Do you miss the number pad with wireless keybord?

[bas-macfan]

I am in doubt. I really like the wireless keyboard standard with the iMac. But do you miss the number pad that I still have on my old keyboard? I use numbers quit often while working.

Ordering the keyboard with numbers does have a usb cable..... not so pretty. What do you think?

Cheers...

[Kronie]

I use the numbered pad. I wish they made a wireless one.

[Hellhammer]

I don't. I actually have the small wired KB and I find it better as it's smaller.

You can get USB or Bluetooth numpad and use it when needed

[bas-macfan]

I don't. I actually have the small wired KB and I find it better as it's smaller.

You can get USB or Bluetooth numpad and use it when needed

Where can I find these, applestore??

[banya95]

As a network administrator dealing with numbers, I do wish they had a numeric keypad.

[Le Big Mac]

I use the numbered pad. I wish they made a wireless one.

+1. I have the wired one with number pad. I prefer the wire to a lack of numbers, but would like to have numbers but no wire.

[TrojanX]

Nope, not at all. I rarely used the num pad and I find the numbers at the top of my keyboard efficient enough. I do have an app on my Ipod Touch which acts as a wireless keypad/remote/trackpad if needed.

[rtkane]

When I bought my iMac a couple weeks ago, I told the apple rep that I really preferred the wired keyboard and they just threw it in at no cost (well, I think they charged a $1). I can't stand not having a numeric keypad. The USB cable on it isn't bad because it's thin like an ipod cable and is actually somewhat convenient because the wired keyboard gives you two USB ports to plug right into vs. having to plug into the back of the iMac.

[rgarjr]

Wired number pad keyboard FTW

[Hellhammer]

Where can I find these, applestore??

Apple Store might not but for example NewEgg (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834998398) does. There are some Bluetooth keypads available as well but they are harder to find and cost a bit more

[rtkane]

Apple Store might not but for example NewEgg (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834998398) does. There are some Bluetooth keypads available as well but they are harder to find and cost a bit more

Applestore has them:

http://store.apple.com/us/product/H0321VC/A?fnode=MTY1NDA1Mg&mco=MTY4OTA5NDY

This is what I was originally thinking before I just decided to use the wired keyboard with numeric keypad (which I actually really like BTW).

[Hellhammer]

Applestore has them:

http://store.apple.com/us/product/H0321VC/A?fnode=MTY1NDA1Mg&mco=MTY4OTA5NDY

This is what I was originally thinking before I just decided to use the wired keyboard with numeric keypad (which I actually really like BTW).

Wow, cool! That looks amazing! The price is a small bugger, for 60$ I can nearly get the wireless KB

[aki]

I used the wireless keyboard for about a year and it's very convient - no cords, and you can carry it over to the sofa or whatever.

However, when I upgraded a month ago I went the USB and keypad board. It's not that I really neeeeeded it, but it's convenient sometimes. Some games presume a keypad. Also, when you first set up windows under bootcamp, you need to use a usb keyboard. Also, it has two usb ports. And it doesn't require charging batteries.

It's a little bulky after the svelte wireless but overall the USB model came out ahead for me.

[easepease]

At first look it seems like its inferior, but like many others have said you don't actually need it very often. Granted its depends on the user but 99% of the time I am fine and refer the small size to the wired keyboard. I actually have both and i guess the only three uses for the wired version is the occasional game, doing lots of accounting, and when I have no batteries for the wireless ;)

[bas-macfan]

Nope, not at all. I rarely used the num pad and I find the numbers at the top of my keyboard efficient enough. I do have an app on my Ipod Touch which acts as a wireless keypad/remote/trackpad if needed.

That is really cool, what app is that???

[kuaiyouming]

I specifically bought the wired, just to keep the numpad. Oh, no need for batteries is quite nice too (where the heck are the rechargeable keyboards?)

[TennisandMusic]

What's much worse is no delete key. When you're programming just having backspace does not cut it. Bummer! I don't miss the number pad, you can learn to type numbers with two hands faster than you can type them with one. Not sure it's necessary these days.

[pt0016]

There is a delete key.

Fn+backspace = delete
Fn+Arrow up/down = pg up/down
Fn+Arrow left/right = end/home

:)

[Commenter]

The numbers on top of the keyboard most certainly are not efficient when you're working in a spreadsheet, as the thread starter said he often does.

And the keypad app is all good and gimmicky, but using a software keyboard for doing serious work on the desktop is just silly.

[mattnotis]

I still use a wired keyboard with a number pad. I can't imagine being without it.

