Backlit Keyboard...Revisited

[HLdan]

That's why I am most amazed they left it out. My original MBA (my first Mac) had the backlit keyboard and it made me think 'Apple products stand out from PCs! What class!'. Without the backlight, they lose that edge ('cool factor').


A calculated risk on Apple's part?

There's quite a bit more to their "cool class factor" than a backlit keyboard. I can assure you that many people that buy Macs for the first time pay more attention to the build quality (which is second to none in their class), the screen quality (which is better than the majority on the market) and the large multi-touch glass trackpad. Most newbies don't even know that they are getting or losing a backlit keyboard upon purchase unless it's been pointed out. It's certainly not one of the features that can be demoed at the Apple store. Calculated risk? How so? They are selling a lot of these and for the most part people are very satisfied and the reviews have been great. I think they know what they are doing or they wouldn't have billions in the bank. You're leaving out so much about the Macbooks that make them stand out, you're just upset about a keyboard that doesn't light up and frankly you need to get over it.

I really don't think that the backlit keyboard makes sense for a BTO option. It would be something that they would do to all or to none. I don't believe it would really cost them that much more to put it in all of the next generation MBAs.

You're forgetting that Apple doesn't "half-ass" how they implement features. It wouldn't be just a backlit keyboard, they would also have to implement the ambient light sensor for the keyboard and the screen as they are all tied together as one feature. It would cost more than you think, but you're looking at it as some small little backlight the have to install and there's more to it than that.

Also, please use multiquote rather than double post, the mods will come down on you about it, it's against forum rules.

 

[Wild-Bill]

No sale here. I love the backlit keyboard on my Rev. C MBA. I use the MBA mostly at night, in bed, and have come to depend on the backlit keyboard.
I won't buy another MBA unless it has a backlit keyboard. In my opinion, Apple made a HUGE mistake omitting what was once a standard feature since Day 1 of the MacBook Air.

Those few dolts who say "Learn to touch type. I can do it" should keep their pieholes shut.

 

[MartiNZ]

Pretty pleased that the backlighting is lacking, myself, especially as the freed up F5 key CAN be reassigned for, e.g. one key exposé show desktop, unlike on the older Air without backlighting, where they just rendered two keys totally useless.

It is also better for running boot camp, as it doesn't have settings for the backlighting and tends to just leave it on - whereas in OS X I leave it off, and have done ever since I got this early '08 15" MBP.

Oh well, now I'm back from holiday, I really should go and order an MBA .

 

[KPOM]

I fail to see how offering limited options would help to increase investment income. If the customer wants more features via BTO and is willing to pay for them then it's a win. On some level you're are correct but for the most part Apple's motto is simplicity for the customer. Honestly, it's maddening to look on Dell's site and see way too many BTO options for a notebook, it's highly confusing and frankly I would be turned off.

Apple keeps about 7 days of inventory outstanding, IIRC. Most others in the industry keep about 30-60 days worth. As you mentioned, Dell has dozens of different configurations of most of its models available, not counting software add-ons.

It costs money to keep all those parts in stock. By having fewer models, Apple has an easier job keeping its supply chain tight. Inventory in a warehouse doesn't earn any money. By reducing inventory, they keep more of their cash on hand longer and so can earn more interest on it (I've also heard they are quick and collecting cash from customers and slow paying their suppliers).

I'm guessing that's also why they don't have very many configurations in the stores. It's easier to send boxes of base models to the stores and have everyone else custom order than to stock all the different models in the store.

 

[Corndog5595]

No sale here. I love the backlit keyboard on my Rev. C MBA. I use the MBA mostly at night, in bed, and have come to depend on the backlit keyboard.
I won't buy another MBA unless it has a backlit keyboard. In my opinion, Apple made a HUGE mistake omitting what was once a standard feature since Day 1 of the MacBook Air.

Those few dolts who say "Learn to touch type. I can do it" should keep their pieholes shut.

You're right, what's the point to a dissenting opinion?

 

[gwsat]

No sale here. I love the backlit keyboard on my Rev. C MBA. I use the MBA mostly at night, in bed, and have come to depend on the backlit keyboard.
I won't buy another MBA unless it has a backlit keyboard. In my opinion, Apple made a HUGE mistake omitting what was once a standard feature since Day 1 of the MacBook Air.

I understand that the lack of backlit keyboards on the new MBAs is an emotional issue for some who currently own earlier models MBAs, which did have backlit keyboards. I am a longtime Mac user and have routinely turned off the lighted keyboard feature on my machines for 8 years. As this thread has indicated, many others have done the same. As a consequence, I suspect that the elimination of the backlit keyboard will have little impact on sales of the new MBAs.

 

[darngooddesign]

...I suspect that the elimination of the backlit keyboard will have little impact on sales of the new MBAs.

I should have the same effect as the lack of anti-glare screens had on the unibody Pros before they started offering it again.

 

[KPOM]

You're right, what's the point to a dissenting opinion?

