Apple isnâ(TM)t the only company making keyboards for these. Logitech has 2 cases with Smart Connectors, the newer of which, the Slim Combo, is generally better on the 12.9â model and any bluetooth keyboard should work perfectly fine f-keys and all. Most programs donâ(TM)t use the ESC key or f-keys though. Mostly SSH programs and remote desktop programs. Personally had to map the screen for ESC for ease of use with SSH.
It can easily handle email, web and other every day tasks. There are plenty of apps that can fit various needs as well. I know everyone hates doggles, but with the USB 3 Camera adapter it can even use ethernet and usb keyboards.
iPads arenâ(TM)t going to be for everyone or every job nor should they. I would place Linux, *BSD, macOS, Android & Windows all under that same statement as well.
iOS 11 is a big change for the iPad and I hope various things will be changed for improved functionality through the beta process. Currently the first Public Beta is quite a bit rough around the edges, but the overall functionality is quite improved for multitasking. At a minimum, the old method of scrolling through apps for split screen is ridiculous when you have over 70 apps that support it. Dock is definitely a big improvement over that.