The new keyboards!

gphillipk · #1 September 12th, 2007, 05:34 PM

In one swift vicious move Apple has managed to make my old Bluetooth keyboard look clunky! In case there're p'ple who've not had a peek @ these beauties: http://www.apple.com/keyboard/
I've used the old BT keyboard for about 1.5 yrs and I find the keys slightly too soft. For those of you in possession of one the new keyboards, please give some feedback on how they feel. I'm sure we'd all appreciate it.

nixgeek · #2 September 12th, 2007, 06:22 PM

Personally, I wish they hadn't castrated the BT version of the new keyboard. You end up paying more for less functionality. I use the extra keys a lot, so I'm basically relegated to the wired one whether I like it or not...although I don't even like that one either. I'm not quite sold on the design, but I have to check it out to see what it feels like.

Still, this wouldn't match with my white iMac G5 so I would probably try and find the previous iteration of the BT keyboard (which is what I have now).

Lt Major Burns · #3 September 12th, 2007, 07:01 PM

it's actually remarkably well thought out. it takes courage for a designer to omit something that people use, you have to weigh in the benefits of removing it.

people who use bluetooth keyboards are often people who use it on their laps. the keypad shifts the centre of the typing area off to the left, meaning it's over the left thigh, unstable. removing the keypad shifts it back into stability.

it's for the same reason gamers will never trust wireless mice. the cord is for pro's, wireless for show-off consumers.

eric2006 · #4 September 12th, 2007, 07:25 PM

I tried the wired one in the store, and it felt faster to me than the previous generation. I don't like typing on the MacBook keyboard, but for some reason, I liked the new keyboard over my old one. It probably has something to do with it being at an angle, the screen being higher, and not sunken.
I prefer the wired one because I have a keyboard tray, and a USB hub is invaluable when I'm hooking up to my PowerBook.

Mario8672 · #5 September 12th, 2007, 07:38 PM

I'm picking up the wired one this Friday, I'll give you my detailed input when it's here.

nixgeek · #6 September 12th, 2007, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lt Major Burns

it's actually remarkably well thought out. it takes courage for a designer to omit something that people use, you have to weigh in the benefits of removing it.

people who use bluetooth keyboards are often people who use it on their laps. the keypad shifts the centre of the typing area off to the left, meaning it's over the left thigh, unstable. removing the keypad shifts it back into stability.

it's for the same reason gamers will never trust wireless mice. the cord is for pro's, wireless for show-off consumers.

Meh. I'll keep my current Apple BT keyboard. I like having the extra keys and still being able to move it around wherever I want.

The feel isn't phenomenal but better than some of Apple's previous USB keyboards.

**ScottW** · #7 September 12th, 2007, 10:14 PM

I love the new keyboard. I think the small BT one is great, but I do agree, an extended BT keyboard she be available. I went from an Apple BT keyboard to a wired one and while I love the new keyboard, I has a stink'n wire.

I never use the USB ports on the keyboard, because I use a non-apple wireless mouse.

Mario8672 · #8 September 14th, 2007, 05:59 PM

Like I said, I've just gotten the new wired aluminum keyboard. I must say, it's amazing! It really feels like a MacBook keyboard. It sits extremely low, which is really nice on the wrists, and it looks great. As far as basic keyboards go, this one gets a 10/10 easily. I couldn't find a single flaw with it.