Check amazon. Seems like a really good keyboard but the plastic hinge are stupidly unreliable and breaks all the time. What a shame. Pretty sure they'll release another version with a sturdier hinge though.
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Brydge's MAX+ Keyboard for 11-Inch iPad Pro Now Available
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I'm sincerely confused as to why no one uses the Smart Connector. Maybe Apple has a licensing fee associated, and the tech is more expensive than a Bluetooth radio, but it seems like there would be a real strategic advantage to using it in the market vs shipping an inferior product.
Yes, like this thing I used 18 years ago. Conceptually the best laptop/tablet I ever had!
Having something like this from Apple that seamlessly transitions between iPad and MacOs would be a dream
I see. I've found the Magic Keyboard to work great for me, including on ZOOM calls. I love how it cantilevers. I have the 11-inch iPad Pro. No problems with battery life, etc.
There might be bugs in iPadOS 15 that causes these issues.
These issues weren't there for me on versions of iPadOS before version 15. I've only on a few times experienced this issue but not in every app. I don't think it's hardware related and that it's the OS.
But then they couldn’t sell you two internally identical M1 devices with arbitrary limitations, at exorbitant prices, instead of a single device, and crow about how environmentally conscious they are. ?Yes, like this thing I used 18 years ago. Conceptually the best laptop/tablet I ever had!
Having something like this from Apple that seamlessly transitions between iPad and MacOs would be a dream
Yep. The iPad becomes more physically cumbersome, which actually makes it a better match for how unwieldy iOS is for a lot of productivity workflows (like mine).
It’s frustrating how amazing the iPad could be if Apple would only set it free and allow it to realize its potential.
My dream device is basically an Apple Surface — Microsoft has been trying to build that “one device to rule them all” since before Gates left and can never get it right, mainly because they don’t have a great tablet interface or app ecosystem.
Apple could build that device right this minute — the best of iOS and macOS working together depending on whether it’s docked or not — but has no interest in it.
Wish it was that simple but don‘t think so. Think many that would either buy an iPad or a MBA would be happy to spend a bit more on a device that is both.
The real issue is more nailing down the UX for such a hybrid device. How would it seamlessly transform from ‚ipad‘ to ‚mac‘, not just for apple apps but any ‚hybrid‘ App.
I‘m pretty sure this will come but it will take a few more OS iterations before all pieces are in place…
I just got the Brydge for my 12.9” Pro. I’ve got 30 days to return it if I don’t like it. I have the 2020 MK, and while I like that it is lighter than the Brydge, the large trackpad, keyboard action/feel, and Fn keysBrydge are a big plus. Note my iPad Pro is the 2021, so the 2020 MK is not a perfect fit.
I’m still sorting out the plus and minus of the Brydge compared to the MK. I hate to admit it, but the Brydge has reminded me how much I miss my now dead 12” Macbook. So maybe the 2022 MacBook Air is in my future.
I’ll report back in a few days. Maybe on a thread that discusses the 12.9” version. As size of iPad could make a difference on utitility.
I’m still sorting out the plus and minus of the Brydge compared to the MK. I hate to admit it, but the Brydge has reminded me how much I miss my now dead 12” Macbook. So maybe the 2022 MacBook Air is in my future.
I’ll report back in a few days. Maybe on a thread that discusses the 12.9” version. As size of iPad could make a difference on utitility.
Only Brydge product I’d have a genuine interest in right now is a quality keyboard for the new iPad mini. They did a decent enough one for the previous generation. But I don’t see any signs of a new one.
Earlier this year, we took a look at Brydge's top-of-the-line MAX+ keyboard and trackpad combo for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, a fairly close competitor to Apple's pricier Magic Keyboard.
A version of the MAX+ for the 11-inch iPad Pro (all generations) and fourth-generation iPad Air is now available, offering the same experience as its larger sibling but for Apple's smaller tablets. The 11-inch version of the MAX+ is priced at $199.99, which is $100 less than Apple's Magic Keyboard, and it comes in Space Gray, Silver, and White options.