[Terry Stibal]

...that not only works with the Apple Bluetooth system, but also 1) matches the dull aluminum look of the Apple keyboard and 2) actually attaches to it if you so desire.

Here is a link for the PDF that describes the thing:

http://www.lmp-adapter.com/pdf/8337_LMP_Keypad_DS_E.pdf

I found the thing in stock with a Canadian on line computer retailer, and have ordered two of them (one for the bag, one for the desk). They are battery powered, just like the keyboard, and have all of the standard keypad functions (including the maligned "Numeric lock" key left off of the keypad earlier referenced - I've never found the Numeric Lock to be a nuisance, but perhaps that's just me).

They are on their way, and I should have them in hand by early next week.

[bobr1952]

I learned to type on a manual typewriter--no number pad--I've never used it on any computer I've owned.

[MacHamster68]

why not wait a little time and get this number pad for the keyboard
http://www.slashgear.com/lmp-keypad-bluetooth-numeric-pad-for-mac-hits-fcc-30116916/
looks and fits perfect

[kfscoll]

That imp-branded keyboard looks nice and all but it's plastic. I suspect the quality's not up to stuff, at least compared to the genuine Apple keyboard.

[aki]

I used to use the small wireless one and it is very portable which makes it convenient. This time round though I did go for the full-size keyboard and the main reason was gaming - some windows games presume a keypad for camera control and the like.

If you don't game or play these kinds of games, and you don't do data-entry (or only rarely), the small one is great.

[Terry Stibal]

All of these alternatives are well and good, but (as the original poster said, and as I agree) there is no substitute for a real one if you are doing extensive numbers work. Hard as it is for some to grasp, people do actually buy computers for serious work.

And, shifting around with the function keys isn't quite the same as touch-typing your way around a keypad. While I have occasionally used the likes of Quick Keys for redefining a key or two to my liking, having them hard wired on a pad is a far better solution.

The review of the device that I have read sounds like it's half way decent, which is better than any of the others that I have owned or tested. What I really want is one that will pair with the Macintosh without a lot of jiggery-pokery. A slight tonal difference in the finish texture or heft of the thing isn't near as important than the ability to work with a true, portable, no wires needed, functional keypad.

[MacHamster68]

i agree i never used the numbers above the letters , always the numberpad of the keyboard , but then i dont use a wireless keyboard anyway , i need my keyboard to work and dont want to wait for letters or numbers to appear on the screen when it suits them due to bluetooth delays(i write about 130 + words per minute and so far no bluetooth can keep up )
bluetooth might be suitable for people who have to search anyway every key on the keyboard ,using some two finger search and destroy technic instead of knowing where each letter or sign or number is

[jessica.]

Yes. Makes it impossible for me to use the small keyboard for work.

[Rab Simpson]

I much prefer to have a numberpad along with pgup/pgdown and home/end keys. In fact I've never used the fn key, ever, unless I was working on someone else's laptop and had to work out how to hit a specific key.

I'd really like Apple to release a full size BT keyboard, but sadly I don't see it happening.

[jnpy!$4g3cwk]

I am in doubt. I really like the wireless keyboard standard with the iMac. But do you miss the number pad that I still have on my old keyboard? I use numbers quit often while working.

Ordering the keyboard with numbers does have a usb cable..... not so pretty. What do you think?

Cheers...

Personally, I hate number pads on any compact keyboard. I want any regular keyboard to look like a typewriter - where I learned to touch type. So, to me, good riddance any time a number pad disappears :-)

You can always plug in an alternative keyboard whenever you need it.

[George Knighton]

I've more or less got used to not having a separate numeric keypad, and I enjoy having the space on the desk for both a Magic Mouse and the Magic Trackpad.

Generally speaking, the added utility and overall excellence of the Magic Trackpad more than makes up for any inconvenience caused by not having the numeric keypad.

Something that I cannot get used to is the size of the F keys. Once or twice per week, I have to use an old terminal application that makes frequent use of the F keys, and I have to pause and look at the F keys to make sure I'm pressing the right ones.

[Terry Stibal]

Once again, it's a matter of user preference:

• If you don't do games, or you don't do numbers, it's no big deal

• I've been told by many of my online gaming friends that a keypad is a big advantage. I can't say so myself, having limited experience with computer gaming in the first place, but I take them at their word on this

And finally...

• If you do a lot of numbers (along with writing that involves a lot of numbers), a working keypad is pretty near essential. Punching out a figure on the upper row of a regular keyboard, stretching to reach the middle numbers, having to pause to drop down for a decimal point with the "period" key, and having to figure out the vector to follow for a "-" rather than a "+", is just not conducive to rapid, accurate entry.

