We love our tablets, and have reviewed models including early iPad wannabes, e-readers, and great Android models, but as convenient as tablets are for some tasks, many of us still find it vexing to use for serious typing or entering of text and data. What else explains the multitudes of keyboards and cases available for them? We have tested some excellent keyboards such as those made by Logitech in the past, but the approach taken by a small kickstarter.com-funded startup in creating the Brydge+ keyboard for the iPad is unique.
The Brydge+ sports a beautifully designed and constructed full-sized aerospace-grade aluminum keyboard with a pair of optional integrated stereo speakers. To connect the keyboard to your iPad, there is a simple (why didn’t I think of that?) patent-pending hinge that grips your iPad securely with rubber pads that also allow you to remove it instantly without marring the surface. This click-in hinge allows for close to 180 degrees of iPad positioning and holds your iPad secure, and the iPad goes to sleep when closed up against it. Even better, in our tests the iPad didn’t shake free.
Aestheically, the Brydge's aluminum body is machined and anodized to a high-level of fit and finish so that it matches the look and feel of the iPad. Their site states that “When paired together, Brydge and your iPad appear to be two parts of the same device, blending style and functionality seamlessly.” a claim that we found true in practice. Several of our colleagues at the recent CEA Line Week conference wanted to look at our reduced-size MacBook Air, only to be surprised to find it was an iPad paired with the Brydge+. Most convincingly, everyone agreed it felt superior when compared to competing devices, with the keyboard action secure and providing just the right amount of resistance and stiffness. The speakers, while not designed to shake the room, were a considerable improvement upon the inadequate single-speaker design of the iPad.
Setup is easy using Bluetooth, and once we remembered the proper key sequence, the unit connected to the iPad right away. Setup did point out a couple of small improvements we would like to see on the unit.
When I initially grabbed the unit to test on a short trip, I inadvertently left the user guide behind at home. I’d forgotten how to sync to the iPad, but I only needed to head to their site, thebrydge.com, download the user guide (it wasn’t included in the FAQs) and read the two necessary key combinations to sync the keyboard and the speakers. We would love to see those two commands included on the labeling on the back of the keyboard as a reminder. We found that the small shift key combined with the location of the up arrow key produced errors on occassion and while it didn't bother us once we got used to it, some folks find it more problematic. Keep in mind that we till love the original Apple keyboard, and Mattias reissues, so those are still our base standard, along with the superb Apple Pismo laptop keyboard. So, a redesign of those keys might be in order for future revisions.
Battery power seemed to go on forever, unless you use the speakers which can dramatically lower the battery length. So, our other request would be for a discreet battery indicator to let us know when it’s time to charge. Those are small quibbles, though, and everywhere we go with the unit we find ourselves as Brydge evangelists – everyone wants to try it out and learn where to get more information.
The Brydge+ isn’t inexpensive ($149 currently), but to meet the needs of folks wanting a lower priced option, they have created the Brydge, made of a sturdy polycarbonate composite instead of aluminum, retailing at about half the cost. They also offer a model minus the speakers, but we think most users will either opt for the Brydge+ with speakers, or the plastic Brydge, as the speakers really do extend the use of the iPad, eliminating many third-party Bluetooth speakers.
We heartily recommend the Brydge+ as one of those “I-can’t-imagine-how-I-lived-without-it” accessories for your iPad. It serves not only to protect your iPad with hard, beautifully finished metal shell, but the integrated speakers and keyboard really help to realize the potential of the tablet, with the advantages of the iOS, but without the expense of the different computing approach of the MacBook Air. We also loved the sophistication and standards they applied to the design, advertising, and refinements to their original design. Keep an eye on this team! Highly Recommended by Mac Edition Radio.
Harris Fogel and Nancy Burlan, posted 6/27/13, updated 5/16/2014
For more information on the Brydge+ visit: www.brydgekeyboards.com
