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xkmxkmxlmx

macrumors 6502a
Apr 28, 2011
885
113
You know the light level is adjustable, right...

Seriously? Do you guys just post anything before reading? Yes, I know it is adjustable. Yes, I have used it on the original MBA AND my last MBP. I do not like it.

You know people just might not like certain things, right...
 

Wild-Bill

macrumors 68030
Jan 10, 2007
2,539
617
bleep
Backlit Keyboard or BUST !!!!!

I hope they put it back into the next MBA. They should not have gotten rid of it in the first place.

If this release has no backlit keyboard, I will just keep chugging along with my "old" 2009 MBA and its backlit keyboard. No sale for Apple.

The battery life hit having a backlit keyboard is negligible, if I remember correctly. Besides, the level is adjustable.
 

Apple Expert

macrumors 65816
Jan 31, 2010
1,337
0
I hope some people at apple see these boards and know how much users want the backlit keyboard. If not then I'm going to get a MBP.
 

captainmuggles

macrumors newbie
Jul 1, 2011
26
0
Backlit keyboard on MBA

I should hope so. I am posting right now on a Macbook Air with a backlit keyboard. Common sense should dictate that it will. BUT Apple has a strange way of looking at logical solutions. I own and use an Imac G4 All In One. I am totally enamored with it. But, the very first thing that I did on the day I received it was to buy a Saitek Eclipse backlit keyboard. I cannot fathom why anyone would not prefer a backlit keyboard on a laptop especially. My daughter offered me a Macbook Air 13" for Father's Day. I was reluctant at first because I didn't want another laptop without keyboard illumination. But when she told me it was first generation, I was elated. Now I use it almost exclusively. My three other computers have no keyboard backlighting, Ergo, they are gathering dust. Ah but I digress! Do I think that Apple will put backlighting on newer MBA's? No! Not unless they can make you think it was totally their idea, and our requests had nothing to do with it. There; I said it and I'm glad that I did!
 

iRun26.2

macrumors 68020
Aug 15, 2010
2,123
344
I hope some people at apple see these boards and know how much users want the backlit keyboard. If not then I'm going to get a MBP.

Which may be the reason Apple removed the backlit keyboard from the MBA in the first place...
 

Apple Expert

macrumors 65816
Jan 31, 2010
1,337
0
Which may be the reason Apple removed the backlit keyboard from the MBA in the first place...

They removed it because people wanted it? If they don't add it back (which they probably won't) then I'm going to buy me a MBP. Less of my money will be going to apple as I will buy the base 13" model and my own ssd and ram. Apple your money is on the table to collect.
 

iRun26.2

macrumors 68020
Aug 15, 2010
2,123
344
They removed it because people wanted it? If they don't add it back (which they probably won't) then I'm going to buy me a MBP. Less of my money will be going to apple as I will buy the base 13" model and my own ssd and ram. Apple your money is on the table to collect.

You want it so you are willing to buy a MBP. They (Apple) makes more money on the MBP. Most people don't buy the base model or install their own extras. Keeping it in a higher model also makes people have an excuse to buy both (but I don't have a desire for a 'big' computer like that...I use my 11.6" MBA and just curse Apple for taking it away when I try to use my computer in the dark). :)
 

Apple Expert

macrumors 65816
Jan 31, 2010
1,337
0
You want it so you are willing to buy a MBP. They (Apple) makes more money on the MBP. Most people don't buy the base model or install their own extras. Keeping it in a higher model also makes people have an excuse to buy both (but I don't have a desire for a 'big' computer like that...I use my 11.6" MBA and just curse Apple for taking it away when I try to use my computer in the dark). :)

I would buy the base model and do the upgrades else where.
 

Apple Expert

macrumors 65816
Jan 31, 2010
1,337
0
100% competent touch typist here, typing on my non-backlit 2008 aluminum Macbook.

I would love to see a backlit keyboard on the 2011 MBA. Sure I can type paragraphs just fine without seeing the keys, but sometimes finding punctuation, function keys, or the fn/ctrl/alt keys (I go back and forth between Windows and Apple keyboards a lot) can be frustrating.

Just a small amount of backlight would be fine and would make using the computer a lot easier in dark situations. Sure you can get along just fine without it, I get along just fine without it right now, but when you're paying so much money for a premium laptop why should you have to squint and strain your eyes when all of the other premium Apple laptops have it as a standard feature?

My thought is that margins were very thin (by Apple standards :p ) when they released these new MBAs with standard SSDs, just like margins were thin with the first generation of unibody Macbooks.

Next revision the component and manufacturing costs should be a bit lower so I can see them throwing it back in. If they do I'll probably get a specced out 13" Air, if not I'll go with the 13" Pro which strangely still lacks the high res screen.

I'm with you on this.
 

