A few weeks ago I wrote about how I was “preparing the way,” getting ready to give my iPad Pro to a family member who is in dire need of a technology hardware (and software) upgrade. By doing this I am simultaneously “preparing the way” for me to upgrade to a brand new iPad Pro. That preparation took a big step this past week. I’ve purchased a really nice keyboard so that my family member has the best experience when they need to use the iPad Pro for the purposes they are in need of it. I’m actually writing this post with that keyboard. I wanted to be able to give this family member intimate knowledge of the tool they are getting ready to inherit. The name of the keyboard is the Brydge 12.9 Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard for 12.9 inch iPad Pro. I’ve been messing around with this keyboard for a few days and thought I would use this space to give my first impressions.

How it feels/what it looks like...

The first thing I noticed when taking it out of the box is that its aluminum body is heavy. This keyboard is no toy by any stretch of the imagination. It is not so heavy that my family member will not be able to handle it. Heavy enough to know “it’s there.” When the iPad Pro is attached to the keyboard it looks very much like a MacBook Pro.

The second thing I noticed was how sturdy the iPad Pro feels when connected. The hinges are super tight yet adjustable if needed. I can actually lift the iPad Pro off the table and it not slip out of the keyboard.

It has a lot of functionality...

Getting the keyboard paired with the iPad Pro was not too terribly difficult. I wrote notes down so I can explain this process to my family member should they need to do so after I’ve given it to them. The keyboard comes with a very easy to read (and understandable) user manual including a picture that shows what all of the keys on the keyboard do. There is so functionality on this keyboard. My family member will never use all of it. One cool thing I’m looking forward to is getting this person acclimated to the keyboard one step at a time. I plan on helping this person with the basics first then showing them some of the more advanced functions, including the 10+ Keyboard Shortcuts. Another thing I intend to show this person is how to use Siri as the keyboard comes with a dedicated Siri button.

The typing experience is amazing...

The typing experience on this keyboard is amazing. The “travel” feels really good. It doesn’t make a lot of noise while typing...which my family member will be happy about. The keys are backlit which will help my family member if and when they find themselves in a room that does not have a lot of light.

I think my family member is going to love the experience...

When it’s all said and done and my family member gets this iPad Pro with the Brydge 12.9 Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard they are going to LOVE it! It will propel them into the 21st century, they will be able to get all of the “work” they need to do done on a daily basis, and they will be able to have fun using it to, among other things, read and play games. I am very excited to bring this family member into the Apple ecosystem!!