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BRYDGE PRO Bluetooth keyboard for the 2018 iPad Pro review

REVIEW – OK, I’m going to lead with…I LOVE this thing. I know the BRYDGE PRO is not for all iPad users for reasons I’ll get to. But for me it fits into, at least in part, how I want to use my tablet. Last year Bill Henderson reviewed the Brydge 12.9 Series II Bluetooth keyboard for the previous generation of iPad Pros. But with new iPad designs come new accessories. Well the engineers at Brydge went back to the drawing board and have created an even better wireless keyboard that truly does transform your iPad Pro into a small MacBook.

A bit of the backstory: for years Julie and I have discussed the possibility of using a tablet as our primary computing device. And over that time, the tech world has ever so slowly moved in that direction. Many could argue, Android tablets are closer to the finish line than iPads, but with iPadOS coming soon, Apple is finally in the game. With folks like BRYDGE creating feature enhancing accessories, Adobe releasing full-blown Photoshop for the iPad, and the iPadOS becoming its own mobile operating system…we’re finally at a point, where this tech-dream is becoming reality.

What is it?

The BRYDGE PRO is a Bluetooth keyboard engineered specifically for the latest generation of iPad Pros and designed to give a (surprisingly) MacBook-like experience. The aluminum chassis is perfectly fitted and color-matched for the current iPad Pros, transforming your tablet into a mini, touchscreen MacBook Pro.

What’s in the box?

  • Brydge Pro 11.0 Bluetooth Keyboard
  • Snap-on Magnetic Protective Cover
  • USB-C Charging Cable
  • Quick Start Guide

Design and features

The BRYDGE PRO keyboard is made from a solid high-grade aircraft aluminum, giving the casing a very Apple feel to it. The PRO has a great heft and sturdy build quality. And like the MacBook and MacBook Pros, the BRYDGE PRO has four rubber feet so that your iPad Pro & keyboard combo doesn’t slide around your desk or table while in use.

The BRYDGE PRO can be configured into three modes: Laptop for typing, Tablet for drawing/note-taking, and Movie for hands-free video watching. In general, I kept my setup in Laptop mode 99% of the time, where I typed and watch movies/videos. When I wanted to use my iPad as a pure tablet, I simply pulled my iPad out of the BRYDGE PRO’s hinges/clamps.

The iPad Pro is held securely in place by two very sturdy clamps that use just the right amount of friction/pressure to keep the iPad Pro from slipping out. These U-clamps are rubber lined so they do not damage your tablet. The hinges themselves are very strong, and well-engineered to withstand the force needed to press (aka shove) the long edge of the iPad into place.

I have an ultra-thin tempered glass screen protector and Slickwrap skin on the back of my iPad Pro. These combine to ever so slightly increase (< 0.5mm) the thickness of my tablet but due to the extremely exact tolerances, it does cause the iPad to not sit in the hinge perfectly. But only by a millimeter or so…the BRYDGE PRO still works as designed.

When opened, the BRYDGE PRO engineering raises the rear of the keyboard for a better angle of typing.

The keyboard is well thought out with a great build quality and key travel. I find using the BRYDGE PRO a better typing experience as compared to the Apple iPad Pro smart keyboard folio and about equal to the MacBook butterfly mechanism. In addition to having good travel distance, the keys are (mostly) responsive and have a great feel/click to them. I say “mostly” because I found the need to type with a hint more force and accuracy, occasionally needing to retap a key if I wasn’t spot on. That said, I got better with practice…

The BRYDGE PRO keyboard is backlit with three levels of brightness.

The 11″ BRYDGE PRO layout is smaller and more compact than a standard full-sized keyboard but no worse than the Apple iPad Pro smart keyboard folio. I am not the greatest typist but found the PRO’s smaller layout and firm base more than useable and extremely lap-friendly. Truth be told, it felt just like using a MacBook when typing on my lap.

The BRYDGE PRO charges via USB-C, enabling you to use the same cord that came with your iPad Pro to power up. You can also connect the iPad Pro and the BRYDGE PRO keyboard using the included USB-C to USB-C cable for a direct, no lag connection.

According to BRYDGE, the PRO’s battery life is impressive, lasting as long as 12 months of use. But that is with limited use and no backlighting on the keys. But with the backlight on, the battery should last nearly a full day of typing (aka 20hrs). What I can say is that I have been using the BRYDGE PRO keyboard for several wks, on & off for a total of about 12+hrs, and battery life is still going strong.

