Apple's new wireless keyboard not shipping for 3-5 weeks

While the new iMacs, USB 2.0 keyboard, and updated iLife and iWork suites announced yesterday shipped out lickety-quick, it seems like Apple's tiny new Bluetooth keyboard isn't quite ready yet -- the online Apple Store is showing wait times of 3-5 weeks. That's at least down from the 4-6 weeks we swear the store showed yesterday, but it's still a mighty long time. Oh well -- we'll never feel comfortable without a numeric keypad anyway.

[Thanks, Jeff]

[paloooz @ Aug 8th 2007 8:42PM]

Somehow it's strange not having an Apple logo on the command key.

[Marq @ Aug 9th 2007 4:10AM]

Has anyone considered that non-English mac users don't use the term "command"?
What are they going to put on the German keyboard for example? "achtung" ?
Even in The Netherlands people are used to calling their shortcuts "appeltje - S" or "appeltje-C".
The omission is in my opinion a serious, serious mistake and has more implications than just the mere iconic ones.
It is also a defeat of identity.

Steve and Jonathan, I implore you to reconsider!

[m16 @ Aug 8th 2007 8:43PM]

will this thing work with PC's?

cuz my greasy food encrusted keyboard could use replacing.

[AlexP @ Aug 8th 2007 8:43PM]

"Lickety"-quick (that's not even a word) for people living in the US that didn't order the 2.8GHz, maybe. :V

[Bill E @ Aug 8th 2007 8:45PM]

OK,OK, enough with all this Apple stuff. Yea, the iPhone is cool, yes the new iMacs look slicker than ever, but Engadget is starting to become a Mac Lovers Oasis. PLEASE stop with all this. Steve Jobs is a Ground Breaker for sure, but APPLE still suffers the one, big major flaw that it can't seem to ever get away from.....Crappy Software title choice.

I will say it has improved for Apple fans over the years, but who really cares about cool hardware, if your software choices are completly limited, whether it's the iMac, or the iPhone, software diversity is still like eating a prune instead of an apple.

[Jonhimslf @ Aug 8th 2007 8:48PM]

iPhone limitations I understand, but software limitations on my macbook pro? Hardly... I mean, for me personally I have yet to come across something I couldn't get... sure there are a ton of pc software titles that I can't get, but there are OS X equivalents (the reverse is then I suppose is also true about the limitations of pc software, right?) Again, just for me personally. I don't game or anything so that's not an issue. I just think the whole "software limitation" card is played way too often

[Zorque @ Aug 8th 2007 8:49PM]

Engadget can't cover gadget news now, just because Apple is making it? Go subscribe to the Apple-less feed.

[Jonhimslf @ Aug 8th 2007 8:50PM]

There is one sentence in there with an extra 'is', I apologize... should read: (the reverse then I suppose is also true about the limitations of pc software, right?)

[Neebs @ Aug 8th 2007 8:54PM]

@Zorque

I'm on the No iphone feed, please point me in the direction of the no Apple Feed. Because it's getting to the point where Engadget cover when Steve Jobs picks his nose. (Bad example. Because that's hillarious. Maybe if he farts in home.)

[Chris @ Aug 9th 2007 1:00AM]

@neebs:

http://www.engadget.com/2007/06/20/tired-of-iphone-and-or-apple-news-on-engadget/

[Max @ Aug 9th 2007 2:41AM]

@Bill E

What kind of software are you talking about Bill?

[Richard Peterson @ Aug 9th 2007 12:15PM]

Apple's software is lightyears ahead of Windoze. There are well over 75,000 titles, and they are usually created by the most creative and intuitive developers imaginable. The Apple software looks better, works better, and is created for demanding, creative and intelligent people. I always cringe when I have to lower myself by using software on Windoze.

[Kryptinite @ Aug 8th 2007 8:45PM]

Didn't they just file a patent with the FCC like an hour after the event Tuesday?

[Jesse @ Aug 8th 2007 9:05PM]

Something like that I think.

Which bugs the shit out of me, I have to wait 3-5 weeks for my iMac because of a **** wireless keyboard, just to save like $40 what a rip of.

