Apple Wireless Keyboard and Mouse? [Archive]

MacRumors

Jul 30, 2003, 05:04 PM

AppleInsider.com updates (http://www.appleinsider.com/article.php?id=122) with a report that revives rumors of an Apple Wireless Keyboard and Mouse.

The new peripherals are reported to match the new PowerMacs with an aluminum look as well as incorportate Bluetooth wireless technology. They will initially be offered as a build-to-order option.

Other hints of upcoming Bluetooth perhipherals:

hidden Bluetooth Keyboard/Mouse support (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2003/06/20030627183617.shtml) in Panther
Apple's KB/Mouse are now designated as 'Wired" (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2003/07/20030708195235.shtml)
Mouse Connect (http://www.macrumors.com/downloads/mouseConnect.png)/Disconnect (http://www.macrumors.com/downloads/mouseDisconnect.png) and Keyboard Connect (http://www.macrumors.com/downloads/kbdConnect.png)/Disconnect (http://www.macrumors.com/downloads/kbdDisconnect.png) images embedded in Panther.

rafaelperini

Jul 30, 2003, 05:09 PM

Yeap, I think they are coming... after all the G5 is the first Powermac to sport a USB plug in the front (maybe because you cannot get a usb out of a bluetooth keyboard...)

skymaXimus

Jul 30, 2003, 05:11 PM

I want them now!

bobindashadows

Jul 30, 2003, 05:16 PM

Two B, or not Two B? That is the question.

(B=Buttons)

iLilana

Jul 30, 2003, 05:17 PM

I just saw the new keyboard on sale at a shop in edmonton alberta. The tech smiled when I mentioned bluetooth but it's all plastic. They said this would be the same KB that will ship with the G5. It currently ships with the new eMacs. I touched it and almost bought it. By coincidence I was there to replace my KB with another through warranty. The mouse was the same mouse so far.

It was there.. real and on the shelf in quantity. Cute thing with 3 slots. Two of which were USB.

holy MAC!

Jul 30, 2003, 05:20 PM

you're looking at the Apple Mouse and Apple Keyboard

that's old stuff....

we're talking the next generation.

the PRO stuff

Wes

Jul 30, 2003, 05:20 PM

Originally posted by iLilana
I just saw the new keyboard on sale at a shop in edmonton alberta. The tech smiled when I mentioned bluetooth but it's all plastic. They said this would be the same KB that will ship with the G5. It currently ships with the new eMacs. I touched it and almost bought it. By coincidence I was there to replace my KB with another through warranty. The mouse was the same mouse so far.

It was there.. real and on the shelf in quantity. Cute thing with 3 slots. Two of which were USB.

I think that's the standard option, not the BTO mentioned above.

EDIT: Semi-beaten to it 30 seconds ago.

arn

Jul 30, 2003, 05:28 PM

Just to clarify. The USB in the Back keyboards were introduced with the eMac:

http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2003/05/20030506140448.shtml

It was pretty uneventful... so a lot of people missed it.

arn

coolfactor

Jul 30, 2003, 05:29 PM

I hope they are made of aluminum, too. That would be soooo cool.

bobindashadows

Jul 30, 2003, 05:32 PM

Originally posted by arn
Just to clarify. The USB in the Back keyboards were introduced with the eMac:

http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2003/05/20030506140448.shtml

It was pretty uneventful... so a lot of people missed it.

arn
I was never quite sure though... does that keyboard come with all desktops? Or just the eMac?

Powerbook G5

Jul 30, 2003, 05:34 PM

All we need now are bluetooth displays and some sort of high speed wireless way to connect a video/camera to our Macs and suddenly we have a nice wire-free desk :-)

kungfu

Jul 30, 2003, 05:39 PM

hey! I posted those mouse/keyboard pics a while ago and nobody said anything...

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?threadid=32080&highlight=png

...which led me to believe that they weren't important.. :confused:

jaedreth

Jul 30, 2003, 05:40 PM

Isn't iSight supposed to be built into future macs?

Some rumor place was saying that...

I mean, if they made an iPod dock connector like port at the top of displays, the bundled iSight could have a grip that locks it into place in that port. It would come with the computer, but you'd have to snap it into place. Would even work for powerbooks and ibooks if they designed it right. And that patches right through ADC for the external displays.

Now that would be cool.

Jaedreth

bobindashadows

Jul 30, 2003, 05:42 PM

Originally posted by kungfu
hey! I posted those mouse/keyboard pics a while ago and nobody said anything...