BRYDGE includes a magnetic back cover that works really well with the PRO’s hinge design. The rigid rubbery back cover is relatively thin with a cutout for the iPad Pro’s camera assembly. Overall, the back cover works well enough though it does pop off pretty easily and could use stronger magnets.

Hardware specs

  • Material: Aluminum
  • Weight: 1.14 lb.
  • Backlit Keys: Yes (3 levels)
  • Battery Life: 12 months (rechargeable) via USB-C
  • Connectivity: USB-C + Bluetooth 4.1
  • Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty
  • Colors: Silver & Space Gray
Brydge Pro 11.0

Length: 9.74 in (247.6mm)
Width: 7.02 in (178.5mm)
Height: 0.26 in (6.7mm)
Weight: 1.14 lb (550g)

 Brydge Pro 12.9

Length: 11.04 in (280.6mm)
Width: 8.46 in (214.9mm)
Height: 0.27 in (6.8mm)
Weight: 1.51 lb (690g)

The BRYDGE PRO does add some girth and heft to the sleek and slim iPad Pro. Here you can see it compared to my 12″ MacBook. The combined thickness of the iPad Pro and BRYDGE PRO keyboard are nearly double that of my 12″ MacBook.

OK, here is the elephant in the room…the BRYDGE PRO more than doubles the weight of the 11″ iPad Pro, weighing in at nearly the same weight as a 13″ MacBook Pro. Truth be told, I doubt I will travel that often with the BRYDGE PRO but I love this setup for around the house or (nearby) coffeeshop use.

What I like

  • Very well built with sturdy engineering
  • Made from high-grade materials
  • Perfectly designed for the iPad Pro
  • Excellent keyboard design
  • Backlit keys

What I’d change

  • Heavy/adds a significant amount of weight and volume
  • Keyboard a bit cramped on 11″ version
  • Doesn’t utilize iPad Pro’s Smart Connector
  • Back cover could have used stronger magnets

The new Brydge Pros are by far our best iPad keyboards yet. Designed to create an experience that amplifies the iPad as a tablet, and delivers the perfect MacBook-like experience.

Final thoughts

The BRYDGE design and material engineers have done an incredible job creating a Bluetooth keyboard that transforms your iPad Pro into a mini touchscreen MacBook Pro. The BRYDGE PRO integrates perfectly with the iPad Pro…the quality feel, high-grade materials, and user experience all feel like they came from Cupertino. The BRYDGE PRO adds excellent usability and functionality to your tablet. I’m just hoping the next generation includes a built-in touchpad 😉 . But for now, if you can live with the additional weight and bulk, the BRYDGE PRO is definitely worth considering if you’re looking for a keyboard for your iPad Pro.

Price: $149.99 ($169.99 for the 12.9″ iPPro)
Where to buy: The BRYDGE PRO is available from bridge.com or Amazon.
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Bridge.

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BRYDGE PRO Bluetooth keyboard for the 2018 iPad Pro review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on September 1, 2019 at 8:30 am.

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Kanex Docking Station for iPad Pro review


REVIEW – Over the years as the iPad has evolved, it has become a competent tool for many professionals in various industries. As a photographer and videographer, I now use my iPad for much of my editing. I also use it for daily routine tasks. The ability to add ports and thus additional functionality is very necessary. Recently, several companies have introduced docking stations for the iPad. the Kanex Docking Station for the iPad Pro is one of the newest additions. Let’s see how it works!!

What is it?

The Kanex Docking Station for the iPad Pro is a USB-C plug and play docking station that adds external ports to the iPad Pro for additional functionality and connectivity.

What’s in the box


1 x Kanex Docking Station 6-in-1 Multiport USB-C Docking Station for iPad Pro® 11-in. and 12.9-in. (3rd gen)

Design and features

Specifications
Ports:
USB-C Female: USB-C 3.1 (Gen 1) – 3.0 data and PD 3.0 charging (60W)
USB 3.0: Type-A port delivers up to 5Gbps transfer speeds
SD/MicroSD: Supports up to 2TB SD and MicroSD cards
HDMI: 2K/60Hz on iPad Pro; 4K/30Hz on MacBooks
Supported Systems: Windows 10, Google Chrome OS, macOS Mohave, and above, IOS

As shown in the photo below, the device has several ports. From left to right they are the headphone jack, the USB-C charging port, the micro SD and SD slots, the HDMI port and above the ports, there is a speaker grille.

