Backlit Keyboard...Revisited

[Corndog5595]

It's 1 AM right now, no lights are on, my brightness is at 1 bar, and I can type fine without the backlight.

 

[iRun26.2]

It's 1 AM right now, no lights are on, my brightness is at 1 bar, and I can type fine without the backlight.

Really?! I definitely can not see most of the keys when it is totally dark and I have the brightness set to only '1 bar'.

What model MBA do you have? (I have the 'mini MBA')

 

[Corndog5595]

I have a MacBook Pro, but I turned the backlight off just to see if I could type without it.

I feel like people are just complaining for the sake of complaining sometimes. I know now everyone can touch-type, but you probably should if you are spending that much on a computer. Also, just buy a little light that sits on your nightstand or something, and turn it on when you are using your computer in bed.

The lack of a backlight doesn't seem like much of a problem to me. I would be able to live without it, but I guess people always have to have issues with something.

 

[revelated]

I have a MacBook Pro, but I turned the backlight off just to see if I could type without it.

I feel like people are just complaining for the sake of complaining sometimes. I know now everyone can touch-type, but you probably should if you are spending that much on a computer. Also, just buy a little light that sits on your nightstand or something, and turn it on when you are using your computer in bed.

The lack of a backlight doesn't seem like much of a problem to me. I would be able to live without it, but I guess people always have to have issues with something.

Come on now.

If you bought a 2009 Nissan Altima SL - loaded - then next year they came out with a 2010 Altima SL that was missing Bluetooth, that's a problem. Not because you do or don't use Bluetooth, but because there is no reason to remove said feature.

If you went to McDonalds and ordered a large Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese combo and there were no fries, that's a problem. Same reason.

If you went to Magic Mountain and they told you that while your ticket lets you in the park, you can't get on three of the rides, when the last time you were there it was all-access (as it is now), that's a problem.

People don't want to pay more, or even the same, for less features. Especially not when with said features there is no logic in their removal, they just get removed. Especially when Apple is known for taking stuff out only to put it back in a later revision.

 

[Corndog5595]

Would it make me a little frustrated? Yes.
Would I create a thread about it? No.

I understand it's an idiotic thing for them to just remove for the hell of it, but I wouldn't care enough to complain.

 

[fyrefly]

Would it make me a little frustrated? Yes.
Would I create a thread about it? No.

I understand it's an idiotic thing for them to just remove for the hell of it, but I wouldn't care enough to complain.

Well lets hope not everyone is like you, and Apple hears enough people want the BL keyboard back so that they put it back in the next Rev.

 

[eject]

Complaint sent to steve direct and to MacBook air feedback page....

I feel strongly, I upgraded my Macbook Air and didn't realize until I came to use in dim light, it's just annoying and feels two steps forward and 1/2 step back... It's 2010 and I don't want to be disappointed compared to my old MBA. It's fine to feel this way... People who don't get it, are people who haven't been in the same position. I want it all.. Why is that bad.
Complain here: http://www.apple.com/feedback/macbookair.html

My quick thoughts >


Steve,

I have been an advocate of most things Apple, and have talked pretty much every member of my family into buying macs. *They love them, I couldn't have been happier until now.


I have just purchased my new Macbook Air 128gb HD, 2gb ram, 13" display, this is to accompany a whole fleet of apple products I won't bore you about.
I am upgrading from the *2nd gen Macbook Air which I loved.

I have been waiting for around 18 months for a new Macbook Air to be released and finally got one tonight. After setting it up and being so happy with most upgrades, little things like the power button added to the keyboard, twin USB, and larger improvements like beautiful sharp display, snappy response with the solid state drives. All good so far.

I was totally appalled when I switched of the light to watch a film via Apple TV to find that I wanted to see my keyboard in the dark... So I fumbled for where I am used to seeing the keyboard illumination buttons.. And couldn't find them... So I thought, ahhh clever apple have saved on keys and added the functionality into a settings control panel.. Nope! *On googling you have removed it the backlit keyboard... You crazy fools! *

I now sit typing this response in the dark in bed on an iPad, completely disappointed about my Macbook Air purchase, why would you remove such a key handy feature from a mac that is supposed to be everything condensed into a thin case... Why compromise!!! *You said no compromise.

I didn't even think to check and took it for granted that every feature in the previous model had would be included in a superior model...

I want to take it back and get a refund, But what would I buy instead? *I feel totally mislead and letdown by this... Sometimes it's a lovely thing to work in dim light conditions... Yes the iPad is great for that too... But I need this in a lightweight laptop also...

You should have asked anyone who had ever purchased a MacBook air like me, I am sure that they would agree it's a step backwards.

Please explain the logic here?

Regards
Lee

London, UK. *

Sent from my iPad

 

[Corndog5595]

[Post goes here]

Dear Lee,
You should have done your research.

Sent from my iPhone.

 

[gwsat]

Would it make me a little frustrated? Yes.
Would I create a thread about it? No.

I understand it's an idiotic thing for them to just remove for the hell of it, but I wouldn't care enough to complain.

+1. If that means that we both are unsupportive Philistines, so be it.

