Apple's iPad Pro is more powerful than many laptop computers on the market, and with the right accessories, it can be just as useful as a standard MacBook. For those of you who have iPad Pros and are looking to boost productivity, or for those who are planning to get an iPad Pro and are pre-shopping for accessories, we've rounded up some useful iPad Pro accessory options in our latest YouTube video.
Make sure to watch the video to check out our picks, and we've also provided short descriptions and links below.
- Magic Keyboard ($300) - Priced starting at $300, the Magic Keyboard from Apple is the best keyboard and trackpad combo available for the 2018 and 2020 iPad Pro models. It features a unique floating design, scissor keys that feel great under the fingers, backlighting, and, of course, a trackpad that supports the trackpad gestures baked into the most recent versions of iPadOS.
- Logitech Folio Touch ($160) - If $300 for a keyboard is too expensive, Logitech has the Folio Touch that's almost as good, as long as you have an 11-inch iPad Pro. It doesn't work quite as well in the lap, but it offers the same trackpad experience as the Magic Keyboard along with benefits like full device protection, a function row of keys, and support for more viewing angles. If you want to know more, check out our review here.
- Nomad Rugged Folio Case ($70 to $170) - For those that don't need a keyboard case but still want protection, the Rugged Leather Folio Case from Nomad is a solid option for those who want protection with a luxury look. The high-end version is made from Horween leather and offers sleep/wake functionality, a built-in kickstand mode, and space for charging the Apple Pencil.
- MEGOO Tempered Glass Screen Protector ($14) - To protect the iPad Pro's display from scratches and minor damage, a screen protector is a good idea. There's little reason to go with an expensive option when cheaper screen protectors from Amazon work just as well. MEGOO is a brand that MacRumors videographer Dan has used in the past, and since there's two to a pack, you get a do-over if you mess up the application.
- Lamicall Tablet Stand ($24) - This affordable tablet stand works well with the iPad Pro and it's a good option if you want to have a way to dock your iPad at home. It has a solid aluminum construction with rubber pads at the bottom to prevent it from sliding around.
- Logitech K380 Bluetooth Keyboard ($30) - If you need a no frills keyboard to use with an iPad Pro desk setup, Logitech's recently released K380 keyboard is worth checking out. It's full size, but portable, and it can connect to three different devices at the same time. It lasts for up to two years with two AAA batteries.
- HyperDrive 6-in-1 Hub ($70) - The iPad Pro only has a single USB-C port, so an adapter that adds additional ports can be useful. HyperDrive's compact 6-in-1 Hub attaches to the side of the iPad Pro and adds a 4K HDMI port, a USB-A port, an SD and micro SD card slot, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a USB-C port for charging while using the other port options.
- SteelSeries Nimbus+ Controller ($60) - If you want to game on your iPad Pro but don't have an Xbox or PlayStation controller, the SteelSeries Nimbus+ works with the iPad Pro, iPhone, and Apple TV. It has a built-in rechargeable battery and is compatible with thousands of titles across the App Store and Apple Arcade. It supports multiple joysticks and has tactile d-pad buttons for a fast and responsive gaming experience.
Have a favorite iPad Pro accessory we didn't mention in our video? Let us know in the comments.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
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“Can be” are the operative words. For many, many people on this planet, the iPad and the Keyboard is a very good laptop substitute."...and with the right accessories, it can be just as useful as a standard MacBook." No it can't, it doesn't have macOS. I simply CAN NOT do my work with iPadOS.
You’re probably right, but is it really that bad to own all three? They are different tools for different jobs. I paid $900 for my MBA, $250 for my iPad 7, and $200 (Walmart sale) for my iPhone SE. So, $1350 for the whole bunch. They all work seamlessly together.It's intentional. Apple wants us to buy an iPhone, an iPad and a Mac. All three devices, at least.
BTW - All three devices for $50 less than the new Windows folding phablet.
It's intentional. Apple wants us to buy an iPhone, an iPad and a Mac. All three devices, at least."...and with the right accessories, it can be just as useful as a standard MacBook." No it can't, it doesn't have macOS. I simply CAN NOT do my work with iPadOS.
I can copy and paste exactly the same as on a Mac, using a mouse. I can copy and paste by touching, iOS style. I can copy and paste by circling with the pencil.You absolutely cannot copy and paste like you can on a Mac. It’s not the same. It takes far more annoying precision and some things you simply can’t copy and paste correctly due to formatting issues.
And don’t even get me started on pasting with same font type etc.
The iPad is a media consumption toy/web browser most people.
They are all three extremely simple to do, require no less precision than anything else.
I have never had any trouble copying anything, or any trouble with font type. In fact I have found it annoyingly consistant with copying fonts and formatting across, to the point where I wrote a Siri shortcut to make something I have copied plain text for when I don’t want to include it.
People that call the ipad a toy have automatically weakened their own argument against it. Whether you can use it professionally or creatively or not is irrelevant- many many people do and so it’s very clearly not a toy.