The Brydge is a Kickstarter Project that Judie came across. It is a keyboard, case, speaker in one that effectively turns the iPad into a laptop. The funding goal was $90,000 and they have thus far raised over $460,000 in pledges with 30 days to go. Here’s the rundown.
Project Title: Brydge + iPad: Do more.
Status: In Progress
Closing Date for Funding: Monday Jun 4, 2012
URL of the Project: Find it here.
From the Creatives:
Is it just us, or does it feel like the options for iPad keyboards and accessories are excessive in quantity, yet lacking in quality? This is why we created Brydge, which simply transforms your iPad into a laptop worthy of Apple.
This idea of turning your iPad into a high quality laptop seemed obvious to us and we were shocked when we could not find any accessory that accomplished this. So we set out to make such a product from the highest quality materials that would compliment your iPad perfectly.
Brydge is an elegant solution to the lack of quality iPad keyboards and accessories currently on the market. Made from aerospace-grade aluminum, with optional stereo speakers, Brydge connects to your iPad using a patent-pending hinge. This click-in hinge allows for close to 180 degrees of iPad positioning and holds your iPad secure.
Brydge’s aluminum body is machined and anodized so that it matches the look and feel of the iPad precisely. When paired together Brydge and your iPad appear to be two parts of the same device, blending style and functionality seamlessly. Unlike other products made of painted plastic in an effort to look similar to the iPad, Brydge does not fake it. Not only does it look good, but when held in your hands you can feel the quality craftsmanship Apple lovers demand
Who at Gear Diary Backed It: Dan and Judie both backed this!!
At What Level Did We Back: You can get into the project for just $170 but we backed at $210 each. That level means,
You will receive the Brydge, with speakers. [US Shipping included. Please add $35 for International Shipping. Please add $20 for shipping to Canada.]
Why We Backed It: We love our iPads. We love our 11″ MacBook Airs. The Brydge turns the iPad into am amazingly usable productivity tool by adding an excellent keyboard, speakers and stand in one sleek package that weighs about the same as a 13″ MBA.
How’s Communication From the Creatives Been?: Thus far there has only been one update on the Kickstarter page, but it is early in the project.
What Has the Experience Been: It is early so we will see.
Would You Recommend this Kickstarter Project?: Absolutely. This looks like one of those iPad accessories that will add tons of value and usability to the iPad.
why not just buy a laptop then?
There are things that are so much faster and easier on the iPad than they are on a laptop so this give you the best of both worlds. I have been on the fence about using a keyboard with the iPad until recently but have found that the speed of using a good keyboard plus not loving half the screen real estate makes a huge difference.
Sent from my iPad
I love the idea even though it makes the overall package a bit thicker than I’d like. For me though, it would also need to allow me to put the device into portrait mode and it would need to support the full tap-and-hold features of the virtual keyboard. Unfortunately most keyboard solutions don’t appear to support it yet.