Plus honestly, they should send my order now anyways, FCC has no hands in Canada so this waiting period shouldn't be applied too me.

[AlexP @ Aug 8th 2007 9:36PM]

Uh, Jesse, you shouldn't have to wait that much, they usually ship stuff separately depending on product availability - take my case for instance: I ordered a printer and a 4GB Nano (will be refunded by Apple once I get everything) - both the printer and the iPod were shipped today, the printer shipped at around 10:00 and because of its size it went with UPS, while the iPod shipped at 16:00 with Purolator, the iMac, however, has yet to ship.

If it's really delaying the shipping of your iMac, I'd advise calling Apple to make changes to your order (changing to default keyboard and mouse and ordering the Bluetooth ones separately.

[Jesse @ Aug 8th 2007 9:47PM]

Alex I'll should really do that, can I call them now? I guess what is an extra $40 bahaha ... hmm save $40 and wait 3-5 weeks or buy it for $70+ and get my mac in 3-5 days.

[Chuckles McGee @ Aug 8th 2007 8:46PM]

I guess I'll stick with the diNovo Edge until then.

[joe @ Aug 8th 2007 8:52PM]

Do people really use their numeric keypad alot? I've had a laptop as my main computer since 1998 and have never missed it. I don't really work with numbers all day either though.

[brad j @ Aug 8th 2007 9:05PM]

I do a lot.

[Billy Boy @ Aug 8th 2007 9:07PM]

Nada!

[Tomahawk @ Aug 9th 2007 7:32AM]

I don't use it all that much, but when it's not there it really annoying......its really making me think long and hard on whether or not to replace my current keyboard. I can't figure it out, the wired keyboard has the numeric keypad.....why did they remove it for the bluetooth keyboard?

[reader @ Aug 8th 2007 11:01PM]

If you like to type with any haste at all, then yes, the number pad is quite nice.

[john @ Aug 8th 2007 11:05PM]

I use it whenever I enter numbers. I find it much easier to touch type on the # pad, and it's much nicer for entering calculations (25+6/2=28).

[km @ Aug 8th 2007 11:57PM]

How else would you play Angband/Moria/Rogue?

[jbulava @ Aug 9th 2007 12:46AM]

I typically only use the row of numbers for keyboard shortcuts. All other numeric needs, like the dashboard calculator, is on the keypad. It's much faster when you know who to use it (insert 'that's what she said' joke here).

[Kelmon @ Aug 9th 2007 4:52PM]

Yes, I do use my numeric keypad and, despite the fact that I really want a Bluetooth keyboard with a laptop-style keyboard, the lack of the keypad on the new keyboards is a deal breaker for me. I have no idea who's stupid idea this was but they need a good kicking.

[willyboy @ Aug 8th 2007 9:05PM]

Yes, this is why I am waiting 3 to 5 on my 2.8 24....Although, I do love the anticipation... It is like being second in line (which always seems to have a sweeter taste, unless your Paris Packer)

lt

[apeguero @ Aug 8th 2007 9:12PM]

I can't wait for my PS3 keyboard to be sold by Apple. Does it come in shiny black?

[Hypercollider @ Aug 8th 2007 9:15PM]

Actually, i foudn that the "international english" version is ready for shipping in 8 days. Maybe its just a weird apple.es thing, but im getting mine in 7 days suckers! (since i ordered yesterday!)

http://store.apple.com/Apple/WebObjects/spainstore.woa/wa/RSLID?mco=F07CB506&nplm=MB167Z/A

[Charles @ Aug 8th 2007 9:29PM]

This matches the Cinema Display quite nicely, I'd buy one to replace my current BlueTooth Keyboard.. IF it had the damn keypad.

[Gordon Heydon @ Aug 8th 2007 9:36PM]

I was going to purchase the wireless keyboard for my iMac, but as soon as I saw that it has no numeric keypad I will now not purchase it, but instead get the udb keyboard instead.

[humpty @ Aug 8th 2007 10:00PM]

Kinda looks like a cheap imitation of the KB on my VAIO TZ190.

