iPad Pro Brydge keyboards?

[Porterhouse]

Preorders are starting for the Brydge keyboards. Kind of expensive. How have previous versions been versus the ASK?

https://9to5mac.com/2019/01/08/brydge-keyboard-for-ipad-pro/

 

[Zimmy68]

They still refuse to use the smart connector in lieu of unnecessary Bluetooth. Yet they still charge a premium.

 

[gatorknight904]

I was sitting over here mulling over this pre-order lol. They just sent me a 10% off coupon so it comes out to $174.27 shipped to Texas for the 12.9”.

My gut is telling me to wait for the resell market and some reviews. April 15th delivery is just so far away. Basically giving them a interest free loan.

 

[jazz1]

Preorders are starting for the Brydge keyboards. Kind of expensive. How have previous versions been versus the ASK?

https://9to5mac.com/2019/01/08/brydge-keyboard-for-ipad-pro/

Thanks for starting this thread. I’ve recently asked a question on the sleeve thread. But I’ll repeat it here as it is more to the point. Is anyone worried about the new iPad bending with use of this device.
[doublepost=1546998714][/doublepost]

I was sitting over here mulling over this pre-order lol. They just sent me a 10% off coupon so it comes out to $174.27 shipped to Texas for the 12.9”.

My gut is telling me to wait for the resell market and some reviews. April 15th delivery is just so far away. Basically giving them a interest free loan.

Think of it as a KickStarter

 

[Porterhouse]

Thanks for starting this thread. I’ve recently asked a question on the sleeve thread. But I’ll repeat it here as it is more to the point. Is anyone worried about the new iPad bending with use of this device.
[doublepost=1546998714][/doublepost]

Think of it as a KickStarter

To be honest, I haven't seen a bent iPad aside from the posters here, though I still make sure to handle my IPP gingerly.

 

[RevTEG]

I was sitting over here mulling over this pre-order lol. They just sent me a 10% off coupon so it comes out to $174.27 shipped to Texas for the 12.9”.

My gut is telling me to wait for the resell market and some reviews. April 15th delivery is just so far away. Basically giving them a interest free loan.

Do they actually charge your card before shipment? No way is so that. You’ll pay the cc bill off way before you get the keyboard. Then if you don’t like and return it... then what?
[doublepost=1547023833][/doublepost]

I was sitting over here mulling over this pre-order lol. They just sent me a 10% off coupon so it comes out to $174.27 shipped to Texas for the 12.9”.

My gut is telling me to wait for the resell market and some reviews. April 15th delivery is just so far away. Basically giving them a interest free loan.

Do they actually charge your card before shipment? No way is so that. You’ll pay the cc bill off way before you get the keyboard. Then if you don’t like and return it... then what?

 

[millydog]

I had the initial Kickstarter version of the Brydge Keyboard that worked with iPad 2 and 3 with different rubber inserts. I haven’t tried any of them since then. I did like the keyboard and I believe that there have been a number of improvements since including the keys, backlighting and a USB-C charging port to match the iPad charging port. This version also comes with a magnetic rear cover that is optional, but something that I did wish that my earlier version had.
Anyway, I’ve just ordered the 12.9” version in space grey to match my iPad. I’m looking forward to using it on my lap, kitchen table or desk in a laptop form, but still being able to quickly disconnect from the Brydge Keyboard and put the Apple Folio cover back on for consumption or games, etc.

 

[millydog]

Is anyone worried about the new iPad bending with use of this device.

This thought had occurred to me about whether the iPad Pro 3rd gen (I have the 12.9” WiFi + cellular) could be more prone to bending if not being careful when opening the case with iPad attached since the hinges are on the edges and pressure could be placed on the centre of the long edge while opening it with iPad attached. But, I’ve gone ahead and ordered with the intention of being careful when opening, at least initially, until I am satisfied that it’s not an issue. Initially, I will lift the iPad open a little and then hold the outer edges (maybe close to the hinges) instead of the middle of the long edge of the iPad. Hopefully, I work out that it’s not an issue, but I’ll take care in case.

 

[BrianSoCal]

Thanks for starting this thread. I’ve recently asked a question on the sleeve thread. But I’ll repeat it here as it is more to the point. Is anyone worried about the new iPad bending with use of this device.
[doublepost=1546998714][/doublepost]

Think of it as a KickStarter

You nailed it with the KickStarter comment, they don’t have a preview video anywhere so that’s concerning.

 

[millydog]

Here is a YouTube video for the new version.

 

[A.R.E.A.M.]

I really like this. I’m using a Logitech k780 with the 12.9 and it works wonderfully, so I’m not worried that this device uses Bluetooth. I do like the form factor and will most likely purchase. I think ill wait unti it’s released since my setup works fine now....

 

[chrism_scotland]

I quite like the look of the Brydge - I don't mind the Apple Smart Keyboard but for any lengthy work its not a great typing experience - whether this thing is good or not will make up my mind on whether I'm picking up another 12.9" iPP or not - I've actually ordered a Brydge for my Surface Pro 6 to see what thats like..

 

[tbayrgs]

After watching their live video presentation from CES yesterday, I preordered the 12.9” space gray model as well. My daughter has the 9.7” model and it’s well built with reliable BT connectivity so I pulled the trigger.

It appears to be a terrific match, in design, color and thickness for the new iPP. I have the ASKF and while I find it an improvement over the original smart keyboard, I welcome the better build quality/materials, function keys and backlighting, and the ability to flip it around into media/presentation mode. Price isn’t cheap but considering it’s build materials and extra functionality, it feels like much better value vs. $199 Apple is charging for their keyboard folio.

 

[HandsomeDanNZ]

I used a Brydge with my 9.7" iPad 5 and loved it...the only thing I didn't like was the bulk it added, but to be honest, I am more of a fan of this than the ASK.

