Backlight on MacBook Keyboards

[sine-nomine]

I know that the base 2.0GHz MacBooks do not feature the backlit keyboards of the higher-end models, but I was wondering if the actual backlight is physically in these lower-end models and just disabled in firmware or software? Or is it missing entirely?

[-Ryan-]

It's actually missing. You can tell this without opening the case, as the lettering is painted on the lower end Macbooks, whereas it's some sort of white translucent plastic on the high end ones. ;)

[sine-nomine]

Ah, well that sucks. Thanks for replying!

[Jeffrosproto]

It's actually missing. You can tell this without opening the case, as the lettering is painted on the lower end Macbooks, whereas it's some sort of white translucent plastic on the high end ones. ;)

Really? I've always thought otherwise, because if I turn the caps lock key on on my 2.0 macbook, it illuminates the words "caps lock".

[jav6454]

Really? I've always thought otherwise, because if I turn the caps lock key on on my 2.0 macbook, it illuminates the words "caps lock".

Caps Lock key is the exception.

[ziggyonice]

I was wondering if the actual backlight is physically in these lower-end models and just disabled in firmware or software?

If that were the case, people would have been hacking it like crazy by now!

[Abstract]

Or adding in their own flashing lights, and possibly fake bullet holes and spinners.

[Brien]

No, they're translucent. Just the LED grid is missing.

[acfusion29]

Really? I've always thought otherwise, because if I turn the caps lock key on on my 2.0 macbook, it illuminates the words "caps lock".

The lettering on the keys are actually transparent, that's why when the little dot lights up green you can see it on the entire key.

[HazRutter]

Dont flame me please, im just curious. Is the illuminated keyboard worth it?

[InkMaster]

Dont flame me please, im just curious. Is the illuminated keyboard worth it?

Do you need it?

I have a MacBook Pro and while it definitely is pretty to look at... well--- I don't look at my keyboard while typing so its there mostly for show/eye candy :)

[iToaster]

Dont flame me please, im just curious. Is the illuminated keyboard worth it?

It was worth it for me, but I use my MacBook frequently in low light situations. If you're going to use it a lot in rooms with the lights on with the occasional dark room it's not really worth it.

[HazRutter]

Do you need it?

I have a MacBook Pro and while it definitely is pretty to look at... well--- I don't look at my keyboard while typing so its there mostly for show/eye candy :)

Yeah thats what I thought, cos I never really look at the keyboard.

It was worth it for me, but I use my MacBook frequently in low light situations. If you're going to use it a lot in rooms with the lights on with the occasional dark room it's not really worth it.

Oh ok, fair enough. Thanks!

[tjcampbell]

It's the one thing I miss since switching from MBP to a BlackBook. I think it should be standard, then again so should FireWire, but as much as I love apple, they are clever at forcing consumers into more expensive products.

[acfusion29]

It was worth it for me, but I use my MacBook frequently in low light situations. If you're going to use it a lot in rooms with the lights on with the occasional dark room it's not really worth it.

Or you can just learn how to type and save yourself a couple hundred bucks! :rolleyes:

[-Ryan-]

No, they're translucent. Just the LED grid is missing.

Really? I'm not so sure. I've just sat with a laser pen shining it through the keys on my fathers Alu Macbook 2.0 and the light doesn't seem to be going through the keys. On the other hand, when I shine it through the keys on my Alu Macbook 2.4 there is some light going through to the other side.

Anyhow, I think it's a pretty redundant feature anyway, as unless someone is learning to type they shouldn't be needing to look at a keyboard. And considering who the high end notebooks are aimed toward, it seems silly to have them there. :rolleyes:

[valiechemicalie]

I have the 2,4 and when the backlight is not on i miss it, but i think if you have never had the backlight you will not miss it

[seb-opp]

Really? I've always thought otherwise, because if I turn the caps lock key on on my 2.0 macbook, it illuminates the words "caps lock".

all keyboards do that

[GlenL]

For me, it's mainly a "That's cool!!" feature. I seldom type in the dark, although I could see it coming in handy if using it in bed while the significant other is sleeping.

[marvel2]

Anyhow, I think it's a pretty redundant feature anyway

What is redundant about it?

[gixxerredliner]

For me, it's mainly a "That's cool!!" feature. I seldom type in the dark, although I could see it coming in handy if using it in bed while the significant other is sleeping.

Very true LOL , but if im going to pay $1599 for a MB i might as well drop another $400 to get the pro. I mean seriously whats another $400 bucks.:p

[hdsalinas]

Well I have a previous gen MBP, and I ove the lighted keyboard. I really miss it when I use other peoples windows laptops.

I want to replace my current my with a base MB. i feel it has all that I need and saves my a lot of $, but the lack of the lighted keyboard is holding me back. I could get a 2.4ghz, but it is priced so close to the MBP, that I might just get it.

Perhaps apple will eventually include it on all of the MB. In any case I am not getting my new mac until dic this year. By then, maybe Snow Leopard is released and Apple has updated the MB line to include a lighted keyboard on all of its macs.... If not, I wil have to save more for the $1599 one.

[VSMacOne]

Very true LOL , but if im going to pay $1599 for a MB i might as well drop another $400 to get the pro. I mean seriously whats another $400 bucks.:p

I could've done that, but i just really wanted the portability of a 13 inch. I came down from a 15 inch and don't miss it at all.
and I LOVE the backlit keys, it's just easy to work with, and you don't have to look for the volume keys or anything like that.. its all just there!

[hdsalinas]

I came down from a 15 inch and don't miss it at all.
and I LOVE the backlit keys

How was the switch. I have MBP and want to replace it with a MB.

How is the screen compared to the bigger one? (not just size, but color quality)

[gixxerredliner]

I could've done that, but i just really wanted the portability of a 13 inch. I came down from a 15 inch and don't miss it at all.
and I LOVE the backlit keys, it's just easy to work with, and you don't have to look for the volume keys or anything like that.. its all just there!


So the glossy screen doesn't bother you Sir?

[sine-nomine]

If that were the case, people would have been hacking it like crazy by now!

Lol, thats actually what I was hoping to hear people were doing, but alas.

[Jeffrosproto]

Well, I'm pretty sure my 2.0 has translucent keys, as it feels different than a regular blackbook keyboard (painted keys), as you can feel a slight indentation on the letter. I did buy mine right at release tho, so maybe they have changed it since then.

[Harmless Abuse]

Very true LOL , but if im going to pay $1599 for a MB i might as well drop another $400 to get the pro. I mean seriously whats another $400 bucks.:pThat's a few months of car insurance, or a good chunk of my mortgage payment =P Had to say it.

I don't even use the backlight feature on my MacBook though. It's pretty, and there was the, "OMG LIGHTS!!!!!!!!!" factor for a good hour or so when I first got it, then I forgot about it. It's not really good for your eyes to work in the dark like that, and if I absolutely have to, I can touch-type, the home row is really the most important.

Minus this God-awful tiny space bar because I switched to a Japanese keyboard.