Backlit Keyboard...Revisited

[iRun26.2]

My 11.6" came in today. From my early tests... the illumination of the keyboard is highly dependent upon the angle of the screen. At 90 degrees, it is so-so, but not great. If the screen is angled in toward the keyboard (an acute angle)... then it is much brighter. The problem is that a laptop is seldom used in this configuration.

Most of the time... the screen it tipped back with an obtuse angle wrt the keyboard. In this configuration... the screen illumination of the keys is diminished. I am quite disappointed in the performance. This is especially true because I generally lay back in bed with my knees up at an angle. With the laptop on my legs... I have to tip the screen back fully (maximum obtuse angle)... and the illumination on the keys is nil.

I love the small size... and because the center of gravity is moved forward because of the small size... it feels much lighter than the 13.3" model when griped from the front edge (my normal method of moving it). I prefer the 11.6" over the 13.3" primarily for this reason.

I think I am going to stay with my current plan of keeping the 11.6" for myself and giving the 13.3" Rev C MBA (w/SSD) to my wife. Since both of our MBA's are configured exactly, with the same applications... plus we use 100% cloud synchronized user files, iMAP email, etc... we can each pick up either MBA... log into our own user accounts... and the operating environment will be identical. Since my wife seldom uses a laptop around our house... I will probably use her 13.3" with backlit keyboard at night while at home, so I do not have to turn on a light and wake her up.

Next year, when Apple updates with a new MBA model with a back-lit keyboard (I am >90% sure they will do this)... I'll buy myself whichever model appeals to me the most, hand my 11.6" down to my wife (she only uses it on a well illuminated desk or tables during our frequent trips)... and then I will sell my Rev C MBA.

I know this is not what you wanted to hear... but for me, the lack of an backlit keyboard is a major step backwards. Still, there are other advantages that make the new model nice.

/Jim

I couldn't agree with you more! I do see the advancements of the new 11" MBA as outweighing the dissadvantages of the loss of the backlight (assuming, at night, I can see enough of the keyboard with light from the display).

I too will go into the purchase knowing that if the next update does return the backlight, I will upgrade again (and hopefully my wife will be more likely to 'let me' upgrade if I give her the MBA model without the backlight).

Darn you Apple!!!

 

[iRun26.2]

When I first heard that the feature was missing, I ranted and raved to my wife and friends... but then went ahead and purchased one anyway.

I do miss it, but the keys are definitely brighter than my last Air (when the backlight was off) and I have learned to deal with it. The small size and lack of weight on the 11.6 trump the backlit keyboard.

Awesome! That is precisely what I wanted to hear. I think that it is now time to start figuring out where I want to by my 11.6" / 4GB / 128GB / 1.6GHz MBA!

Maybe I can tolerate working in the dark without the backlit keys after all...

 

[miata]

"Less powerful" ?!?!?

Doubling the speed of the video card and the hard drive, along with the fact that in tests the current 1.86ghz cpu also seems to be faster in tests (macworld, etc) than the last gen MBA 1.86. Exactly how, might you say that this MBA is 'less powerful'?

I've got a 1.4ghz 11.6 and it seems considerably faster than my old 13" 1.86ghz MBA.

He saying that the MBAs will be positioned as the lower level product than the MBPs. So, Apple will create differentiation of the MBAs via faster CPUs, grpahics chips, bigger/better screens, backlit keyboards, Kensington lock slots, sleep indicator lights, batter indicator lights, upgradeability, etc.

The good news is that Apple will be able to keep the price down for the MBAs.

 

[kryca]

Backlit keyboard is a deal breaker for me, especially on an ultraportable computer.

In my not very scientific tests it steals roughly 15 minutes of battery time. Instead of turning the keyboard backlighting off I prefer to slow down the CPU with CoolBook. In difficult lighting conditions it makes typing soooo much easier.