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?threadid=32080&highlight=png

...which led me to believe that they weren't important.. :confused:
I know what you mean. Whenever I post something of interest, or a valid quetsion, it gets completely ignored. Maybe that's bhecause I can't spell question or because.

arn

Jul 30, 2003, 05:47 PM

Haberdasher

Jul 30, 2003, 05:48 PM

While the usefullness of a wireless keyboard is debatable when the average monitor size is probably 17", any new keyboard/mouse is very cool.

jaedreth

Jul 30, 2003, 05:48 PM

I have a friend who has that problem in general. She calls it an SEP field, figuratively of course. For some unknown reason, nothing she says or does will be noticed no matter what, including the fact that she's even present. (Somebody Else's Problem, btw) Maybe you two are just too stealthy. *chuckles*

Try making more noise when posting...

Jaedreth

iLilana

Jul 30, 2003, 06:11 PM

Originally posted by Wes
I think that's the standard option, not the BTO mentioned above.

EDIT: Semi-beaten to it 30 seconds ago.

but i submitted 20 minutes before story popped up... The guys at the shop said no BTO config they know of.

I like it's look though.. and the cleanability. now to get the dust or crumbs off you just turn it upside down or spray with canned air.

iLilana

Jul 30, 2003, 06:19 PM

arn

Jul 30, 2003, 06:22 PM

Originally posted by iLilana
but i submitted 20 minutes before story popped up... The guys at the shop said no BTO config they know of.

This story, and your submission are unrelated. The keyboard you saw at the Apple Store has been shipping with the eMac for a few months now.

arn

Mr Jobs

Jul 30, 2003, 06:54 PM

i am willing to bet my life this mouse will have 2 or more buttons.

notice how in the keynote when Jobs was demonstrating Exposé made a commont'...and if you have a two button mouse...' for me that seems strange for Steve Jobs to promote two buttons when his only has one. unless of course he already has one in the works.

http://www.apple.com/quicktime/qtv/wwdc03/

zoozx

Jul 30, 2003, 06:54 PM

Apple better announce this before they start shipping G5's and also offer it through non apple stores or there will be a LOT of pissed off people!

jaedreth

Jul 30, 2003, 07:01 PM

Keep in mind, they are making a distinct naming difference:

The Wired are just Apple Mouse, Apple Keyboard, on the device itself. It's part description lists Apple Mouse (wired) and Apple Keyboard (wired).

However, the descriptions for the Bluetooth are not (Wireless) or Apple Wireless Mouse / Keyboard, but Apple Pro Mouse / Keyboard. Which didn't mean a damned thing in the old lineup because they were the only ones. Now it does, so I would expect at *least* a second button, if not a scroll wheel or touch wheel.

If Apple made a pro mouse better than anyone else's, Apple would have a lot of CTO's, which would mean that people are buying from Apple, not resellers. Only when the "Pro" becomes standard would resellers get it as anything but an add on.

Jaedreth

Docrjm

Jul 30, 2003, 07:16 PM

I do remember posting elements of a conversation with a guy on the Apple store. He when asked about new keyboard and mouse indicated that it was highly likely, but that he could not otherwise comment.
Guess its closer than we think.

bobindashadows

Jul 30, 2003, 07:16 PM

Originally posted by jaedreth

If Apple made a pro mouse better than anyone else's, Apple would have a lot of CTO's, which would mean that people are buying from Apple, not resellers. Only when the "Pro" becomes standard would resellers get it as anything but an add on.

Jaedreth

Yeah, plus they'd be able to crank up margins like never before for these things.

Mudbug

Jul 30, 2003, 07:28 PM

Originally posted by jaedreth
Now it does, so I would expect at *least* a second button, if not a scroll wheel or touch wheel.

Since they already made a jump away from moving parts in the ipod, I would imagine they would shoot directly for a touch wheel on the mouse if they offer such an animal.

And for the record, I'd like one...

granex

Jul 30, 2003, 07:39 PM

Originally posted by Mudbug
Since they already made a jump away from moving parts in the ipod, I would imagine they would shoot directly for a touch wheel on the mouse if they offer such an animal.

