Why no wireless keyboard with numeric keypad?

Obi Wan Kenobi · Jun 30, 2011

Does anyone know why Apple don't make a wireless keyboard with a numeric keypad?

I've been using Macs for 3 years now, and I still find the lack of a numeric keypad annoying (but not so annoying I'll put up with a cable).

tommy060289 · Jun 30, 2011

I think it's simply a case of Steve's House - Steve's Rules!

I expect its down to a thought that those who want looks most will prefer the looks of the smaller keyboard too where as those that want a numeric keypad will be heavier users, so:

a. Likely to go through more batteries if it was wireless
b. It allows them to fit most bills with just two products (wireless and wired options) with out bloating their product line

Although I agree it is annoying. I have the wireless keyboard now but want a full size keyboard which is being delivered soon but im not sure if ill use it as ive got used to the good looks of the wireless unit

If they made the full size wireless id be happy.

P.S I also just remembered the wired keyboard is also a USB hub, which it obviously couldnt do if it was wireless

Obi Wan Kenobi · Jul 2, 2011

I agree it does seem to be "Steve's House, Steve's Rules", as you say. But I see no logic in their approach. If they offer a wired keyboard with numeric keypad, why not a wireless one?

Sylonien · Jul 2, 2011

Don't think anyone can explain except to say it's Apple or Steve Jobs. They do what they want and no body can seem to understand why. Like Blu-ray (but that's another whole thread on it somewhere else)...

Or as usual (or often the case), look else where for third party solutions. eg.

http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Cropmark/8337/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=shoppingengine&utm_campaign=googlebase

applefan289 · Jul 2, 2011

Obi Wan Kenobi said:
I agree it does seem to be "Steve's House, Steve's Rules", as you say. But I see no logic in their approach. If they offer a wired keyboard with numeric keypad, why not a wireless one?

Everything at Apple is planned.

I'm sure they have their reasons.

GGJstudios · Jul 2, 2011

Wireless numeric keypad
Full size Apple Wireless Keyboard with numberpad?
Wireless Mac keyboard with numeric keypad
Mac BT keyboard with 10 key????

One alternative is to use the Cropmark LMP Bluetooth Keypad

urkel · Jul 2, 2011

Stuff like this makes me wonder how much Apple cares about anything non-consumer oriented. They release a very promising MS Office competitor but they don't offer a numeric pad for use with Numbers. And even the wired version with number pad (my current kb) has odd placement for someof the number pad keys so I had to relearn how to 10-key on this thing.

Personally, I love the wired Apple keyboard but I'd rather they a) offer a wireless version or B) make those USB ports powered enough to charge an iPhone. Its such a waste to have USB built into the keyboard but not enough juice to do anything with it.

blueroom · Jul 2, 2011

Why would you need a full sized desktop keyboard to be wireless? It's too big to lug around with a laptop and it's not the sort of thing that moves around much on desk.

Michael383 · Jul 3, 2011

blueroom said:
Why would you need a full sized desktop keyboard to be wireless? It's too big to lug around with a laptop and it's not the sort of thing that moves around much on desk.

There are some people that would like the use of a full sized keyboard with their laptops myself included. I don't think a keyboard is too big to carry.

urkel · Jul 3, 2011

blueroom said:
Why would you need a full sized desktop keyboard to be wireless? It's too big to lug around with a laptop and it's not the sort of thing that moves around much on desk.

1) MBPs have limited USB ports

2) Travel sometimes demands a full workstation to get your job done. Apple laptops are up to any task, but for some a mini KB can be limiting.

3) Apple KBs are some of the smallest keyboards out there so it's the easiest full-size to "lug" around

4) It's a lot more practical and differentiating to have a full size portable keyboard than the one they currently sell which emulates the KB thats already built into your laptop.

Sylonien · Jul 3, 2011

I would personally prefer a wireless full size keyboard as well if available (Apple one). Even though my wireless Logitech keyboard is right next to the computer. Still prefer to have less cable hanging around everywhere and can easily move it around if I need more desk space.