 

[aberrero]

u dibt ybderstabd wgt poeioke are si cibcurbed wutg a bkacjkut jebtarid,

 

[Corndog5595]

What you did there. I saw it.

 

[CaoCao]

Apple shaved several mm by removing the backlight

 

[miggitymac]

I can't believe that this thread is still going...

It's almost been a month since the MBAs came out.

You wait and hope that it comes in a refresh next year, or you buy it now if you can do without it. You buy it or you don't.

IT'S THAT SIMPLE!

Whining/griping/complaining/praying/hoping/dreaming isn't going to change the fact that there's no backlit keyboard!!

Get over it already!

 

[revelated]

u dibt ybderstabd wgt poeioke are si cibcurbed wutg a bkacjkut jebtarid,

Hilarious. I LOL'd.

 

[ingramLee]

It's 1 AM right now, no lights are on, my brightness is at 1 bar, and I can type fine without the backlight.

But do you know where your children are?

 

[Truffy]

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.

+1. I have a 15" PB and have the backlight turned off because it usually makes the keys disappear. However, the keys are silver, so I guess that makes a difference.

 

[iRun26.2]

I feel strongly, I upgraded my Macbook Air and didn't realize until I came to use in dim light, it's just annoying and feels two steps forward and 1/2 step back... It's 2010 and I don't want to be disappointed compared to my old MBA. It's fine to feel this way... People who don't get it, are people who haven't been in the same position. I want it all.. Why is that bad.
Complain here: http://www.apple.com/feedback/macbookair.html

My quick thoughts >


Steve,

I have been an advocate of most things Apple, and have talked pretty much every member of my family into buying macs. *They love them, I couldn't have been happier until now.


I have just purchased my new Macbook Air 128gb HD, 2gb ram, 13" display, this is to accompany a whole fleet of apple products I won't bore you about.
I am upgrading from the *2nd gen Macbook Air which I loved.

I have been waiting for around 18 months for a new Macbook Air to be released and finally got one tonight. After setting it up and being so happy with most upgrades, little things like the power button added to the keyboard, twin USB, and larger improvements like beautiful sharp display, snappy response with the solid state drives. All good so far.

I was totally appalled when I switched of the light to watch a film via Apple TV to find that I wanted to see my keyboard in the dark... So I fumbled for where I am used to seeing the keyboard illumination buttons.. And couldn't find them... So I thought, ahhh clever apple have saved on keys and added the functionality into a settings control panel.. Nope! *On googling you have removed it the backlit keyboard... You crazy fools! *

I now sit typing this response in the dark in bed on an iPad, completely disappointed about my Macbook Air purchase, why would you remove such a key handy feature from a mac that is supposed to be everything condensed into a thin case... Why compromise!!! *You said no compromise.

I didn't even think to check and took it for granted that every feature in the previous model had would be included in a superior model...

I want to take it back and get a refund, But what would I buy instead? *I feel totally mislead and letdown by this... Sometimes it's a lovely thing to work in dim light conditions... Yes the iPad is great for that too... But I need this in a lightweight laptop also...

You should have asked anyone who had ever purchased a MacBook air like me, I am sure that they would agree it's a step backwards.

Please explain the logic here?

Regards
Lee

London, UK. *

Sent from my iPad

I really can't see Steve Jobs responding to such a long email. It just doesn't seem to be his style.

 

[funkdoobi]

so much whining about a backlit keyboard. go take some typing classes. like i said in the other thread of complainers, you shouldn't be allowed to use a computer if you don't know where the keys are to type.

 

[iRun26.2]

+1. If that means that we both are unsupportive Philistines, so be it.

u dibt ybderstabd wgt poeioke are si cibcurbed wutg a bkacjkut jebtarid,

+1

Very funny! I love to read MacRumors simply because of very clever posts like this one that make me laugh. It's amazing how creative people can be sometimes!

 

[iRun26.2]

so much whining about a backlit keyboard. go take some typing classes. like i said in the other thread of complainers, you shouldn't be allowed to use a computer if you don't know where the keys are to type.

But should YOU be allowed to use a computer if you are too lazy to use the 'shift' (capitalization) key???

 

[funkdoobi]

But should YOU be allowed to use a computer if you are too lazy to use the 'shift' (capitalization) key???

Is that seriously your comeback? Is this better? Are you one of those hipster dorks that pronounces each and every consonant of a word? Go back to serving me coffee, all mighty barista. HaHa.

 

[iRun26.2]

Is that seriously your comeback? Is this better? Are you one of those hipster dorks that pronounces each and every consonant of a word? Go back to serving me coffee, all mighty barista. HaHa.

I'm sorry, I thought it was funny...

 

[Appleind]

Dj

I am a DJ and love my backlit keyboard when Djing in clubs. MBA would have been the perfect companion being so portable yet fast. I started using my MBA with a help of a small side lamp and sometimes use the bright display as a front light . Would have been great news for DJs but i guess reading from this thread not many people care. I just couldnt resist buying one the moment i saw it

 

[Appleind]

Lol

I really can't see Steve Jobs responding to such a long email. It just doesn't seem to be his style.

He would have replied "Dont believe everything you read. I follow that rule too"

 

[hohohong]

I’m keeping my backlit MBA!