Backlit Keyboard...Revisited

[maflynn]

Honestly, who cares about a backlit keyboard... I never use mine... I know how to type without looking... If you dont than you shouldn't be using a computer.

Sorry but I'm a touch typest but find that a lack of a backlit keyboard still hampers my typing. I own a Dell min 10v which lacks this feature and find it more difficult to type (not just the size but lack of backlighting) when using it in a darker setting.

 

[HardLuckStories]

Its kind of a shame its gone, I can only think its so they could price the entry level 11 machine so low.

It's not a size issue, and its not a power usage issue, example my blackberry has lit keys and that is super thin with small battery.

Definitely cost issue. I can see them bringing it back in the future -or- a thin MBP with lit keys.

 

[nfl46]

Maybe it will be only a Macbook Pro feature. I'm sure there's a MBP refresh coming soon. They have to find some ways to distinguish the MBA from the MBP.

 

[maflynn]

In one sense you can maybe make the argument that there's little room in the 11" for the backlit keyboard but since the 13" is nearly the same dimensions of the old model, and no hard drive, and such. Apple could have done it.

I suspect it was more economics then technical reasons. They did lower the price and keep it profitable, they had to make some sacrifices.

 

[gloryunited]

Does the light from the screen help? (yet to own the new MBA)

I think the function and number/symbol keys would be more of a problem.

 

[HardLuckStories]

Maybe it will be only a Macbook Pro feature. I'm sure there's a MBP refresh coming soon. They have to find some ways to distinguish the MBA from the MBP.

In one sense you can maybe make the argument that there's little room in the 11" for the backlit keyboard but since the 13" is nearly the same dimensions of the old model, and no hard drive, and such. Apple could have done it.

I suspect it was more economics then technical reasons. They did lower the price and keep it profitable, they had to make some sacrifices.

+1

 

[barefeats]

the keys on the 11" MBA are incredibly reflective. I still miss backlit keys fiercely, but in practice, it's not an issue.

I agree, if I tilt the screen forward, I can see all the keys fine.

 

[gmeltzer]

Yes, the loss of backlit keys on the MBA is nasty

I bought the 13" MBA to "upgrade" from my original MBA. I must be one of those idiots who don't read previews/reviews thoroughly, since the lack of backlit keys was a shock and bad surprise to me. My first reaction was to return the thing to the Apple store. I haven't yet, but still might return it. What a loss of elegance. The lack of backlight keys makes using the thing vaguely depressing instead of uplifting.

OK, I know I wasn't the only one who was very disappointed that Apple dropped the backlit keyboard from the new MBA models. Did anyone buy one anyways, gambling they might not miss it as badly as they thought they might? Please comment (mentioning the model you bought) on your experience if you were concerned with this issue, yet still bought one.

Thanks!

 

[jnpy!$4g3cwk]

Honestly, who cares about a backlit keyboard... I never use mine... I know how to type without looking... If you dont than you shouldn't be using a computer.

I can touch type at 60 WPM. I use four different laptops, two MBPs with backlit keys, and two without. Yes, it makes a huge difference when working in no light or dim light.

 

[TheAllStar]

that is the stupidest comment i've ever heard.

+1.

 

[gri]

I'm alright, I know how to type

Oh thank god, problem solved. Lets close the thread than...

 

[iRun26.2]

Hey guys,

Any informations about those reflectives keys? I wonder what's this about...
When you say reflective, is it really usable in dark? Is it still working when the screen is at minimum brightness for example?

Need more info on this!

Yes, this is the information that I hope people with new MBA can provide us: Are the keys more reflective than they were before?

 

[jeznav]

All the non-Mac laptops I've been using did not have any backlit keyboards. Even the Apple's Aluminum Keyboard does not have it and I type in the dark.

Jumping on to this non-backlit MBA keyboard does not make any difference to me, so I really don't care. Do I get 10% increase in productivity if it had a back-lit keyboard? I think its all aesthetics.

If you want a hardcore keyboard, try the Das keyboard.

