The Magic Keyboard for Apple's new iPad Pro 2020 can now be ordered a little earlier than expected.

Simply visit Apple's online store to order the sleek new keyboard add-on for Cupertino's flagship tablet. But keep in mind that this is far from a cheap impulse buy. Apple wants $299 for the 11-inch iPad Pro version and $349 for the 12.9-inch keyboard accessory, a price that will worry your wallet. Apple estimates delivery will be in one to two weeks, and due to the coronavirus blockade, there is no in-store pickup option.

While it may seem ridiculous to spend hundreds of dollars on a keyboard accessory, the new Magic Keyboard for the new iPad Pro is a bit different from other keyboard add-ons like Microsoft's Surface Pro 7 Type Cover

This keyboard is a bit different from other keyboard add-ons like Microsoft's Surface Pro 7 Type Cover.

The keyboard uses a magnetic mechanism that effectively floats the iPad Pro above the keyboard deck, which not only looks quite futuristic, but also positions the tablet in the same orientation as the MacBook Air display. It also allows the iPad Pro to be used like a laptop without a kickstand, which is definitely more ergonomic than other keyboard add-ons for rival tablets.

Another important aspect of the Magic Keyboard is the inclusion of a trackpad, bringing a touchpad comparable to Apple's laptops to the iPad for the first time, combined with the newly supported mouse in iPadOS 13.4.1, Magic Keyboard will allow users to perform laptop-like tasks on the iPad Pro that were previously difficult to perform using touch alone.

The Magic Keyboard also features the same scissor mechanism keys found on the MacBook Pro 16-inch and MacBook Air 2020, promising a better typing experience and durability than the older Butterfly keyboard. We expect the MacBook Pro 2020 to receive these upgrades as well.

And another great feature of the iPad Pro Magic Keyboard is the USB-C port in the hinge mechanism. This allows the iPad Pro to be charged, freeing up another USB-C port for additional accessories. This is small but useful and will help make the iPad Pro 2020 a potential laptop replacement.

How effective it would be depends on what you use your laptop for. But with the Magic Keyboard, the iPad Pro 2020 would be a pretty attractive machine for those seeking a flexible, sleek, and powerful tablet.