Hands on: Brydge 12.9 Series II keyboard for Apple's iPad Pro aims for MacBook-style feel ...
iPad users who want their tablet to feel and function like a MacBook have a brand new option in town with the release of the Brydge Mk II. With Bluetooth 4.1 and iOS battery management technology, this premium keyboard boasts whopping battery life of up to one year on a single charge.
Brydge's latest hardware revision adds Bluetooth 4.1 support, which should result in faster pairing with the iPad, and reduced lag, going beyond the impressive battery improvements.
The design itself has also been revamped with lower-profile keys, featuring just 1.5 millimeters of travel. And the backlights on the keys themselves have three levels of brightness with less light loss.
On your desk or in your lap, it really does look like a MacBook. In fact, next to a 2014 13-inch MacBook Pro, the dimensions are so close that it's almost uncanny.
In fact, it does its job so well that the first thing we did upon using the Brydge was reach down to the space below the keyboard with our index finger, searching for a TrackPad. Alas, it does not have one, and there is no traditional cursor support in iOS.
In order to match the footprint of the iPad Pro, and to have the proper heft for lap use just as you'd use a traditional MacBook, the latest Brydge does -- once again -- add noticeable heft to the iPad package.
However, the Brydge compensates for this by having the iPad itself be easily removable, unencumbered by a case that encloses and holds the iPad itself.
In all, it's a minor improvement from the previous iPad Pro keyboard, meaning it's probably not a necessary upgrade for those who already own a Brydge for Apple's 12.9-inch iPad Pro. However, for those in the market for a MacBook-style keyboard for Apple's jumbo-sized tablet, the recent hardware revamp could prove to be a good jumping on point.
The Brydge 12.9 Series II is priced at $149.99 and comes in Space Gray or Silver. AppleInsider will have much more in our full review.
Brydge's latest hardware revision adds Bluetooth 4.1 support, which should result in faster pairing with the iPad, and reduced lag, going beyond the impressive battery improvements.
The design itself has also been revamped with lower-profile keys, featuring just 1.5 millimeters of travel. And the backlights on the keys themselves have three levels of brightness with less light loss.
On your desk or in your lap, it really does look like a MacBook. In fact, next to a 2014 13-inch MacBook Pro, the dimensions are so close that it's almost uncanny.
In fact, it does its job so well that the first thing we did upon using the Brydge was reach down to the space below the keyboard with our index finger, searching for a TrackPad. Alas, it does not have one, and there is no traditional cursor support in iOS.
In order to match the footprint of the iPad Pro, and to have the proper heft for lap use just as you'd use a traditional MacBook, the latest Brydge does -- once again -- add noticeable heft to the iPad package.
However, the Brydge compensates for this by having the iPad itself be easily removable, unencumbered by a case that encloses and holds the iPad itself.
In all, it's a minor improvement from the previous iPad Pro keyboard, meaning it's probably not a necessary upgrade for those who already own a Brydge for Apple's 12.9-inch iPad Pro. However, for those in the market for a MacBook-style keyboard for Apple's jumbo-sized tablet, the recent hardware revamp could prove to be a good jumping on point.
The Brydge 12.9 Series II is priced at $149.99 and comes in Space Gray or Silver. AppleInsider will have much more in our full review.
Comments
Apple nailed it with the Smart Keyboard connected to the Smart Connector. It adds to the iPad Pro's versatility without trying to pose as something that it's not and gets out of the way when unneeded. Perfect.
Maybe one day developers like myself will find one that considers the needs of a command line developer that doesn’t require remapping of keys ;-)
... Oh yeh! "Thin and light" again. (Except if you want thin & light you would get Apple's smart connector keyboard).
Each appointment still requires substantial typing as the physician inputs their notes. Consistently they like these keyboards better than all the other brands we bought over many years. Never feels like there is any risk of dropping the iPad as they move around during the exam. Each appointment is lots of pick up, balance on lap, turn to show patient, discuss and document
The iPad apps getting the most use on our machines are the EHR, UpToDate, micromedix, Atlas the human body (to show patients “here’s where the problem...”) and Safari.
Occasionally back in the office I see a physician reach up to touch their MacBook screen by reflex - but more often I see them camped out on a comfortable couch feet up finishing charts on an iPad Pro with Brydge.
The only time they really want to sit at a desk with MacBook or large iMac is when they are researching tough problems (multiple browser windows side by side) or logging back into a hospital’s systems.
The admin staff on the other hand ask for MacBook Air/Pro or 27 inch iMacs for their work.
I think it would be far easier for an iPad Pro to have functionality extended to be a better light laptop than a laptop made into a better tablet. If I wanted an external keypad, I would also want other peripherals, like a mouse or a trackpad. So I could use it like the laptop I am trying to use it like. While a can work without the mouse/trackpad, it just isn’t a good experience. I don’t think I should have to work around.
A cursor would be my first and most important consideration when getting a keyboard. If it has cursor arrow keys, great. If not, it's a 'pass' for me. A trackpad would be awesome. But there are few times when I personally would have to do enough typing that I'd want a keyboard.
Conversely, an iPad is awkward to use in bed when using it for anything other than a short period. Even holding my Air 2 gets tedious when doing extended surfing. I can't even watch a TV without getting annoyed. Open up a laptop and all is well. Maybe one day somebody will produce a stable iPad holder for late night movie watching or surfing.