The
rumored pictures seemed plausible enough, and now
Apple has confirmed the hopes / fears of typists the world over: there's a new desktop keyboard (er, two actually) in town. The new keyboards (one larger wired USB 2.0 edition with two USB 2.0 ports, one smaller Bluetooth 2.0 flavor) are crafted from anodized aluminum, and include dedicated keys for screen dimmer / brighter, expose, media controls, volume controls, and eject for optical drive. Clearly, they're making an obvious play to capture that good will the
MacBook has garnered for its interesting spacing and flat keys, but it remains to be seen if such a laptop-ish
keyboard can keep up with the more tactile big boys on the desktop frontier. But hey, with that much sexy, we're willing to find out. Click on for a few more glimpses, and just in case you were wondering, it's $49 for the tethered one, or $79 to go cordless.
posted Aug 7th 2007 12:40PM
hey sexy!
Completely loving the look. Keyboards with laptop-styled keyboards have proven they can hold their own (diNovo anyone?)- Apple's take just adds extra sexy.
I have a diNovo, or rather, have had 4 diNovos. They all broke, none lasting more than 6 months of light duty typing. Pretty insulting for a $200 (now $150) keyboard set. Makes me wonder how these Mac boards will work.
Also had a DiNovo, and had the same issue with the keyboard. It sucks. I will pick up a BT Apple Keyboard ASAP, to use on my Ubuntu.
I don't like the new keyboard. The brushed aluminum is nice to look at, but that is about it. Laptop keyboards don't have nice tactile feedback, and the keyboard is not ergonomic at all. This keyboard is just like the puck mouse, pretty, and pretty impractical.
thank jeebis they did away with the separate num pad that was in the earlier shots...spacing was atrocious...
I'm a big fan of the MacAlly IceKey. I wonder how the feel of this will compare on the longterm.
Me too -- I've been using an IceKey for years. For those that don't know it, it's basically a laptop keyboard (with scissor-action mechanism) in a desktop housing, much like the new Apple keyboards. It has a crisp, responsive feel, and it's the best keyboard I've ever used. If the new Apple models had a full-size wireless version, I'd consider trying one out, but it looks like I'll stick with the (wired) IceKey for now.
I am going to be honest here, the MacAlley keyboards are terrible. I have used several and they all have the same problems: Poor tactile response, chronic failure to respond.
i think it's fucking sexy.
arrow keys under the shift key... wtf? this is slightly different than what we saw on the web...
What happened to the number pad?! Think I'll stick to my current Apple keyboard...
You are not conforming properly!
yeah... boo on the no number keypad :(
If you look at the one side view photo, you'll see a wired full-width desktop keyboard. The very same one that made the recent rumor rounds.
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/2007/08/dsc_1319.jpg
Phew! You're right. That's for pointing that out!!
*reclaims your Mock Turtleneck and Beret* No more swaggering for you, sir.
RIP, "Open Apple" key :(
looks like someone fired their ergonomic engineer...
looks like someone fired their ergonomic engineer...
Echo
Echo
Apple never had ergonomic engineers, all of their peripherals suck. Puck mouse anyone?
damn live event, look what you made me do. A dreaded double post. I'll be the ridicule of blog addicts everywhere.....
Look everybody no apple logo on the command key.
You can clearly see that Apple is trying to cut corners in the manufacturing process by using overstocked macbook keyboards...
The lack of a dedicated number pad may be due to the different sizes of wired/bluetooth keyboards; perhaps we're seeing the bluetooth version here.
Something is a little iffy here. The main profile shot of the keyboard shows the arrow keys at the very right. Yet, the comparison image of the thickness of the two keyboards show a long button at the far right, possibly the 2nd Enter key. I've heard things that the wireless version will do without the number keypads on the right while the wired ones retain them. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Bah, looks like I'm 5 minutes behind everyone. Noticed everyone else was quicker than me. Sorry!
Wow...something that is finally better looking than Hillary Clinton.
