Wireless Keyboard eating batteries

[Lumpydog]

My wireless keyboard suddenly eats batteries (the small one that apple makes with no numeric keypad on the right). Started happening about a month ago - goes through about a set of batteries a week. On my third set of batteries in as many weeks. Used to last months...

Since the 10.6.2 update or when I added the magic mouse. Not sure which.

See: http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2230866&tstart=0

[Lumpydog]

7 days later and my keyboard needs another three AA batteries.

10.6.2 hosed something in the keyboard's sleep management.

Come on Apple....

[alphaod]

Call Apple about it; they may send you a replacement keyboard that only uses two batteries.

I would also try either Lithium batteries for longer life or rechargeable batteries for lower long-term cost.

[Washac]

My wireless keyboard suddenly eats batteries (the small one that apple makes with no numeric keypad on the right). Started happening about a month ago - goes through about a set of batteries a week. On my third set of batteries in as many weeks. Used to last months...

Since the 10.6.2 update or when I added the magic mouse. Not sure which.

See: http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2230866&tstart=0

I gave up with wireless keyboards and mice years ago, just ate batteries and I deemed them just a gimmick.

[scottness]

Did you just get a cat that walks on your keyboard? I no longer do batteries either.

[BryanLyle]

Mine started eating batteries a few weeks ago. A fresh set would last me about 3 - 4 days. I ordered a new keyboard (2 batteries) with the same results.

I am thinking this started right around 10.6.2. Glad to hear that I am not the only one :) BTW, I also added a Magic Mouse right around 10.6.2.

[Lumpydog]

Mine started eating batteries a few weeks ago. A fresh set would last me about 3 - 4 days. I ordered a new keyboard (2 batteries) with the same results.

I am thinking this started right around 10.6.2. Glad to hear that I am not the only one :) BTW, I also added a Magic Mouse right around 10.6.2.

7 days, three more batteries gone.

I have not called Apple yet - the keyboard is over a year old. I doubt they will send me a new one.

[Lumpydog]

I went back to my wireless Mighty Mouse. The batteries on my wireless keyboard are back to lasting months instead of a week.

I'm pissed about it - for two reasons - 1) Apple took something of mine and broke it - because I tried to buy and use a new product from them. 2) The Magic Mouse sucked ass anyway. No squeeze to Expose and no middle click to dashboard.

Apple Fail

[praetorian909]

Just to keep this thread up-to-date, Apple just released firmware update 1.0 for the newer 2009 Wireless keyboards on 2/10/2010.

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=863057

Hopefully this fixes the battery draining for these too. I just installed it so I haven't had a chance to see if it worked...

[craighton]

Quick Side note, when you aren't using the keyboard for an extended period of time turn it off so the bluetooth isn't always searching for a source

[Buzz Bumble]

You shouldn't let your keyboard eat batteries - the acid is bad for their insides. Instead go down to ComputerWorld and buy a pack of Keybble and your pet keyboard will be much happier. ;)

[grue]

I went back to my wireless Mighty Mouse. The batteries on my wireless keyboard are back to lasting months instead of a week.

I'm pissed about it - for two reasons - 1) Apple took something of mine and broke it - because I tried to buy and use a new product from them. 2) The Magic Mouse sucked ass anyway. No squeeze to Expose and no middle click to dashboard.

Apple Fail

Shortest book ever written:

Mice made by Apple that aren't complete crap.

0 pages.

[Nitro1]

NUFF SAID. I use them and i love it. The high end operation of Apple products will always use batteries faster than most but i am ok with that in order to get the top end performance. Anyway. I have 6 energizer rechargable batteries and i have a wireless keyboard and magicmouse so when one dies i have another set so i can just throw the dead batteries on the charger. Get a charger that fully removes all charge then recharges the batteries. It is good for the batteries.

[Shademaster]

You shouldn't let your keyboard eat batteries - the acid is bad for their insides. Instead go down to ComputerWorld and buy a pack of Keybble and your pet keyboard will be much happier. ;)

LOL

I just installed a keyboard firmware upgrade last week and the problem seems to be gone. I put some almost flat batteries inside and it is still functioning.