With text, an error is readily apparent. If you can't pick it out from a casual scan of the finished text, you have a spell checking program to do it for you. (Some hereon ought to look into these - they work pretty well, they really do.)

With numbers, no such luck. In a series of spreadsheet cells, a single digit punched in wrong (say, a "8" instead of a "9") is very hard to pick out, especially since "8s" and "9s" look very much alike (as do "6s" and "3s"). Making that stretch up to the top row very often results in errors, particularly on smaller, laptop keyboards.

Contrast this with a keypad:

A keypad "concentrates" the numbers, instead of spreading them out across the "stretch" upper row of the standard keyboard (and putting two very important digits ("1" and "2") under the weakest two fingers for the majority of users to boot). You do need to "fly" from the normal typing position ("Hands on your home row, class - Begin!") over to the keypad's location, but, once on the keypad, you've got a new "home row", that being your middle finger, right hand on the "5" key.

And no numeric key is more than one position away, for the first three fingers of your hand. Contrast that with the double duty for the first fingers on the regular keyboard, with the massive stretch for the first finger of your left hand to reach the "6", and the twist to get to "1" and "2" with those two weak left hand fingers.

Divide ("/"), multiply ("*") and minus ("-") are displaced a bit more on the keypad, but good old add/enter ("+"/enter") are usually right there under your little finger, right hand.

And, I can work with a keypad and a document in my hand at the same time. Whether holding a ruler under a line of figures, or holding it up for better viewing of those pesky "3s", "6s", "8s" and "9s", my right hand never has to leave the keypad while I'm doing so.

But, as many have said, if you don't work with figures, if most of your "typing" is done in "l33t", punched out with your two index fingers, you won't see the pressing need. No problem there - just don't try to persuade the rest of us that we don't need one as well.

[xraydoc]

I, personally, don't mind the lack of the numeric keypad at all. My wife however will sometimes make use of one, so I bought a bluetooth numberic keypad at the Apple store that matches the look of the Apple keyboards pretty well (made by SMK-Link). Pull it out when necessary, set it aside when not needed. Works great.

[threeputt]

I, personally, don't mind the lack of the numeric keypad at all. My wife however will sometimes make use of one, so I bought a bluetooth numberic keypad at the Apple store that matches the look of the Apple keyboards pretty well (made by SMK-Link). Pull it out when necessary, set it aside when not needed. Works great.

Same for me, I don't miss it but my wife wanted one. We bought the same SMK-Link at the apple store.

[Dnix]

I missed the number pad, so I went back to full sized. The small keyboard seemed kind of akward to me. But I also dont prefer wireless peripherals so that was another reason to go back to the full-size, which only comes in USB. Win-win.

On a side note, I made an exception for the Magic Mouse for a little while...but eventually got tired of the battery thing and went back to an older USB apple mouse. But the weight with batteries added, and feel eventually started to bug me too.

[yellow]

I have simply been unable to get used to the small form keyboard. I'd rather have a wire and a keypad.

[Deacon*]

On overlay for the magic track pad would be nice.

[JohnMacLover]

I miss delete button more then the numpad. A numpad comes in handy in games but I'll stop iMac gaming next week anyway, after seeing Black Ops failing on my little beast.

But I really like the size of the wireless keyboard. Another bad thing is the Fn button. As gamer i'm constantly pressing the CTRL button and when i'm switching from my brother pc I usually start pushing the Fn button instead of CTRL button.

[viizi]

I don't miss it. I used to use it on the wired for some things but am more comfy on my smaller wireless. <3 wireless keyboard

I miss delete button more then the numpad. A numpad comes in handy in games but I'll stop iMac gaming next week anyway, after seeing Black Ops failing on my little beast.

But I really like the size of the wireless keyboard. Another bad thing is the Fn button. As gamer i'm constantly pressing the CTRL button and when i'm switching from my brother pc I usually start pushing the Fn button instead of CTRL button.

Yeh I miss the delete button too.

I have simply been unable to get used to the small form keyboard. I'd rather have a wire and a keypad.

If you get an iMac opt for the wireless keyboard though because you can sell it for stacks on ebay then buy a brand new wired keyboard on ebay for half the price lol. $$PROFIT$$

[yellow]

My problem is that I'm not a 'classically' trained typist. I have hunt & peck down to a science, and it's all about visual location in relation to the rest of the keyboard (home keys, schmome keys!). While this doesn't seem to mess me up too badly with a laptop keyboard, it really messes me up with a small form factor wireless desktop keyboard. I'm sure I'd get used to it.. but why would I want to?

