Brydge pledges to turn iPads into MacBooks Tablet naysayers will - not unreasonably - claim that adding a keyboard to a fondleslab only goes to show how much better laptops are in the first place. Brydge's Brydge iPad keyboard kit But that didn't stop Asus offering just such an add-on for its Transformer line of tablets - just for you, iPad naysayers - and now here's …
1) It doesn't duplicate an Apple product. In fact Tim Cook categorically said he has no plans to make an iPad/laptop hybrid. So they're not in the firing line for now.
2) Lots of people produce laptops that completely rip off the macbook keyboard area layout-look at the last HP Envy 15! Apple clearly are focusing on their primary targets: Samsung and Android.
I think as long as this just adds to the reasons to buy Apple they won't mind.
..wasn't it a falling apple product of some sorts that inspired Newton (in folklore at least) - perhaps it was an Apple Newton!
I wonder when Apple will use this connection to try an patent gravity. Then they will rightfully be able to claim to be the suckiest company in the world.
A keyboard also requires a pointing device close to hand; a mouse, trackpad or nipple. It's just not acceptable to expect to point around the screen whilst, say, editing a document. One's hands are rested on the keyboard; the screen is up in the air; pointing at it is very difficult from this angle, and damn uncomfortable as well. That's why I'm using a mouse as I slide my hand from the keyboard to the mouse.
Alas iOS (and Android) doesn't support pointing devices so this is at best only a half-solution.
Ironically Windows 8 may fare better in this respect as it's more Windows than Tablet OS. Of course Windows 8 doesn't yet exist, nor will it ever run on an iPad.
"...(and Android)...) There's a fully working trackpad on my Asus Transformer.
If the patent lawyers can argue rounded corners successfully then this gadget is going to be easy prey for them. I wouldn't want to be in their shoes when Apple and Asus lawyers gang up on them.
Pity though, I rather like tablets with docking keyboards, the Asus is excellent, I'm waiting for a detachable touchscreen equipped ZenBook as the Windows 8 machine of choice.
I don't see the merits in this "accessory" at all, I have both an Apple and a Samsung fondleslab and I get along with them just fine without the urge to turn them into wannabe laptops.
I also have a desktop and laptop, which a fruit co. branded 13 inch of the aluminium variety and should I need to embark on anything that requires a lot of typing/editing, I use these opposed to the often tedious task of using Office-esque Apps on the tablets.
Looks like Crux beat Brydge to it with the CruxLoaded.
http://cruxcase.com/products/crux-loaded-2/
It has both a trackpad and I believe the software also provides a cursor on the iPad's display. Still only in development and $250, but they are apparently taking orders.
Also, I doubt Apple would sue either of these companies, as long as they do not employ the Apple logo or claim any such endorsement.
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