A touch wheel sounds like a great idea. Scroll wheels started giving me carpal tunnel syndrome (or at least contributed to wrist pain), so I switched to a trackpad integrated on an ergonomic keyboard. Helps the wrists, but not as good as a mouse for most things.

mkaake

Jul 30, 2003, 07:42 PM

Originally posted by jaedreth
I have a friend who has that problem in general. She calls it an SEP field, figuratively of course. For some unknown reason, nothing she says or does will be noticed no matter what, including the fact that she's even present. (Somebody Else's Problem, btw) Maybe you two are just too stealthy. *chuckles*

Try making more noise when posting...

Jaedreth

LMAO!!!

now if someone could only tell me the answer to my question... or rather, could someone tell me the question to my answer?

ahhhh... it's been so long sice i've heard anyone talk about it that i was starting to forget...

on topic--- the only thing i can think about is my friend's rf mouse and keyboard... the thing is awesome. any mouse that's good enough to make you drool, well, it just doesn't matter if you need it... it's just something you have to have...

matt

<edited for on-topicness>

sanford

Jul 30, 2003, 07:47 PM

Call me a Luddite, but I've heard various things about Bluetooth mice and keyboards and can't figure out what value people see in these things. Sure for a niche market: people controlling a Mac running a large-screen or projection presentation across the room, but for everyday use? This is after all on a desktop Mac; you'll have to plug them in to *something* to charge batteries, anyway. I have one wire running from my mouse to my keyboard and another running from the keyboard to the back of my 17" Apple LCD Studio Display. How much more elegant can you get? And I get the extra USB port for plugging in a camera or whatnot. If you charge them by plugging into USB, why not leave it plugged in all the time as in the existing USB keyboard and mouse?

The last thing I want is another device to keep charged. I'm surprised so many people are excited about Bluetooth keyboards and mice.

bobindashadows

Jul 30, 2003, 08:19 PM

Originally posted by sanford
Call me a Luddite, but I've heard various things about Bluetooth mice and keyboards and can't figure out what value people see in these things. Sure for a niche market: people controlling a Mac running a large-screen or projection presentation across the room, but for everyday use? This is after all on a desktop Mac; you'll have to plug them in to *something* to charge batteries, anyway. I have one wire running from my mouse to my keyboard and another running from the keyboard to the back of my 17" Apple LCD Studio Display. How much more elegant can you get? And I get the extra USB port for plugging in a camera or whatnot. If you charge them by plugging into USB, why not leave it plugged in all the time as in the existing USB keyboard and mouse?

The last thing I want is another device to keep charged. I'm surprised so many people are excited about Bluetooth keyboards and mice.

(I meant to post this earlier, but safari crapped it's pants)

I use a wireless mouse and keyboard every day - and they are really, really useful. It was like a 70 dollar package, too, so it's not that bad. I use the keybaord in bed in my dorm room for iChat, typing papers in a more relaxing situation, and for other stuff. It makes it easy if you've got people in your room and they want to use the comp for some reason. Not seat switching -just pass off the keyboard. The mouse just makes it easier for comfortable use. I rarely use my mouse right next to my keyboard like I would have to with a wired mouse. I generally just see where my elbow lands and use it on my desk. It's really nice. I just wish my keyboard didn't have all kinds of windows shortcuts labelled on it. (It's a logitech wireless something pro companion god knows what).

cheapnis

Jul 30, 2003, 08:44 PM

Yeah ditto on the logitech wireless...

its great, very convenient... I have to write a lot, I get achey in one position so I move around and even sit in an armchair with the keyboard on my lap and my mac ten feet away with the magnification turned up a bit...very comfy!

ditto also on all the logitech's crappy ugly short cut buttons , though the volume control is useful (if unstylish)... I dont understand why they have the " and @ keys round the wrong way though?

I'll be delighted to ditch this in favour of something more stylish from Apple though cos I much prefer the typing action of my old pro (wired) keyboards

anyone know if you'll be able to use a single such wireless keyboard and mouse with multiple Macs? as in somehow switch between them? Now that would be very very cool :)

sanford

Jul 30, 2003, 08:55 PM

Originally posted by cheapnis
Yeah ditto on the logitech wireless...

its great, very convenient... I have to write a lot, I get achey in one position so I move around and even sit in an armchair with the keyboard on my lap and my mac ten feet away with the magnification turned up a bit...very comfy!

All right, I can see that. I also like to write on bed, sofa, etc., but I have a PowerBook G4 to use when I'm not in front of my desktop Mac. However, that does make sense that people without laptops will use wireless keyboards and mice for limited mobility within the home or office.