On the side of the device, there is a USB 3.0 port.

The Docking Station also comes with a magnetic insert that can be removed to fit some of the thicker cases.

Performance

Using the dock is very simple. It is plug and play. Since it is primarily designed for the iPad Pro, I spent most of my time testing it on my 3rd Gen iPad Pro 12.9″ (2018). I first tested it with my iPad without any case on it. In terms of function, the photo app sees the media as expected and the HDMI option to an external monitor works as expected. The USB-C Power Delivery port also allows you to connect your power supply to keep charging the iPad.
Here are some pictures of the dock on my bare iPad:



The major issue for me was that once my iPad was installed into my Zagg Slim Book Keyboard Case, the Kanex Dock did not fit even with the insert removed. And, because of the right angle USB-C connector on the dock, it was also unable to be plugged in with my case installed.

Windows 10:
This dock works very well with my Windows 10 Asus Zendesk Laptop. It is immediately recognized and all 0f the ports work including the HDMI port for a second display. Note: The USB-C port works for connectivity but not for power delivery since the USB-C port on my laptop is not a PD port.

MAC OS:
This dock also works very well with my MacBook Pro. It is immediately recognized and all 0f the ports work including the HDMI port for a second display and the USB-C PD port.

What I like

  • The build quality
  • The included ports
  • The USB-C Power Delivery port
  • It also works with Windows 10 and MAC

What I’d change

  • The clip-on capability so that it can expand to accommodate a larger variety of iPad cases
  • Better design of the USB-C connector to accommodate larger cases. (Maybe include an extension?)

Final thoughts

The Kanex Docking Station for the iPad Pro is a small and compact device that fits the Ipad pro perfectly if it is being used without a case, and I do suspect that it will also fit some of the thinner cases. It works well as a dock for multiple Operating Systems much like many of the USB-C standard docks that I have tested. I say standard because some docks are built with 2 USB-C ports side by side and are specifically designed for the MacBook Pro. This dock is light and easy to travel with as a part of your daily gear, but its inability to clamp on to a larger variety of cases and the right-angle USB-C plug limit how it can be used. This is another device that I think is going to require some additional thought prior to purchasing it and the decision should include considerations of versatility versus cost.

Price: $99.95
Where to buy: The Kanex website
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Kanex.

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Kanex Docking Station for iPad Pro review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on August 17, 2019 at 9:06 am.

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Satechi Type-C Mobile Pro Hub review

REVIEW – If you’ve been reading The Gadgeteer for a while, you’ll know that I like to bend gadgets to my will. That usually means that I  try to turn tablets and smartphones into my only computer. In my past attempts, I’ve failed at these experiments and running back to the comfort of my 12-inch MacBook. But now I’m feeling that old familiar tug to try another experiment. Why is that? I blame the Satechi Type-C Mobile Pro Hub. Let’s take a look.

What is it?

The Satechi Type-C Mobile Pro Hub is an ultraportable USB-C hub that plugs into devices that have a USB-C port to provide the device with an HDMI port, USB A port, USB-C port, and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Design and features

This little hub has been designed for the 2018 Apple iPad Pro, but it can be used with other mobile devices that have a USB Type-C connector like a variety of Android smartphones and tablets. Available in space grey or silver, the hub is about the same size as a pack of gum. It features a 3.5mm headphone jack, a full-sized HDMI 4K 30Hz port, USB 3.0 port, and a USB Type-C 3.0 PD port that will let you charge the device that is connected to the hub while you’re using the hub.

The other side of the Type-C Mobile Pro Hub has a Type-C plug that is used to connect to mobile devices.

I tested this hub with 4 different devices: my new 2018 11-inch iPad Pro, my Pixel 2 XL, Huawei P20, and a Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 tablet. All of these devices have a Type-C port, which of course, is a requirement to use this hub. I tried them with my BenQ PD2710QC DesignView 27-inch Designer Monitor and VIZIO M-Series (M65-F0) 4K HDR Smart TV.

The Satechi Type-C Mobile Pro Hub inserts into your device exactly how you would expect any Type-C device to plug into another Type-C device.

In the image above you’ll notice a tiny blue LED between the HDMI and USB 3.0 ports. That LED lets you know that the hub is connected and is ready to be used.

I tried the hub first with the Pixel 2 XL which was a big fail. No output to my BenQ monitor at all. Next up was the Huawei P20 smartphone.

