The short version
Key points
- The 13-inch iPad Air is described as unusually large for a non-Pro iPad.
- The iPad is thin and light, and this unit is the blue colour option.
- The box includes a 20W charger and charging cable.
- The Magic Keyboard has a large, physically clickable trackpad and keys that feel good to use.
- The iPad attaches to the keyboard using magnets and connects immediately through its physical attachment points.
Unboxing the Magic Keyboard
The Magic Keyboard is noticeably heavy and sturdy. Its rear section uses plastic, with padding inside the packaging, while the keyboard itself has a substantial feel. The keys feel good during the initial hands-on testing, and the trackpad is large and physically clickable rather than relying only on a simulated click.
A connection section on the keyboard allows it to communicate with the iPad without relying on a wireless connection. There is also a USB-C port on the side for charging the keyboard setup. The keyboard costs $579 in Australia, a price the video considers particularly high despite the product’s solid construction.
The 13-inch iPad Air
The iPad Air is the blue model and is described as thin and very light. The 13-inch display makes it one of the larger iPads, and the video highlights the significance of Apple offering this size in a non-Pro model. The screen is not OLED, but the LCD panel is considered to look very good in terms of colour.
The tablet has a single rear camera, volume controls, a switch with fingerprint identification, USB-C and speakers on both sides for stereo sound. The front of the device has a relatively large bezel. The video notes that the bezel can also help avoid accidental touches when the iPad is being held. A section on the side appears intended for attaching a Pencil.
Fitting the iPad to the keyboard
The iPad attaches to the keyboard stand using magnets, and the initial connection is described as very strong. The tablet can lift the keyboard when held from the iPad, although the keyboard eventually separates when the grip is changed. The setup opens into a laptop-style arrangement and the iPad connects straight away.
The viewing angle can be adjusted, and the stand remains stable during typing once it has stopped moving. The video notes that using the setup on a lap could be less practical, while a desk provides a more suitable surface. The combined keyboard and iPad are also described as fairly heavy and large when carried together.
Using the iPad as a laptop alternative
The keyboard and trackpad make the iPad suitable for web browsing, watching videos and typing. The video also points to apps that can handle PDFs, document files and other common tasks. However, the iPad is not presented as a full replacement for a traditional Mac or Windows computer, particularly for people who expect a desktop-style file structure or need more demanding work such as video editing.
The overall combination is described as powerful and capable, but its suitability depends on how the device will be used. For lighter work, it could replace a laptop for some users, while more demanding workflows may still require a conventional computer.
TechManPat’s conclusion
I think the 13-inch iPad Air and Magic Keyboard make a very nice, premium combination. The iPad is thin, light and large, while the keyboard is sturdy, stable and pleasant to use. I can recommend the keyboard for the experience it provides, but I do not agree with its $579 Australian price because it is particularly expensive for what it is.
This knowledge-centre summary is based on the linked TechManPat video and reflects the information available when it was published. Check current pricing, availability and policies before acting.
