USB Ports on Apple Keyboard

[Alasta]

Hi all. Just a quick question for those of you out in Mac-land:

I'm planning to buy a Mac Mini, but will need to get myself a keyboard. Since the four USB ports on the Mac Mini won't be quite enough, I'm wondering if someone can confirm whether the Apple keyboard has USB ports on it?

I seem to recall this being a standard feature on the Apple keyboards that I used when I was at university but having had a thorough look at Apple's web site, I can't find any confirmation that this feature is still present on keyboards sold currently.

[Nermal]

Yes, there are two ports on the Apple Keyboard. However I would recommend getting an Apple Pro Keyboard if you can find one.

[BigPrince]

im 99% sure the wired Apple Keyboards have 2 1.0 USB ports. My iMac does and I believe we all get the same keyboard.

[monke]

There are two ports, but they can't do the whole power thing very well. I've had my Nano plugged in a few times but I get a message saying more power is needed. Just my mouse is in the keyboard right now.

[hopejr]

im 99% sure the wired Apple Keyboards have 2 1.0 USB ports. My iMac does and I believe we all get the same keyboard.

That's correct.

The wireless ones don't have USB ports on them unfortunately.

[bearbo]

im 99% sure the wired Apple Keyboards have 2 1.0 USB ports. My iMac does and I believe we all get the same keyboard.

those are USB 1.1, not 1.0... and yes, Wired Apple Pro Keyboard has two of them... you cant do much with them tho, for instance, you can't plug most external harddrive to them as they will be too slow

[BigPrince]

I use one for my mouse and one for my flash card reader.

[bearbo]

I use one for my mouse and one for my flash card reader.

you will notice drastic speed increase if you plug your flash card reader in one of those USB 2.0's

if you dont have any, get a hub, you WILL notice the difference

the peak speed for usb 1.1 is 12Mb/s, and that for usb 2.0 is 480Mb/s... (note the peak speed is not sustained speed)..

[BigPrince]

Ya, I know. but they are filled, and I just let the pictures load in the background with no problems. If I am ever in a rush, I just unplug my iPod cable, thats all.

But thank you for thinking about me ;)

[Aniej]

That's correct.
The wireless ones don't have USB ports on them unfortunately. something that has irritated me significantly for a while now. similarly, while i know it is difficult, it would be nice to have headphone outlet so that music could be streamed to where I am sitting with the wireless keyboard without having to go out and buy a set of wireless bluetooth headphone.

[Alasta]

Thanks for the comments, everyone. Given the lack of power and USB 2.0 support, it sounds like I may be better off getting a slightly cheaper aftermarket keyboard and investing in a USB hub to go with it.

It's a pity that the Mac Mini only has four USB ports because for most people that's really not enough. Whilst I appreciate that this machine was intended to have a minimalist design, it still would have been worthwhile to have one or two USB ports on the front or top of the unit.

[Father Jack]

Thanks for the comments, everyone. Given the lack of power and USB 2.0 support, it sounds like I may be better off getting a slightly cheaper aftermarket keyboard and investing in a USB hub to go with it.

It's a pity that the Mac Mini only has four USB ports because for most people that's really not enough. Whilst I appreciate that this machine was intended to have a minimalist design, it still would have been worthwhile to have one or two USB ports on the front or top of the unit.
While a few more USB 2 ports on a Mini would be nice, there isn't really much free space inside.

I bought the Belkin USB hub designed for the Mini. It is white, exactly the same size as the Mini and has a small white light on the front matching the size and position of the light on the front of the Mini. The hub has 2 USB2 ports on the front and 2 more on the back. You can also buy a version with Firewire 400 and USB2 ports.

FJ

[spork183]

While a few more USB 2 ports on a Mini would be nice, there isn't really much free space inside.

I bought the Belkin USB hub designed for the Mini. It is white, exactly the same size as the Mini and has a small white light on the front matching the size and position of the light on the front of the Mini. The hub has 2 USB2 ports on the front and 2 more on the back. You can also buy a version with Firewire 400 and USB2 ports.

FJ

I really like the newer technology (OWC) drive with built in usb 2 and firewire hubs. It has the same footprint as the mini, stacks underneath nicely, and has the bonus of backup storage. Bought the case for $60, added a 250 seagate for $60- out the door for about $130 with shipping. I like that it has a firewire and a usb port on the side, in addition to the ones in the back.

[hopejr]

It's a pity that the Mac Mini only has four USB ports because for most people that's really not enough.
Not as bad as the iMac - it only has 3.