MacBook Keyboard

[bourdieu]

I'm getting very close togoing Intel, letting go of my beloved 12' PB 1,33, and getting myself a white MB. The one thing holding me back is that I'm unsure about the keyboard of the MB. I do a lot of typing (5h+ a day) and the PBs keyboard is really like a dream. Is there anyone else around who do a lot of typing and went from PB to MB? How did you feel about the transition?

 

[iEric007]

I'm getting very close togoing Intel, letting go of my beloved 12' PB 1,33, and getting myself a white MB. The one thing holding me back is that I'm unsure about the keyboard of the MB. I do a lot of typing (5h+ a day) and the PBs keyboard is really like a dream. Is there anyone else around who do a lot of typing and went from PB to MB? How did you feel about the transition?

If the keyboard is that important (since you like the PB keyboard) why don't you go with the macbook pro. It's exactly as the PB keyboard.

I had a White MB and the keyboard was not bad either, but its not as soft as the MBP. The MB's keyboard is also noisier...like clickier. It's not bad though.

I have a MBP 15' now and I love the keyboard!!!

 

[bourdieu]

If the keyboard is that important (since you like the PB keyboard) why don't you go with the macbook pro. It's exactly as the PB keyboard.

I had a White MB and the keyboard was not bad either, but its not as soft as the MBP. The MB's keyboard is also noisier...like clickier. It's not bad though.

I have a MBP 15' now and I love the keyboard!!!

I would absolutely go MBP if it wasnt for screen size. I do about 10-12 hours of train-commuting a week (payed working hours) and I know that I wouldnt be comfortable with the larger size of the MBP. That is one more reason why its so hard to let go of my 12' PB...

 

[j26]

I made that exact change, and the MB keyboard is not as nice as the PB one. You will get used to it, but in terms of keyboard, the PB just feels better. I type a lot (3 hours lectures a day, and study on top of that), so it was an issue. I'm used to it now, but I still seem to make more erors than I used to with the PB keyboard. I don't find it any noisier than the PB keyboard.

However, the benefits outweigh my reservations about the keyboard
Better battery life
Better screen (brightness, resolution, and I find glossy better)
Faster processor (if you do anything processor intensive you will appreciate it)
Better Airport reception
Magsafe (gives you a lot more peace of mind)

hth

 

[MacsAttack]

Obviously keyboards are a matter of personall taste, but after trying out a MAcBook Pro and a MacBook I went for the MacBook because the Pro just felt cheap and horrible in comparison (and with all that space avaialble there is no sane justification for squiezing the keyboard into such a small space).

I've been using a MacBook for over two months now, and the keyboard has been very usable with an average throughput of 2-3k words a day.

If they put a MacBook keyboard (with full-size keys because they have the space to do it on a 15 or 17 inch laptop) on a MacBook Pro I'd buy it tomorrow. Well, perhaps Tuesday.

 

[iEric007]

I would absolutely go MBP if it wasnt for screen size. I do about 10-12 hours of train-commuting a week (payed working hours) and I know that I wouldnt be comfortable with the larger size of the MBP. That is one more reason why its so hard to let go of my 12' PB...

Well in that case, I'd definetaly go with the MB. The keyboard is not that bad on it. As a matter of fact, I've heard from a lot of people that its easier to type because of the spacing of each key. I also hear that it prevents many typos for the same reasons.

However, I have seen the 12' PB and those just look awesome!!! Maybe Apple will release a 13' MBP someday!!!

 

[iEric007]

I went for the MacBook because the Pro just felt cheap and horrible in comparison (and with all that space avaialble there is no sane justification for squiezing the keyboard into such a small space)..

I disagree. Having owned a MB and now a MBP, the keyboard on the MB seems more cheap to me than the MBP. The MB keyboard doens't feel like the keyboard of a luxury machine, but instead it feels kind of "toyish" because of its plastic. The MBP keyboard feels more like a luxuroius keys, not to mention the fact that the keys on the MBP light up with the ambient sensors.

Either way, you're right...it is a personal choice. Some will like the MB keyboard and other won't. Best thing to do is to go to an Apple store and "test drive" your laptop.

 

[®îçhå®?]

The keyboard is easy to use. I had an ibook and upgraded it. I like the keys slightly stiffer that on the MBP and i use it for about 7 hrs a day with no pain or anything. It is great

 

[bourdieu]

Thanks for your replies!

I have been to my local reseller and tried the MB. The keyboard feels ok, but a bit strange since I'm used to the PB's keyboard. I guess I'll have to take the plunge and use the MB a couple of full working days before I know for sure I'm comfortable with it.

I can however wait a couple of months (at least until may/june) for the next MB update, and hold all my available fingers crossed for the release of a 12'/13' MBP

 

[devilot]

I have been to my local reseller and tried the MB.

I can however wait a couple of months (at least until may/june) for the next MB update, and hold all my available fingers crossed for the release of a 12'/13' MBP

Thanks for trying it out. It irks me when people can but don't try it out for themselves.

I had the opportunity to use a MB for about twenty minutes or so and was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked the keyboard. Still think it looks silly, but it feels nice, especially compared to my iBook now. I'm definitely thinking about selling my iBook and saving up for an MB.

And if you can and do feel like waiting, there's also iLife '07 and Leopard that helps making it worth waiting.

 

[Kamikaze]

I own both and love them both. the MB is kind Tonka looking but performs well. What I really like is the keyboard backlight on the MBP.
Honestly I want something smaller to, so I am looking for a 1.33 12' PB to send into Daystar and havethe 1.75ghz proc installed. Still powerfull and still G4. I switched to mac on the intels, but now I see the appeal to the G4's.
Good Luck.

 

[MRU]

The black macbook keyboard starts to look worn & shiny after only a couple months of use. It's not that the others dont, but the black shows it up more. (and it looks crappy when you see it shiny)

 

[Agurri]

After trying Toshiba's, Macbook's, and Macbook pro's keyboard, I have found that the MB keyboard is what I prefer... I love the harder feeling of the keyboard. But it's my opinion... you have to try it to know if you like it.

 

[jhande]

The black macbook keyboard starts to look worn & shiny after only a couple months of use. It's not that the others dont, but the black shows it up more. (and it looks crappy when you see it shiny)

Hm - I use a black MacBook on a daily basis (and have, for the past 4 months), and can't agree there.

The really nice thing re: cleaning the keyboard, is that when pressed down the keys are flush with the frame - no more qtips. Do it when shut down, though

And typing, well I had an external keyboard that I used with the iBook. I've ditched that and only use the MB keyboard.

Of course, YMMV etc.

 

[holamiamigos]

get an external keyboard... thats what i use

 

[DaLurker]

I purchased and iSkin to prevent the "shiny" look of a worn black keyboard. Might want to look into that if you're planning to type many hours a day.