After a week of hunting around for one (like the world in general, they are hard to come by in Australia), I noticed that Apple Store in Fountain Gate had them. Web order submitted, I drove down (a long way) to grab it, and threw in a pencil also.
First impressions after using for most of the day, it is far far better than I expected. Until now I was using a Apple Smart Keyboard, that wasn't always the best experience, specifically wobbled a bit when half propped up on my Logitech Hinge case and also was actually noisier than I wanted during meetings. It also took up far too much room in my bag.
After about 10 seconds of oddness, my brain snapped into gear and off I went typing at full speed, and actually faster than the Apple Bluetooth keyboard I've been using. The iPad is secure in the upright position, and it can even be used as a stand when lying down (I often read stuff in bed, so this is key). Further, a second screen orientation is possible, slightly more upright for watching content, the magnets will automatically find this position when you try.
So far I love it, and was prepared to be taking it back in the next few days.
My only gripe is the price, given it doesn't have bluetooth, nor batteries, it should be quite a simple device, and for the Au$220+ I'm not sure I see enough value, maybe if they had have included a back cover?
I'm far more productive than I thought, between the keyboard and always on Siri, along with split screen (I'm coming from a iPad Air original, that that bit is new). My MacBook Pro battery went flat after my first meeting, so it was a great day to have my new keyboard to hand.
As for the Apple Pencil, I've not taken it out of the wrapper yet, it was an impulse decision, and I'm just not a artistic type, I doodle quite a bit and also have to draw diagrams often for my job, so will see how the next few days go.
First impressions after using for most of the day, it is far far better than I expected. Until now I was using a Apple Smart Keyboard, that wasn't always the best experience, specifically wobbled a bit when half propped up on my Logitech Hinge case and also was actually noisier than I wanted during meetings. It also took up far too much room in my bag.
After about 10 seconds of oddness, my brain snapped into gear and off I went typing at full speed, and actually faster than the Apple Bluetooth keyboard I've been using. The iPad is secure in the upright position, and it can even be used as a stand when lying down (I often read stuff in bed, so this is key). Further, a second screen orientation is possible, slightly more upright for watching content, the magnets will automatically find this position when you try.
So far I love it, and was prepared to be taking it back in the next few days.
My only gripe is the price, given it doesn't have bluetooth, nor batteries, it should be quite a simple device, and for the Au$220+ I'm not sure I see enough value, maybe if they had have included a back cover?
I'm far more productive than I thought, between the keyboard and always on Siri, along with split screen (I'm coming from a iPad Air original, that that bit is new). My MacBook Pro battery went flat after my first meeting, so it was a great day to have my new keyboard to hand.
As for the Apple Pencil, I've not taken it out of the wrapper yet, it was an impulse decision, and I'm just not a artistic type, I doodle quite a bit and also have to draw diagrams often for my job, so will see how the next few days go.