This scares me too. I could easily see it damaging the screen or the back of the iPad (especially with how thin skin is).
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Review: The Brydge Pro Keyboard for iPad Offers a MacBook-Like Experience
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This scares me too. I could easily see it damaging the screen or the back of the iPad (especially with how thin skin is).
That I can't say, but the point being is for some the Air isn't the better alternative dependent on the needs or desires of the purchaser.
“What’s a computer?”
“The thing your trying to emulate.”
“The thing your trying to emulate.”
Hope their planning a trackpad version for when we get mouse support.......
Brydgekeyboard doeseverything well except for thetyping experience. Itsa real chore because the keys don’t work properly. All typos in this post are due to the keyboardnot functtioning properly.This is a design flaw not an issue with a specific keyboard.
Now that would actually be really cool. If it worked. And they added terminal to the iOS environment. And finder.
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Ouch. That's not good.
Any Recommendations on how to secure the Pencil to the unit for transport?
Brydge, known for its line of keyboards for the iPad, recently debuted its newest keyboard, an updated model designed for Apple's 2018 11 and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models. The new Brydge Pro has been highly anticipated by iPad owners who have used Brydge keyboards in the past and prefer the bulk-free Brydge keyboard style.
I've teamed up with MacRumors videographer Dan Barbera to review the Brydge Pro, so make sure to check out his hands-on video below to get a visual overview of the keyboard and read on for my own review.
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Design
If you're familiar with Brydge keyboards, the Bluetooth-enabled Brydge Pro features the same general design as past Brydge options. It is the least bulky of the third-party keyboards for the new iPad Pro models that I've used, and it's my favorite third-party keyboard design by far.
There are two rubber-lined hinged clips on the keyboard that your iPad Pro fits into, which hold it securely in place and mimic a MacBook setup. The clips move forwards and backwards so you can fold it up just like you would a laptop (and when you close it, there are little rubber nubs to prevent the keys from touching the display). Because of the rubber lining, the iPad Pro is secure and stable in the Brydge Pro, but I have noticed that the weight of the iPad Pro can cause to it flip backwards a bit when I pick it up using the keyboard portion.
The hinges are tighter than a MacBook hinge, but it's still easy to open and close the keyboard and the iPad, and when you close it up, the iPad's screen turns off. With the clips, there's an adjustable 180 degree viewing angle, which is nice because it lets you position the iPad at whatever angle works best for you regardless of whether you're typing on a flat surface like a desk or in your lap. On a desk, there are rubber feet at the bottom to keep it in place, which is a nice addition.
You can only rotate the clips a limited amount, so if you want to use your iPad in portrait mode, you're going to need to take it out of the keyboard, which is a bit of a hassle. There's no option to just fold it back, though I guess you could use it book style. You can pull the iPad out and stick it back in backwards to use the keyboard in tablet mode (folded back) or movie mode (no keyboard visible but iPad propped up) but it's a hassle to have to take it out and put it in the clips.
This isn't a traditional folio style case, but there is a magnetic back cover that's similar to a Smart Cover in both thickness and design. It's meant to protect the back of the iPad when the keyboard is attached, and there are cutouts for the portion of the Brydge Pro that holds the iPad in place. Since this cover isn't blocking the side of the iPad Pro, you can still attach and charge your Apple Pencil 2.
Brydge Pro tablet view
Click here to read more...
Article Link: Review: The Brydge Pro Keyboard for iPad Offers a MacBook-Like Experience
Technically there's no contact between the new keyboards and the screen, but it does touch the glass obviously. The rubber is pretty thick, like 3 or 4 mm so hopefully that won't be an issue. I also have a thin "sticker" type skin on the back of my iPad so the iPad itself won't be scuffed, if it's possible, by the Brydge Pro.
There is no contact, but there is pressure and I worry that repeated stress on the corners as it is opened and closed would eventually damage something. If I recall, the first generation had some of these issues and this one supposedly addresses this.
I have the one for use with my 12.9 3rd gen and I really like it. All of the being said, I knew what I was getting when I preordered...it’s not lightweight and it’s bluetooth (vs. using the smart connector).
Maybe it’s different on the smaller 11” model but I find the typing experience to be just fine...very reminiscent of the previous generation of MBP. Yes, the keys are smaller than those found on the latest mac laptops but they also have a more comfortable amount of travel. Sounds like the MR reviewer is quite accustomed to and prefers the shallow travel found on current mac laptops so I can understand why he finds the Brydge less desirable. I personally am not a fan of the new butterfly keys and have no issue typing on the Brydge. I also love once again having the function row above the number keys. The ability to set the viewing angle at whatever depth I prefer is also a big advantage over the SKF. Finally, being able to flip the iPad around for watching video with the keyboard out of the way around back is a nice addition over the SKF.
It’s not perfect but it’s absolutely met all of my expectations. That being said, the big space at the bottom is just screaming for a trackpad.Come on Apple, make it happen in iOS 13.
I TOTALLY AGREE, mine was delivered on the 24th, I LOVE it!
If I believed in the whole iPad use as a laptop replacement thing, I would immediately get this keyboard. The combination iPad and Brydge keyboard looks like a MacBook, but without the benefits of macOS and with all disadvantages of iOS when used for work, in specific usage scenarios. I cannot keep but wondering why I would want something like this. Just get a MacBook and be done with it would be my response, unless you love using an iPad and want to use a good keyboard sometimes during a day, and really believe in the iPad. People that write a lot do like the iPad for example..
