Apple accessory maker Brydge this week introduced a new iPad Pro keyboard with a built-in multi-touch trackpad.
Taking advantage of new AssistiveTouch functionality in iPadOS, the trackpad can be used to bring up the Dock from any app with a two-finger tap, access the App Exposé screen with a three-finger tap, and more.
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The full-size QWERTY keyboard features LED-backlit keys with three levels of brightness and an advertised three-month battery life per charge. It is compatible with the latest-generation 11-inch and 12.9-inch iPad Pro models, connecting via Bluetooth 4.1 rather than the Smart Connector.
Pricing is set at $199.99 for the 11-inch iPad Pro and $229.99 for the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, with the first 500 pre-orders estimated to ship in late February 2020, followed by the remainder of pre-orders shipping in late March 2020.
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Brydge is also gauging interest for a standalone multi-touch trackpad for the iPad Pro, pictured above, that is "coming soon."
Top Rated Comments
Oh I dunno.....maybe for people that already have an iPad Pro and don’t want to spend another grand for an Air or just don’t want one in general?When the MacBook Air is a thing, why does this have to be ?
You seem upset by the existence of a product that obviously isn’t aimed at you and that you can completely ignore. Some people will want this thing.
It's a common question... even in this thread alone the sentiment has been repeated.When the MacBook Air is a thing, why does this have to be ?
This isn't for everybody. Although I'm not a fan of Brydge, I am a proponent of 2-in-1 devices. Unfortunately, I think that iPadOS-based devices are the worst of the available options for 2-in-1.
For those who are deep into the Apple ecosystem and want to work toward a 2-in-1 device, this helps a bit.
Exactly. Anyone who knows Apple knows that they weren't going to flat-out come out with full mouse support. There is a sense of lowered expectations set by Apple's customers... they're willing to accept half-baked workarounds. Android has had full mouse support almost from day-1... it is completely optional and doesn't interfere with those who will never use a mouse. THAT is the standard that I measure iOS support for mice to.Basically not. The AssistiveTouch functionality is nowhere close to offering true mouse/cursor functionality.
I was excited with anticipation of this AssistiveTouch, but it really isn't like using a mouse/cursor on a real Macbook/Windows computer.
*=Macbook
Computer? What's a computer?It all adds up, better have a real computer for just a bit more.
(God I hated that commercial.)
The pricing makes no sense either (not the Apple's keyboard does either) Most of these iPad keyboards are WAY to overpriced.
Apple's should be $100-125. But I get the draw, its super thin and doesnt make it feel more than a cover. A lot goes into getting that to work and as a stand. $199 is nuts IMO, but I get the worth in portability.
This should be $150. It's a chunky keyboard at the end of the day with 2 clips to hold the ipad, nothing special to it. Paying 1/4 the price of the base 12.9" retail price for a keyboard just makes no financial sense and puts you into Macbook Air territory