Would it have been OK with you if I started out my diatribe with "IMO?" I ask because, for many, it would have been obvious that I was voicing my opinion...
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Flame away, The new aluminum keyboard is sub-par.
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Would it have been OK with you if I started out my diatribe with "IMO?" I ask because, for many, it would have been obvious that I was voicing my opinion...
I like the new keyboard but I can understand why some don't. I prefer the flat keys to the curved ones on previous models (and PC keyboards, for that matter) and I like that it is lower-profile, as well.
I'm not a typing machine by any stretch (and have never taken a typing class), which may be why I prefer the new one to the old ones.
I'm not a typing machine by any stretch (and have never taken a typing class), which may be why I prefer the new one to the old ones.
Look, I only buffered my position because I read this forum. I have seen how anyone who questions the design and usefulness of the new Apple keyboard (or almost anything Apple, for that matter) is usually attacked at somewhere around the 10 to 1 ratio by "Adherent Supporters of Apple Products" aka fanbois. I have been using exclusively Mac computers since 1988, and I believe I am entitled to criticize/critique Apple products If, in my opinion, it is warranted. What this forum needs is a more critical review of Apple products, and less "Adherent and uncritical support of Apple products", aka fanboyism. If one is personally offended by the term fanboi, maybe it is time to be more critical of one's self.
The curved vs. flat thing might be what is throwing me a bit - every keyboard I've ever used has had cupped keys... hmmmmm... although I don't think I'd want the new keys to be curved. Typing class I remember well. It was a class I had to take back in 9th grade. It was horrible for me, as my attention span was not up to the task. I we used IBM Selectrics. THAT was a noisy classroom.
The OP does seem to be flame-baiting a bit... While he claims the keyboard is "sub-par", I think its build and functionality is very good. Sub par to me would be loose or sticking keys or if it didn't sit flat on the desk. THAT would cause me to say bye-bye to it even if it made coffee for me.
Only one thing about it annoys me, and it's a pretty big thing - the lack of levels, for every row a "normal" keyboards is higher up. By skipping this I feel apple has made it harder to type properly. Also, this makes it harder when actually using a "normal" keyboard.
That's something else I've noticed - when I switch over to my Quicksilver, the keyboard feels exceedingly huge and the keys are towers! Maybe I've gotten used to the aluminum one more than I thought...
Maybe if the keyboard was curved itself, with stepped keys?
Look at the title you chose for your thread. No wonder you would be attacked. You start with the word flame and then make an opinion look like a statement of fact which is all too common on internet forums. Critique is an art form and needs to be learned.
Back OT, I am not a big fan of the keyboard either and I think it takes a while to adjust your typing style to it. I didn't like the older keyboard either, FWIW. On the appearance front, I think releasing a white/aluminum keyboard with a black/aluminum iMac was a design mistake. It looks wrong, particularly with a white mouse as well.
Who said I mind being attacked? I am trying to create some lively discussion here on this occasionally sleepy forum.....
Also, the sub-par new Apple Keyboard is basically a laptop keyboard. what is a laptop keyboard? It is a keyboard designed with many built-in compromises that are necessary for a laptop, but are not necessary for an external keyboard, unless you are just trying to make one for cheap, and one that looks good.
Perhaps many people, particulary within Apple itself, have come to prefer the laptop style of keyboard and so don't view the design decisions as compromises but as positives. I don't think that using scissor style supports on keyboards makes them cheaper, in fact I think its probably more expensive to make a low profile than a taller keyboard. I still don't think it looks good, even if it is thinner.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, even the folk in the majority of that 10 to 1 ratio. I would not deny their opinion as truthful anymore than I would deny yours. Maybe you should try to do the same. When you sling language around as you have, it gives an impression that is just as bad as any true fanboi. The arrogance of assuming that your opinion is right and all others are fanbois who are drinking the Kool Aid. Do you realize that is how you come off - just as bad as any Kool Aid drinker?
If you can't handle other people voicing their honest opinions without using derogatory language, maybe its' time you be more critical of your ability to handle on-line forums.
Ehh, the new bt ain't so bad
Kinda like the new bt aluminum wireless keyboard. It's not like I'm typing war and peace on it, but I can't tell too much of a difference between this and the white pro keyboard that came with my white c2d imac.
Got it because I just wanted a smaller form factor. It's different from the white, but it doesn't feel like I'm 'typing on concrete' or anything.
Kinda like the new bt aluminum wireless keyboard. It's not like I'm typing war and peace on it, but I can't tell too much of a difference between this and the white pro keyboard that came with my white c2d imac.
Got it because I just wanted a smaller form factor. It's different from the white, but it doesn't feel like I'm 'typing on concrete' or anything.
Hi, I do not actually see any derogatory language anywhere in anything I have said yet. Now, the one poster that said my Mother was sub-par; sure that is derogatory. Also, it is you and your pals who brought up the "Kool-Aid" reference, which is a reference to mind-control via psychoactive drugs, if I am not mistaken. So, lets be careful who you are accusing of being derogatory. Again, if you personally find the word fanboi derogatory maybe it is you who have the problem.
I do not mind honest opinions at all. But, when 5 folks in a row come to a thread, any thread, and say the exact same thing (i.e. I love the new Aluminum keyboard) it really does not do anything to add to a critical discussion. I did not ask for a poll.
Thanks for keeping this thread near the top!
I actually hope apple re-designs the keyboard soon, but I bet they will not. Again, I solved my problem by pulling an old, yet hardly used Apple Extended Keyboard II, that I bought from a university for 5 dollars, out of my attic. dusted it off, laid down $40 for an adb to usb converter. Now I have the best keyboard in the world and it cost me $45, $5 less than the new Apple Alum. keyboard.