Loving my MBA Rev C

 

[runnin17]

This is the most useless thread on this whole forum. Backlit keyboards are just there for "looks". The fact is 98% of the people with laptops will never need a backlit keyboard.

The people who whine about this probably have their backlights on all the time so they can draw more attention to their snobby selves. Personally this thread just needs to die

 

[gwsat]

Backlit keyboard is a deal breaker for me, especially on an ultraportable computer.

In my not very scientific tests it steals roughly 15 minutes of battery time. Instead of turning the keyboard backlighting off I prefer to slow down the CPU with CoolBook. In difficult lighting conditions it makes typing soooo much easier.

Loving my MBA Rev C

I agree that for those with an MBA Rev. C who neither need 4GB of RAM nor have a jones for the little 11 inch MBA, it makes sense to stick with the Rev. C. That would be especially true for users like you who regularly use the Rev. C's backlit keyboard feature and which the new MBAs lack.

 

[iRun26.2]

He saying that the MBAs will be positioned as the lower level product than the MBPs. So, Apple will create differentiation of the MBAs via faster CPUs, grpahics chips, bigger/better screens, backlit keyboards, Kensington lock slots, sleep indicator lights, batter indicator lights, upgradeability, etc.

The good news is that Apple will be able to keep the price down for the MBAs.

I must admit that I am NOT happy that the prices for the new MBAs are so much cheaper. I'd much rather pay more for advanced design components (8G RAM, 256GB Flash, BL keyboard, etc).

Another way to look at it, though, is that now, since I'm spending less on the current model, I'll have more money left to upgrade when/if they bring back the lighted keyboard).

 

[HLdan]

Backlit keyboard is a deal breaker for me, especially on an ultraportable computer.

A dealbreaker? Can you name a few other 11.6" ultraportable notebooks with a backlit keyboard?

I'm not against the backlit keyboard, I love it on mine but your statement makes it sound like you have choices to go elsewhere to get that ultraportable with a backlit keyboard and you really don't.

 

[iRun26.2]

This is the most useless thread on this whole forum. Backlit keyboards are just there for "looks". The fact is 98% of the people with laptops will never need a backlit keyboard.

The people who whine about this probably have their backlights on all the time so they can draw more attention to their snobby selves. Personally this thread just needs to die

Please feel free to ignore this thread then and don't respond. I don't think the rest of us would mind not hearing from you.

I DO buy products 'for looks' too but the backlit keyboard is also functional.

 

[gwsat]

I am becoming as sick of those who dismiss fans of backlit keyboard as a bunch of "whiners" as I am by those backlit keyboard fans who accuse those who don't care about the feature's absence from the new MBA of being Apple "Fanboys." There is legitimate disagreement between the two camps and it would certainly improve the atmosphere around here if "the backlit keyboard feature is worthless" advocates would stop sniping at those who think that "Apple made a horrible mistake" in eliminating it, and vice versa. Can't we just shed a little more light on the subject and have a little less verbal flatulence? [/RANT]

 

[OceanView]

I've been contemplating selling my 13" MBP and getting the 13" MBA but I'm gonna wait till the next version hopefully with the lighted keyboard. For my uses it's really a nice feature to have.

 

[darngooddesign]

This is the most useless thread on this whole forum. Backlit keyboards are just there for "looks". The fact is 98% of the people with laptops will never need a backlit keyboard.

I assume you have research to back up your fact.

The people who whine about this probably have their backlights on all the time so they can draw more attention to their snobby selves. Personally this thread just needs to die

Based on the quality of this post 17 probably refers to your age.

 

[TheAllStar]

I assume you have research to back up your fact. Based on the quality of this post 17 probably refers to your age.

Give it up, my good man. The 17-year-old track star's logic is clearly flawless. /sarcasm

 

[TheAllStar]

Backlit keyboard is a deal breaker for me, especially on an ultraportable computer.

