I'm in for the wireless 10-key pad.

...was high on my option wishlist for any new keyboards...

Personally, I've seen no real need for wireless keyboards period. I've had one in the past and just wondered...why do I even need this KB sitting 4 inches away from my iMac to be wireless?

This story has two major mistakes. the first is that the smaller keyboard is not an option, it's the default! That's why this is a story - if you just order an iMac, you will get the smaller keyboard. The "keyboard with number pad" is the option.

I wonder how many people are going to be surprised when they open their new iMac and get the dwarf keyboard? Will the Apple Store carry both pre-boxed and ask people which one they want? Will Amazon carry both and make a distinction? I think it's a real possibility the full-size keyboard is now only build-to-order (I'll have to check in my Apple Store).

The second mistake in the story, of course, is there is no extra charge for the full-size keyboard.

Looks like the story has been updated and changed (or I'm going crazy). It still says the smaller keyboard is a "cheaper option," which makes no sense (though I guess it's cheaper for Apple to make).

"There's no excuse for not having a numeric keypad on the 17" MBP"

So true ... I'd be willing to pay $100-200 for this if it was an option.

It's a nice OPTION to get a smaller keyboard, but I'd be willing to bet that most people would rather have a keyboard with a number pad. Make this limited function keyboard an option, not the default.

And yes, you can get the full sized unit, but that's a build to order option, so it's doubtful that many stores will be stocking that as a choice.

It's a nice OPTION to get a smaller keyboard, but I'd be willing to bet that most people would rather have a keyboard with a number pad. Make this limited function keyboard an option, not the default.

And yes, you can get the full sized unit, but that's a build to order option, so it's doubtful that many stores will be stocking that as a choice.

What I want is a wireless extended keyboard. They give us a wired non-extended keyboard. Brilliant!

Also, who would want a smaller keyboard for the same price by default? I get some people might want to save space, but the full-size keyboard should be the default.

If I have room for a minimum screen size of 24", I sure as heck have room for a normal size keyboard and mouse. Glad they made it an option instead of just removing it and forcing that on us which is more typical of Apple. I completely agree, all Apple keyboards and mice have been bad since Jobs came back. Maybe the chicklets are a bit better than the "getting stuck together key" white keyboards that preceded them. I always buy 3rd party. Too bad I can't walk into many stores to try keyboards and mice though.

The puck mouse hurt and got disoriented. The mighty mouse is awful with interpreting my picking it up to move it as a squeeze, the nipplish mouse wheel makes me think I'm... well...

I think Apple likes to play social experiments over and over and then fixes them like removing discrete graphics power and returning it in the mini or like new coke and back to classic coke. It's a stupid exercise of form over function and then they sometimes return the function.

I see the major issue being that if you would like a full size keyboard you have to order it from apple. This a sneaky way of pushing away resellers and keep all the profits for yourself. Great strategy in terms of apples business model (great for stockholders) bad for consumer choice.

I've been having my dad wait until the new iMacs came out before replacing his aging eMac. I when introduced yesterday I took a look at the specs of the 24 inch and gave my nod to my dad to go ahead and get it. I never even thought to look at the keyboard so now he's stuck with it; I caught on too late to cancel the order (fast processing at Apple). Seriously, who things to check something like that out. I have the previous revision iMac so I have the full keyboard, why would anyone think, "oh, I better check out the keyboard to make sure it's a full keyboard. I applaud Apple for offering the full as a BTO for the same price, but I think they should have done this the other way around, ie full sized keyboard with a BTO for the compact. My dad does all his home accounting in excel and needs the 10 key. He'll probably end up keeping the eMac Keyboard now, which kinda sucks, I mean you get a brand new computer and don't want to use the keyboard. Apple's mouses have always been one of those things you just know to replace - although somewhat less-so with the mighty mouse - but Apple's keyboards have been generally well accepted, I even like my flat full sized aluminum keyboard. On the upside, since there's really no choice except the return the whole computer, I'll get to see and maybe play with the compact keyboard. I'm feeling a little guilty as I gave the go ahead to my folks.

Dumb move. Numeric keypads make for more efficient data entry. Why can't Apple figure out things like 2 button mice aren't the devil- and neither is the numeric keypad?
Why did it take over a year to search contacts on the iPhone?
Is there actual usability testing at Apple anymore?

Couple points: first the article is correct if you understand it in the context of shopping for a keyboard from Apple. The new one is cheaper that the old price.

Having said that we're all interested in this topic because of the bundling with the iMac. In that context the new keyboard is not the default that you have (if you BTO) the option to replace for free.

I think it's a nice that Apple introduced this new, smaller keyboard. A large number of home (and even office) users virtually never use the keypad or those 6 keys above the arrow keys. For them, those keys are just extra space between their hands and the mouse. The option to eliminate that space is good.

So -- what happens when you're in the store and want the the wired one with the number pad? Do they open the box and swap it out for you on the spot? Special boxes for each?

I find this a very good move, when I do need to use a numeric keypad I'd rather have it on the left of the keyboard,
where it belongs;) anyway. I've long used a separate USB keypad anyway. It's out of the way when not needed, and right where I want it when I do. It'd be kind of nice if Apple wold offer a matching aluminum keypad though.