I think you're on to something with the idea of iPad being a context-flexible device. For years, I tried to figure The One Perfect Setup -- only to finally realize that undermines what makes it great.

When I'm reading books, articles, email, or browsing, or watching video (consumption is at least half my usage), my first gen iPad Pro lives in the Yohann stand -- the cheap plastic version, not the splendid but spendy wood kind. It's ideal for lap or lapdesk viewing, and makes the ipad much easier to hold or balance on my belly for extended reading.

When typing emails or other quick notes, or quiet typing in libraries or concert halls (I review shows sometimes), I used to use my Keys to Go, which I got cheap through some reseller. Then the fabric bubbled like yours. And I found it was harder on my hands/wrists in extensive typing, so when the apple smart keyboard went on sale for $50, I grabbed one. ( I now have the KTG permanently paired to my iphone, for even lighter-weight mobile notetaking use.) I'd heard mixed reviews about the ASK, and resented Apple’s high price, so I'd hesitated, but it works great for me anytime I'm not at a desk for awhile. I'd thought about a Brydge, but I love the lightness and easy on-and-off of the ASK, and it works fine in my lap.

For extended desk use (including as an extended screen with my old Macbook Pro using Duet Display and soon iPad OS), to avoid 'laptop neck' (which I've suffered before), I elevate it on an adjustable $20 Suptek stand that's kinda like the old G4 iMac, and use my old Apple Wireless keyboard and trackpad -- the same ones I use with MacBook. It’s elevated on a filebox up to eye level at my standing desk (which is just my desk, which has a backshelf that's the exact right height for me to stand and type on top of it).

I wish I had one of those logitechs that let you easily switch back and forth, instead of having to re-pair via the bluetooth menu every time, but I'd feel guilty having FOUR keyboards. So I rarely do extended desk typing with the iPad, unless it's Duetted to the MacBook. The KTG just isn't good enough for long-term typing on it.

Like you, I've been experimenting with positioning the iPad below the bigger screen (Macbook in my case) instead of to the side, using the big screen for source material and iPad for writing a document. When the MacBook dies, I expect I’ll do exactly what you did and replace both it and my current iPad Pro with a single device: a large screen iPad Pro, and use it with my stand and two different keyboards, depending on context. The iPad’s flexibility makes it a much better device for my uses than a laptop or desktop computer.

Sorry to go on so long but just wanted you to know that you’re not alone in all this figuring out iPad setups, and your posts have helped. Thanks, and please keep on musing!