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Apple intros wired keyboard without numeric keypad

updated 01:45 pm EST, Tue March 3, 2009

New Apple wired keyboard

Complementing Apple's new desktops is a new wired keyboard option. Simply called the Apple Keyboard, the device is a cheaper alternative to the existing wired model; gone is the numeric keypad, which does however provide the benefit of a smaller size. The design is modeled after Apple's aluminum wireless keyboard, which has always omitted the keypad.

The new keyboard requires Mac OS X 10.5.6, and additionally sports two USB 2.0 ports for peripherals such as mice and iPods. It costs $49 as a separate purchase, but is now the default bundle for Apple's updated iMacs. Keyboards with numeric pads remain available as optional upgrades.

by MacNN Staff

(39)

TAGS :

peripherals, keyboards, Apple

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beb
Mac Elite

Joined: Jan 2002

0

03/03, 01:56pm | report spam | close Reply |
iPod wheel

Here we come...

Ashari
Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Nov 2003

+21

03/03, 02:05pm | report spam | (1 reply) close Reply |
Wrong way!

I want the wireless keyboard WITH the numeric pad!

jondesu
Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: May 2008

+13

03/03, 02:31pm | report spam | close Reply |
Mistake

It's not a cheaper alternative to the keyboard with numeric keypad. It's the exact same price, and you can get either one standard with a new machine.

That may change, but for now it's the article that needs to change.

ibugv4
Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Jun 2003

-3

03/03, 02:39pm | report spam | (1 reply) close Reply |
"Just so we're clear"

Apple is reinforcing that they are not a brand for business, which requires a numberpad.

vasic
Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: May 2005

0

03/03, 03:08pm | report spam | close Reply |
Just so we're clear

Apple is slowly preparing for enterprise with these keyboards.

Try to shoehorn a large keyboard into a server rack. Finally an Apple keyboard that fits anywhere...

vasic
Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: May 2005

-7

03/03, 03:09pm | report spam | close Reply |
Just so we're clear

Apple is slowly preparing for enterprise with these keyboards.

Try to shoehorn a large keyboard into a server rack. Finally an Apple keyboard that fits anywhere...

rytc
Senior User

Joined: Jan 2001

+2

03/03, 03:10pm | report spam | (1 reply) close Reply |
Both

are available for the same price - choose which one you want, what;s the problem?

WiseWeasel
Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Apr 1999

-1

03/03, 03:11pm | report spam | (5 replies) close Reply |
WTF

Just when you thought Apple couldn't possibly make a worse keyboard, they had to go and release something like this. Apple should fire whoever is in charge of designing all their keyboards over there, as with the exception of the 13" and new 15" MacBooks and MBPs, they're all c***. There's no excuse for not having a numeric keypad on the 17" MBP, for example, they have yet to give us a full size keyboard with properly sized F keys, spaced far enough away from the other keys, and would it kill them to bring back the power button on the keyboard? As far as I'm concerned, Apple seems to have been very busy crapifying their keyboards for the last decade. Thankfully, there are still some 3rd parties around that make usable full size keyboards for Macs.

vasic
Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: May 2005

+1

03/03, 03:20pm | report spam | (2 replies) close Reply |
to WiseWeasel

WTF??? From what planet are you??? Every review we've seen so far (including anti-Apple PC magazines, ZD-Net, Wired and others) has consistently rated the new "chiklet" keyboards superior to old, plastic-cap long-travel models. Everyone who objectively tried and tested these confirms that they are faster and more accurate on them.

I don't understand why is everyone interpreting the introduction of the keypad-less keyboard as an upgrade/replacement to the existing long keyboard. The keyboard will fill the need (of many) for a numeric pad -free keyboard where cramped spaces don't allow full size.

If you look at the default choices, when ordering Macs at apple.com, the long keyboard is still the default option for Mac Pro, whereas the short one is default on the iMac line. Of course, you can change this at no charge; you can also choose among English, French, Spanish and Japanese models (no extra charge), both short or long versions.

