“BRYDGEING”
The Gap In Tablet Keyboards….
© 2017 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
BOB SKIDMORE
CORRESPONDENT
Since 2010 iPads and tablets have become the next best
thing to laptops. They’re small, easy to use and especially convenient when on
the go. Perhaps one of the negatives is the lack of a truly responsive
keyboard. While touch screen keyboards, common with these devices, fill a need,
they can be clumsy and sometimes unresponsive. So, what’s the solution?
BRYDGE has taken the
external keyboard to the next level. While many competitive keyboards have
existed for quite some time, BRYDGE has succeeded in providing a truly
professional product.
The BRYDGE keyboard accessory is made from a single
piece of honed, solid aluminum, unlike competitive models made of plastic. Its’
appearance, style and features can easily be compared with that of Apple’s more
recent MacBook models. Two solid, pressure-fit hinges are supplied with an
adjustment range of 180°.
This unique hinge design makes it easy to attach or
remove from the tablet to/from the keyboard. When attached, the pad easily folds
flat to shut down and store. In this position the BRYDGE automatically turns
the screen and keyboard off, or conversely returns both to normal operation
when opened. In essence the BRYDGE keyboard has the feel and look of a
lightweight laptop. It can also be used when completely unattached. Other
features include backlit keys with three levels of illumination and an off
position. It’s interesting to note that the RETURN KEY in many cases acts as
the HOME BUTTON found on the iPad. The rechargeable battery uses a standard USB
type charger and can maintain a charge for as much as 3 months. This makes it
possible to use the BRYDGE worldwide. Battery level indication is also
provided,
I found the BRYDGE to be very user friendly. When
reading a book or newspaper in the attached mode I easily adapted to the horizontal
position.
However, what did take some adjusting to on iPad models was the lack
of a track pad on the keyboard. I found myself constantly reaching for a
missing track pad. This is not a fault of the BRYDGE, but rather the lack of design
by Apple, perhaps a welcomed future design consideration on Apple’s part. The
BRYDGE is available in several models to accommodate various brands of tablets;
12. 3 for Microsoft Surface Pro 3 & 4; 12.9 for iPad Pro 12.9˝; iPad 9.7
Pro, iPad Air 2, and iPad air; iPad Mini 4. A complete line of accessories
including a 128gb SSD card for the Microsoft version, are also available.
GADGETEER’s RATING: ★★★★★
MSRP: $99 - $149 Depending
on model desired. Available at retail, or on line from the manufacturer.
Graphic
credits: Manufacturer
Bob
Skidmore is a freelance writer, who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent,
or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his
points of view and not those of the manufacturer. The manufacturer generally
supplies products and press releases at no cost for the articles and no other
compensation is received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he
feels worthy of review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason
for many superior ratings.
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