It's an input device. Be happy that you don't have to use an outlandish one due to accessibility issues or even worse be impaired from using one.
I don't think it's much of an issue which one you prefer since they're your input devices.
We're more then happy to give our opinions and suggestions but this thread hasn't dragged too far.
I'm on it right now at church with our iMac.
Definitely a kinda cool "retro" feel (reminds me of typing on a Commodore PET or TI 99/4 chicklet keyboard). My MacBook is the same.
Prefer the larger "real" keys of the previous generation white keyboard (even better than the black pro keyboard). I use that one on my Mini.
Whatever suits you, I guess...
Definitely a kinda cool "retro" feel (reminds me of typing on a Commodore PET or TI 99/4 chicklet keyboard). My MacBook is the same.
Prefer the larger "real" keys of the previous generation white keyboard (even better than the black pro keyboard). I use that one on my Mini.
Whatever suits you, I guess...
Well, i've always preferred laptop keyboards, and so for me, the new alu keyboard rocks for typing
However, i just can't get used to playing games on it, feels just plain strange I use my old white BT keyboard instead
I think it's like most things, wheres theres choice some people will go for option 1 and dislike the second, the rest will go for the other option
It's like, I like small cars with manual gearboxes, some people like big cars, suvs etc. often with auto boxes which i can not stand driving
However, i just can't get used to playing games on it, feels just plain strange
I use my old white BT keyboard insteadI think it's like most things, wheres theres choice some people will go for option 1 and dislike the second, the rest will go for the other option
It's like, I like small cars with manual gearboxes, some people like big cars, suvs etc. often with auto boxes which i can not stand driving
The main reason I keep it is it feels like my Mac Book keyboard and I really enjoy the multi-function function keys (LCD/Volume/Media controls).
I admit I suffer a great deal of mis-typing with it so if someone comes out with a keyboard that has the multi-function function keys, I'll toss the Al keyboard. And it sure shows the grime.
I admit I suffer a great deal of mis-typing with it so if someone comes out with a keyboard that has the multi-function function keys, I'll toss the Al keyboard. And it sure shows the grime.
Maybe you should have a better understanding of the terms you use before you throw them around. The term "fanboi" is used to reference a devotion or obsession with a particular product to the point of blind loyalty. The reference to this term in your original post will be taken by many as an allusion to the assumption that the product is somehow flawed, but that the fanboys are blind to it because of their obsession.
Since I can now see that is not what you meant, I will apologize for reacting to you the way that I did. Better language would have been "I know that many here are happy with the KB, but for me personally, it simply does not work". That I can understand.
BTW - the reference to Kool-Aid is not to psychoactive drugs drugs, but is a reference to mind control and brain washing. It refers to the Cult of Jim Jones who convinced almost 1000 people to commit mass suicide by drinking cyanide-laced grape flavored Flavor Kool-Aid. Ever since, the term "drinking the kool-aid" has been used to refer to blind loyalty and brain washing.
Interesting history and subtilties of these terms that get thowen around, eh?
To me the new Apple keyboards are exactly like every other keyboard I've had that came with the computer - mediocre.
Neither the previous white one, these new silver ones, or even the Dell or HP ones that came with the machines at the office are worthy. The new Apple ones just happen to look slick, so they're a little higher up on the food chain than the Dell junk.
Unfortunately I don't have a "greatestest keyboard evah!" to recommend, but when I find it, you'll be the first to know after the other people I tell.
Neither the previous white one, these new silver ones, or even the Dell or HP ones that came with the machines at the office are worthy. The new Apple ones just happen to look slick, so they're a little higher up on the food chain than the Dell junk.
Unfortunately I don't have a "greatestest keyboard evah!" to recommend, but when I find it, you'll be the first to know after the other people I tell.
your wrists have been deformed from years of typing trama and 6 months isn't enough to change that, but the fact of the matter is, the new keyboard is more ergonomic and will save many from carpal tunnel/arthritis horrors.
I'm absolutely in love with the new iMac keyboard. I agree with you - at first, I was incredibly hesitant and it took a bit getting used to.
Now, though, I type like a pro. Much faster - although I probably do make more errors than I did on the old Apple keyboard as the keys are much easier to tap on mistake
Now, though, I type like a pro. Much faster - although I probably do make more errors than I did on the old Apple keyboard as the keys are much easier to tap on mistake
I get my first Mac on monday and my Alu keyboard experience is subject to about, I'd say, 60 minutes using iMac's in the store. Stood up.
But they seemed OK to type on and the Mighty Mouse seemed OK too. Time will tell though. I am very picky about keyboards and mice- they come with the iMac so it's no great loss if I hate them. Probably get killed for saying this but I currently use MS keyboard and mouse on my PC and really like them both
I must admit, the new Mac keyboards do remind me of the faithful ol' Speccy 48k
Anyways, speaking of Spectrums, you wanna talk about typing discomfort? Try the old 128k- Jaysus
But they seemed OK to type on and the Mighty Mouse seemed OK too. Time will tell though. I am very picky about keyboards and mice- they come with the iMac so it's no great loss if I hate them. Probably get killed for saying this but I currently use MS keyboard and mouse on my PC and really like them both
I must admit, the new Mac keyboards do remind me of the faithful ol' Speccy 48k
Anyways, speaking of Spectrums, you wanna talk about typing discomfort? Try the old 128k- Jaysus
You know the adage, don't judge a book by its cover? I'm guilty as charged. It looked more like novelty than practicality and I never thought anything would be better than my Dinovo Edge but while this does not surpass my Dinovo Edge, I do use it more. It's the compact design that's really hooked me. All that said, I wold agree with the OP in that it causes a lot of mistypes. 8 usually doesn't register for me.