The MAX+ snaps onto the magnetic back of the iPad Air or iPad Pro, but connects over Bluetooth rather than through the Smart Connector used by Apple's Magic Keyboard. This also means the MAX+ can't draw power from the iPad and must be charged separately about every three months, according to Brydge.
Otherwise, you'll get a similar experience to the Magic Keyboard, with backlit keys that feel good under the fingers and a solid amount of travel, as well as a large multi-touch trackpad. The keyboard also includes a row of shortcut keys to give you quick access media controls, brightness, and more.
The Brydge MAX+ for the 11-inch iPad Pro and 10.9-inch iPad Air is available now for $199.99, while the larger version for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro is priced at $249.99. Brydge is currently running a discount for past and present members of the military that offers 20% off with the promo code THANKYOU.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with Brydge. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Article Link: Brydge's MAX+ Keyboard for 11-Inch iPad Pro Now Available
I can’t recommend this thing. The hinge is too weak and cracks and becomes non-functional within weeks of purchase. The metal pins don’t run down the full length as a single solid piece, they are two pieces and they begin making pressure points on the plastic where they end in-between and that eventually breaks through. I’m always very careful and take good care of my electronics. I was shocked when it broke. I returned mine for a full refund, so that was good. Perhaps an 11” version would have less stress on the hinge since it weighs less, but I wouldn’t bet on it long-term! Otherwise it was a pretty great device. Was a shame.
Something’s gone wrong here then. No way a keyboard should be drawing that much power.
At this point, get a MBA. Remembering to charge the thing and relying on bluetooth when there's a smart connector available is just painful, and this is from personal experience as a previous Brydge owner.
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I can't imagine that licensing fee for the smart connector is higher than bluetooth module plus battery, charging connector, negative effect of added weight and complexity.
What gives?
Apple does license it to Logitech, so it is definitely an option.
Why no one can come up with more reasonable alternatives?
What gives?
Apple does license it to Logitech, so it is definitely an option.
Why no one can come up with more reasonable alternatives?
The fact that does not charge the iPad Pro when connected and requires BT to connect makes the package far less convenient than the Magic Keyboard.
Having said this is 140 euros less give or take.
Having said this is 140 euros less give or take.
I got a 12.9in iPad Pro and Magic Keyboard case in 2020 but I’m HIGHLY likely to buy the alleged 2022 Macbook Air redesign as soon as it is released.
Work issues a high end MBP to me (about to get a M1 Max 16in soon). For personal uses, I don’t need a lot of laptop anymore. I thought this iPad Pro setup could be that replacement but it is simply inferior to just buying an M1 MBA at this juncture. Worth it just for the bigger trackpad that isn’t so clicky. The M1 transition killed the iPad Pro laptop‘s advantages with battery life and noise (fanless).
Exactly. Make this for the new mini 6 and I will buy it. A good Keyboard case is the only thing I miss from my 11” Pro, otherwise the new mini 6 is my favorite iPad I have ever owned, like the mini 4 was before that. Mini 5 was the only mini I never owned ?.
Want something like the Apple Keyboard Folio actually. I could even do without the trackpad. Just a solid keyboard to flip out when needed.
?Sigh, after only having the 12.9" Max+ for a couple a days, the critical comments are making me strongly consider putting it back in the box for a return/refund. I'll give it until Monday and decide.
I can probably live with the weight, but the reliability issues, and durability issues (as reported by others in this thread) are concerning as it isn't a cheap product.
Is there anyone out there with long term experience that is happy with this device? I know when one is content with a product it isn't as tempting to speak out as when you are not.
I can probably live with the weight, but the reliability issues, and durability issues (as reported by others in this thread) are concerning as it isn't a cheap product.
Is there anyone out there with long term experience that is happy with this device? I know when one is content with a product it isn't as tempting to speak out as when you are not.
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Logitech uses the Smart Connector.
Combo Touch Keyboard Case for iPad | Logitech
That guy probably now works for Apple
I have the Logitech Combo Touch too for my iPad Air 4 and while I love the case itself and the smart connectors, Logitech support is pretty clunky. They're very slow to respond. I actually just got a warranty replacement for it, and the process took about a month mostly due to the very slow support responses, 7-10 days between emails. The case is nice, but I probably won't buy Logitech again.