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Comment by helsinkiandrew | Hacker News Reader

I think the problem with iPads is that a large proportion of people need keyboards for part of their workflow - emails, reports, twitter etc.

The attachable tablet keyboards can't really be used comfortably on the go - commuting, sofa surfing etc. A laptop has a sturdy, built in lap rest that can be used in just about any position.

IMHO, the killer product is somewhere between an iPad and Macbook Air - with an attached reversible clamshell keyboard, or detachable/attachable keyboard that can be used to support the screen at any angle without being on a desk (ie not some flimsy magnetic lock), so the device can be used like a tablet or laptop and used in either mode wherever.

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> The attachable tablet keyboards can't really be used comfortably on the go - commuting, sofa surfing etc.

WHAT?? I disagree completely.

The iPad’s fanless shell and the lightweight sealed keyboards make it PERFECT for random environments, especially restaurants and dining tables etc. where you don’t have to worry about dust or crumbs getting in anything and can just wet-wipe grease and crap off it.

You're describing a Surface Book. Its a nice device, but I do believe Apple's hardware design can take it to the next level.

I hope Apple don't end up going down the touch screen route with macOS. Windows has been much worse as a desktop OS since Windows 8, largely because of the shift to touch.

> The attachable tablet keyboards can't really be used comfortably on the go - commuting, sofa surfing etc

I disagree. I use mine for just these purposes, and I find the ipad to be significantly more comfortable to use than any of my laptops.

> not some flimsy magnetic lock

I've found it to be pretty sturdy. I've only owned the iPad Pro though, perhaps it has a more sturdy keyboard than other models.

Foldable "folio" keyboards with a built in triangular support fit this use case perfectly. If you can find one that fits your device, has the keys you need (esc, pipe, ctrl, alt, function keys, ...) and doesn't fall apart.

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