IDTheft

Jul 30, 2003, 09:04 PM

Originally posted by Powerbook G5
All we need now are bluetooth displays and some sort of high speed wireless way to connect a video/camera to our Macs and suddenly we have a nice wire-free desk :-)

There is a super high speed wireless technology that is also super low power consumption called UWB (Ultra Wide Band). There's even a chipset made already. I wouldn't be surprised if Apple put it in their new displays whever they come out. Check out this link on UWB http://www.pcquest.com/content/technology/102082102.asp

There are plenty of other sources for info as well. Just do a search on UWB.

The true wireless age is yet to come. And when there is global wireless coverage, then I'll be able to rule the world... uh... well, maybe not.

jamsk

Jul 30, 2003, 09:34 PM

Apple's Shake requires a 3-button mouse.
FCP 4 now takes advantage of a scroll wheel on a mouse.
New mouse coming for the Pro line?

OTOH, I love my Logitech MX700 rechargeable wireless mouse. Feels great, very programmable, and is one less wire to clutter and fight on my desk.

imspace2

Jul 30, 2003, 09:50 PM

Notice in the Commercial a mouse is not shown on the desk of that guy

DeltaMac

Jul 30, 2003, 11:22 PM

At the beginning of the commercial, guy lands against the tree, there's a mouse in his hand (wired, of course)

Mudbug

Jul 30, 2003, 11:41 PM

here's one you hadn't thought of... why couldn't the mouse be kinetic powered, like those watches, so that as you move it, it automatically charges it's battery. Mice draw very little amperage (if I'm right...) so in my small brain it would seem that this would be a possibility.

That'd be cool... wireless w/o charging.

Cuckoo

Jul 30, 2003, 11:46 PM

Originally posted by coolfactor
I hope they are made of aluminum, too. That would be soooo cool.

It would look very very cool indeed. But wouldn't aluminum make a lot of alergic reaction? (or how you do say in English) Aren't a lot of people sensitive to aluminum?

nagromme

Jul 30, 2003, 11:57 PM

I think people WITH laptops--not G5 desktops--are the ones who will need and want Bluetooth mice. Current PowerBooks have BT standard. I WISH I could carry a mouse along without dealing with a cable I have to wrap up and deal with, and then trip over when I get up from the couch. As for charging, I can do that when I'm parked at my desk, so it's not an issue when I'm being mobile.

Wireless keyboards seem less useful to me. You don't move them every moment like you do a mouse--and you give up the USB hub. I guess they look tidier wireless, but no big deal. I expect an aluminum pro keyboard to match, but I wouldn't be upset if it had a cord.

A wireless 2 or 3 button mouse with an iPod scrollwheel (continuous scrolling--no lift-and-continue like a conventional wheel!) would be great.

catalystx

Jul 31, 2003, 01:36 AM

here's one you hadn't thought of... why couldn't the mouse be kinetic powered, like those watches, so that as you move it, it automatically charges it's battery.

I'm pretty sure I read about someone working on this exact technology a couple years ago, but I haven't seen anything about it since. The ID team at Apple is really good with utilizing smart a efficient technology like this, so I wouldn't be surprised at all if it becomes a reality. You might want to email the suggestion to them anyways, just in case.

macphoria

Jul 31, 2003, 02:05 AM

If these are wireless, I assume they'll contain rechargeable batteries? Would they sport recharging station similar to iPod? I wonder how long the battery life would be.

Docrjm

Jul 31, 2003, 02:15 AM

Originally posted by Cuckoo
It would look very very cool indeed. But wouldn't aluminum make a lot of alergic reaction? (or how you do say in English) Aren't a lot of people sensitive to aluminum?
Very few aluminum allergies, it is usually nickel, so no real probs there.
Initial charging with a kinetic mouse would require sev mins of shaking the heck out of it, I suppose they could put a temporary pic of bg on it.
Get anew mouse and throttle m$ at the same time!:D

AhmedFaisal

Jul 31, 2003, 02:46 AM

Will Apple finally support other Bluetooth receivers besides that damned D-Link USB Dongle??? Does Apple have a contract with D-Link or something that forces them to limit support to their USB Dongle??? I finally want Bluetooth PC-Card Support for my Titanium Powerbook! What does the Powerbook have a PC-Card Slot for when I am forced to use a dumb USB Dongle that sticks out of the back of my Mac and that I have to remove constantly when I take the Book somewhere? Come on Apple, just ONE Bluetooth PC-Card, it can't be that hard! :rolleyes:

Ahmed

MOFS

Jul 31, 2003, 03:49 AM

Originally posted by doc_mac
Very few aluminum allergies, it is usually nickel, so no real probs there.
Initial charging with a kinetic mouse would require sev mins of shaking the heck out of it, I suppose they could put a temporary pic of bg on it.
Get anew mouse and throttle m$ at the same time!:D

I think you're right, but the other thing is that here in Britain where most lead pipes have been replaced by aluminium ones, there have been rumours of a link between aluminium and Parkinson's disease.

jayscheuerle

Jul 31, 2003, 07:47 AM

Originally posted by imspace2
Notice in the Commercial a mouse is not shown on the desk of that guy

Nor are there any wires to the keyboard. ;)

Or monitor connections. :eek:

Or power cords. :D

AppleMatt

Jul 31, 2003, 08:14 AM

The G5 promo video definately uses a different Apple keyboard and mouse, it's smaller, flatter and has no border. Both look silver (or aluminium). Neither have wires, however they could have been airbrushed out.

Do people get allergies to anodised aluminium, that's what the G5's and PowerBooks (and presumably then the kb&m) are made from.

I'm just glad this hasn't degenerated into the good old "why Apple will/won't produce a two button mouse" :)

What's carpal tunnel syndrome?

AppleMatt

cubist

Jul 31, 2003, 08:23 AM

I like the idea of sitting in a recliner with a wireless keyboard and mouse (trackball?) looking at my 30" monitor across the room.

bwintx

Jul 31, 2003, 09:28 AM

Originally posted by sanford
I have one wire running from my mouse to my keyboard and another running from the keyboard to the back of my 17" Apple LCD Studio Display. How much more elegant can you get? And I get the extra USB port for plugging in a camera or whatnot. If you charge them by plugging into USB, why not leave it plugged in all the time as in the existing USB keyboard and mouse?

The last thing I want is another device to keep charged. I'm surprised so many people are excited about Bluetooth keyboards and mice.

Don't disagree about the charging question, but it seems a wireless mouse would make it easier for a right-hander and a left-hander to share one computer without plugging/unplugging the mouse's USB cable each time they switch. (Neglible concern, true, but it will appeal to people who don't like to fool with cable connections -- even connections as friendly as USB.)

Mellie

Jul 31, 2003, 10:12 AM

I was hoping the new keyboards and mice would match the iBook instead of the powerbook since that's what I have...
Oh well:(

IDTheft

Jul 31, 2003, 11:05 AM

Originally posted by Mellie
I was hoping the new keyboards and mice would match the iBook instead of the powerbook since that's what I have...
Oh well:(

I wouldn't be too surprised if they have silver ones matching the G5 and PBs and also ones matching the iBook etc.:)

cristiana

Jul 31, 2003, 11:22 AM

Have you tried any of the pc card bluetooth adapters ? Because, I have tried several non d-link usb bluetooth dongles, and they all work right out of the box. So, I figure a pc card bluetooth adapter might also work right out of the box.

jettredmont

Jul 31, 2003, 12:03 PM

Originally posted by jaedreth
Isn't iSight supposed to be built into future macs?

Some rumor place was saying that...

I mean, if they made an iPod dock connector like port at the top of displays, the bundled iSight could have a grip that locks it into place in that port. It would come with the computer, but you'd have to snap it into place. Would even work for powerbooks and ibooks if they designed it right. And that patches right through ADC for the external displays.

Now that would be cool.

Jaedreth

Not sure if ADC can handle a firewire-class connection. It would likely take a bit of jiggering in the motherboard and/or video card to get the "USB" signal wires on FW bus instead, and that would break all the existing USB-hub monitors. On the other hand, if Apple were able to get USB2 in ADC (presumably easier than FW) then the iSight could send a USB2 signal down the pipes, and existing hardware would continue to work (just like existing USB 1.1. hubs work fine on a USB 2 source).

Currently, though, USB is inadequate for the high-quality video that iSight targets. ADC only currently includes a USB connection.

jettredmont

Jul 31, 2003, 12:18 PM

Originally posted by nagromme
A wireless 2 or 3 button mouse with an iPod scrollwheel (continuous scrolling--no lift-and-continue like a conventional wheel!) would be great.

Stop for a second. Place your hand comfortably on your mouse. Move the tip of your index (or any other) finger in a circular motion. Comfortable? I think not.

