Apple's new keyboards: thin, wired/wireless
updated 04:00 pm EDT, Tue August 7, 2007
New Mac keyboards
The ultra-thin keyboard accompanying Apple's new iMacs is also available for purchase separately, as is the new Bluetooth wireless keyboard that offers a similarly thin form factor, but lacks the full size and two USB 2.0 ports of its wired cousin. Both keyboards are about .33" thick and feature a sleek anodized aluminum enclosure. They also both feature labeled function keys that control Expose, Dashboard, volume and can play/pause, fast-forward or rewind media. The wired keyboard requires a Mac with an available USB 1.1 or USB 2.0 port, Mac OS X v10.4.10 or later and a Keyboard software update. It's priced at $50. The wireless keyboard requires a Mac with Bluetooth, Mac OS X v10.4.10 or later, the Keyboard software update, and existing keyboard and mouse for initial setup and three AA batteries (included). It's priced at $79. Both new models are available from the online Apple Store.
Where is Trackpad?
08/07, 04:13pm reply
The wireless is so nice. However, I would really like to my desktop motions to be like my laptop motions. A replica laptop wireless keyboard for the desktop would be so nice. Just got an attempt by Adesso yesterday, but it falls short with skimpiness and clicky keys. Come on design guys and gals.
starwarrior
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Mar 2006
Wireless - no number pad?
08/07, 04:52pm reply
Wait... So the wireless keyboard lacks a numeric keypad? What's the point of that?
Why not just re-introduce the hockey-puck mouse? Ack!
From the online store, it at least appears the MacPro still ships with a real keyboard (or real wireless keyboard). I fear this is another example of Apple's style over substance.
mitchcohen
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2005
Trackpad
08/07, 05:21pm reply
I want a wireless keyboard with the notebook's trackpad...
nhmlco
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Mar 2007
Nice!!!
08/07, 07:06pm reply
I actually have a pretty small desk space, and would prefer a) no wires ... and b) drop the numeric keypad . . . for us, that's an added bonus space-wise.
GO APPLE!!! GO WIRELESS KEYBOARD!!! GO iMAC!!!
JEB
Junior Member
Joined: May 2001
hmmm....
08/07, 09:47pm reply
I wouldn't mind the bluetooth one, but what the h***... no number keypad on it? What is Apple smoking? I guess i'll wait for the 'revision' in 6 months...
FastAMX79
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Sep 2000
Wireless
08/07, 10:50pm reply
The reason the wireless keyboard has no numeric keypad is the same reason my PowerBook doesn't have one, ease of use while typing on your lap. Pretty logical really. Who knows, maybe Apple will release a bluetooth keypad, that would be kinda cool too.
Roehlstation
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
JulesLt
08/08, 08:44am reply
I mean, I find myself using the numeric keypad all the time. Oh wait, I don't.
But yeah, both options might have been a nice idea for the few who do, and a trackpad would have been nice (what's the point of having a keyboard in your lap if you have to take your hands away to go for your mouse).
JulesLt
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jul 2005
wireless
08/08, 09:17am reply
I mean, I find myself using the numeric keypad all the time. Oh wait, I don't.
Just because you don't doesn't mean a lot of people don't.
But yeah, both options might have been a nice idea for the few who do, and a trackpad would have been nice (what's the point of having a keyboard in your lap if you have to take your hands away to go for your mouse).
And, also, for some, the point of a wireless keyboard is to use in your lap. For others, its the convenience of not being wired to your computer or monitor (easier to place/move). But, if you're going to make a keyboard modeled after your laptop keyboard, a trackpad seems like an obvious inclusion. Maybe they feared people would whine it was too big/fat (although, h***, apple could make one that swings out from the bottom, so you could use it if you want, hide it if you don't).
testudo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
hey
08/08, 09:18am reply
What do you think the chances are they made this to work with the AppleTV in the future (although they would really need to license my patented swing-out trackpad feature).
testudo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
re Juleslt
08/08, 10:33am reply
(what's the point of having a keyboard in your lap if you have to take your hands away to go for your mouse)
It isn't about not taking your hands off it is about having the keyboard centered on your lap...
BTW: You can use a computer without a mouse.
Roehlstation
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001