[tehpwnerer19]

I bought the mid 2010 iMac and I miss the numpad like you would not believe. I would sell this one on eBay and get the wired one but I use the wireless one from the couch to control the TV as we connect our iMac via HDMI to the TV to watch hulu, cbc, etc. Stick it to the overpriced cable companies.

[Terry Stibal]

One of the (I hope) two LMP WKP-1314 keypads arrived at our post office. Upon first (and second and third) impressions of this Made In (Mainland) China product, I remain seriously impressed.

FIT AND FINISH:

It's not made of aluminum like the Apple Compact Bluetooth Keyboard. The profile is also different; there's more of a "belly" on the back side of the keypad than there is on the keyboard. Also, unlike the nigh well on invisible "On" light on the Apple product, on this one you get a small LED shining through a visible hole.

Having said that, it's still a very, very good match. Considering the dissimilar structural materials, the LMP folks did an excellent job of getting a finish match on both the keypad and the "junction bracket'. The keys look much the same, excepting only the serif at the top of the "1" key. (For the record, I don't notice the previously commented upon differences in the belly of the "5" keys.)

The bottom of the keypad has a number of rubber feet to keep it from sliding all over the place, unlike my Kensington USB keypad. Also, the feet are arranged so that the pad is stable from all angles - the Kensington has its feet put on so that the pad wobbles if the upper portion is accidentally struck. The rubber feet are all placed in locator holes, not just stuck on the bottom as with some other keypads and external hard drives.

When fitted together with the included bracket, the two keyboards look good together. Not perfect, of one piece, but good. The joining piece is contoured to disguise the junction, but you can still see that it is there. Also, if you view the combination together, you can see (if you look closely) the different thicknesses.

WHAT YOU GET FOR YOUR MONEY:

First of all, there's no driver to load, no software issues at all. This is true Bluetooth connectivity, not the half-assed version that you get with other Bluetooth or Wi-Fi keypads (or, for that matter, with the Kensington USB keypad).

In addition to a traditionally arranged 0 through 9 keypad (bottom to top, as on an adding machine or calculator), with "clear", =, /, across the top, and *, -, + and "enter" down the right, you also get a row of function keys across the top (F13 through F17), and a left hand column of "page up", "page down", "up" arrow, "down" arrow and "delete" down the left. Same key throw as with the Apple Keyboard. When clipped to the keyboard, here's a "pass through" plunger that activates the main keyboard switch; the keypad is is turned on by a small black button on the side of the keypad.

There is no "Numeric lock" key on this keypad. That also means that there are not right arrow, left arrow and diagonal arrow options for gamers. I know some value this, but I also remember from my early Mac 128K days that there were ways to enable this other than a straight numeric lock key. Not owning any "first person shooter" games, there is no way for me to test if this is still the case. (There is those "up" and "down" keys on the left.)

I also tried to add some keypad shortcuts through the Systems Preferences Shortcuts menus. Nothing there worked either, leaving me wondering just how to use the function keys at the top of the keypad.

HOOKING IT UP:

The pairing procedure is well described in the multi-lingual instruction book, but it took me a few times before it worked for me. Once it did, the keypad worked just fine, although I did encounter "pairing messages" now and then.

If you do encounter problems (the original passcode was an unwieldy eight or nine digit monster - I opted for the much simpler "0000" instead), there are a number of alternative routes you can take.

The whole "Is it on/Is it off?" thing was also a bit confusing at first. Once you do have it on, you punch a black button on the bottom to start the pairing process.

USING THE THING:

Once all activated and paired and all of that there, it works pretty much like the full sized keyboard with numeric keypad. I used it combined at first, but quickly dropped off to using it detached, my original intention.

All of the keypad keys worked as intended, and the left side keys functioned as intended as well. I was unable to test the function keys (as described above), but I will spend some additional time with the manual to see if I can puzzle that little problem out.

I'm not doing much straight figure stuff right now, but I was able to give it a workout when entering ISBN numbers into my library program. (The scanning module normally uses the iSight camera at the top of the screen, but on older books there are no UPC symbols for it to read, so you go the manual route instead.) After a bit of early confusion (my Kensington has a raised dot in the center of the "5" key, while this keypad has a raised bar at the bottom of the "5" key), I was keeping centered while punching in numbers of gay abandon (as they used to say in the 1890's). The move to the "Enter" and + keys is natural as well.