Success! And the cool thing about the Huawei P20 is the EMUI interface that turns the phone into a desktop type of experience with a full-screen windowed desktop.

The phone’s touchscreen even can become the touchpad of the computer. Nifty!

Next up, I tried the Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 and like the Pixel 2 XL, it was a fail. ARGH…

Time to test the device that the Satechi Type-C Mobile Pro Hub was designed for in the first place, the new 2018 iPad Pro.

Look at that, it’s iOS on a bigger screen. Success #2.

I connected headphones, which worked as expected, and connected a Type-C power cable and it also worked as expected. I connected a USB flash drive with a bunch of files into the USB 3.0 port on the hub and… fail. But that was to be expected. I already knew that you can’t connect a flash drive to the iPad Pro and expect to see all your files as you do on a Windows or Mac. Thanks Apple. BUT, if you have a flash drive with images or video files on it, the iPad Pro will see those files if they are in a DCIM folder structure and will allow you to import them into the Photos app which will automatically launch when the flash drive is plugged into the hub. So, yay. You can also connect a camera with a USB cable and transfer photos and video that way too.

What I like

  • Ability to hook up some Type-C mobile devices to a larger display
  • Adds a 3.5mm headphone jack to the iPad Pro
  • Adds a USB 3.0 port and Type-C charging port

What needs to be improved

  • Type-C connector not long enough to plug into iPad if a case is being used.

Final thoughts

You know that we are living in a dongle world and I’m a dongle girl (hat tip to Madonna). But seriously, as devices get smaller and thinner, we’re losing ports like 3.5mm headphone jacks, and USB ports. Dongles and adapter like the Satechi Type-C Mobile Pro Hub are filling the void and solving this connectivity issue. Will this hub work with every device that has a Type-C port? Nope. But it’s been designed for 2018 iPad Pros and it does work very well with them. So there you have it!

Price: $59.99
Where to buy: Satechi and Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Satechi.

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Satechi Type-C Mobile Pro Hub review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on January 1, 2019 at 11:00 am.

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Add a USB-C hub to your 2018 iPad Pro and other Type-C tablets and phones

NEWS – Yes, the title does say you can add a hub to an iPad Pro!  Satechi has a new USB-C hub that works with the new 2018 iPad Pro models and with most Type-C smartphones and tablets.  With the hub, you’ll be able to attach peripherals easily.  The connectors include:

  • 4K HDMI: allows for seamless presentations, conference calls, and video streaming on-the-go.
  • USB-C PD 3.0 CHARGING: keeps the iPad Pro and other Type-C compatible products powered while running high-performance applications. It can also be used as a power bank to charge other USB-C devices while away from an outlet.
  • 3.5MM HEADPHONE JACK: restores the ability to connect to a pair of 3.5mm wired headphones.
  • EXTRA USB 3.0 PORT: for fast data transfer (up to 5Gbs) or to connect a USB keyboard to the iPad Pro or other compatible Type-C tablet.

The Aluminum Mobile Type-C Pro Hub is $59.99 in silver or space gray from Satechi and Amazon.

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Add a USB-C hub to your 2018 iPad Pro and other Type-C tablets and phones originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on December 28, 2018 at 8:00 am.

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Defend your new 2018 iPad Pro with Otterbox

NEWS – With the crazy prices Apple’s putting on the 2018 iPad Pro models, you’re going to want a case to protect it from everyday life.  Of course, you can count on Otterbox to create strong, protective cases, and of course, they have new Defender Series cases for both the 12.9″ and the 11″ iPad Pros just announced by Apple.

The Defender has a hard, internal shell, a soft, outer slipcover, and a built-in screen protector to guard against scratches and drops and bumps.  It also has a a snap-on shield that provides an extra layer of protection to the iPad’s screen while it’s being carried, and it can be turned into a stand for typing or hands-free viewing.  The stand also holds and protects the Apple Pencil.

The Defender cases are made of polycarbonate, synthetic rubber, and polyester.  Port covers prevent dust, dirt, and debris from getting into the iPad’s jacks and ports.  Defender Series will be coming soon for the 11″Pad Pro ($89.95) and the 3rd-gen 12.9″ Pad Pro ($129.95).  Sign up on the Otterbox product pages to be notified when the cases are available.

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Defend your new 2018 iPad Pro with Otterbox originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on November 8, 2018 at 12:00 pm.

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