 

[Pipper99]

I really like the backlit keyboard on the Macbook Pros: it's a very nice feature; however, it's not a deal breaker for me because the white characters on the black keys of the MBA show themselves pretty well in dimly lit environments (at least, to my eyes).

I have an HP laptop that would be very difficult to use without backlit keys because the characters and the keys are similarly colored: I have to turn on the backlight in well-lit rooms. What a crazy design choice.

 

[tigres]

Yes, this is the information that I hope people with new MBA can provide us: Are the keys more reflective than they were before?

No, they are not.

I use mine quite a bit in a dim room at night, and the lack of BL keys sucks- nothing short of it.

Try sitting on a reclining chair with the mba on your lap kind of looking at the keyboard from an angle- completely black. Bright Websites help a bit (white with full blast screen up).

Not the answer IMO. I actually am waiting for a provider to offer the add-on, I am sure it will be an option from 3rd party eventually.

 

[iRun26.2]

In one sense you can maybe make the argument that there's little room in the 11" for the backlit keyboard but since the 13" is nearly the same dimensions of the old model, and no hard drive, and such. Apple could have done it.

I suspect it was more economics then technical reasons. They did lower the price and keep it profitable, they had to make some sacrifices.

But, don't forget, the new 13" model is also thinner than the previous version (by almost 2mm, I believe). This 'thinning' may be attributed to the removal of the keyboard backlight on both models.

I like the thinness, but I would not have traded the backlight to get it (but, certainly SJ doesn't cater just to me).

 

[Trakker]

Honestly, who cares about a backlit keyboard... I never use mine... I know how to type without looking... If you dont than you shouldn't be using a computer.

So you know where to place your fingers on the keyboard in the dark?

Daft.

 

[iRun26.2]

Its kind of a shame its gone, I can only think its so they could price the entry level 11 machine so low.

It's not a size issue, and its not a power usage issue, example my blackberry has lit keys and that is super thin with small battery.

Definitely cost issue. I can see them bringing it back in the future -or- a thin MBP with lit keys.

I think you are most correct in guessing it was a cost issue. The $999 on the low-end model is pretty amazing for Apple.

I would, however, gladly pay another $250 for the lighted keyboard convenience. Yes, that may sound silly to some, but I loved it!

 

[nicoplanet]

No, they are not.

I use mine quite a bit in a dim room at night, and the lack of BL keys sucks- nothing short of it.

Thanks for your reply! I was really wondering.
So, I guess the keyboard is identical to the lowest end MacBook Unibody (late 2008)? Nothing fancy here.
Too bad, highly reflective keys could have been an elegant and power saving solution...

Anyway, if I remember well, 7 months after the late 2008 unibody MacBooks, the mid 2009 MacBook Pro version was out (with Backlit for all version!).
So, we can hope for an update before the summer with backlit support back...

 

[ingramLee]

So you know where to place your fingers on the keyboard in the dark?

Daft.

The same place you place them in the light...

 

[re2st]

http://www.myglowkeys.com/
http://www.baronbob.com/glowingkeyboardstickers.htm
http://www.funkeyboards.com/glowmain.html

For 10 bucks a set, worth a try..

 

[ingramLee]

http://www.myglowkeys.com/
http://www.baronbob.com/glowingkeyboardstickers.htm
http://www.funkeyboards.com/glowmain.html

For 10 bucks a set, worth a try..

 

[gwsat]

I love it, Jobs takes away a feature everyone used to coo over, and because Jobs took it away, now backlit keyboards are "no big deal."

Fanboys.

back atcha. Had it occurred to you that some of us don't care about the MBA not having a backlit keyboard because we had the feature turned off on our MBPs? I assure that I for one am not a member of the "Steve Jobs and Apple can do no wrong fanbois club" and wouldn't have used a backlit keyboard feature on my MBA even if it had been included.

 

[miata]

I think they should remove the letters and symbols from the keys. They only add to the cost and make it difficult when you want to change key mappings.

 

[aristobrat]

So you know where to place your fingers on the keyboard in the dark?

The little bumps on the F and J keys take the mystery out of that.