Apple Natural Keyboard

[steve_hill4]

I know a lot would argue it wouldn't fit in with Apple's styling, but I would really love to see them release a natural keyboard. It doesn't have to be anything facy, but could make the difference to those of us that use them at the moment.

I know whenever I use a regular keyboard, I can feel uncomfortable trying to touch-type and so have to use natural now, (that's what happens when you get used to something too much). I would like Apple to release one themselves, rather than settling for 3rd party products again. It's not too hard to imagine too, after all, they were reluctant to embrace 2+ buttons, but look at the Mighty Mouse. They are really pushing it hard and it's proving popular, (bestselling product in the Mice and Keyboards section of the apple store in the UK, and elsewhere too from what I've seen). I can see it happening, but would like it sooner rather than later. Bluetooth versions to follow soon after.

I know I would happily use a BT Apple Natural Keyboard and BT Mighty Mouse.

 

[robbieduncan]

They made one in the past called the Apple Adjustable Keyboard. This site has the best pictures I can find.

 

[steve_hill4]

I fogot to ask people's opinions on this, (just assumed you'd guess), but thanks for the link. I don't think I'd want a keyboard like that though, however quirky it may look.

 

[IJ Reilly]

They made one in the past called the Apple Adjustable Keyboard. This site has the best pictures I can find.

I still have two of these. I thought they were great.

 

[steve_hill4]

With it being 1993, I'm assuming it was PS/2, which would rule out working with a current Mac for starters. I might consider getting one for nostalgia value, but would love Apple to release a proper natural keyboard in the near future. It would also attract a few more switchers, I believe.

Anyway, I decided since my Japanese goes no further than a few phrases and basic understanding of sounds and some words, I would translate the page. I used google translater, to see how good the beta version of Jp to En was and the results were as follows:

http://www.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww013.upp.so-net.ne.jp%2Fcyberdog7%2FAdjustable.html&langpair=ja%7Cen&hl=en&ie=UTF8

 

[mduser63]

With it being 1993, I'm assuming it was PS/2, which would rule out working with a current Mac for starters. I might consider getting one for nostalgia value, but would love Apple to release a proper natural keyboard in the near future. It would also attract a few more switchers, I believe.

Macs never used PS/2, they used ADB (Apple Desktop Bus). I think that was used until the original iMac came out. In fact, I believe ADB is still used internally in PowerBooks and iBooks. Anyway, I would also like to see a natural keyboard from Apple. Seems like a good idea.

 

[robbieduncan]

Macs never used PS/2, they used ADB (Apple Desktop Bus). I think that was used until the original iMac came out. In fact, I believe ADB is still used internally in PowerBooks and iBooks. Anyway, I would also like to see a natural keyboard from Apple. Seems like a good idea.

I think that the newest powerbooks are pure USB, but this was true until pretty recently. You can also buy ADB->USB adaptors if you love your ancient input devices too much to give them up.

 

[mkrishnan]

I've never really been able to get used to using those keyboards. I'm happy flat, I guess.

 

[steve_hill4]

Macs never used PS/2, they used ADB (Apple Desktop Bus).

Yes, sorry that's what I meant. Getting my wires crossed for a while.

Good to hear of the possbility of USB to ADB adapters though. If Apple don't release a new one soon, I would consider using one of those older attempts with an adapter. I would hate to use a Microsoft one with a Mac, I would feel dirty.

 

[electronboy]

I wouldn't mind using a natural keyboard if I was able to use one all the time. I find that switching back and forth from a regular to natural keyboard is very awkward.

 

[mpw]

Anybody ever used a FrogPad?

I like the idea but wonder how easy they are to use?