Apple’s iPad accessories are honestly wild. In this video I break down the “would you rather” that started the whole thing: would you rather buy a Magic Keyboard + Apple Pencil Pro for a 13-inch iPad Pro, or… an entire MacBook with a student discount? The prices are close enough to make you feel kind of cooked if you’re trying to use an iPad as a computer alternative—so I tested a cheaper setup: the ESR Shift keyboard case and ESR Geo Digital Pencil. I’m pretty clear on this: the iPad isn’t a good MacBook replacement, but it can be a really good MacBook alternative—especially with iPadOS 26 improvements like the menu bar and better cursor. The Shift case’s two-piece design is the big win for student life: I can detach the keyboard, keep the iPad protected, and still type via Bluetooth while handwriting notes. It’s also backlit (which is hilarious considering some $300+ Apple keyboards aren’t), has a big trackpad, and a stand with tons of angles—including portrait. Then there’s the ESR Geo Pencil: around $30, tilt + palm rejection, fast charging, magnetic attach, and it even supports Find My with a sound. You lose pressure sensitivity and wireless charging versus Apple Pencil Pro, but for note-taking it gets you most of the experience for way less money.