As for the function keys, well they're still a bit of a stretch, just like on the regular keyboard. On the keypad, the function keys are deeper/taller than those on the regular keyboard; the width is the same. (They are also not staggered above the numbers, unlike those on the keyboard.)

In fact, about the only flaw that it has from my standpoint is the ugly plunger sticking out of the upper left corner when it is not clipped to the Bluetooth Keyboard. I guess that I could take a razor saw to it and cut it off flush, especially since I normally won't be using it with the keyboard. Some sort of carrying case would also have been nice...

But, if you do a lot of number stuff, this one is for you. It works with the Mac, it looks like the Mac, and it matches the keyboard height of a Mac Book Air very well.

[MacHamster68]

On overlay for the magic track pad would be nice.

that would be a good idea actually, but i want to feel the keys i am typing on , and there is the problem i have with all the "touchscreen devices from apple i cannot use them as i cannot feel the keys and i dont want to look up every key i type on ,
, i like the trackpad , but i hate to have another peripheral cluttering up the desk, so i never bought it for that reason , a mouse is bad enough, so i dont need more separate peripherals on the desk
i really would like to see a full size keyboard with numberpad and into a palmrest a integraded magic trackpad (removable like the trackpad on the keyboard of my TAM , so people who want to have it on their right or left side could take it out and place it back to tidy the desk again after use )

[Booch21]

When I bought my iMac, I didn't bat an eye at upgrading to the wired keyboard in order to have a familiar layout to my old Dell. I like having the USB ports right there, as I am always using jump drives or devices that don't need to be hooked up 24/7. It was a no-brainer for my personal preference.

[jcesl2]

One of the (I hope) two LMP WKP-1314 keypads arrived at our post office. Upon first (and second and third) impressions of this Made In (Mainland) China product, I remain seriously impressed.

Where did you buy this? When I google it, I only find stores in Europe and Canada. Looks like you are in TX. The company website doesn't list a US distributor yet.

[Terry Stibal]

I got mine from a Canadian online operation. It took all of five working days to deliver one of the two that I ordered; I'm still waiting on the second one, though.

[illutionz]

I got mine from a Canadian online operation. It took all of five working days to deliver one of the two that I ordered; I'm still waiting on the second one, though.

What's the store name? Website link would be helpful. I need to get one of these...

[Rapscallion]

I was interested so I did a search

http://www.mostlydigital.ca/product/H152472/Hardware%20-%20Input%20Device%20-%20Keyboard/Bluetooth%20Numeric%20Keypad

[jcesl2]

I got mine from a Canadian online operation. It took all of five working days to deliver one of the two that I ordered; I'm still waiting on the second one, though.

Thanks. I've never actually ordered anything from Canada before. Guess I can try it out. The website Rapscallion found is the same one I found before. Is that where you ordered yours?

[ZilogZ80]

It is not so much the number pad I missed, but I didn't like the smaller arrow keys or the missing page up/down keys. Also having the right command key further left made certain Illustrator shortcuts painful to do one-handed!

So I bought a 2nd hand wired keyboard (which I much prefer) and now use the smaller wireless one with my iPad - which it is perfect for!

[Bmaintz]

I want to buy a Refurbished iMac (21.5), I want the wired keyboard...
Does anyone know if they offer the wired or sub out on the wireless...
Would be nice to have both though...
Bob

[illutionz]

I want to buy a Refurbished iMac (21.5), I want the wired keyboard...
Does anyone know if they offer the wired or sub out on the wireless...
Would be nice to have both though...
Bob

Sell the wireless and buy the wired ;)

[GR33NIE]

Initially yes, but it's so neat and tidy! A good compromise :D Depends how much you used the number pad I guess...

[rmcp73]

I switched (am a Novice Apple person), but it is still not "ergonomically correct" and I would prefer one that is, but haven't found one. I find the "flat" keys very hard to navigate without getting on the wrong keys (currently using my work keyboard).

[rypaca]

I very much wish the wireless keyboard had a number pad. It's probably my biggest complaint with my iMac.

[iMacN00b]

I very much wish the wireless keyboard had a number pad. It's probably my biggest complaint with my iMac.

Me too. I mostly use Windows 7, so just plugged in my old Dell keyboard. I'll buy a wired Mac KB when funds allow. The wireless one is a pile of junk.

[87vert]

I love not having the number pad, what a waste of space. My wife however likes the number pad so I have the wired apple keyboard at home on the iMac for her and I use the wireless at work.

Just use the numbers on the top row or the on screen calculator. or just buy a USB number pad and plug it in only when you need.