Seriously, this keyboard looks like a piece of crap. But then again it is an Apple. Let's hope that it is at least functional. Which you can't say for the majority of Apple's products.
Good lord JS what on earth are you on about....with MacBooks on short supply outside of Apple themselves (i.e resellers are struggling to get certain models) I doubt very much that they are using 'overstocked' MacBook Keyboards. Oh and lets not forget the fact that MacBook keyboards have a very nice Apple Logo on the Command key...........no wait they must be using a specific member of the manufacturing plant team to take off that key from the overstocked MacBook ones and replace it with one sans Apple Logo...or maybe a little elf is using some kind of solvent and carefully erasing it.......
Metaphor, the more they standardize parts, the less it costs them to make products. This very well could be the same keyboard in the MacBooks. I'd wager the Apple will be departing from the MacBook CMD key before very long.
Using the same keyboard as the MacBook means they can use one assembly line to crank out the components. The ultra thin design means it's cheaper to transport and requires less storage space. It uses less materials so that makes it even cheaper.
As a stock holder, I say yippy! As a user though... I long for the old days of the ADB Apple Extended Keyboard II. I think I'll go buy a Matias Tactile Pro.
Hey Sam,
Great and constructive comments. I agree with the principle behind it I just disagreed with the point JS made. I understand that the best way forwards for Apple is to use as many same parts as is possible. That makes sense financially for them and stock holders and brings down costs for end users and hopefully makes supply easier. Could well be that the logo goes from all of the KB's and yes from a manufacturing point it makes total sense. In addition makes sense for our AASP engineers as easier for them to deal with on a repair basis (we have to replace 'one key' a lot especially on MBP's) but to replace the MacBook KB involves a whole Top Case replacement and not the individual Key which is the case on MBP's.
I am all for less costs I was just getting at the surpless comment!!!!
God you're such a hyprocrite.
"That makes sense financially for them and stock holders and brings down costs for end users and hopefully makes supply easier"
In other words, cutting corners. Last time I recall, macbooks were in stock and ships within 24 hours to 2 business days. In fact, I got my macbook a couple of weeks ago from the online Apple store and the shipment was superfast... they shipped it from warehouse at Pennsylvania.
"I am all for less costs I was just getting at the surpless comment!!!!"
God, you're such a hypocrite.
I have a mac mini hooked up to my TV and have been dreaming that they'd put out a compact bluetooth keyboard like this. I can't beleive they finally did it.
Remember when apple had new products that were about computing innovation, boy that was several years back. now it is about hip, cool and shiny -- thin (like a svelte supermodel) comes under all of these.
The wireless version has no numpad, the wired version does. Just thought I would set the record straight.
-jb
I think that the keyboard should have a "Hover Sensor" so when you fingers are over keys those keys appear on the monitor. Kinda like the iphone, but for the desktop. I am a chicken scratch typer. I have been using a keyboard for 12 years and still never learned to type. So I was thinking that if the keyboard would show what keys my fingers are hovering over or touching but not pressing that would help me keep from looking down. So image 8 boxes along the bottom of the screen, overlaid on-top of the dock and it would popup what keys have fingers over them! Or make the keyboard a touch screen like the iPhone, all smooth and buttonless!
The small bluetooth keyboard might be nice to use with a PS3, if the PS3 can communicate with it.
I second that. I'll try it out as soon as it's out - if it's affordable that is.
I hear ya -- I'd def get it if it will do double-duty between my MacBook and PS3. Please update us when you determine whether or not it's compatible.
Model M forever, bitches. If your keyboard can't kill a man by beating him over the head with it, it's not awesome enough. :)
IBM figured out that chiclet keys were unacceptable to consumers decades ago. My $3000 macbook has a TERRIBLE keyboard, acceptable only for the portability it provides and its backlighting. I would never, and I mean NEVER, put one of these new abortions on my desktop. Thank goodness for the 3rd party Mac keyboard manufacturers; you can actually get a keyboard that has full key travel, provides tactile feedback, is backlit, and provides a full complement of usable keys.
