I bought my iPad Pro to replace a small laptop on travel days, and over the last year it has actually pulled that off, but only because I added the right accessories. Some of the things I tried sit in a drawer now. These five live in my bag.
| Accessory | Function | Compatibility | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Magic Keyboard | Keyboard case | M-series iPad Pro | Daily typing |
| Apple Pencil Pro | Stylus | M4 iPad Pro | Drawing and notes |
| Logitech Combo Touch | Keyboard case | Multiple iPad models | Budget alternative |
| Anker 547 USB-C Hub | Port expansion | Any USB-C iPad | Travel workflows |
| Twelve South HoverBar Duo | Stand | All iPads | Desk setup |
Apple Magic Keyboard
I avoided this for a year because of the price, then borrowed one and bought it the same week. The scissor-switch keys feel close to a MacBook, the trackpad enables real cursor work, and the floating cantilever design lets me adjust viewing angle precisely. Backlit keys matter on planes. The new aluminum top with a function row on the M4 version is a real upgrade. It doubles the weight of the iPad, but it remains lighter than any laptop in the same class.
Apple Pencil Pro
If you sketch or take handwritten notes, the Pencil Pro is what I would buy. Squeeze gestures bring up tool palettes, barrel roll rotates brush angles in drawing apps, and the haptic feedback feels natural when you tap. Find My support means I do not panic when it falls off the desk. Latency is imperceptible on the M4 iPad Pro, even at the smallest brush sizes.
Logitech Combo Touch
If the Magic Keyboard is out of budget, the Combo Touch is the smart alternative. It has a detachable keyboard, a trackpad, an adjustable kickstand for any angle including drawing mode, and a soft-touch back that protects the iPad from drops. It is heavier and bulkier than the Magic Keyboard, but it is full-featured and costs significantly less. The function row is useful for media and brightness controls.
Anker 547 USB-C Hub
A USB-C hub turns the iPad into a desktop-capable machine when I travel. The Anker 547 has HDMI for hotel TVs, SD and microSD slots for camera transfers, two USB-A ports for legacy gear, and a pass-through USB-C for charging while everything else is connected. It is small enough to live in my bag permanently. I use it weekly to dump RAW photos from a camera into Lightroom on the iPad.
Twelve South HoverBar Duo
At my desk, the iPad lives on the HoverBar Duo. The articulating arm holds the iPad at eye level next to my monitor for secondary display use through Sidecar, or above my keyboard for FaceTime calls. It also clamps to a desk edge or sits on a heavy base. Build quality is solid metal, and the adjustments hold position even with the Magic Keyboard attached. Best stand I have used in five years.
How to Choose
Start with how you actually use your iPad. Heavy typists need a real keyboard case with a trackpad. Sketchers and note-takers need the Pencil before anything else. Travelers benefit most from a hub that handles HDMI, SD, and pass-through charging. Desk users want a stand that frees the iPad from being held. Buy in that order rather than collecting everything at once, and you will end up with accessories that all earn their bag space.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Apple Magic Keyboard worth the price?+
If you type for a living on your iPad, yes. The key feel and trackpad gestures justify the cost. If you only type occasionally, a Logitech Combo Touch saves money with a similar feature set.
Do I need the Apple Pencil Pro?+
Only if you sketch, take handwritten notes, or annotate documents. Squeeze gestures and barrel roll are useful additions, but the Pencil 2 still works on older Pro models if you can find one.
Can I use a USB-C hub with the iPad Pro?+
Yes, and it transforms the iPad into a real travel computer. Pick a hub with HDMI, SD card, USB-A, and pass-through charging. Anker and Satechi make reliable ones.