Thats an expensive extra half millimeter if youre planning to upgrade to the new M1 iPad.

Apples Magic Keyboard case (with trackpad) is the best iPad Pro accessory around.

It truly transforms the equipment, turning it into a capable laptop replacement.

And iPad Pro on a stand with an external keyboard and a camera lens in front of it.

Brandon Romanchuk / Unsplash

It’s also more expensive than some laptops.

The 12.9-inch version costs $350 and is now obsolete.

So, should you just ditch Apples version and try an alternative?

An iPad Pro on a Magic Keyboard.

Apple

How bad this news is will depend on how much you rely on the keyboard case.

For some people, it doesnt matter much.

“I would consider just ditching the keyboard to upgrade the iPad.

The Brydge 12.9 Max+ iPad keyboard case.

Brydge

The keyboard is great, but I can do without it,” said Freiberger.

Apple

For others, it means they will keep their old iPad Pro instead of buying a new one.

I’ll stick to my 2018 model for now."

An iPad in a folded stand case with a keyboard sitting in front of it on a white desk.

Brandon Romanchuk / Unsplash

Fortunately for Moore and other iPad keyboard lovers, there are alternatives.

Building Brydges

Brydge is a long-time maker of excellent iPad keyboards.

Older models were keyboard-only and clipped onto the edge of the iPad.

Brydge

This allows you to put the iPad up on a taller stand for better ergonomics.

The lack of this ability is the Magic Trackpads biggest drawback.

The Brydge also has a full row of function keys above the numbers row.

Its an actual case that clips onto the iPad and uses a kickstand to hold it upright.

Its not a bad solution, but theres an even better option.

Any Keyboard, and Apples Magic Trackpad

The iPad can work with any Bluetooth or USB keyboard.

But it’s possible for you to go even further.

How about one of those cool, clicky mechanical keyboards all the cool kids are going crazy about?

And the iPad can be raised up on a stand, if you’d like.