ThaDoggg · Jul 3, 2011

At first I thought I wanted a full wireless keyboard with a numerical keypad. But now I just love the small size of the current one. Maybe if apple offered an attachment so we can get best of both worlds that would be best.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

tums · Jul 3, 2011

I just keep my wired USB keyboard in the drawer if I need it which I have found over time is less and less.

I for one like the convenience and compact size of the wireless keyboard.

nunes013 · Jul 3, 2011

They used to have a wireless full size. I do like the bluetooth extension that someone made.

My guess is if enough people request it they will make it. Maybe in the next revision.

Obi Wan Kenobi · Jul 4, 2011

Sylonien said:
Don't think anyone can explain except to say it's Apple or Steve Jobs. They do what they want and no body can seem to understand why. Like Blu-ray (but that's another whole thread on it somewhere else)...

Or as usual (or often the case), look else where for third party solutions. eg.

http://eshop.macsales.com/item/Cropmark/8337/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=shoppingengine&utm_campaign=googlebase

GGJstudios said:
Wireless numeric keypad
Full size Apple Wireless Keyboard with numberpad?
Wireless Mac keyboard with numeric keypad
Mac BT keyboard with 10 key????

One alternative is to use the Cropmark LMP Bluetooth Keypad

Image

The Amazon (UK) reviews for the numeric keypad are horrible. Reviewers describe it as plastic, tacky and unreliable. It's also expensive £37.99, when last I looked. Which I think is a lot just for the numeric keypad. You can buy the whole thing (albeit wired) from Apple for £40.

But thanks for your contributions, guys.

blueroom said:
Why would you need a full sized desktop keyboard to be wireless? It's too big to lug around with a laptop and it's not the sort of thing that moves around much on desk.

For four reasons. Firstly, the convenience of not having to worry about a cable. With a wireless keyboard you can have it wherever you want it; on the desk, on your lap, on the arm of the chair, and you don't have to worry about the cable being too long, getting tangled, or knocking drinks over.

Secondly, when you're not using the keyboard, you can move the whole thing out of the way without detaching a cable.

Thirdly, repeatedly plugging and unplugging things into the back of an iMac causes lots of scratches by the USB port if you're not very very careful.

Fourthly, when entering numbers on a spreadsheet or a table, a numeric keypad is much much easier. That's why they exist in the first place.

nunes013 said:
They used to have a wireless full size. I do like the bluetooth extension that someone made.

My guess is if enough people request it they will make it. Maybe in the next revision.

Fantastic idea.

Click on the link below to suggest a "product enhancement" of a wireless keyboard with numeric keypad.

http://www.apple.com/feedback/imac.html

I'm sure Tommy060289 is right

tommy060289 said:
it's simply a case of Steve's House - Steve's Rules!

But if we don't ask, we won't get.

kfergiez · Jul 4, 2011

blueroom said:
Why would you need a full sized desktop keyboard to be wireless? It's too big to lug around with a laptop and it's not the sort of thing that moves around much on desk.

Now see, I think that is not the real question... The REAL question SHOULD be, Why would you need a Miniature desktop keyboard to be wireless? It's too small to do anything, and wait for it... It's the SAME DARN SIZE as the laptop keyboard. Why do you need a wireless version of what you already have built in?

Sylonien · Jul 4, 2011

obi wan said:
But if we don't ask, we won't get.

Unfortunately with Steve Jobs case, I think it's more like ask and he won't listen or make up some other ridiculous reasons instead.

But yeah I do want full size wireless to clear cable clutter and doing maths calculation is easier with numpad and even simple stuff like marking timeline in Premiere, rather than Shift + 8 to to get the * symbol.

DarwinOSX · Jul 7, 2011

Most people never use a numeric keypad. Plus not having one gives you room for a Magic Trackpad right next to the keyboard.

benhollberg · Jul 7, 2011

I'd buy a wireless keyboard with numeric keypad right now if they released it. No question. That's they only reason I have a wired keyboard.

Why no wireless keyboard with numeric keypad?

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