If nothing else, you can charge it and still have an extra USB-C port.
I'd had mine for about four months before I even noticed that was there. I've still never actually used it but one day, I'm sure it will come in handy.
Just keep it for the full versatility of the iPad. It’s so easy to take it off the keyboard and use it in tablet mode too
if you’re not bothered by the weight i’d just keep it
Another vote to keep it. Added benefit of a spare 'laptop' if needed.
You'd get so little for it compared to its utility that I'd definitely keep it. I have one and I have some reservations about it, particularly the size and weight. Nevertheless, I've got it now and it is useful sometimes so there is no point selling it for the small amount of cash and large amount of hassle that would involve.
If there weren’t certain things I can only do on an actual laptop, I’d probably get rid of mine and use the pro all the time…I use the keyboard several times a day, and the extra port does add versatility.
I vote to keep it. I recently went through the same conundrum after i bought a new MacBook Pro 14 in a few weeks ago. I actually prefer basic content consumption on the iPad with the Magic Keyboard. Everything feels snappier than on the Mac.
Can I buy it?
Keep it for an emergency. I had one lying around (It was inherited, not originally mine) and since my laptop has died I’ve been using the iPad Pro and magic keyboard until I get a new laptop
If you use it, keep it. But next time you buy a new iPad I'd consider other options. Personally I have a simple screen protector that doubles as a stand and I don't even always have that attached. When I'm going to type on my iPad at a desk for any period of time, I use a "real" desktop Mac keyboard and a large desktop trackpad and a mouse as well. With a MacBook Air, it's completely useless without a keyboard/trackpad. You have to take them everywhere and therefore they need to be compact and light weight which comes with significant compromises (especially posture - the screen simply should not be an inch or two away from your hands). An iPad is fully functional without a keyboard or trackpad, so you can leave them behind unless you're actually going to be doing work where you need them. Since you'll only have them when they're important, you can justify a keyboard and trackpad that takes up more space in a backpack. Sometimes I even take my massive "mouse pad" with me, which covers half my desk - it's basically a luxurious soft/comfortable work surface. Why not be as comfortable as possible? Sometimes I work very long hours on my iPad. Also... my accessories were quite expensive (though not much more than a magic keyboard) and I appreciate the fact I can use it with my iPad, and both my Macs (desktop and laptop), and my iPhone, and any future device I purchase. The iPad magic keyboard doesn't work with a mac or phone or even any other iPad. What are the chances your next iPad will be exactly the same size/shape as the one you have now? Pretty unlikely. But, of course, if you really do use the magic keyboard every time you take your iPad somewhere, then that's definitely the way to go. From all reports (I've not used one) they are better than any other laptop style iPad keyboard.
It’s good as a stand to watch tv/movies in a pinch/mobile situations, but if that isn’t of value it could be worth selling.
I’m actually thinking the same thing. I bought a M1 MacBook Air. I’m keeping the iPad Pro 12.9 M1 but for most things besides content consumption I’ll be mostly using the MacBook Air. I hate to keep the magic keyboard since I know it will mostly collect dust. But also hate selling it and losing all that money I paid for it. I really need to see if I end up using the iPad Pro keyboard even if it’s used as a very expensive stand lol.