are the ports on the new apple keyboard still crappy USB 1.0.....or did i read somewhere that it is now USB 2.0....and so now the keyboard is sort of a usb hub.....if so, i am definately buying one.
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Apple keyboard USB ports
- Thread starter nlivo
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The ports are USB 2.0.... BUT as the keyboard is not powered, there are already two devices being powered from the computer's 1 USB 2.0 port, namely the keyboard itself and the mouse (if you attach your mouse to one of the ports on the keyboard...)
A few user have reported on here that with this setup they cannot charge or sync there ipods, flash drives, etc, through the remaining USB port on the keyboard.....
I would suggest thinking about your setup before spending your money on the keyboard for the reason of having that extra USB 2.0 port.
One way this would all work is if you use a bluetooth mighty mouse, then the keyboard can power itself and at least one other powered device.
From the Apple.com site:
"Two USB 2.0 ports provide high-speed connectivity for your iPod, Mighty Mouse, digital camera, and other USB-based electronic devices. Yes, we did think of everything."
So, yes, USB 2.0
Again, tread carefully.....
have a search on here for the thread concerning this as it will inform you that the user who had problems did contact apple and was met with the exact answer i have detailed above.....
Apple seem to have kind of shot themselves in the foot a little here....
****I would like to point out that i am not a 'mac hater' as i know that sometimes any negative comments made towards macs are usually from PC using haters****
I am sure you're no hater. ;-) And you are correct: My Logitech wireless mouse works fine; but when I plug my iPod into the free port I get the Low Power message. So yes, although USB 2.0, it is NOT a hub.
The solution is......
....save your pennies and buy a Bluetooth Mighty Mouse!!!!
Yikes!! A Mighty Mouse? Never again. Not after 3 (yes, three) Mighty Mice failing on me. My Apple loyalty only goes so far. i have a bluetooth mighty mouse and a bluetooth keyboard but i hate this keyboard.....and i went to the apple store and tried the new keyboard and it was easily the best thing i have ever typed on in my life.....i couldn't stop typing!!!! so to sum up....if i have the apple keyboard and a wirelessly mighty mouse (therefore having 2 free usb ports on the keyboard) i can fully charge an iPod in it but as soon as i plug something else into the other one it wont work, yes????
i would buy the wireless one but i don't like it how it is not a full keyboard, i find it ridiculous apple didnt give the option for a full one and a compact one.....what are the odds of apple releasing a full one???
i would buy the wireless one but i don't like it how it is not a full keyboard, i find it ridiculous apple didnt give the option for a full one and a compact one.....what are the odds of apple releasing a full one???
The low power messages are a result of USB only carrying 100mA of current through each connection, so whether your extra devices require the full 100mA of current to operate or not depends on the device you are plugging in. The same will be for ANY USB keyboard, PC or MAC unless they are powered by additional external source and the keyboard has a USB HUB built in (highly unlikely)
A charging device would more than likely require the full 100mA of current to charge the item in question, so it is no wonder you'll need a bus to itself for those types. Similar to other devices that need the full 100mA of current (external hard disks etc). Somthing like a USB pen drive would only need a fraction of that power so they will work fine.
Apple could have put a propriatory keyboard connector on the back of the iMac to incorporate a full USB hub internally to the keyboard, but this would have increased the cost of both the iMac and the keyboard.
In short, if you have USB devices that need the full 100mA of current , connect them directly to the back of the iMac, or buy a powered USB hub which (when using an external power source) will provide 4 USB2 ports, each with 100mA, such as this,:
A charging device would more than likely require the full 100mA of current to charge the item in question, so it is no wonder you'll need a bus to itself for those types. Similar to other devices that need the full 100mA of current (external hard disks etc). Somthing like a USB pen drive would only need a fraction of that power so they will work fine.
Apple could have put a propriatory keyboard connector on the back of the iMac to incorporate a full USB hub internally to the keyboard, but this would have increased the cost of both the iMac and the keyboard.
In short, if you have USB devices that need the full 100mA of current , connect them directly to the back of the iMac, or buy a powered USB hub which (when using an external power source) will provide 4 USB2 ports, each with 100mA, such as this,:
Check the power requirements of your devices you wish to plug in. If they total more than 100mA then no, they won't work.
Your best option is to use a powered hub or direct connection to the Mac.
Again, this is a limitation of the USB specification.
Thanks!
I can't find the specs of any of my devices. I looked on system profiler incase it said how much they were using and all of the usb ports said 500 mA next to them. I don't know what this means...
Might just get a powered hub and not bother with the keyboard.
I can't find the specs of any of my devices. I looked on system profiler incase it said how much they were using and all of the usb ports said 500 mA next to them. I don't know what this means...
Might just get a powered hub and not bother with the keyboard.
l33r0y is most definitely right, it's a limitation of the way USB was designed and the fact that the new keyboard is essentially an unpowered hub. However, Apple needs to take that into account and take down the misleading text about being able to use it with your iPod.
(By the way, if anyone has the new keyboard and doesn't want it, I'll buy it from you or trade my Bluetooth keyboard for it...see the Marketplace forum )
(By the way, if anyone has the new keyboard and doesn't want it, I'll buy it from you or trade my Bluetooth keyboard for it...see the Marketplace forum
)
I have the first Rev Intel iMac, which allegedly is USB 2.0. Why does it take quite a bit longer to transfer data to my USB stick using the keyboard, than it does the back of the machine
"Allegedly" USB 2.0? If you're transferring fast enough when plugged into the back, then it IS USB 2.0. I think you just answered your own question by noting how much slower it is through your keyboard, because the old keyboard is USB 1.1.
I thought the keyboard with the Intel iMac was 2.0? So, I thought thats what I read. Whodda thunk it.
The USB hub integrated in the keyboard is 2.0
at least it shows up as 2.0 in system profiler.
There is something rather inconvenient about them though...the ports are placed too far in for my taste. If you try to put in a receiver for a mouse for instance that is really annoying...apple has put in an extension cord also but that's just ugly to have plugged in and all over your desk. The keyboard itself is awesome though (except the design: white and aluminium don't match too well in my opinion)
byakuya
at least it shows up as 2.0 in system profiler.
There is something rather inconvenient about them though...the ports are placed too far in for my taste. If you try to put in a receiver for a mouse for instance that is really annoying...apple has put in an extension cord also but that's just ugly to have plugged in and all over your desk. The keyboard itself is awesome though (except the design: white and aluminium don't match too well in my opinion)
byakuya