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New Macbook Airs don't have Backlit keyboards?
- Thread starter hellfire88
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I know nothing about the wireport. I havent purchased another MB since 3 years ago. I am a little out dated. I just recently, like 4 days ago, wanted something lighter to carry around instead of this one. I have not experienced the BL but it does look nice from the pictures that I have seen. It is sad that they took it out of this new MBA, some people need that. But some people do not need the BL, like I do not need it I am use to typing in the dark now.
Why should you have to compromise and take one over the other? I'm a big Apple fan (not a fanboy...) - I think they make some great products. However, I don't think that people should have to say "well, I get this, but need to sacrifice that". The new MBA is a definite compromise over the previous version. Not only are we missing the backlit keyboard, but the IR sensor, sleep light, and not to mention that the design really isn't as elegant (it looks like something off of Star Wars). And please...don't say "well I don't even use that anyways"...fanboys - point is, others do...if tomorrow Steve Jobs said that he's deleting the screen hinge from the next MBA, there would be quotes from you people saying "well...all it did was get in the way anyway...you don't really need it" or "at least there's no chance it'll break". Isn't this true?
I had been planning to order my girlfriend a MBA for her birthday but waited till Back to the Mac (should have been called Backwards for the Mac). I told her the changes..showed her the pics and she for sure wanted the previous model.
As for the post above - better graphics processor? Do you really think that this is the primary concern of the primary macbook air user? The change in resolution...I bet >50% of MBA users wouldn't even notice the difference (or care about it if they did). And battery life...awesome, that was expected, but I highly doubt that the backlit keyboard was removed to fit more battery in.
Like I said, I own and really like Apple products, but am really starting to get frustrated with their "games" like this. I feel bad for the people who have lost their ability to critically evaluate a new piece of technology- the ones who think that Steve Jobs is some kind of god and that every single product made by Apple is perfect (and have excuses for the flaws). And you're all part of Steve's 'plan' - he knows that you'll all be refreshing the Apple store online until the new MBA is available, and then when the next one with a backlight is released...you'll do the same..."HUGE improvement...Steve Jobs called it revolutionary...gotta re-mortgage the house so I can get it, it'll be so worth it!"
Wow...sorry for the rant. I think this is my 2nd time ever posting on macrumors but I can't take all the people defending Apple constantly.
Are these people serious? The lack of a backlit keyboard is a deal-breaker? These people have to just be jerking us all around.
They put a chipset that is due to be sunset inside this machine, but the no backlit keyboard thing is what you all can't see past?
There's a point at which form has to bend to function. Design is about making choices. The clamshell was beautiful, but wasted a great deal of space. The wedge was a logical progression. The backlit keyboard consumed too much energy and space weighed against the value that it added to the majority of consumers. At the end of the day, people don't look at their fingers when they type most of the time, and even when they do, the screen illuminates the keyboard.
I really have to question the veracity of the claims of those who say that a lack of a backlit keyboard is a deal-breaker.
They put a chipset that is due to be sunset inside this machine, but the no backlit keyboard thing is what you all can't see past?
There's a point at which form has to bend to function. Design is about making choices. The clamshell was beautiful, but wasted a great deal of space. The wedge was a logical progression. The backlit keyboard consumed too much energy and space weighed against the value that it added to the majority of consumers. At the end of the day, people don't look at their fingers when they type most of the time, and even when they do, the screen illuminates the keyboard.
I really have to question the veracity of the claims of those who say that a lack of a backlit keyboard is a deal-breaker.
Why would you buy a product that's missing something that you feel is important to you? unless you're a true apple conformist. I just ordered a MBP for myself (and MBA for girlfriend) - both wanted backlit keyboards. Perhaps we use our computers in different settings than you do? Just because something is a "deal breaker" for you doesn't mean that it is one for everybody else...Actually, I don't really know if "deal breaker" is the correct terminology - there is no "deal" to be broken if a product doesn't have everything that I want.
And also - comparing clamshell to wedge...that's your opinion. Perhaps having the thinnest computer on the face of this earth is excessive? The previous MBA was fairly thin...
I'm using the 11" now and it actually isn't as bad I remembered with the uMB (couldn't see squat on that thing). The letters are very reflective, I can actually read them. I'm not so disappointed now.
This is on 30% brightness
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Hey guys
I don't really know what the whole fuzz is about. I like Apple products and have been looking for my first Mac.
People seem to forget that the weight difference between 13" MBP and 13" MBA is only 700g which is not that much really when it comes to carrying something around (unless you're weak) or using it as laptop at home. So for those who cannot live without the back lit keyboard - get a MBP.
If you want a MBA because it's cool or the newest thing then go ahead and buy it but don't complain that you cannot see the keys when you're typing.
As first Mac I will probably get the 13" MBA since it'll be more than enough for me. Although a 13" MBP is cheaper.
Dilemmas eh.
T
PS remember that song about iPhone "if you don't like don't buy it"
Hey guys
I don't really know what the whole fuzz is about. I like Apple products and have been looking for my first Mac.
People seem to forget that the weight difference between 13" MBP and 13" MBA is only 700g which is not that much really when it comes to carrying something around (unless you're weak) or using it as laptop at home. So for those who cannot live without the back lit keyboard - get a MBP.
If you want a MBA because it's cool or the newest thing then go ahead and buy it but don't complain that you cannot see the keys when you're typing.
As first Mac I will probably get the 13" MBA since it'll be more than enough for me. Although a 13" MBP is cheaper.
Dilemmas eh.
T
PS remember that song about iPhone "if you don't like don't buy it"
i was going to buy that but i dont want to buy something that hasnt got a backlit keyboard. I love the way it feels on macbook pros. It is just stupid that the havent got this future.