Fingers move in/out a lot more naturally than "side-to-side". If Apple were to provide a "continuous track" for scrolling, it would need to be elliptical, with most motion being forward/back and very little side-to-side motion required.

Yes, were Apple to provide a circular track pad one could just use the "right" side of it as one would use an existing scroll wheel ... but then 75% of the control surface is never used (and gets in the way).

Also, how would one handle the "third button press" with a track pad instead of push-able wheel? Apple doesn't like the idea of "tapping" on a motion-sensitive track pad (which, BTW, is VERY annoying on Apple laptops after having "learned" how to use Windows trackpads). Would there be a button in the middle of your little track? If so, can that track be small enough to be used comfortably (I'm thinking a max of 3/4"/2cm from end to end, half that wide) and still allow the center button to be targetted?

AhmedFaisal

Jul 31, 2003, 01:30 PM

Originally posted by cristiana
Have you tried any of the pc card bluetooth adapters ? Because, I have tried several non d-link usb bluetooth dongles, and they all work right out of the box. So, I figure a pc card bluetooth adapter might also work right out of the box.

Yes I did actually, I tried one from Belkin, 3com and a third one from which I forgot the brand name. None worked. Bluetooth only supports USB Dongles so far, a big annoyance.
Cheers.

Ahmed

WM.

Jul 31, 2003, 09:36 PM

Originally posted by jettredmont
Apple doesn't like the idea of "tapping" on a motion-sensitive track pad (which, BTW, is VERY annoying on Apple laptops after having "learned" how to use Windows trackpads).
News to me. I had to turn off tap/double-tap/etc. on my iBook (in the Mouse control panel/pref pane).

Or is there some other kind of tapping that I'm not familiar with?

TIA
WM

Docrjm

Aug 1, 2003, 03:02 AM

Originally posted by MOFS
I think you're right, but the other thing is that here in Britain where most lead pipes have been replaced by aluminium ones, there have been rumours of a link between aluminium and Parkinson's disease.
Just don't feed the mouse to your cat:D

jaedreth

Aug 1, 2003, 01:03 PM

1) That rumor was going around in the early 80's. It still hasn't had any real solid findings.

2) Aluminum oxide would have to be the agent ingested, if that were the case, which is a flakey residue on aluminum that has not been annodized.

3) Annodized aluminum... Unless you eat it whole, can't give you parkinsons, even if the rumors are true...

But I wouldn't suggest licking your mice, or letting your cats lick your mice, anyways... It's unsanitary.

Jaedreth

jaedreth

Aug 1, 2003, 01:03 PM

aswitcher

Sep 2, 2004, 11:17 PM

wdlove

Sep 3, 2004, 10:50 AM

I am in the market for a BT keyboard and have been wondering about just this, a Mac metal finish pro BT keyboard.

If this rumor was around in June 2003 it makes me wonder if waiting now is worth it. Anyone have any inside information on this?

If you are in need of a new keyboard now, then you should go ahead and purchase. Don't think we will see any change to the keyboard and mouse until MWSF.

aswitcher

Sep 3, 2004, 05:28 PM

If you are in need of a new keyboard now, then you should go ahead and purchase. Don't think we will see any change to the keyboard and mouse until MWSF.

Yeah, after sleeping on it its feeling that way...

macidiot

Sep 3, 2004, 11:31 PM

Not sure if ADC can handle a firewire-class connection. It would likely take a bit of jiggering in the motherboard and/or video card to get the "USB" signal wires on FW bus instead, and that would break all the existing USB-hub monitors. On the other hand, if Apple were able to get USB2 in ADC (presumably easier than FW) then the iSight could send a USB2 signal down the pipes, and existing hardware would continue to work (just like existing USB 1.1. hubs work fine on a USB 2 source).

Currently, though, USB is inadequate for the high-quality video that iSight targets. ADC only currently includes a USB connection.

I think that ADC might be dead considering the new monitors from Apple are dvi only. The new monitors also have firewire ports in addition to usb. Very handy.

CmdrLaForge

Sep 8, 2004, 11:00 AM

Yeah, after sleeping on it its feeling that way...

I haven't heard or read ANY rumor about a new keyboard and mouse. Even so I would like to see another revision that fits the PowerMac and Powerbook as long as they keep the current version as well.

But it doesn't mean that they are not working on them, just no rumors. If you need one know - i wouldn't wait.