Loving my MBA Rev C

Me too! Works great for what I do. Can't wait to see what Apple brings in the next couple years when I'm ready to upgrade; the new MBA has some cool stuff. I always admired the illuminated keyboard on the MBPs, and use it a lot on my Rev. C MBA. To each his own.

 

[runnin17]

Say whatever you want whinos. The fact is the new MBA doesn't have a backlit keyboard and the design really doesn't warrant a backlit keyboard.

The previous MBA's were laughed at for all their initial problems. Apple went minimalist with the new MBA's and still made them miles better than the previous revisions.

 

[Mr. Savage]

"Less powerful" ?!?!?

Doubling the speed of the video card and the hard drive, along with the fact that in tests the current 1.86ghz cpu also seems to be faster in tests (macworld, etc) than the last gen MBA 1.86. Exactly how, might you say that this MBA is 'less powerful'?

I've got a 1.4ghz 11.6 and it seems considerably faster than my old 13" 1.86ghz MBA.

He saying that the MBAs will be positioned as the lower level product than the MBPs. So, Apple will create differentiation of the MBAs via faster CPUs, grpahics chips, bigger/better screens, backlit keyboards, Kensington lock slots, sleep indicator lights, batter indicator lights, upgradeability, etc.

The good news is that Apple will be able to keep the price down for the MBAs.

Yes, I meant "less" when compared to future MBP not current, thanks miata.

 

[lespaul85]

Personally I really could care less. I see the keys just fine in the dark. In fact the darker it is, the better I see them since the screen's light overpowers the ambient light. Such a non-issue for me.

Most of my non-apple PC's and laptops have all had non-backlit keys and they are just fine. And my desktop with a Saitek backlit keyboard is easier to read with the light off than on.

 

[tigres]

This is the most useless thread on this whole forum. Backlit keyboards are just there for "looks". The fact is 98% of the people with laptops will never need a backlit keyboard.

The people who whine about this probably have their backlights on all the time so they can draw more attention to their snobby selves. Personally this thread just needs to die

World revolve around you syndrome?

Edit/Add... saw another one of your posts... hope you enjoyed your visit.

 

[darngooddesign]

Say whatever you want whinos. The fact is the new MBA doesn't have a backlit keyboard and the design really doesn't warrant a backlit keyboard.

The previous MBA's were laughed at for all their initial problems. Apple went minimalist with the new MBA's and still made them miles better than the previous revisions.

What a compelling argument.

 

[tigres]

This thread has taken some up and down turns; however that's how it goes on MR sometimes...

Either way, I need to weigh in- I had a Rev B for 2 years, loved it- used it- then sold it for the true need for 4GB/ram. Without question, for my business purpose and current need to up the ram for my VM performance I chose to go with the latest revision, maxed out (so to speak).

That being said, and knowing full well it was my decision to make the purchase w/o the BL keyboard omission- I must say I am still a little nagged over it.

Point being is simple, taking something like this away (*for those who used it and relied on it on the previous Gen) is really a disappointment. Like Scottsdale says on these boards, I'd pay X to get Y- well so would I in this case. Take a look at this article Here and discover for yourselves how small the parts are that make up the BL.

I think of this as a "could have done" but chose "not to do" by Apple. I think we can all agree that the BL needs for power are minuscule at best, but the overall wants (be it not by all) are certainly noticed.

I would love to see a 3rd party solution on this ASAP- I'd pay for it. The lack of BL, and this BS of reflective keys is not the solution many first adopters of the MBA were expecting. From a functional perspective, on such a travel and tiny machine, who isn't using this when the BL keyboard is needed? I can type pretty well, but that has nothing to do with wanting to see the keypad in the dark- at all.

Apple took the white reverse lights out of my BMW. I can feel my way in the dark with the red tail lights...

 

[TheAllStar]

Apple took the white reverse lights out of my BMW. I can feel my way in the dark with the red tail lights...

I like that comparison.

