The most expensive Kickstart Project that Judie and I have backed just got funded. (Okay, “over-funded if there is such a thing”.)
The Brydge is
an elegant solution to the lack of quality iPad keyboards and accessories currently on the market. Brydge connects to your iPad using a patent-pending hinge which allows for close to 180 degrees of iPad positioning and holds your iPad secure.
In other words, it turns your iPad into a NetMac complete with speakers and all. As the Creatives note
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.
Brydge’s patent-pending hinge holds the iPad secure and allows for close to 180 degrees of positioning. While many stands offer a non-adjustable ledge to lean your iPad up against, Brydge’s hinge allows you to position your iPad at nearly any angle, even allowing you to close it up entirely for easy transportation. Once closed, both your iPad and Brydge go to sleep automatically.
The goal was $90,000 but the team raised almost $800,000 by the time it was funded just a short while ago. Judie and I both backed at the $210 level. That means we will each get a Brydge with speakers when it ships in the late fall. Best of all, the creatives recently let us know that they will be designing the Bydge with upgradable hinges so the accessory will last past the release of the iPad 4!
No doubt we will be using our iPads with this accessory at CES come January. Read more here.
As I’ve said before, I think it’s an interesting project, but I think they are going to have to come in with a retail price closer to $100 than $200 to make it work. After all, it’s really just a keyboard and speakers and doesn’t appear to support landscape mode (although I could have missed something). That said, it’s going to have to come closer to the price of existing keyboard solutions, especially since it appears it will have the same limitations as well (as far as no tap-hold key support). The visuals are great so I hope they figure it out!
All good points Chris. I too would like to see the price come down.
Not for nothing… I think you are the ONLY person I have seen for whom tap and hold is a big issue.
Sent from my iPad
Personally, I do not understand the hype surrounding this product. It seems identical to the Zagg/Logitech keyboard case for the iPad in usage. The only difference between the Brydge and the Zagg is method of attachment; the keyboard itself seems identical, so if you didn’t like the Zagg, the Brydge won’t be any better.
The Brydge is a far cry from the ASUS Transformer’s keyboard, which includes docking ports, a touchpad, additional ports (usb/sd/power/audio), and an extra battery, in addition to the keyboard.
Watch the second video here…
Sent from my iPad
Dan, I saw those videos a long time ago, and I’m still not impressed. It’s just a better Zagg in my book.
Last year, I traveled to China without my laptop, using my iPad as my only “computer”. I used my external keyboard twice in 18 days, which was not enough to justify its weight, so after that, I left it at home.