Despite the iPad's control on the tablet market, and the latest version's record sales during it first weekend since launch, some users feel that a lack of a real keyboard hampers productivity. Tim Cook didn't approve of Microsoft's strategy to put Windows 8 on tablets and laptops, though other iPad owners have different ideas: the Brydge keyboard for the iPad almost turns the device into a MacBook Air.

"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," the company explained on Kickstarter.

The Brydge has an aluminum body that matches the look and feel of the new iPad. The result is a keyboard that blends functionality and style, and doesn't "fake it" as compared to other plastic keyboards.

The keyboard also brings an ultrabook design to the iPad, as the 180 degrees of rotation means it's not fixed in one position and can fold up and be carried. Like the iPad's Smart Cover, the iPad and Brydge keyboard go to sleep automatically when closed. Brydge also includes magnets, so the keyboard locks on and pulls away without a case.

For users who want to pay more, the keyboard includes a built-in stereo speaker.

Brydge connects with the iPad via bluetooth, and charges through USB. Since the keyboard was designed specifically for the iPad, it includes iPad functions.

The makers have also detailed the funding needed to manufacture the product: $5,000 is for bluetooth customization, $10,000 is for the die cost for the custom clamp design; $20,000 is needed for the mold and tooling cost of the custom keyboard; and $30,000 is for the mold design and tooling cost for the over molding clamp.

Some of the tiers are $150 for Brydge without keyboards, with an extra $20 of shipping for Canada and $35 for international countries. $210 gets the keyboard with speakers, while $1,000 gets a gold version of the Brydge made out of San Francisco Gold with the backer's name etched on the keyboard. More tiers can be found on Kickstarter.

The designers are looking for $90,000 to produce the product in bulk and, with 39 days to go, are at just over $70,000.

(reported by Jonathan Charles, edited by Surojit Chatterjee)