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No backlit keyboard anymore?!?
- Thread starter truciet
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I disabled my backlight for the last 4 days to see if I could live without it. My conclusion? You guys are all complainers.
Even though it's not important to me, I'd like to see Apple include it in the next rev. Obviously this is a really big deal for many. So Apple should listen, heck thinking about it, I'm sure Apple is aware their customers want it. Especially since it's a feature they once offered. I truly cannot fathom why Apple pulls this wacky stuff.
The only reason I didn't sell my MBP 13 inch and get the new MBA is due to no backlit keyboard. Maybe the next generation will have it, then I'mm get one.
any basis for hope?
The no-backlit keyboard was a heartbreaker for me, too, after waiting nearly a year for the new Air, and a dealbreaker so far. I've used my wife's MBP with the backlit keyboard off to see if I can get used to it; so far, it's terrible for me. I'm sure this has been answered in one of the other threads, but I can't find the answer (Scottsdale, are you there?): Is it physically possible to restore the backlit keyboard to this version of the MBA, or does the new thinner profile preclude it? Thanks.
The no-backlit keyboard was a heartbreaker for me, too, after waiting nearly a year for the new Air, and a dealbreaker so far. I've used my wife's MBP with the backlit keyboard off to see if I can get used to it; so far, it's terrible for me. I'm sure this has been answered in one of the other threads, but I can't find the answer (Scottsdale, are you there?): Is it physically possible to restore the backlit keyboard to this version of the MBA, or does the new thinner profile preclude it? Thanks.
you two shouldn't be allowed to use computers. go take some typing classes.
people need to bitch about everything these days. haha
There is no convincing evidence that it was deleted because of mechanical clearances... although it is commonly thrown around by people as fact. That behavior appears to primarily come from people who for some unknown reason are trying to rationalize Apple's design choice to remove a premium feature from their laptops.
For the sake of comparison: Remember all of the same types of arguments about the Rev A-C keypad with the button. Lots of "experts" were claiming that the thinness of the MBA would always preclude the "glass trackpad" in which the trackpad could be depressed. Look what happened... Apple was able to install a glass trackpad in the extreme tapered edge of the new MBA.
The two most likely reasons for backlight omission is either:
- To maintain better margins at the $999 price point.
- To provide a feature upgrade to the Rev E MBA next year (or later)
/Jim
So based on this logic, there shouldn't be any need for a larger screen laptop since those who want a bigger one should just have better eyesight?
Wow, I just looked at all of your posts and every one of them is of this caliber. Is your only purpose here just to troll? Seems that way.
I suspect it's both. Now that the MacBook Air is being sold as a "mainstream" notebook rather than an "ultra premium" notebook, Apple is probably monitoring its margins pretty closely. Remember, the MacBook Air started at $1500 before the last revision, and since then, they have made SSD standard.
I wil miss the backlit keyboard. I wouldn't be surprised if the next revision sees it return (at least on the 13" model). However, I'm guessing that isn't until at least next summer and more likely next fall.
I went to purchase the MBA but after finding out the backlit keyboard wasn't included I decided to hold off. I can't wait for the next revision that does include this feature. I use it every night. I'll stick with my first generation unibody macbook that does have a backlit keyboard. I need it at night plus its a key feature the differentiates my computer from a regular pc.
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Similar insults were thrown at everyone who wanted a matte, antiglare screen on the unibody MacBook Pros.
I did the same thing. It isn't a problem for 90% of my computing, but for that other 10%, it's sorely missed.
All manufacturers try to squeeze margins by cutting out things that they don't think will be "dealbreakers" for many customers. In the auto industry, it's called "de-contenting." For example, the 2010 VW Jetta had an interior similar to some low-end luxury cars (lots of soft cushioning and trim). They lowered the price of the 2011 Jetta but removed a lot of the nicer interior trim. "Enthusiasts" like me are upset, but the average customer likes the lower price. VW is betting that the lower price will win more customers than the cheaper interior will lose.
Similarly, the "old" MacBook Air had a backlit keyboard, but started at $1,500. The new one starts at $1,000 but has a slower processor, less storage space, and no backlit keyboard. Apple is betting that the lower price will win more customers than the lost features will cost.
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Yes, but comparing the two 13" models there is only a $200 difference. It could easily have been a BTO like the extra RAM which still allows them the low perceived price while still providing an additional revenue stream.
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Yes, exactly. To everyone who is struggling to figure out where/why the backlit keys went, look no further than the KPOMs post.
General Motors was notorious for de-contenting their vehicles and hoping people were to stupid to notice. And we all know how well it worked for them
Yes, exactly. To everyone who is struggling to figure out where/why the backlit keys went, look no further than the KPOMs post.
General Motors was notorious for de-contenting their vehicles and hoping people were to stupid to notice. And we all know how well it worked for them
$1,499 was for a HD-equipped version. The SSD was $1,799. Now a comparable model is $1,299, has an extra USB port, an SD card slot, a bigger battery, and a standard SSD.
General Motors was notorious for de-contenting their vehicles and hoping people were to stupid to notice. And we all know how well it worked for them
'To [sic] stupid' being defined as everyone but you, except when it comes to spelling. Of course it couldn't be as simple as people are willing to trade features for price. Nah, nothing for the elitists to ridicule in that scenario.
Not to mention no one in this thread knows why Apple dropped the back lit keyboard (thickness, power, etc.) and except for the whiners, no one cares.
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Upgrading to the 256GB stick is $300 over the 128GB stick.
The old 1799 SSD model came with the faster CPU. So the new Air, with the faster CPU and the 256GB drive is $1699, subtract 300 for the drive and the new air which matches the old one is $1399.
I don't consider things like ports, bigger batteries, or SD slots as additional costs because Apple has added those things to their other laptops without the prices reflecting those inexpensive components.
Speak for yourself. There are people like me who use their laptop in bed in the dark night. Then the backlight was darn handy. I ordered my MBA anyway and it wasn't a deal-breaker. But I am not happy about the lack of backlight either.
I knew they kept out the backlit-keyboard, but still knowingly bought it and LOVE it! It appeals to me more than the Air's before.
Actually, the response from Steve will go something like this.
"Lol.
Sent from my iPhone"
Steve Jobs said:
Yep, I bet that is really what he would say if questioned.
But I really don't see the big deal with a backlit keyboard. I've lived without one my whole life. You all are just complainers.
Actually my school has a 15-inch MacBook Pro that I am allowed to use. (Everyone else uses 13" MacBook Plastics. My computer teacher knows I won't install any crapware on it like most everyone else.) I find the backlit keyboard distracting and always turn it off.
OK, but that's still a $400 price drop with more features, whether you "consider them" or not. Just because Apple has them in their other products doesn't mean they aren't additional costs. There certainly was the cost of redesigning the unibody chassis to accommodate the extra items.