Maybe steve is going to be "very excited" when he give us back the backlit keyboard at the next revision..
Maybe steve is going to be "very excited" when he give us back the backlit keyboard at the next revision..
I agree. I want to have max battery life. I can touch type, and find this feature useless.
Even worse, in the dark, the backlit keyboard blinds me so that I can't see anything else in the room or by my side...so I would usually turn the light on anyway.
I guess other people "can't live without it," but for me, no big deal. (BTW, if you rely on this feature to type, I would really suggest learning to type...)
LED light takes near to no energy and is paperthin. So, not really valid. The screen does not illuminate the keyboard of the okld MBA very well - or they were difficult to read. Maybe its better on the new one and I hope for some real life reports instead of comments like "lear to type", so little helpful.
Its not an immediate dealbreaker but add to that a chip which is gone in 2 months, still 2G RAM standard (yes, I can go to 4 but on the MBP and others I can go to 8 or more) where it should be 4 and a somewhat better GPU - ain't cutting it yet...
And yet another one of the ignorant ones who think if they are fine it must be fine for everybody else, too...
These are helpfull comments. How is it in real dark surroundings (at night, no lights on (like a plane)?
Oh come on, you can easily adjust the brightness on the keyboard. Stop trying to put down others for wanting the backlit keyboard by justifying nonsense reasons as to why it's a hinderance for you.
I guess your touch typing "prowess" doesn't include the two function keys for controlling the backlit keyboard's brightness.
Those few misguided souls who are defending Apple to the nth degree by saying "learn to touch type" obviously don't care when Apple purposely omits an existing feature.
And those other wayward souls who believe that an LED-lit keyboard has any real impact on battery life are woefully misguided.
You're right - if you don't like it, don't buy it. I think that's what people are saying here. They wanted to buy it, but now aren't because of the lack of backlit keyboard, but then you have the Apple Fanboys coming out in full force accusing people of being picky because the lack of backlit keyboard is a "deal breaker". Point is - people who want this feature aren't buying it (although they may have wanted to prior to its launch). And then the fanboys act so shocked because it has all of these other features, and this one thing is preventing them from buying it.
"Well my screen lights the keyboard up! I don't need a stupid battery-eating backlight". Yeah, and I can turn my oven on and use it to heat my condo...but is that what it was intended for? Don't be so shocked that some people want this feature. Go look at the initial MBA video from 2008 where Mr Apply Guy was all proud to talk about this feature.
Well think of it this way if it helps- you're a huge Mercedes fan, dont't own one, but always wanted one. One day, Mercedes comes out with a new "revolutionary" car that's "better" and less expensive than it's predecessor- bigger engine, better fuel mileage, etc...but Mercedes decided to not install any interior lighting (including dashboard lighting, etc.)....would you buy it? Yeah, for those who drive a lot and are very used to the feel of their car, they might need lights at night on the dash buttons, shifters, etc...but for the other majority of people - this exclusion would prevent them from buying the car. Is that shocking or being "picky"? No...who would buy a car without interior lights? (except maybe Mercedes fanboys if those exist, or Stevie Wonder - no offense, he is awesome). If these were like Apple fanboys it would be like "well the lights of the car behind me at night light up my dashboard! who wants interior lights anyway...they just use battery!"
Point is...people in this forum aren't buying the new MBA if they are concerned about the backlight but they are being accused of being picky by the fanboys.
So fanboys, quit talking about how your screen lights up the keys. Nobody cares. You sound like a bunch of compromisers.
I feel like some of these posts are complaining about the complaining of the complainers.
As stated here and by others, doesn't this take the piss out of the argument? I'm just saying maybe it turns out that it's really a nonissue. I guess the next version could have glow-in-the-dark paint? Or maybe you need one of these:
http://www.jewishsoftware.com/products/images/productshots/Light.gif
It doesn't for me. Funny thing happened 3 days before the new MBA came out...it looks like my kids completely dimmed my old MBA's keyboard. Before I noticed what really happened I couldn't see anything on the keyboard (in a living room with only TV on, no lights) without turning it towards me! It was frustrating! This is not a position to use a computer!
Last but not least, I don't see myself as a typical complainer...I don't give a **** regarding SD card reader (Steve can take it off today!), I don't give a **** regarding 4g difference, I'm happy for new type of storage, I don't get what practically means faster clock in GHz, possibility for 4GB of RAM so I have no opinion, I don't need 3G...but new MBA without BL is for me unuseful...It's my only computer and I cannot use it whenever I need it!
everyone complaining about no BL the solution is don't buy and send feedback to apple. im sure if they loose enough sales it will be corrected. i ordered this one because i don't care about the BL keyboard. but i can tell you i won't be selling it to get the BL keyboard next update unless it sees some crazy new advance.
Sure it sucks that Apple didn't include backlighting on the new MBA's as they want people to upgrade to the next revision that will include this feature, but what are you doing in such dark rooms that you can't see the keys? That's not good for you or your kids eyes!
It sounds to me like you should focus your attention on adding some secondary "mood" lighting to your room if it's that dark with the lights out, than being concerned if your laptop computer has illuminated keys or not. That's just my two cents.
Just an observation: With all the complaints about the back-lit keys being eliminated, I've yet to hear a single complaint about the $500 price drop.
I mean, you can't lop that much off the price of a laptop without making some tradeoffs somewhere.
I mean, you can't lop that much off the price of a laptop without making some tradeoffs somewhere.
as much as the price drop is appreciated, my guess is the lack of back lit keys is a concern over battery, then space, then price. i will miss you, glowing chicklets!