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Do you think the backlit keyboard will come back to the MBA???
- Thread starter MBABuyer
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I don't think the almost endless complaints / requests on this forum will make Apple re-introduce the backlit keyboard. There seem to have been lots of requests for a wireless keyboard with a numeric keypad, but Apple haven't made one yet. 
But I'd love it if they did.
But I'd love it if they did.
If they don't add the backlit keys to the next refresh, I won't be buying the MBA. This is a major selling point for me. I'm sure others over look this, but this is one feature I have grown accustom to having. Apple needs to add this back. Make it an option at least. It doesn't have to be standard, but give us the option to add it apple!
This is a major selling point for me. I'm sure others over look this, but this is one feature I have grown accustom to having. Apple needs to add this back. Make it an option at least. It doesn't have to be standard, but give us the option to add it apple!
I have owned two Apple computers, a 2008 15" MBP and a 2010 Rev C (SSD) MBA, both of which came with backlit keyboards.
I could point out that I have worked in places with rather erratic access to electricity supplies and that having a BLK was a considerable plus. And yes, I can touch type, but I also like the backlit keyboard. Hugely. And much prefer to have it on a computer than not.
For what it is worth, I have noticed an astonishing amount of vitriol directed towards those who wish to see the BLK reinstated whenever this topic comes up in a thread. The vitriol is unnecessary, and, to my mind, is somewhat excessive. In any case, be prepared to disagree and accept that the opinions of others may differ with you.
And yes, this topic does appear fairly frequently. Quite clearly, it comes up often, because it matters to a significant number of people (myself included; this is one of the main reasons I have held off buying an 11" MBA).
Cheers
I could point out that I have worked in places with rather erratic access to electricity supplies and that having a BLK was a considerable plus. And yes, I can touch type, but I also like the backlit keyboard. Hugely. And much prefer to have it on a computer than not.
For what it is worth, I have noticed an astonishing amount of vitriol directed towards those who wish to see the BLK reinstated whenever this topic comes up in a thread. The vitriol is unnecessary, and, to my mind, is somewhat excessive. In any case, be prepared to disagree and accept that the opinions of others may differ with you.
And yes, this topic does appear fairly frequently. Quite clearly, it comes up often, because it matters to a significant number of people (myself included; this is one of the main reasons I have held off buying an 11" MBA).
Cheers
iod pay
id pay an extra 50 for this feature, even though i hope they dont try and add this as a selling point and call it revolutionary
id pay an extra 50 for this feature, even though i hope they dont try and add this as a selling point and call it revolutionary
Same here. But no more than that. Be even better if it was included if you upgrade the processor or memory.
I don't think the almost endless complaints / requests on this forum will make Apple re-introduce the backlit keyboard. There seem to have been lots of requests for a wireless keyboard with a numeric keypad, but Apple haven't made one yet.
But I'd love it if they did.
Apple didn't put it on the first 13" Aluminum MacBook, but it was added back when that machine was rerepleased as the 13" MBP.
Yes, the next MBA will be invisible - to activate you'll have to say an encrypted vocal password to generate the laptop in front of you, then close it and put it away.
I'd pay an extra $200 for the return of the Backlit Keyboard.
In fact, it would make me upgrade again even though I just bought my 'Ultimate' 11.6" MBA less than 8 months ago. Without it, I may wait.
(And, yes, I can touch type!).
I just did a typing test a few weeks ago, and I hit 80 WPM and I still really want a backlit keyboard.
My errors are always first keystroke in the dark room without a backlit keyboard. In addition, when searching the web it happens often when needing to type and then scroll and etc.
This isn't about not being able to type, it's about having a feature we're accustomed to on a $1799 MacBook Air. I have seen the feature on computers half the price. The point is we all justify buying Macs because they have ALL of the features we want... so the problem is when Apple just dumps them for whatever reason.
I do believe that all of the threads and complaints could actually push Apple to put the feature back into the next MBA. Apple really does stuff like this just to get us to upgrade for a feature like this if we don't care about the other non-features. The backlit keyboard is critical to those who love it and are used to having it. It seems much more important than Sandy Bridge, 8GB RAM, and even a Thunderbolt port in my opinion.
The keyboard, trackpad, and display are the critical factors which I must love to enjoy my computing experience, and I would bet most would answer the same if they really thought about it.
My errors are always first keystroke in the dark room without a backlit keyboard. In addition, when searching the web it happens often when needing to type and then scroll and etc.
This isn't about not being able to type, it's about having a feature we're accustomed to on a $1799 MacBook Air. I have seen the feature on computers half the price. The point is we all justify buying Macs because they have ALL of the features we want... so the problem is when Apple just dumps them for whatever reason.
I do believe that all of the threads and complaints could actually push Apple to put the feature back into the next MBA. Apple really does stuff like this just to get us to upgrade for a feature like this if we don't care about the other non-features. The backlit keyboard is critical to those who love it and are used to having it. It seems much more important than Sandy Bridge, 8GB RAM, and even a Thunderbolt port in my opinion.
The keyboard, trackpad, and display are the critical factors which I must love to enjoy my computing experience, and I would bet most would answer the same if they really thought about it.
I'd rather have backlit keyboard over thunderbolt. Thunderbolt could be the new FireWire if apple doesn't let it be flexible as USB.
Am I the only one who actually thinks the backlighting on the MBPs looks ugly? I think it looks cheap, like the light bleeds through too much.
I would want some type of backlighting on the MBA, yes, but not in its current state.
I would want some type of backlighting on the MBA, yes, but not in its current state.
MBAir backlit keyboard
I miss this feature as many other do. I tip the screen towards me a few degrees if I need more light on the keyboard. Not great, but better.
I miss this feature as many other do. I tip the screen towards me a few degrees if I need more light on the keyboard. Not great, but better.
Yup, I know that. What I am saying is I would LIKE to have it, and use it. I just don't like how it looks. I would still like to use it, though.
This is actually my perspective too. If the light was only shining through the characters on the tabs, I would like it much better than the current set-up. I used to have a BlackBook and I'm more okay with moving to an MBA without a backlit keyboard than I was when I had the BlackBook as my primary computer. Backlit keyboards are a bit overrated for me.