Can anyone again explain to me, why is the introduction of a shortened model (i.e. expansion of choice) so terrible? Most of the time, whiners whine about the lack of choice. It would be great if they could make up their mind about choice. Yes or no?

vasic
Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: May 2005

-8

03/03, 03:21pm | report spam | close Reply |
to WiseWeasel

WTF??? From what planet are you??? Every review we've seen so far (including anti-Apple PC magazines, ZD-Net, Wired and others) has consistently rated the new "chiklet" keyboards superior to old, plastic-cap long-travel models. Everyone who objectively tried and tested these confirms that they are faster and more accurate on them.

I don't understand why is everyone interpreting the introduction of the keypad-less keyboard as an upgrade/replacement to the existing long keyboard. The keyboard will fill the need (of many) for a numeric pad -free keyboard where cramped spaces don't allow full size.

If you look at the default choices, when ordering Macs at apple.com, the long keyboard is still the default option for Mac Pro, whereas the short one is default on the iMac line. Of course, you can change this at no charge; you can also choose among English, French, Spanish and Japanese models (no extra charge), both short or long versions.

Can anyone again explain to me, why is the introduction of a shortened model (i.e. expansion of choice) so terrible? Most of the time, whiners whine about the lack of choice. It would be great if they could make up their mind about choice. Yes or no?

dmsimmer
Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Feb 2005

+3

03/03, 03:57pm | report spam | close Reply |
I'll complain

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

bobolicious
Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Aug 2002

+5

03/03, 04:04pm | report spam | (1 reply) close Reply |
Backlighting...

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

Roehlstation
Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Aug 2001

0

03/03, 04:06pm | report spam | close Reply |
Wireless 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?

elroth
Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Jul 2006

+6

03/03, 05:01pm | report spam | close Reply |
bad story

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.

elroth
Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Jul 2006

+5

03/03, 05:05pm | report spam | close Reply |
bad story 2

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).

ff11
Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Apr 2004

+3

03/03, 05:17pm | report spam | (1 reply) close Reply |
numeric keypad

"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.

bjojade
Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Jun 2007

+2

03/03, 06:01pm | report spam | close Reply |
Nice keyboard

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.

bjojade
Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Jun 2007

-2

03/03, 06:01pm | report spam | close Reply |
Nice keyboard

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.

njfuzzy
Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Apr 2001

+6

03/03, 06:50pm | report spam | close Reply |
Exactly backwards...

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.

JackWebb
Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Aug 2007

+1

03/03, 08:57pm | report spam | (1 reply) close Reply |
Stop playing around

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.

circus
Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Sep 2008

+3

03/03, 09:25pm | report spam | close Reply |
Build to order

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.

slider
Mac Elite

Joined: Oct 1999

0

03/04, 06:56am | report spam | close Reply |
Nuts

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.

David Esrati
Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Jun 1999

0

03/04, 10:23am | report spam | close Reply |
dumb

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?

malax
Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Aug 2006

-1

03/04, 10:54am | report spam | close Reply |
Nice option

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.

JNGowan
Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Feb 2009

+2

03/04, 04:11pm | report spam | close Reply |
What if�?

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?

Ned C
Fresh-Faced Recruit

Joined: Sep 2006

0

03/07, 11:12pm | report spam | close Reply |
As a lefty...

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.

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Apple intros wired keyboard without numeric keypad

updated 01:45 pm EST, Tue March 3, 2009

New Apple wired keyboard

iPod wheel

Wrong way!

Mistake

"Just so we're clear"

Just so we're clear

Just so we're clear

Both

WTF

to WiseWeasel

to WiseWeasel

I'll complain

Backlighting...

Wireless Keyboards...

bad story

bad story 2

numeric keypad

Nice keyboard

Nice keyboard

Exactly backwards...

Stop playing around

Build to order

Nuts

dumb

Nice option

What if�?

As a lefty...

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Apple intros wired keyboard without numeric keypad

updated 01:45 pm EST, Tue March 3, 2009

New Apple wired keyboard

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bad story

bad story 2

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Nice keyboard

Nice keyboard

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dumb

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