While I didn't let the lack of a backlit keyboard deter me from upgrading from a Rev B to a Rev D MBA, I do understand that for some people it could be a deal breaker. There are lots of times where a backlit keyboard can come in handy, even for touch typists like me. Hopefully this feature makes its return in a future MacBook Air. The Firewire port temporarily disappeared from the base MacBook, only to return less than a year later.

I understand why Apple did what it did. That doesn't mean I agree with their decision or would have made the same decision if I were running the product management at the company.

 

[HLdan]

While I didn't let the lack of a backlit keyboard deter me from upgrading from a Rev B to a Rev D MBA, I do understand that for some people it could be a deal breaker. There are lots of times where a backlit keyboard can come in handy, even for touch typists like me. Hopefully this feature makes its return in a future MacBook Air. The Firewire port temporarily disappeared from the base MacBook, only to return less than a year later.

I don't understand this line of thinking from many of the posters? What difference does it make if Apple brings back the BL KB to the next Air version? It's not that simple. What about the people that already bought one, need it and are not completely happy? I certainly wouldn't be as forgiving because it's not like I have the funds to sell my current Air, take somewhat of a loss, then spend more money to buy the next version that happens to have a BL KB.

 

[KPOM]

I don't understand this line of thinking from many of the posters? What difference does it make if Apple brings back the BL KB to the next Air version? It's not that simple. What about the people that already bought one, need it and are not completely happy? I certainly wouldn't be as forgiving because it's not like I have the funds to sell my current Air, take somewhat of a loss, then spend more money to buy the next version that happens to have a BL KB.

The fact of the matter is, no amount of complaining will make this feature return any sooner than the next refresh of the product. If it's enough of a deal breaker, that's too bad but there really isn't anything we can do about it until and unless Apple puts the feature back in. I'm not planning to sell my Rev D if all that changes next time around is that they add a backlit keyboard. I expect they'll do more, like switch to the Core i3 or i5 (assuming the integrated GPU gets better), but even then it isn't a given that I'll upgrade.

The reason that I would like a backlit keyboard to return is that eventually I will replace my Rev D. I like the form factor of the MacBook Air, and likely would purchase whatever the replacement model is at that time, assuming it's still made.

 

[iRun26.2]

I understand why Apple did what it did. That doesn't mean I agree with their decision or would have made the same decision if I were running the product management at the company.

But you must be honest, neither you nor I know for certain what happened behind the scenes at Apple.

Scottsdale has stated that he believes Apple's motive was to sell additional units of a future MBA model that reintroduces the backlight feature. I believe that he may be right, but we can't just assume this is the case.

Maybe they planned to include it but, at the last minute, a serious production problem forced Jobs to have to bypass using the new one until the problem was resolved (and just put it off until the next upgrade). We don't know for certain.

(And I don't look at myself as a 'fanboy', I'm trying to look at this with an open mind, considering all possibilities).

 

[Corndog5595]

While I didn't let the lack of a backlit keyboard deter me from upgrading from a Rev B to a Rev D MBA, I do understand that for some people it could be a deal breaker. There are lots of times where a backlit keyboard can come in handy, even for touch typists like me. Hopefully this feature makes its return in a future MacBook Air. The Firewire port temporarily disappeared from the base MacBook, only to return less than a year later.

I understand why Apple did what it did. That doesn't mean I agree with their decision or would have made the same decision if I were running the product management at the company.

I was being sarcastic, by the way.
Maybe I'm just tired, but I can't tell if you are arguing with me or agreeing.

 

[iRun26.2]

No sale here. I love the backlit keyboard on my Rev. C MBA. I use the MBA mostly at night, in bed, and have come to depend on the backlit keyboard.
I won't buy another MBA unless it has a backlit keyboard. In my opinion, Apple made a HUGE mistake omitting what was once a standard feature since Day 1 of the MacBook Air.

Those few dolts who say "Learn to touch type. I can do it" should keep their pieholes shut.

If I were in your shoes I think I would do the same thing (not buy a new one). Your Rev C MBA is more than capable. I upgraded from the Rev A MBA which is more dramatic change. I felt compensated (just slightly) for my loss of the backlit keyboard.

But, that doesn't stop me from cursing everytime I turn on my new MBA in the dark!!!

 

[iRun26.2]

You're forgetting that Apple doesn't "half-ass" how they implement features. It wouldn't be just a backlit keyboard, they would also have to implement the ambient light sensor for the keyboard and the screen as they are all tied together as one feature. It would cost more than you think, but you're looking at it as some small little backlight the have to install and there's more to it than that.

You are right, making a very good point. The keyboard's backlight was tied to a light sensor and integrating the two components would be much more expensive. It could be, even, that adding the light sensor was the more difficult or expensive component.

I must say, though, I did not like the way the light on the keyboard was controlled by the light sensor. The were many times, when using my original MBA, that I would like to have enabled the backlit keyboard when the computer thought it was light enough that it was not necessary. I wished I had had more control of the backlight...maybe they change that when they bring it back!

 

[centymeat]

It's not so much that people depend on it but rather that Apple took it away for zero reason.

