Until a few years ago, I had an extensive fountain pen collection. I loved the design, the history, and the experience that came with fountain pens. Then Apple introduced the Apple Pencil, and my fountain pen days ended. The new Adonit Star Stylus brings the old and the new together in an onscreen writing tool that looks and feels like a classic fountain pen.
My 11″ iPad Pro is a fantastic tablet. It’s fast, light, and powerful. I use it for reading and games, but it doubles as a powerful productivity device. And now, thanks to new accessories, including the Nomad Modern Leather Case and the Modern Leather Folio, it’s even better.
Judie and I backed the first Brydge keyboard for iPad on Kickstarter, and we’ve been a fan of their keyboards ever since. Their latest, the Brydge MAX+ for iPad Pro keyboard, is, by far, their best yet. The funny thing is that it isn’t the actual keyboard (although it is excellent) or the trackpad that makes it stand out.
I picked up an M1 11” iPad Pro a few weeks ago. It’s not vastly different than the iPad Pro it replaces, but it does have a bit more speed along with a new battery that hasn’t already had two years to degrade. When I got my iPad Pro, I immediately placed it into the Pitaka Mag EZ Folio for safekeeping; I’m a fan.
When I do serious writing on my laptop, I use a stand to raise its screen to a comfortable level so I can work more comfortably and efficiently; raising my iPad to a similar eye level has the same impact. The Pitaka MagEZ Stand for Tablets does just that, and it can wirelessly charge your phone or earbuds.
I’ve used an assortment of Pitaka products with my iPhone over the years but only recently had the chance to check out some of their impressive iPad accessories. In this, the first of three Pitaka iPad accessory reviews, we’ll look at the Pitaka MagEZ Case 2 for iPad Pro 2018/2020 and iPad Air 2020. Although priced at $69.99 on its own, the MagEZ Case 2 is only available as part of a bundle when sold with the MagEZ Stand, the MagEZ Folio, or with the MagEZ Stand and Folio.
When Apple announced that the latest iPad Pro has the same M1 chip as the Macbook Air and Macbook Pro, I had some thoughts about that, and I figured the rest of the Gear Diary team might too. Is the iPad Pro finally ready to be a stand-alone computer or perhaps function as your only computer?
The iPad Pro is a remarkable tablet that has become an indispensable productivity and content creation device for many of us. And while it is amazing, the right accessory makes it even better. The new Kensington StudioDock is one such accessory. It holds your iPad, charges all your devices, and connects your peripherals. At under $400, the StudioDock adds ports and other functionality that takes the iPad to new heights.
If you have an iPad Pro and don’t have an Apple Pencil, you are missing out since it adds tremendous functionality to the tablet. But the Apple Pencil is $129 and is “just” a pencil/stylus. The Adonit Note-M, which the company describes as the “Redefinition of the input device,” is under $80 and doubles as a mouse; it’s impressive.
Nomad has distinguished itself as a leader in mobile device accessories by using premium materials and top-notch craftsmanship. One of those premium materials is the Horween leather used in their cases, watch bands, and other offerings. Their new Nomad Rugged Case for iPad Pro features Horween leather, and the result is as gorgeous as it is protective.
The iPad went on sale on April 3, 2010. A little more than a year later, Brydge launched its first Kickstarter campaign to fund a keyboard worthy of the iPad’s refined design. I was happy to back it. Now they have released the Brydge Pro+, which integrates their keyboard with a trackpad. Let’s take a look.
Nomad is well known for its Horween Leather phone cases, but for years fans of the popular brand have wanted their Horween leather cases for their tablets as well. Starting this week, you can pre-order one.
Kanex says their $99.95 6-in-1 Multiport USB-C Docking Station will “easily turn you iPad Pro into a portable workstation.” It is a bold claim but, after using the accessory for the last few weeks, I have to admit, the combination of the 6-in-1 Multiport and iPadOS does make the iPad Pro an even more powerful tool.
The leaders in design-focused peripherals, Brydge announced that they are expanding their product range, starting with one of the highest requested product features for tablets.
If your wallet shuddered suddenly this week, it was probably busy tuning into Apple’s big fall announcements. If you missed it, or you’re on data overload, there are new iPhones, pricing for Apple TV+, a new iPad, a new Apple Watch, and Apple Arcade news!
For years we’ve heard that iPads will never replace MacBooks. They would never be as powerful, or nearly as good as carrying around your trusty laptop. And then Apple announced iPadOS. So before everyone rushes to purchase themselves the wrong keyboard cases for their iPad, let me tell you about my personal favorite, and go-to case: Logitech’s Slim Folio Pro for iPad Pro 11-inch & 12.9 Inch.
I was one of the original backers when Brydge first came onto the market. I was impressed with the keyboard when it finally arrived. It was constructed from beautiful aluminum, offered a good typing experience and, my backer version even had Bluetooth speakers. Years later I’ve got the Brydge Pro Keyboard for 11” iPad Pro in hand. It’s impressive.
When Apple announced its new iPad Pros and the companion second edition magnetic Apple Pencils, one of the biggest concerns was housing the Pencil when not in use. Luckily with the Symmetry Series 360 case by Otterbox, you’ll never have to worry about protecting your tablet or accommodating your Apple Pencil.
After making a huge investment on a tablet such as the iPad Pro, chances are you need a protective case for it. Initially, when the tablet was released, there were many cases that simply put did not protect it or the new magnetic Apple Pencil. Luckily Zagg has not one, but three options you might be interested in.
I recently reviewed a stand-alone keyboard for use with any Bluetooth-enabled device. It is a good keyboard and a great option if you want something “universal.” If, however, you want something that is specifically designed for your primary device, and you happen to be using an iPad Pro 10.5”, look no further than the Brydge 10.5 Bluetooth keyboard.
When Apple took away the basic necessities MacBook users use every day (including HDMI and USB outlets) opting to switch to USB Type C, many companies benefited from this. Consumers, however, have had to deal with dongle life ever since 2016. But not all dongles and hubs are created equally. Hyper is leading the pack in great USB Type C accessories that you should check out.