2 Kickstarter projects that will turn your iPad Pro into a laptop

CROWDFUNDING NEWS – Have you made the leap from using a laptop or desktop computer to just using a tablet like the iPad Pro? I think about making this leap quite often, but the keyboard cases for the iPad Pro have one feature that’s been missing until now – a trackpad. Yes, I know that the iPad Pro is a touch screen device, but for someone like me who is accustomed to using a MacBook or other laptop, a trackpad is a must.

Now that Apple has loosened up its grip on adding laptop-like features to the iPad and have added mouse support, we’ll be seeing a lot more keyboards that have built-in trackpads, and some of the first such devices are showing up on Kickstarter right now. Take a look.

DoBox Pro – Turn your iPad into a laptop

What is it?

The DoBox Pro is a backlit keyboard docking station for the iPad Pro (either size) which has a built-in trackpad and extra ports like a headphone jack, USB 3.0, microSD card reader, and HDMI.

Why do I like it?

I like the DoBox Pro because it adds enough functionality to the iPad Pro that I could use it as my primary computing device when I’m at a desk. It’s not quite as convenient as a keyboard case, but it’s close.

Where can I find more info?

The DoBox Pro campaign ends on 10/25/19 and they have already met their funding goal of $20,000. You can pre-order a DoBox Pro starting at $119. After the DoBox Pro campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in April 2020. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

Libra, Turns Your iPad Pro into a MacBook

What is it?

Libra is a backlit Bluetooth keyboard for the 11 or 12.9 inch iPad Pro that has scissor-switch keys and a built-in trackpad to provide a MacBook-like experience.

Why do I like it?

I like the Libra iPad Pro keyboard for the same reason that I like the Dobox keyboard. It has a built-in touchpad that can really elevate the usability of an iPad Pro when you want to get real work done as quickly and easily as possible.

Where can I find more info?

The Libra campaign ends on 11/08/19 they are way past their funding goal of $10,000. You can pre-order a Libra starting at $109. After the Libra campaign ends, rewards are estimated to start shipping in January 2020. Visit their Kickstarter page for all the details.

What do you all think? Are laptop and desktop days numbered?

Update 10/11/19

The people who make the popular Brydge keyboards for the iPad Pro sent me an email with the following info:

Hi Julie,

We are writing to keep you abreast of the latest news regarding the Libra Keyboard by Sentis. Below you will find our official press release.

In addition, here is the link to the official suit which details everything.

As you can imagine, we take our intellectual property very seriously and will take the appropriate action to ensure this is protected.

Please let us know if you need any further information at this stage.

You can view the official release on our page here: Press Release: Brydge Files Lawsuit Against Sentis’ Libra Keyboard For Patent Infringement

All the best,

Morgan Miller

Marketing Coordinator, Brydge