GigaOM » wireless keyboard

Video look: Brydge+ keyboard and speakers for iPad

Kevin C. Tofel — Thu, 06 Dec 2012 20:19:38 +0000

Months ago I backed the Brydge project on Kickstarter: The device is a wireless keyboard and cover for Apple’s iPad. I paid extra for the Brydge+, which includes integrated stereo Bluetooth speakers. The good news is that my keyboard arrived. The bad news is that I no longer have an iPad! Upon buying an iPad mini — a product that wasn’t even announced when I backed the Brydge project — I promptly sold my iPad 3. Is my investment a total loss? Not quite. Here’s a look at the Brydge+, which of course would work better with a full-sized iPad.

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The keyboard seems well made and pairs easily with my iPad mini. I especially like the top row of iPad-specific keys for the Home button, screen brightness, volume control and search. Key travel is quite good and I’m able to type easily on the Brydge+, even though the keys are bit more cramped than Apple’s own Bluetooth keyboard.

An aluminum Brydge without speakers costs $170 right now, while the speakers add $40. You could also go with a polycarbonite Brydge without speakers for $150. Battery life is expected to last for months, although I obviously haven’t tested that claim. I suspect that heavy use of the wireless speakers will drastically cut that time down to days.

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Sorry — a $120 keyboard won’t save RIM’s $200 PlayBook

Kevin C. Tofel — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 15:32:08 +0000

Research In Motion introduced a new wireless keyboard for its PlayBook tablet on Tuesday: The $119.99 accessory also includes a convertible case to hold both the keyboard and tablet. In a video demonstration RIM emphasizes how the keyboard, and its integrated trackpad, can boost productivity by using the hardware with a remote PC access service, such as Citrix Receiver.

As a product, I think RIM’s new keyboard is a great idea. I’ve used 7-inch slate tablets since 2006 and have routinely used wireless keyboards with all of them. For productivity apps and fast text input on a smaller screen, few solutions beat out a traditionally-styled keyboard. But I’m not in love with RIM’s implementation of this useful product.

For starters, it’s challenging to sell a $120 accessory for a $200 device — the starting price of RIM’s PlayBook line. I’m not suggesting the price isn’t worth it — I’d actually argue that it is — but it could be a tough sell. Perhaps enterprises that have invested in PlayBooks will consider these, but few consumers are likely to spend this much. Those that have a PlayBook — and there can’t be that many since RIM has only shipped around of million of them — might buy, but this keyboard isn’t likely to attract many new PlayBook customers.

And that’s the crux of the problem: RIM arguably didn’t enter the tablet game with a complete product. The PlayBook debuted nearly a year ago without a native email client and lacking support for BBM. Fast forward to today, and the device only just received a software update last month, adding apps for email, a calendar and a subset of Android apps. And now there’s a keyboard. The accessory should have debuted with the PlayBook, not nearly a year later.

As I said in my initial review, the PlayBook was great at what it can do; it’s what was missing that was the problem. It took RIM a long time to address most of the missing pieces that would make the PlayBook better, but data suggests that only the current device owners are benefiting.

Simply put: RIM’s investment in updated software and new hardware accessories isn’t likely to pull in new buyers. Even if RIM could get consumers to understand its progress with the PlayBook, I suspect many would comment, “So, essentially, you’ve mostly caught up to other tablets and still have relatively few apps.” I have to wonder at this point: Is the company just throwing good money after bad in an attempt to stay in the tablet game?

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Attach a keyboard to your iPad with Incase Origami Workstation

Charles Hamilton — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 20:00:51 +0000

I find that the iPad’s on-screen keyboard is pretty limiting if you want to get any work done. There are at least three Kickstarter projects that I know of to address this issue, but none of their products are available yet. In the meantime, there are a number of combination keyboard and cases available, but they tend to be bulky and expensive.

So the folks at Incase have come up with an inexpensive alternative for people who already have an Apple Wireless Keyboard. The Incase Origami Workstation is designed to be a case for the Apple keyboard, which opens up into a simple stand for an iPad.

The name makes this case sound like more than it is. It’s made of a thin, stiff material with a grippable rubbery surface. It’s scored to fold into a prop-up stand, and in another position, as a cover for the keyboard. Both positions are held with Velcro fasteners. It also has a plastic holder for the keyboard. In all, it only weighs a couple of ounces, but it does what it’s designed to do.

Note that this is a case for the keyboard, not for the iPad, so you’ll be carrying around your iPad and your keyboard separately. But if you already have an extra Apple Wireless Keyboard, and you don’t want to spend the extra money for a case with a built-in keyboard, you might want to give the Incase Origami Workstation a try. It retails for $29.95 and is available online and at Apple Stores.

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Establish a solid battery strategy for all your peripherals

Darrell Etherington — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 13:00:15 +0000

Batteries are decidedly evil. My desk is littered with gear that requires them, and I’d be at a loss to watch movies, control my computer and television, and use many of my Mac peripherals without them. So how can you create a plan that will ensure you’re always ready when you need some juice?

I first thought I could get by using just my Apple battery charger and the batteries that come with it, but that proved woefully inadequate. For one thing, the Apple charger is quite particular about its charging, and often you’ll come back to find a flashing amber light, indicating that the charge wasn’t successful for some reason. For another, those Apple batteries don’t keep their charge long, so there’s no use preparing backups.

So to ensure my Apple Wireless Keyboards, Trackpads, Mighty Mice and third-party peripherals always have power at the ready, I’ve created the following three-point plan:

1. Too many batteries is impossible

I always seem to think I have enough batteries to satisfy all my needs, and then I end up needing more. Obviously, don’t go crazy, but always try to have at least four more batteries on hand than you have actual need of for devices. I’m primarily talking about rechargeable, NiMH batteries, but it never hurts to have a supply of alkalines for backup, too, in case you get caught between charging cycles.

2. Low self-discharge is your best friend

People who may have ditched rechargeable batteries years ago because of the headaches of cycling, battery memory, and batteries that rapidly lose charge have a good reason to come back. Low self-discharge batteries are now available, which can retain up to 85 percent of their charge for up to a year. They also often come pre-charged, so you can use them right away, and newer batteries don’t have the same problem with charge memory as their predecessors.

My personal recommendation for good low self-discharge batteries are the Powerex Imedion variety. They carry a high-capacity compared to most (2400mah) and should be longer-lasting in digital devices like cameras and computer peripherals.

3. Two chargers is better than one

Getting a good battery charger will always help you keep thing properly powered up. Again, Powerex is a good, dependable brand in my experience. Their chargers are a little more expensive than most, but they provide a wealth of customizable options so that you can extend the life of your batteries and save money in the long run. The WizardOne is a good place to start, providing four charging slots for either AA or AAA NiMH batteries, with a backlit panel that lets you select charge/discharge rates and perform advanced tasks like complete battery cycling and break-ins for new batteries.

But in addition to a good charger, I also have a bad one. The Duracell 15 Minute Charger actually does what it claims to, but it makes a lot of noise and gets quite hot. Note, however, that frequent use will degrade the quality and life of your batteries (hence the “bad” descriptor), which is why I use the Duracell for emergencies only (like when my keyboard dies and I’m on a tight deadline).

Batteries are probably the biggest limiting factor when it comes to the enjoyment of consumer electronics, which is why having a good battery plan in place is crucial for gadget-lovers. Now that I’ve shared mine, do you have any other suggestions to add?

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