 

[RanEnRui]

I too was disappointed at it's removal. However, I still went with it because honestly it's worth the upgrade and a half over the Rev B model. As a long time computer user, I can deal without a backlit keyboard. Sure, I can think of a dozen cases where it would be nice to have (airplane, in bed, etc), but it would be foolish of me to turn down all those improvements over this single, aesthetic issue.

Of course, everyone has their own values on what is a dealbreaker but I still say "Does it look good?" Yes. "Does it feel right?" Yes. "Does it have good performance for the tasks I plan to do?" Yes. "Is it reasonably affordable?" Yes.

My theory is that with the even thinner design and unibody form they simply did not have enough time to rework a way to fit an illuminated keyboard into the new MBA. I'm sure power was not the issue. I'm pretty sure that they didn't care for product differentiation (to say haha only PROs get the keyboard now!).

However, it will resurface in the next revision. It's just too logical of a conclusion. Of course from our perspective, they milked us into buying the new MBA -and- the revision for the BL keyboard. In their eyes, "they didn't have time to get it ready for the first model" or "learned something new to make it fit in the next model." Either way, we're going to buy it. Another cue that somewhat makes me think this is the new keyboard layout (power button on the top right). Perhaps they didn't have the ability or time to rework their components for this model.

I know a lot of times we want to get on Apple's case for things like this but you have to admit that each year that goes by more and more advancements happen. Look at how thin computing has come! Their engineers will find some way to fit the illuminated/diffuser sheets into the keyboard.

 

[r2fa3l]

i bought it anyways. im still pissed its not there but now i know where the numer 5 is on a keyboard

 

[iRun26.2]

I too was disappointed at it's removal. However, I still went with it because honestly it's worth the upgrade and a half over the Rev B model. As a long time computer user, I can deal without a backlit keyboard. Sure, I can think of a dozen cases where it would be nice to have (airplane, in bed, etc), but it would be foolish of me to turn down all those improvements over this single, aesthetic issue.

Of course, everyone has their own values on what is a dealbreaker but I still say "Does it look good?" Yes. "Does it feel right?" Yes. "Does it have good performance for the tasks I plan to do?" Yes. "Is it reasonably affordable?" Yes.

My theory is that with the even thinner design and unibody form they simply did not have enough time to rework a way to fit an illuminated keyboard into the new MBA. I'm sure power was not the issue. I'm pretty sure that they didn't care for product differentiation (to say haha only PROs get the keyboard now!).

However, it will resurface in the next revision. It's just too logical of a conclusion. Of course from our perspective, they milked us into buying the new MBA -and- the revision for the BL keyboard. In their eyes, "they didn't have time to get it ready for the first model" or "learned something new to make it fit in the next model." Either way, we're going to buy it. Another cue that somewhat makes me think this is the new keyboard layout (power button on the top right). Perhaps they didn't have the ability or time to rework their components for this model.

I know a lot of times we want to get on Apple's case for things like this but you have to admit that each year that goes by more and more advancements happen. Look at how thin computing has come! Their engineers will find some way to fit the illuminated/diffuser sheets into the keyboard.

Thank you so much for that excellent post! I think that your statements made more sense to me than any other response I have seen so far. Very well thought out, indeed. And, I will be buying one because there are so many other fantastic advancements.

I think that Apple will probably get a 'bad rap' when they do reintroduce the backlit keyboard in the next revision (and to the 'trolls' we probably sound like fanboys').

Like you said, it may simply have been a matter of not having enough time to get the design right. I am an engineer and I understand how there are tradeoffs everywhere when it comes to making things smaller. Still, though, the backlight is a tradeoff I would not have voted to accept...I dearly loved the backlight!

 

[iRun26.2]

i bought it anyways. im still pissed its not there but now i know where the numer 5 is on a keyboard

And Steve Jobs knows where the '$' key is on the keyboard in the dark.

(although I really don't see it that way, but I just couldn't resist).