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Technerd108

macrumors 68040
Original poster
Oct 24, 2021
3,051
4,301
Everyone should be using external keyboards with their Air. I wouldn't use the crap Air keyboard just for preventing the keys from becoming shiny like mirrors. Each time you even touch the keys on the Air keyboard you are lowering your resale value of your laptop.
Why would anyone buy an expensive laptop and not want to use the keyboard? If all used devices are going to have shiny keys then it won't affect resale value as it is expected wear. It sucks they can't use a more durable plastic regardless of their reasoning at Apple.

The keyboard is not crap either. The keys get shiny but you can polish the keys with Vasoline on a cloth and it will help, also a tire restore product will work too. It doesn't solve the problem but makes it much less noticeable. As for accuracy and comfort I would rate this as one of the best keyboards in a thin and light?
 
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1BadManVan

macrumors 68040
Dec 20, 2009
3,282
3,442
Bc Canada
Why would anyone buy an expensive laptop and not want to use the keyboard? If all used devices are going to have shiny keys then it won't affect resale value as it is expected wear. It sucks they can't use a more durable plastic regardless of their reasoning at Apple.

The keyboard is not crap either. The keys get shiny but you can polish the keys with Vasoline on a cloth and it will help, also a tire restore product will work too. It doesn't solve the problem but makes it much less noticeable. As for accuracy and comfort I would rate this as one of the best keyboards in a thin and light?
I love the keyboard on my MacBook Air, no reason to use an external keyboard with it. Seems silly to get a laptop if you can't use its keyboard. If you're using an external keyboard all the time, then you're only using It docked or at a desk, why get a MacBook then
 

Technerd108

macrumors 68040
Original poster
Oct 24, 2021
3,051
4,301
I love the keyboard on my MacBook Air, no reason to use an external keyboard with it. Seems silly to get a laptop if you can't use its keyboard. If you're using an external keyboard all the time, then you're only using It docked or at a desk, why get a MacBook then
You can use an oil based product or even bees wax and rub that on the finish of the Mac and the keys. A car rubber or plastic restore product will work on the plastic keys only and will basically make the keys appear less shiny. It is still there but not as noticeable. Makes me not mind the shiny keys as much as I did before I tried what I am suggesting and it worked very well. Makes the keyboard look a lot better. Just an idea. Also the oil based product or bees wax will help with the appearance of fingerprints on the midnight finish. Also makes a pretty big difference.
 

Technerd108

macrumors 68040
Original poster
Oct 24, 2021
3,051
4,301
Just a note for those who worry about the durability of the darker finishes like Midnight.

I have a two year old Mac that was admittedly babied has little wear on the finish. On the ports and MagSafe there are areas where the finish has rubbed off but it is not bad. Obviously if you drop or scratch the finish Aluminum is a very soft metal but otherwise it is no worse than any other anodized aluminum finish I have ever used.

So I recommend buying on your personal color preference rather than worrying about the durability of the finish. The new MBA seem to be pretty durable.
 

SnowCrocodile

macrumors 6502
Nov 21, 2022
465
470
SouthEast of Northern MidWest
My 13" 16/512 M2 (purchased refurbished from Apple) is still as fast as it ever was, with same good battery life. I find its keyboard to be excellent, at least after a lifetime of using various Windows machines. So is the trackpad.

Sometimes I wish I had a larger screen, but a big part in me choosing this laptop was portability and it's just the perfect size. A 15" would be too bulky.

All in all, barring accidents, I fully expect to be able to use it for at least the next 5 years. No regrets.

OTOH, my business Surface Pro 9 has been nothing but one giant disappointment.
 
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Technerd108

macrumors 68040
Original poster
Oct 24, 2021
3,051
4,301
Apple Intelligence. I don't really want it but I signed up for it to see how Apple is implementing AI.

I am very happy to say that you have a toggle switch to turn it on or off completely. So if you want Apple Intelligence then you can turn it on and use the various features. It seems just like an amped up Siri that actually seems to work.

I tried voice commands and for the most part they work. So you can do some things hands free.

At this point I have it turned off but I may try some features here or there.

I really prefer the way Apple is introducing AI into the OS. I don't like having something I have NO control over--Looking at you CO-Pilot.
 

Howard2k

macrumors 603
Mar 10, 2016
5,671
5,586
My M1 is still performing fantastically. My son has an M2. Also working great, obviously.

I may go for a refurb M6 or perhaps M5 when the timing is right, but so far so good. It'll be interesting to see how Apple Intelligence plays out. That's likely to have some impact on my upgrade path.
 
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