I just bought an iPad as a replacement for a Microsoft Surface.
I plan to use it for writing documents while traveling.
I purchased the less expensive keyboard, which doesn’t have a trackpad.
Now I’m wondering if it’s really practical to use a mouse with an iPad.
Before I open the boxes, can other iPad users tell me what has worked for them? Maybe it’s worth the extra $150 to buy the Magic Keyboard, which has a trackpad?
Why would you need to use a mouse?
iPad has a touchscreen so trackpad or mouse isn’t needed. You can just use your finger (or better yet, an Apple Pencil).
I have a Zagg keyboard that I love, love, love. I feel I can type all day long on it and I never feel like it’s too small. It has the sound and feel I like when typing. I don’t miss a mouse at all. Sometimes I have to mentally remember “oh, you’re on the iPad use your finger!”
I got a Logiech keyboard/case Ifor my Dad’s 10.2inch 8th gen ipad. I then got similar 9th gen ipad for self, with same Logitech keyboard (with touchpad) - I use it for word processing.
details:
case/kb (best buy will price match same on Amazon) is logitech combotouch. It has touchpad and function keys, makes it more laptop-like. It also has backlit keys (controlled from function keys).
“Combo Touch sources power, pairs, and even securely transfers data, all via the smart connector.”
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/logitech-combo-touch-keyboard-case-with-smart-connector-for-apple-ipad-10-2-7th-8th-9th-gen-graphite/6408723.p?skuId=6408723&ref=212&loc=1&extStoreId=1079&ref=212&loc=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD-ORIg__CSRCPX2X8Opana5UOyTj&gbraid=0AAAAAD-ORIg__CSRCPX2X8Opana5UOyTj&gclid=Cj0KCQjw0umSBhDrARIsAH7FCodmmBjIoBuhMXv31AZSlg0E1N-4BeLGAmjgmg5jjCVrdOkFzyUXCq0aAr6YEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
I think it depends on what exactly you mean by word processing. If you’re mainly just typing text, then you’re probably fine without a touchpad or mouse.
If you do a lot of formatting like bold, italics, different fonts, etc. Or if you’re creating formal large documents with different sections, headers, bookmarks, indexing, or doing page layouts then a mouse would save you a ton of time and frustration.
Mine has always had poor battery capability. This might have been improved. But I can’t see using an iPad to write unless I was on a plane or beach.
I have the magic keyboard and love it!
Good to hear that you like the magic keyboard. I may just bite the bullet and upgrade to it.
Hope you find a solution you like. The touchscreen is great, but ipad can be much more “laptop like” with keyboard/touchpad too.
Personally, I like Surface for word processing, but with a very good keyboard an iPad could work as well.