[Mike I @ Aug 9th 2007 2:13AM]

Like how your Sony's keyboard is a cheap imitation of the Apple MacBook's keyboard?

[BOT @ Aug 8th 2007 10:06PM]

Apple

Products

All Looks

Nothing More

Don't waste your money

On shitty hardware

[Richard Peterson @ Aug 9th 2007 12:16PM]

You obviously don't get it. Wake up.

[Miles Smith @ Aug 8th 2007 10:06PM]

Who was the brainless boob who decided that nixing the ten-key pad on the wireless keyboard was a good idea? People who use keyboards on their laps are generally using a laptop anyway. The beauty of the wireless keyboard is the lack of clutter on your desk. I use one of the last generation ones because it HAS the numeric pad AND keeps my desk clear of wires. I've yet to meet anyone who uses the fn-based numeric keys on the laptop keyboard.

[Jonhimslf @ Aug 8th 2007 11:17PM]

Hey, my name is Jon. I'm from Toronto.

[willyboy @ Aug 9th 2007 1:29AM]

Me does! As a matter of fact, I does rarely use the numbers......ever.. No seriously, I dont...Guess I will not be buying their numbers app.... Although the new pages looks mighty tasty... And it is all about looks for me. what can I say, Some people collect LeWitts, I collect Macs.

[Spasso @ Aug 8th 2007 10:08PM]

I'm glad there's no keypad. Makes it a much shorter reach back & forth to the mouse, which I find to be vastly more comfortable and ergonomic. This keyboard will be replacing my logitech dinovo.

[Jesse @ Aug 8th 2007 10:16PM]

Just updated my order.

I'll order the wireless keyboard whenever or pick it up in stores, seeing $71 and missing $4 for free shipping.

[Jesse Payette Steinberg @ Aug 8th 2007 10:21PM]

Anywho, nothing too do with the topic. I can not wait to see Barefeats have a benchmark test with the C2D 2.4 / Extreme 2.8 against the Mac Pro and what not.

[Revrant2394 @ Aug 9th 2007 12:41AM]

I just don't understand Apple's obsession of looks over comfort with peripherals, especially being so extreme here.

[GregA @ Aug 9th 2007 2:00AM]

I actually find that keyboard somehow really oddly reminicent of the old Apple ][ keyboards. Anyhow thats what I thought when I saw it...

So, I think it is more retro design than extreme.

[Revrant2394 @ Aug 9th 2007 5:31AM]

Really? Why are we regressing then? I mean look at the(No doubt made by someone else) Microsoft Ergonomic 4000, this is where Apple should be going, if not split keyboard, towards comfort.

[zuricher @ Aug 9th 2007 1:14AM]

If you need a numeric so damn bad just get the wired keyboard. Many thanks, your planet (just think of all the batteries / charging cycles you save).

[Lawson DeSing @ Aug 9th 2007 1:51AM]

Really? You won't EVER feel comfortable without a keypad? Is that the same way that people said they wouldn't EVER feel comfortable without a floppy drive when Apple started eliminating them from their computers? Don't you think that a nice "alpha-only" wireless keyboard would be great for home, the office, or anywhere that you are used to using a Laptop? I mean this is pretty much the same form factor as a Laptop Keyboard.

[Dahk @ Aug 9th 2007 9:11AM]

Very true.

And because I use a laptop here at work I never get access to a NumPad anyway =P. The numbers on top are blitzingly fast if you can use them properly cuz now you got two hands with 4 fingers each.

[EL_RIEL @ Aug 9th 2007 1:53AM]

I think this keyboard is awesome for instance when browsing the web or chatting from the bed ..LOL on a big ass HDTV..

So small and looks awesome.
Should be very confortable to use on the lap, like a laptop! w00t!
from bed or sofa!

[nidus @ Aug 9th 2007 2:05AM]

So what is the advantage of no keypad besides the fact it cost apple less to make? This is almost as evil as charging peope a $100 for the color black

[emgmac @ Aug 9th 2007 3:12AM]

apple store down again maint or new item? also i hate when apple offers items for sale and it says 3 to 4 weeks does any other company sell their product before its in their hands? and im not talking movies or video games.