Transform an iPad into a MacBook Air with ‘Brydge’

According to rumours, the MacBook Air will phase in as the MacBook Pro is effectively killed off. There’s no better time then for an iPad which morphs into a MacBook Air, care of this dazzlingly innovative Kickstarter.com project named “The Brydge“.

The description on Kickstarter.com sounds promising.

Brydge is an elegant solution to the lack of quality iPad keyboards and accessories currently on the market. Made from aerospace-grade aluminum, with optional stereo speakers, Brydge connects to your iPad using a patent-pending hinge. This click-in hinge allows for close to 180 degrees of iPad positioning and holds your iPad secure.

Going by the pictures alone, Brydge creates an accurate MacBook Air clone out of an iPad. It’s a Bluetooth keyboard essentially,  “matched precisely” to the look and feel of an iPad. We love the part about how the Brydge offers “quality craftsmanship Apple lovers demand,” and man, do those fanboys (including ourselves) demand perfection.

The price is pretty spot on for an Apple product. US$150 gets the user a Brydge minus speakers. Add in an extra US$30 and behold, stereo speakers plus a keyboard.

The “shake test” video diminishes any doubts regarding the hinge quality of the Brydge.

The keyboard has various “iPad functions” built into it, such as a built in MicroUSB dock for charging. And yes, the iPad and Brydge will sleep when the “laptop” is closed. Brydge weighs in at just under 0.6Kg, so it shouldn’t add too much weight when combined with your trusty tablet. Overall, this seems like an excellent idea and with the project pretty much funded at US$72 294 of its US$90 000 goal, Brydge may become the overwhelming success it’s creators think it could be.