Anyone who believes they took it away for battery reasons doesn't have a clue--given that the new MBA gets an estimated 7 hours of battery--under the more stringent/realistic tests--this means battery life effectively has doubled from the last MBA. Furthermore, the keyboard backlight utilized LEDs that barely, barely sip power. So it has nothing to do with battery.

Does it have to do with the computer being thin? Doubtful, it's marginally thinner than the last MBA, and again the keyboard backlight takes up very, very little space.

It's just Apple at its finest--taking away a useful feature--again--for no reason other than to reintroduce it later to gouge everyone into upgrading their machines because Apple will have "learned something."

Completely agree, the new MBA is better than the old one in every way,

Size, Weight, Screen, Durability, Ports, Speed(Video, HD, RAM), Battery Life.

The biggest complains people is lack of core iX (which we learned is due to space for dedicated GPU), expandability (due to space/speed), and backlit keyboard due to ????

 

[mesca]

What about luminescent decal key to stick on the keys?

 

[HungryPillow]

I use my MBA to surf in the dark sometimes and don't really notice the backlight missing. Even with the brightness at 1 bar I can still see all the letters on the keyboard. I usually have it at 4-5 bars so it's almost as good as having the keyboard lit up. If you have the screen brightness even higher then it shouldn't really even be a problem.

 

[gwsat]

Completely agree, the new MBA is better than the old one in every way,

Size, Weight, Screen, Durability, Ports, Speed(Video, HD, RAM), Battery Life.

The biggest complains people is lack of core iX (which we learned is due to space for dedicated GPU), expandability (due to space/speed), and backlit keyboard due to ????

That's a very good summary. Yours may be the most concise explanation I have seen of why Apple stuck with the C2D processor for the MBA, instead of moving to one of the i series chips. Further, like you, I have no notion as to why Apple decided to eliminate the backlit keyboard feature.

 

[HLdan]

I use my MBA to surf in the dark sometimes and don't really notice the backlight missing.

How can you notice it missing if you don't see it? ROFL.

 

[iRun26.2]

Completely agree, the new MBA is better than the old one in every way,

Size, Weight, Screen, Durability, Ports, Speed(Video, HD, RAM), Battery Life.

The biggest complains people is lack of core iX (which we learned is due to space for dedicated GPU), expandability (due to space/speed), and backlit keyboard due to ????

Don't forget...

Better trackpad and stereo speakers!

(And I also think it looks much more attractive, physically...but that I suppose is a matter of opinion).

 

[Corndog5595]

I should have the same effect as the lack of anti-glare screens had on the unibody Pros before they started offering it again.

Seriously dude? A backlit keyboard doesn't come close to the amount of utility that an anti-glare screen gives. That was really awkwardly worded, but you get the point.

 

[flynz4]

I don't understand this line of thinking from many of the posters? What difference does it make if Apple brings back the BL KB to the next Air version? It's not that simple. What about the people that already bought one, need it and are not completely happy? I certainly wouldn't be as forgiving because it's not like I have the funds to sell my current Air, take somewhat of a loss, then spend more money to buy the next version that happens to have a BL KB.

Nobody would put a gun to your head and force you to replace your MBA with the new model. I expect that many (probably the majority) would not replace their MBAs for this single feature. Personally, I would. For me, it would be worth it.

/Jim

 

[gwsat]

Seriously dude? A backlit keyboard doesn't come close to the amount of utility that an anti-glare screen gives. That was really awkwardly worded, but you get the point.

Both my old Powerbook G4 and MBP have anti-glare screens and I love them. In stark contrast the glare-prone glass covered screens used on all entry level MBPs, as well as the iPad, drive me crazy. That said, many users actually prefer glass covered screens to matte. Those who used the backlit feature on other Macbooks but didn't get it on the new MBAs, though, are hardly in a position to say they prefer a computer that lacks a feature they had become accustomed to using on an earlier MBA. Thus, I share their frustration, although I never used the backlit keyboard feature, even when I had it on my PB and MBP.

 

[Corndog5595]

I understand their frustration, though I can't say I feel any sympathy for them. But comparing the removal of an anti-glare screen to the removal of a backlit keyboard? Come on…we can all agree that that's a ridiculous comparison.

 

[flynz4]

I understand their frustration, though I can't say I feel any sympathy for them. But comparing the removal of an anti-glare screen to the removal of a backlit keyboard? Come on…we can all agree that that's a ridiculous comparison.

I certainly do not agree. An anti-glare screen currently would do very little for me. Both of my offices have configurations where there is no direct reflections onto the screen. I also use my MBA a lot laying back in bed (usually at night)... for which an anti-glare screen would provide zero benefit. However, a backlit keyboard is highly desirable.

I appreciate the fact that you want an anti-glare screen. Unlike you... I do not think that my personal usage model is the be-all and end-all. You seem to feel that since you do not need a back-lit keyboard... nobody should.

Said differently... If I had a choice between two mutually exclusive options (BLKB or anti-glare screen)... I would choose the backlit keyboard. I accept that others would make the opposite choice. Neither of us is wrong.

/Jim