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Brydge unveils redesigned keyboard with trackpad for 12.9-inch iPad Pro

Brydge 12.9 Max+

Last updated

Brydge is taking the wraps off its latest iPad keyboard just in time for Apple's new iPad Pros. The Brydge 12.9 Max+ features a redesigned hinge, rear protection, and a truly massive multi-touch trackpad.

The all-new 12.9 Max+ has done away with the signature Brydge hinges and replaced them with an integrated magnetic back panel. It takes advantage of the magnets built into the rear of iPad Pro to connect, without the need for the old clamps. It also protects your iPad at the same time.

Overall, it creates a far more streamlined setup that more closely mimics a MacBook design.

Brydge Pro+ trackpad versus Brydge 12.9 Max+ Brydge Pro+ trackpad versus Brydge 12.9 Max+

Aside from the new magnetic SnapFit design, Brydge has also significantly expanded the size of the multi-touch trackpad. It has twice the surface area of the Brydge Pro+ model.

Compared to Apple's Magic Keyboard, the Brydge 12.9 Max+ offers similar front and back protection when closed, backlit keys, and magnetic connection but has a larger trackpad and is $100 cheaper. Magic Keyboard does include an additional USB-C port for charging, however

Other features include backlit keys with three levels of brightness, a full row of iPad-specific function keys, up to three months battery life on a single charge, and a new Bluetooth mode that keeps it connected for longer while not in use.

Brydge's 12.9 Max+ fits the 3rd, 4th, and 5th generation iPad Pro 12.9-inch and is up for preorder now. It will run $249.99 with shipping beginning in June.

6 Comments

tht 24 Years · 5828 comments

Like this design a lot. Too bad they aren't using the Smart Connector. Too bad Apple doesn't make the Smart Connector USB and TB compatible.

At some point in time, if the Smart Connector is TB compatible, someone can make magnetic docking pad that is connected to external monitors and peripherals. Just get the iPad Pro close, it magnetically latches in, the Smart Connector engages and voila, all your peripherals turn on.

2 Likes · 0 Dislikes
StrangeDays 9 Years · 13037 comments

tht said:
Like this design a lot. Too bad they aren't using the Smart Connector. Too bad Apple doesn't make the Smart Connector USB and TB compatible.

At some point in time, if the Smart Connector is TB compatible, someone can make magnetic docking pad that is connected to external monitors and peripherals. Just get the iPad Pro close, it magnetically latches in, the Smart Connector engages and voila, all your peripherals turn on.

Doesn't the SC just have three "pins" (contact dots)? Assuming it does not have the bandwidth for what an entire TB port does.

1 Like · 0 Dislikes
tht 24 Years · 5828 comments

tht said:
Like this design a lot. Too bad they aren't using the Smart Connector. Too bad Apple doesn't make the Smart Connector USB and TB compatible.

At some point in time, if the Smart Connector is TB compatible, someone can make magnetic docking pad that is connected to external monitors and peripherals. Just get the iPad Pro close, it magnetically latches in, the Smart Connector engages and voila, all your peripherals turn on.
Doesn't the SC just have three "pins" (contact dots)? Assuming it does not have the bandwidth for what an entire TB port does.

Yes, only 3 contacts, but what's stopping them from adding more contacts?

The Smart Connector is basically purposely designed to support Apple's keyboard peripherals. So, some power and minimal I/O to support them. That's it. They are moving very very slowly on this.

1 Like · 0 Dislikes
roundaboutnow 14 Years · 767 comments

tht said:
tht said:
Like this design a lot. Too bad they aren't using the Smart Connector. Too bad Apple doesn't make the Smart Connector USB and TB compatible.

At some point in time, if the Smart Connector is TB compatible, someone can make magnetic docking pad that is connected to external monitors and peripherals. Just get the iPad Pro close, it magnetically latches in, the Smart Connector engages and voila, all your peripherals turn on.
Doesn't the SC just have three "pins" (contact dots)? Assuming it does not have the bandwidth for what an entire TB port does.
Yes, only 3 contacts, but what's stopping them from adding more contacts?

The Smart Connector is basically purposely designed to support Apple's keyboard peripherals. So, some power and minimal I/O to support them. That's it. They are moving very very slowly on this.

Add an optical "contact" and it should be possible to get TB bandwidth. After all, the TB spec was designed to have an optical version at the outset.

1 Like · 0 Dislikes
cpsro 15 Years · 3270 comments

The trackpad is off-center with respect to the home keys, just like the MacBook Pro. I suspect the base of my right thumb will create a lot of unintended touches with this keyboard, just like with the MacBook Pro.