Whoever is doing the physical design of these new Mac keyboards needs to be singled out and fired. Yeah, even if its Steve. Chiclets. For crying out loud. Next they'll try to tell us that a curved face on a monitor is better for us, or replace the ethernet port with a 1200 baud modem, singing the praises of the "audible connection friendliness." ;-/
Dude. First, you spent $3000 on a macbook PRO not a macbook. Second, you are obviously a terrible shopper because that's one of the higher prices I've ever heard for a MacBook Pro. Third, you fail to realize that most people that own a MacBook LOVE the change in keyboard and are pretty psyched for this.
I love blog comments. "I've never used it but I think it SUCKS!! Screw Steve Jobs!".
melodrama has always been the blogger's horrible addiction.
What about those of us who have used the Mac Book and Mac Book Pro keyboards and still find something like a Model M, or Apple Extended II keyboard better to type on?
Does that make us melodramatic?
You can't have a wrong opinion.
His opinion as well as mine is that if it's anything like the Macbook keyboards, we'd rather not use it for something better, IN OUR OPINION.
Kudos to you for completely blasting something you a) don't own, and b) have never tried, all based on a marketing image.
Way to go!
I have to say after having spent the last 10 years using a powerbook as a day-to-day machine for typing on, i much prefer the "Chiclets" type keyboards and i can damn well type faster on them simply from the less travel on them. That said, i still love the ol' Apple Extended IIs.. got one from 1990 that i keep around with a griffin imate just incase i ever need to do some serious WP..
I hate most laptop keyboards including that on the macbook. The keys feel too small, the keyboard is too small, you name it, just doesn't feel right. The macbook pro however has an awesome keyboard for a laptop in my opinion. Took me all of two or three days to realize I couldn't use any other laptop ever again. Here's to hoping Apple never messes with it's design!!! If the new metallic keyboard resembles the one that's on the macbook pro, then I'd consider purchasing a bluetooth one for my office setup (laptop typing works better on your lap, not on a desk - again, just my opinion)
--Bill
This kind of sucks for Mac users, but it's preference I guess.
All I know is that if I ever get an iMac I'll just get a PS/2 -> USB dongle to use my Model M.
It's not like losing Capslock so I can have a control key is a big problem.
I just can't stand laptop sized keys.
I need lots of travel to touch type properly
I have a feeling that people who refer to new tech devices as 'sexy' aren't getting much real sex. Is that an accurate assumption?
OK, that's what I was thinking. Could we move beyond now and put tech devices in words that are a bit more appropriate? Thanks.
New iMacs - beautiful.
New keyboards - hideous. White keys with silver and black iMac - yuck !
OK mini one is OK-ish (but would be much more useful with a builtin in trackpad, esp for mac mini)
Logitech should jump right in with a diNovo edge for Mac OS X.
Would be great if someone from Logitech wolud read this (since no contact email link on ther website) and act.
Hahaha! Now where are all those bitches that screamed out "This Keyboard is fake!!!!1111oneone" when first pictures appeared a couple of days ago?
And by the way most said it was ugly as hell and now as it is officially announced... it is SEXY?! Why cant people stand behind their opinion?
I can't see any F keys at the top, there goes my shortcuts! Looks nice though
it certainly looks good .. but i had an ultraflat keyboard from logitech once and those low profile keys were tiresome .. looked awesome .. but really added more effort to typing ... must be something with ergonomics ...
Sure, it looks nice, actually it looks REAL nice, but for a real typist, someone who actually sits at the computer for five hours or more a day and types almost that entire time because that is their job, knows that a keyboard like this is worthing NOTHING. It's far too much like a laptop keyboard, and laptop keyboards SUCK big time. I do transcription at home and a good keyboard is absolutely essential, and keyboards like this just don't cut it. It's fine for occasional use, sure, but not for people who actually work on them. I just hope that in the future all computer manufacturers do not turn this way and start making keyboards that real typists can't use. I will fight it kicking and screaming!!!