DanMacApple

macrumors 6502
Jul 1, 2010
264
2
I think there still is a good chance the backlit keyboard will be put back on the MBA as that is a feature that helps sell the MBP over the MB.
 

42streetsdown

macrumors 6502a
Feb 12, 2011
655
3
Gallifrey, 5124
I would buy the base model and do the upgrades else where.

Most people won't upgrade elsewhere. They'll spend the money at Apple.

I'm not totally convinced that Apple's motive is to make people choose the pro over the Air. They keep using the Air in all of their demos, and it's supposed to be the future of MacBooks or something. i think we'll be seeing the backlit keyboard again.
 

Apple Expert

macrumors 65816
Jan 31, 2010
1,337
0
Most people won't upgrade elsewhere. They'll spend the money at Apple.

I'm not totally convinced that Apple's motive is to make people choose the pro over the Air. They keep using the Air in all of their demos, and it's supposed to be the future of MacBooks or something. i think we'll be seeing the backlit keyboard again.

I hope your right. Apple does parade the Air a lot with Lion. Hopefully they put the best hardware features on the MBA.
 

iRun26.2

macrumors 68020
Aug 15, 2010
2,123
344
Most people won't upgrade elsewhere. They'll spend the money at Apple.

I'm not totally convinced that Apple's motive is to make people choose the pro over the Air. They keep using the Air in all of their demos, and it's supposed to be the future of MacBooks or something. i think we'll be seeing the backlit keyboard again.

My best hope is that they tier the MBA models, making a 'Pro MBA' version that comes standard with a BLK. When their entry level version 'only' costs $999, I don't see how they could add it in (especially when the plain MB never had it).

What worries me is that they might only bring it back to the 13.3" MBA model. Now that I am used to the extra portability of the 11.6" MBA I could never go back to the 13.3" version.
 

iDave

macrumors 65816
Aug 14, 2003
1,029
300
Apple really reduced the price of the revised MacBook Air so I expect the lighted keyboard was a frill they could do away with. Obviously some people want it so I expect it'll come back someday; but maybe not until other component costs drop enough so it's doable at current prices.

Me; I'd rather not pay for something I wouldn't use. I'd much rather have more memory or storage at the current prices.
 

flynz4

macrumors 68040
Aug 9, 2009
3,275
133
Portland, OR
I personally do not expect the backlit keyboard in this new release. It is the most desirable potential feature for me, but I am not expecting it.

My guess (and only a guess) is next summer.

/Jim
 

Apple Expert

macrumors 65816
Jan 31, 2010
1,337
0
Apple really reduced the price of the revised MacBook Air so I expect the lighted keyboard was a frill they could do away with. Obviously some people want it so I expect it'll come back someday; but maybe not until other component costs drop enough so it's doable at current prices.

Me; I'd rather not pay for something I wouldn't use. I'd much rather have more memory or storage at the current prices.

I'm sure the costs have dropped a lot since last years MBA.
 

iDave

macrumors 65816
Aug 14, 2003
1,029
300
I'm sure the costs have dropped a lot since last years MBA.
I don't know anything about processor costs. Are the expected new ones cheaper than Core 2 Duo? What about Thunderbolt? Does it cost much? If the total of the components is cheaper, maybe lit keyboards will happen, assuming they don't weigh much or add to the thickness.
 

mickliq

macrumors newbie
Apr 8, 2009
26
1
Montreal
I'd like to see it. The 13" MBA high-res coupled with a SB i7 would definitely be interesting to me. The things that made me opt for my 2011 15" MBP were:

- High Res
- Glossy
- Backlit KB
- 500 GB SSD
- 8 GB RAM

I'd give up the 1680 x 1050 for 1440 x 900. I'd miss the black border glossy for the MBA's silver border glossy. I hope they offer a 500 GB HD option with 8 GB RAM, but I would pass if they don't offer the backlit KB...call me crazy :)
 

captainmuggles

macrumors newbie
Jul 1, 2011
26
0
backlit keyboard on MBA

If apple changed the keys to white then that would help eliminate the need for a backlit keyboard, unless you have your screen brightness stupidly low.

I find it easy typing on an apple wireless keyboard in a dark room with my acd at 50% brightness.

Everyone can't type without glancing at the keyboard once in a while. I realize it is ideal if you can. But I can't and I am not alone in that respect. Here is my opinion on backlit keyboards. Laptop computers and cell phones are portable, run on batteries and are used in every kind of lighting condition possible. And that includes total darkness. All cellphones have illuminated keypads. And ALL laptops should have illuminated keyboards with the option to turn them on or off at will! My opinion is based on logic and common sense. I am not looking for validation or total agreement. I also don't wish to argue with those who don't agree. It's just that this issue of backlit keyboards is getting out of hand!
 
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