Cheers
CmdrLaForge

wdlove

Sep 8, 2004, 11:16 AM

aswitcher

Sep 8, 2004, 06:56 PM

I certainly hope so, this model has been around for almost 2 years. We need to start some rumors. Maybe someone will come up with a design idea.

Well I;ve got mine now. The white quickly shows dust and I dont like the keys much (to big?), but its not a bad keyboard and the wireless seems to work fine. I would have liked transfers/stickers to label my function keys with symbols for screen brightness, monitor, and expose features...

Out of interest whats the easiest way to program function keys on a Mac?

MegaSignal

Sep 23, 2004, 07:43 PM

Well I;ve got mine now. The white quickly shows dust and I dont like the keys much (to big?), ...

Just picked up an Apple Wireless Mouse and Keyboard. Because I have an old G4 1.25 MDD, I also purchased a D-Link USB bud (which, ironically, is shorter than the "antenna" that the G5 requires for BT). Guess what? The wife thought that the keys of the new keyboard were in fact too small! Personally, I love the thing (and according to Mavis Beacon, I am now up to 110 wpm and beyond!) and the Apple mouse is so excellent that I have now completely forgotten about that whole "scroll wheel" issue; it's almost as if this thing can read my mind with regard to cursor placement (and I still have old 10.2.8, which did not accelerate the mouse cursor as much as Panther did)!

No doubt, I had to load a software and firmware upgrade via the enclosed CD, but check this out => not only can I boot from a CD by holding down the "C" key, but afterward, have a fully functional mouse as well!

I'm a happy camper; between this and the extra 1G of RAM I just picked up from Crucial, my G4 feels as if it's been injected with massive quantities of Viagra. At this rate, I can easily wait on the G5 just as soon as Tiger is in its second major update, and iDVD and FCE will be in their respective 64-bit forms...

diehldun

Sep 29, 2004, 12:50 AM

I haven't heard or read ANY rumor about a new keyboard and mouse. Even so I would like to see another revision that fits the PowerMac and Powerbook as long as they keep the current version as well.

But it doesn't mean that they are not working on them, just no rumors. If you need one know - i wouldn't wait.

Cheers
CmdrLaForge

Well, I am in the process of considering an iCurve and the Apple Wireless Keyboard for my PowerBook 17.

I already have the wireless mouse from Apple. And it's not like I'm absolutely dying to have that iCurve and keyboard this instant.

is it better for me to buy the keyboard now or use it, or should I just wait it out until the new "aluminum" keyboard comes out? (when will it, anyone know?)

Peterkro

Sep 29, 2004, 12:56 PM

Diehidun,I just got the iCurve and Bluetooth Keyboard for my Powerbook and am like a pig in muck.It really makes life easier in at home mode.I consider it money well spent.I use two button mouse so am holding off until Macmice bring out the BT mouse.

thevessels

Oct 7, 2004, 12:30 PM

i think the aluminum keyboard/mouse is waaay past due - cammon the g5 has been out for over a year and the white on aluminum has looked goofy since day one .. a backlit smoooth wireless keyboard/mouse would make the g5 experience all so much awesomer .... i want mine noooow! ...

thevessels

Oct 7, 2004, 04:29 PM

ok i know this is weak ... but something anything close would be sweet...

the thing on the mouse is a "touch scroll" ..... haha

DickArmAndHarT

Oct 7, 2004, 05:03 PM

DickArmAndHarT

Oct 7, 2004, 05:13 PM

I just got my Wireless KB Mouse/iCurve and girffin powermate and its great. Im big with the color cordinating of everything but I think the KB and Mouse look great. No need for a scrolling wheel with the powermate Which i have to add is a awsome product. I couldnt be happier with. It really works out well. Soon hopefully a Canon GL2 and A 23in Aluminum Dispay will be chillen on my desk.
Man... Im gonna need a bigger desk.

:D :D

jdip23

Oct 13, 2004, 09:02 PM

iMeowbot

Oct 14, 2004, 05:29 AM

i do not have a mac, but needed the options of bluetooth for both my mouse and keyboard and i liked the look, so i purchased the mac ones...i got the keyboard to work fine, but with the mouse, the computer recognizes it there, but when it goes to piar the devices, it asks for a pin code which i do not know where to obtain...is there something im missing or a default pincode for the device?
Windows? Are you using the Bluetooth setup wizard? Once you press the "initiate pairing" button, a PIN should appear on the screen. You're supposed to type that number, followed by the return key.