Brydge Showcases New iPadOS 13.4 Trackpad Features in its New Pro+ Keyboard

[yegon]

I had one (without trackpad) and returned it.

Nice concept, they look decent (but utterly outdated relative to the Magic Keyboard) but the attach mechanism and weight killed my interest within 10 minutes of using it.

Made me realise, for all its limitations, how good the existing ASK is.

 

[zhenya]

I have no idea why Brydge is sticking with their awful clip mechanism for attaching the screen. Apple provides access to third parties to the connector on the back of the iPad. Using that plus magnetic connection means you get a thinner, lighter keyboard (no battery needed), integrated back protection, automatic connection (no bluetooth), and no hinges to wear out and possibly do damage to the screen. When you pile all those negatives together, Apple’s version looks awfully appealing.

 

[Abazigal]

I have no idea why Brydge is sticking with their awful clip mechanism for attaching the screen. Apple provides access to third parties to the connector on the back of the iPad. Using that plus magnetic connection means you get a thinner, lighter keyboard (no battery needed), integrated back protection, automatic connection (no bluetooth), and no hinges to wear out and possibly do damage to the screen. When you pile all those negatives together, Apple’s version looks awfully appealing.

I read somewhere that it's extremely cumbersome to get your device certified for the smart connector. That's why we see so little support for it, and why companies prefer to just to with bluetooth instead. It's also possible that a product like the Smart Keyboard is simply more challenging to design and engineer than a conventional bluetooth keyboard.

 

[Zimmy68]

Are they still insisting on using Bluetooth on these expensive keyboards? Someone needs to show Brydge a calendar.
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I read somewhere that it's extremely cumbersome to get your device certified for the smart connector. That's why we see so little support for it, and why companies prefer to just to with bluetooth instead. It's also possible that a product like the Smart Keyboard is simply more challenging to design and engineer than a conventional bluetooth keyboard.

I also read somewhere that they have to pay a license to use it, there is your cumbersome part.

 

[Mike Boreham]

My only concern with the Apple product is that the previous keyboard folio had terrible quality issues.

In the context of this discussion I assume this is referring to the current ASK ? I have had one for my 12.9 gen3 in daily use for over a year and not had any problems and not been aware on these forums of terrible quality problems. Maybe you are referring to an older one.

The one feature I really wish the current one had is backlit keys. With the new iOS13.4 mouse support I would be very happy with the ASK with backlighting.

 

[Ghost31]

And people say apples new keyboard is expensive? Psh.

 

[Vjosullivan]

Apple has smartly made an old iPad a way better option for kids than a brand new chromebook for their homework. I expect third party keyboard and trackpad sales to boom.

I can't see many kids being treated to a $350 Apple keyboard eke out the remaining life an old iPad when the same money will get you a brand new Chromebook.

 

[rp2011]

I can't see many kids being treated to a $350 Apple keyboard eke out the remaining life an old iPad when the same money will get you a brand new Chromebook.

Oh I can see them reappropriate an old ipad and add a $35 keyboard and a $20 mouse on Amazon and get a heck of a lot more value and productivity with it than a brand new chromebook.
Absolutely
And Apple has just burst open the opportunity to dramatically grow the user base for the iPad.

 

[Wiesenlooser]

Looks can be deceiving. I think you're probably just having trouble moving away from the traditional 30+ year arrow pointer that we're all accustomed to. Welcome to the new world. Don't knock it til you try it.

In the video, I noticed the pointer didn't disappear when typing, like happens on macOS. I hope they adopt that behavior. I can't stand the pointer or I-beam remaining visible when typing. That happens on Windows and it gets in the way.
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Likely because they worked on one architectural design that supports Android tables, too, only with slightly different keys. And then there's using it with the Apple TV or iPhone which don't have the Smart Connector.

Bro ... I was talking how the cursor isn't moving very smoothly, which is most likely because of the bad trackpad...

 

[Abazigal]

Are they still insisting on using Bluetooth on these expensive keyboards? Someone needs to show Brydge a calendar.
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I also read somewhere that they have to pay a license to use it, there is your cumbersome part.

Found the article talking about this issue.

Lack of iPad Pro Smart Connector Accessories Blamed on Long Wait Times for Components

Fast Company published a report this week exploring why third-party accessories that make use of Apple's Smart Connector remain few and far...

www.macrumors.com

Mainly time and cost.

 

[doofus666]

I just recently received my brydge ”pre-order” for the LAST generation 11” pro..

 

[ereddekopp]

I had actually pre-ordered this...and after Apple’s announcement I cancelled it. I have been using the previous Brydge keyboard and while it was the best of the bunch I had tried...it had some aspects I never grew to love...the first being the keyboard, which I personally found to be less sensitive than any other keyboard I have used. I had to train myself to type harder than I normally would...otherwise it did not register the key. I originally thought something was wrong with it and they graciously replaced it...only to find the second one was the same.

The second big issue was getting the iPad out and back in...its a royal pain. It’s hard to get out and you best be on a hard surface to get it back in and even then it takes a few tries to get it lined up right.

It added significant weight and over time my iPad Pro became more a fixed laptop, than a flexible laptop/tablet.

Apple, at least it seems, has fixed my issues with their original case keyboard...backlight, better keyboard, more positions, better in the lap AND the pass-through USB and the fact it still uses the smart connector....all are huge pluses and I would rather pay more for something that meets my wants more. To be able to pop the iPad on and off is essential.

The Brydge solution is good for anyone who wants basically a laptop mainly.