 

[gatorknight904]

Thanks for starting this thread. I’ve recently asked a question on the sleeve thread. But I’ll repeat it here as it is more to the point. Is anyone worried about the new iPad bending with use of this device.
[doublepost=1546998714][/doublepost]

Think of it as a KickStarter

The thing is with kickstarter you would most likely get a bigger discount than 10% and not have to pay taxes. So there is actual perceived benefit to the “interest free loan”.

Do they actually charge your card before shipment? No way is so that. You’ll pay the cc bill off way before you get the keyboard. Then if you don’t like and return it... then what?
[doublepost=1547023833][/doublepost]

Do they actually charge your card before shipment? No way is so that. You’ll pay the cc bill off way before you get the keyboard. Then if you don’t like and return it... then what?

You would have a negative $179+ balance on your credit card to use.

 

[jazz1]

Here is a YouTube video for the new version.

I’m so tempted to ordering this. Not their fault but I keep on wishing Apple would support a touch pad in their Brydge product. That said if you need a physical keyboard maybe a MacBook Air would be a better alternative? I wish I could see one in person. I’m sure I’d order one.

 

[Porterhouse]

I used a Brydge with my 9.7" iPad 5 and loved it...the only thing I didn't like was the bulk it added, but to be honest, I am more of a fan of this than the ASK.

Can you point to something that makes you more of a fan of the Brydge than the ASK? Is it more comfortable to type on or is there a better fit with the IPP.

 

[baypharm]

I was sitting over here mulling over this pre-order lol. They just sent me a 10% off coupon so it comes out to $174.27 shipped to Texas for the 12.9”.

My gut is telling me to wait for the resell market and some reviews. April 15th delivery is just so far away. Basically giving them a interest free loan.

I agree. They charge your credit card immediately and get their money but we have to wait a couple of months to get our item. I’ll pass.

 

[Mr.C]

I agree. They charge your credit card immediately and get their money but we have to wait a couple of months to get our item. I’ll pass.

That’s really annoying and I know some companies do that. At the end of the day there is no reason for them to charge the customer until the product is about to be dispatched.

 

[jazz1]

Can you point to something that makes you more of a fan of the Brydge than the ASK? Is it more comfortable to type on or is there a better fit with the IPP.

I found this article that might be helpful. The article points out that no one has quite hit a home run regarding a keyboard for the iPad. Fair enough, as I think it is hard to get away from the ubiquitous laptop. Especially since they have become lighter. The article is not anti Brydge. But it did make me think about my needs.

https://www.subtraction.com/2019/01/10/the-perfect-ipad-keyboard-has-not-been-invented-yet/

For me, I will try to make do with my Apple Keyboard Folio as it is just enough to get me by for the little typing I do.

 

[Porterhouse]

I found this article that might be helpful. The article points out that no one has quite hit a home run regarding a keyboard for the iPad. Fair enough, as I think it is hard to get away from the ubiquitous laptop. Especially since they have become lighter. The article is not anti Brydge. But it did make me think about my needs.

https://www.subtraction.com/2019/01/10/the-perfect-ipad-keyboard-has-not-been-invented-yet/

For me, I will try to make do with my Apple Keyboard Folio as it is just enough to get me by for the little typing I do.

Thanks for posting that article; I've read several reviews, but I found that one to be very helpful.

The one aspect I like about the Brydge is the tablet mode for when you aren't using the keyboard. But then, for most serious typing, I use my MBP anyway. I'll wait until it comes out and see what everyone says. (As others have stated, the idea of paying now but waiting until April is absurd. I get that they are trying to manufacture buzz, but still.)

Most likely, I'll stick with the ASK. I love the Smart Connector aspect, and I especially appreciate being able to easily remove it if I don't want to bother with the keyboard at all.

 

[jazz1]

Thanks for posting that article; I've read several reviews, but I found that one to be very helpful.

The one aspect I like about the Brydge is the tablet mode for when you aren't using the keyboard. But then, for most serious typing, I use my MBP anyway. I'll wait until it comes out and see what everyone says. (As others have stated, the idea of paying now but waiting until April is absurd. I get that they are trying to manufacture buzz, but still.)

Most likely, I'll stick with the ASK. I love the Smart Connector aspect, and I especially appreciate being able to easily remove it if I don't want to bother with the keyboard at all.

I think the Apple Smart connector for a third party keyboard would be great. I wonder if Apple allows third parties to access it? I also wonder if that connector would have any other applications?

 

[DoubleFlyaway]

I think the Apple Smart connector for a third party keyboard would be great. I wonder if Apple allows third parties to access it? I also wonder if that connector would have any other applications?

They must, since Logitech used it in the previous generations.

 

[millydog]

I think the Apple Smart connector for a third party keyboard would be great. I wonder if Apple allows third parties to access it? I also wonder if that connector would have any other applications?

Yes, they do allow it. But surely the position that they’ve moved it to on the 3rd gen iPads Pro doesn’t help make it easy for 3rd parties to use. The position would require some sort of backing to be used. The position of the connector on the 1st and 2nd gen was much better.
The change in position gives Apple an advantage because they can design their keyboard ahead of release, while 3rd parties need to redesign their products to work with the new positioning. Brydge is probably better positioned than Logitech in this situation since the Bluetooth solution that they were already using still works with the repositioning of the connector, while I imagine that Logitech would have been considering a new design based on the new dimensions of the iPads, but then needs to make further changes due to the repositioning of the smart connector to the back of the iPad.
I think that the positioning should have been on the same long edge as previous generations (and then further reinforced due to otherwise weakening of the chassis).

 

[millydog]

Here is another YouTube video of the Brydge Keyboard at CES with a Brydge sales person.