Exclusive Review: Brydge + for iPad

Rating **** 1/2

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By: Dan Uff, Senior Editor

Back in February, I was notified about a new Kickstarter.com project called “The Brydge +” keyboard for the iPad.

After reading about the project, I decided to pay the asking price for the new type of iPad keyboard.

Last evening, I got the keyboard.  I am extremely picky about what I use with my iPad.  I have tried other (so called) keyboards and ended up either not using it, or aborting the set up process – if I did get that far, I ended up not taking the keyboard along with me because it was just yet another thing to drag along.

The Brydge Plus keyboard for the iPad is different.  It isn’t a separate piece of hardware that you have to carry.  The keyboard connects to the iPad via two rotating clips.  These clips allow the iPad to be “closed” over the keyboard – looking almost like a MacBook Air from afar.

OVERVIEW:

The Brydge is a standard QWERTY Keyboard with some additional keys made specifically for the iPad – such as a Home Button (where an ESC key would be on a normal keyboard).  Users can adjust the brightness, control the volume, and more.  The keyboard has one power button (right side), a Mini USB port, and built-in mini stereo speakers.

SET UP:

The keyboard comes set up for the iPad 2, but the Brydge comes with other easy to install adapters (called Rubber Shims) that allows the two holding clips to hold other iPads – except the Mini.

The keyboard communicates with the iPad via Bluetooth.  The set up is as easy as turning on the keyboard, going in to Settings > Bluetooth, pressing the CTRL+K on the keyboard (during first time set up) selecting the name of the keyboard from the Bluetooth menu, and you’re done.

Users have to configure the built in speaker system separately.  After the keyboard has been configured, press and hold down the [Control]+[B] keys until you hear a 4-tone start up sound.  It may take as long as 4 seconds for you to hear this tone.  But then the speakers are configured to the device.  However, the user may have to repeat the CTRL+B steps each time they first turn on the keyboard.  This is designed by default to help conserve battery power.

HOW DOES IT CHARGE?

The keyboard charges via MicroUSB connected to another USB device.

HOW LONG DOES THE BATTERY LAST?

According to the web site: “Brydge has a lithium ion battery for long battery life and is easily charged via micro USB. Battery life varies significantly based on speaker use. Without speaker use, Brydge’s battery should last several months.”

PROS:

– Portable.
– Holds iPad upright.
– Adjustable for different viewing angles.
– Shut iPad over keyboard for ultimate portability.
– Comes with Mini USB wire.
– Comes with multiple adjustable shims for multiple iPads

CONS:

– Reconfigure Stereo Speakers each time you first use the Keyboard.
– Instructions can be confusing when it comes to reconfiguring keyboard.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

This is a good keyboard to consider – especially for people on the go, and even for students.

For more information and to see a video, click here.

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