Apple CEO Tim Cooks gushes about his iPad Pro. But you, on the other hand, don’t see it as ready to replace your MacBook.
Accessories company Brydge is rolling out new keyboards it says will make your iPad feel as productive as a laptop.
Photo: Brydge
The Brydge keyboards for the iPad Pro and iPad mini 4, which went on display at CES 2016 in Las Vegas Tuesday, made me do a double-take. When attached, the black keys and 100 percent aluminum build in silver, space gray or gold make iPads look like an open MacBook.
The BrydgePro and BrydgeMini each have the company’s unique 180-degree hinge system and haptic key feel. The keys have an adjustable backlight and has a u-shaped silicon clamping mechanism to attach your iPad and adjust viewing angles.
Brydge says its keyboard combined with the iPad Pro is thinner than a MacBook Air and lighter than some competing keyboards.
“The iPad Pro is a game-changing device, and as with previous iPad models, is further revolutionizing the way we work, learn and play,” Brydge CEO Nicholas Smith said in a written statement. “The BrydgePro aims to unlock the full potential of the iPad Pro and deliver the perfect blend between iPad and MacBook.”
The BrydgePro is available for pre-order on the company website for $189, about $20 more than Apple’s Smart Keyboard. It will ship in April.
The BrydgeMini, which won an innovation award at CES, will run $99 and ship this month.
David Pierini is a former newspaper writer and long-time photographer. Considered a luddite by most of his friends, they did not believe him when he broke the news that he would be writing for a technology website. He is fascinated by human nature and would love to cultivate stories about the people driving the tech bus. Reach out to him at [email protected].
4 responses to “Nifty keyboard wants to Brydge gap between your iPad and a MacBook”
Sure, they look nice. But has Brydge fixed the awful quality issues that plagued their keyboards so far?
I agree, be wary. I had the original Brydge from their Kickstarter and it was complete crap. Shoddy keys which broke easily and unreliable connections.
I had a Brydge and hated the way it attached to the iPad. Much happier with my Belkin Qode Keyboard. I tried the iPad Pro and was impressed with the speed. But I don’t think iOS is quite there for power users. Until I can run Terminal, Server Manager, or full-blown Photoshop on it…
How’s the trackpad Quality? oh that’s right, you can’t use one on this game changing productivity Device called the iPad Pro.
Yes sarcasm is intended. Also on productivity users to be aware so they don’t get duped.