For my needs the iPad is nothing more than tablet used for consumption, so a keyboard is not needed. Even if I needed one, I would just use a bluetooth Magic Keyboard and the Smart Folio.
For my needs the iPad is nothing more than tablet used for consumption, so a keyboard is not needed. Even if I needed one, I would just use a bluetooth Magic Keyboard and the Smart Folio.
it feels more premium than the iPad like throws into doubt which is the accessory the keys feel great and the materials are all top notch and feel solid. 10/10Sent from my iPad
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I have had one for my iPad Pro 9.7” since it released! Can say it has definitely lasted for me with no issues at all. I only charged it once since then.
Amazing....I have to charge mine at least every 2 weeks if not sooner.....in fact i’m using the IPAD Pro 10.5 touch screen now because my Brydge keyboard needs to be recharged - Brydge unexpectedly dead....but at least I don’t have to go back and fix numerous typos in this response, as I would have to do with the Brydge which does not transmit keystrokes properly.
I’m using mine for the iPad Pro 12.9 for the first time today and first impressions are excellent. I just wish it had a dedicated (or shortcut) to dictation.
Worlds better than the Apple keyboard.
Worlds better than the Apple keyboard.
Stay away. I ordered the 11" iPad Pro keyboard and regret the purchase like no other. Here are my reasons:
1.) Key Size & Material - The keys are too narrow, and the feel of typing on them is unpleasant. The material is too squishy, like typing on a soft silicone material, and the sizing of the keys isn't generous for normal-sized fingers.
2.) Hinge/Holder - Due to resistance, it's difficult to rotate into the right position, and it doesn't fit the iPad at all. I had to remove my iPad from its thin case and press forcefully into the holder to wedge it in, at which point it became hard to remove. Furthermore, the rubber around the holder slot started peeling upwards, with a large chunk hanging off. It didn't seem properly made, and it certainly wasn't usable after a few insertions and removals.
3.) Customer Service - When I contacted Brydge support, it took several days to hear back, and they still haven't provided a return label after two weeks of calling their helpline and emailing their support. Most email replies have been automated, and the one time I got in touch with a human, they provided vague directions but no shipping label or box in which to return the item. Each time I call, I hit an answering machine, and nobody ever returns my calls. If I had known customer service would be near-nonexistent, I never would have purchased the product.
1.) Key Size & Material - The keys are too narrow, and the feel of typing on them is unpleasant. The material is too squishy, like typing on a soft silicone material, and the sizing of the keys isn't generous for normal-sized fingers.
2.) Hinge/Holder - Due to resistance, it's difficult to rotate into the right position, and it doesn't fit the iPad at all. I had to remove my iPad from its thin case and press forcefully into the holder to wedge it in, at which point it became hard to remove. Furthermore, the rubber around the holder slot started peeling upwards, with a large chunk hanging off. It didn't seem properly made, and it certainly wasn't usable after a few insertions and removals.
3.) Customer Service - When I contacted Brydge support, it took several days to hear back, and they still haven't provided a return label after two weeks of calling their helpline and emailing their support. Most email replies have been automated, and the one time I got in touch with a human, they provided vague directions but no shipping label or box in which to return the item. Each time I call, I hit an answering machine, and nobody ever returns my calls. If I had known customer service would be near-nonexistent, I never would have purchased the product.
A warning re the Brydge keyboard for the IPad Pro 2018 model. I bought it when it came out in the Spring, have worn out the left hinge one time with opening and closing (which Brydge replaced at no charge). But, be careful when placing it down. It is a great weight, feels solid, has rubber feet on the bottom to prevent slippage. BUT, I placed it upside down after reading, the cat ran over it and it fell to the carpet. The hinge broke, both hinges dug into the Ipad front shattering the glass, and I’m now $650 in to Apple for glass replacement. I bought a more affordable case now with front and back which I am awaiting.
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Sorry about your iPad loss.
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In other news, I've spent the last 4 weeks traveling a lot for work which is pretty rare for me and while I still travel with a MacBook Pro when working, it only leaves my bag at the office or meetings and the iPad Pro is what I use in airports, cafes, taxies, etc. I thought it was funny that half of the 12 flights taken, 2 had a flight attendant first ask me to put away my laptop when take off or landing started then did a double take when they saw it was a tablet and said "oh never mind" The Bridge really does make it look like a notebook with how thick the thing is but I like I can get long form writing down in the very cramped planes now.
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In other news, I've spent the last 4 weeks traveling a lot for work which is pretty rare for me and while I still travel with a MacBook Pro when working, it only leaves my bag at the office or meetings and the iPad Pro is what I use in airports, cafes, taxies, etc. I thought it was funny that half of the 12 flights taken, 2 had a flight attendant first ask me to put away my laptop when take off or landing started then did a double take when they saw it was a tablet and said "oh never mind" The Bridge really does make it look like a notebook with how thick the thing is but I like I can get long form writing down in the very cramped planes now.
Well I see they are on sale now so I am tempted. I’m wondering if they are about read to integrate a touchpad into their next generation keyboard?