Ugh, no number pad on the wireless? That's one the main reasons to get them if you have a laptop!
Strange how Apple returned to including a right Option key instead of an Enter key on the laptop-like Bluetooth keyboard…
As a writer/programmer who has to do a lot of typing, compared to the standard desktop keyboards from Dell, HP, etc., and even Apple's old desktopy keyboard, I find the Macbook keyboard to be very easy to type on so I'm really glad to changed their desktop keyboard to this new design. The spacing of the keys make for less errors and the responsiveness/feedback is great.
I really do think it looks great. Too bad it's not made for serious keyboard work: style wins over ergonomics again.
Someday Apple will design hardware like it designs software: for the people using it, not the people looking at it. Form does follow function. This keyboard is a poster child for RSI.
Does anybody have any idea what size these keyboards are? (thickness / width + depth) I cant seem to find any information anywhere......
Good work.
My guess is that this is probably pretty nice to type on. The front of it is so thin, that it's almost like typing directly on your desk! Or do you *like* having your wrists at 90° angles while you type?
I can't wait to try it. Then I'll bash or praise. I just wish the wired/wireless keyboards were identical. Supposedly, the wireless one is smaller so it rests in your lap better... I dunno.
Does anyone now the weight of the wireless keyboard?
The old one is heavy and if this is 50% of that I will buy the new one.
very nice - i wonder what touch typers think of it. thats the real test
Why does Apple refuse to put a delete key on their laptops (and now bluetooth) keyboards. Just printing the word "DELETE" on the backspace key doesn't cut it. And no, I am not going to learn to hit Function-Backspace to get a delete. What BS. I just ordered the old bluetooth apple keyboard to go with my new mac mini since it has all the keys a normal keyboard has. Bah.
Checked out the keyboard in person last night...I expected to hate both the look and feel, and was really surprised to find that I like both. I have not used a MacBook too much, but I'm pretty sure this keyboard has a different tactile feel. It's nice and soft without being "spongy," and gives tactile feedback without being too clicky. I found that I could type on it very quickly without making too many typos...spacing looks strange but feels very natural. My only real concern is the ergonomics...I think it would be more comfortable if I could prop it up at a greater angle.
I am in the process of "switching" and I'm very picky about keyboard feel. I greatly prefer the feel of the keys on this keyboard over the older one (tried them back-to-back last night), so I think I'll be happy with it. I just wish they made a Bluetooth version with a number pad!
GS
Only if it was PC compatiable. I would like the Bluetooth version, but idk why they didn't make it full size, I like the full size much better. oh well I'll stick with my Saitek Eclipse (backlite).
About time!!! The MacBook keyboard is the best ever - I only hope that this is half as good. Since the MacBook came out, I have been using my MacBook instead of my G5 simply because of the keyboard.
Yet another reason that Apple is consider a design star As for IBM ditching it decades ago, since when has IBM ever been know for design or ergonomic savvy?
Far easier and quicker to type that the old style push button keyboards - also far easier to keep clean. My only wish is that it had aluminum keys instead of the white ones.
For all you haters out there: no need to worry, you will always have the have a million PC clone keyboards out there to keep you happy. Those of us that appreciate true design and ergonomics finally have one that we can use!
These new keyboards are NOT going to please everyone, but for those of us who live out of a notebook bag and want to keep a bit more of a distance from the screen this wireless keyboard would appear to be just the thing. Ultimately the ideal travel keyboard, however, the one thing that Apple fails to mention are its dimensions. Does anyone have a clue to its width, and height?
Thanks
Do any of you people bitching about not having the calculator hanging on the keyboard ever think of using your Dashboard. Up comes a calculator and it's a winner. For shame. To think a 90-year old has to tell you this!
Ordered a bluetooth for my IMac-G5 and also ordered my wireless keyboard (and already have the wireless mouse). Get all of it set on a board on my lap and there goes the pain from my broken shoulder.
Can't wait!.
Laurene Quateman
they don't have "dedicated buttons" for all that stuff, they just did away with the f1-12 alternate labels.