New Apple Keyboard Coming With iMac Refresh

MacRumors · Jul 9, 2007, 12:51 PM

AppleInsider believes that the coming iMac refresh will also bring a new, sleeker keyboard.

Quote:

Tapping the wizardry of industrial design chief Jonathan Ive and his team, the Cupertino-based Mac maker has reportedly crafted a super-slim external keyboard for the new Macs. It's said to draw upon the aesthetic and feel of the low-profile keyboard which was first integrated with the company's 13-inch MacBook portables in May of 2006.

The last change to Apple's wired desktop keyboard accessory was in 2003, when Apple introduced the aptly named "Apple Keyboard".

AppleInsider has said that the iMac update can be expected in late July to mid August, with ThinkSecret specifying August as the likely arrival timeframe. Both sites expect a trimmed-down frame, with ThinkSecret citing the use of brushed aluminum, perhaps to roughly mirror the looks of the iPhone.

Article Link

starflyer · Jul 9, 2007, 12:53 PM

Interesting...I like the macbooks keyboard. A welcomed change.

interlaced · Jul 9, 2007, 12:54 PM

ooh i can't wait to see it.

Sandfleaz · Jul 9, 2007, 12:57 PM

Setting a unified appearance with product (iPhone like) starting with the iMac, then the new iPod makes sense. Can't wait to see them!

Peace · Jul 9, 2007, 12:56 PM

So it looks like the keyboard could be sold separately ?

rwdebes · Jul 9, 2007, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peace

So it looks like the keyboard could be sold separately ?

of course.. as always, or you think apple will miss this one ?

lelereb · Jul 9, 2007, 04:05 PM

nope, new iMac will sports the MigthyKeyboard: the entire keyboard surface is a single button, a touch-sensitive technology under the shell detects which part of the keyboard you're clicking.

MrCrowbar · Jul 9, 2007, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lelereb

nope, new iMac will sports the MigthyKeyboard: the entire keyboard surface is a single button, a touch-sensitive technology under the shell detects which part of the keyboard you're clicking.

PLEASE NO!

Seriously. You couldn't hit 2 buttons at the same time anymore. Goodbye shortcuts.

Still, a mockup of that thing would be cool.

AidenShaw · Jul 9, 2007, 12:54 PM

I'd rather have a laptop with a desktop-inspired keyboard, than a desktop with a laptop-inspired keyboard.

whooleytoo · Jul 9, 2007, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AidenShaw

I'd rather have a laptop with a desktop-inspired keyboard, than a desktop with a laptop-inspired keyboard.

Ditto. I'm not a fan of the MacBook keyboard.

Bye Bye Baby · Jul 9, 2007, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whooleytoo

Ditto. I'm not a fan of the MacBook keyboard.

The macbook keyboard sucks. Better something like the macbook pro keyboard. That would be cool!

oscuh · Jul 9, 2007, 02:28 PM

I just want to see a new iMac ... I've been waiting for 6 months to get my work machine upgraded. Anything has to be better than this 1.83 CD 17" machine ...

Maybe something in the 24" 3.0 Ghz C2D range?

And if the keyboard sucks, I'll just buy an aftermarket ...

Tom B. · Jul 9, 2007, 02:41 PM

I too love the MacBook keyboard. It looks really good and makes other keyboards look and feel cheap. I wish the MacBook Pro had one too, but I'm sure it will before the end of this year.
I'll be buying one of these new keyboards as soon as possible to go with my MacBook/Pro. It better be backlit too.
I wonder if there will be a redesigned mighty mouse to match the keyboard? Maybe they could fix some of its issues as well.

Hard-Hat-Mac · 02:48 PM

Here's how I think multi-touch will be implemented in the coming months/years:

iPhone: June 07
Multi-touch Mouse: Oct. 07 or with new iMac launch
Multi-touch keyboard and Multi-touch Power Portable: Macworld 08
Multi-touch iMac: Spring 08
Multi-touch displays (can be retrofitted to any Mac 2006 on): WWDC 08
Multi-touch consumer tablet/ phone w/video ichat: Macworld 09

I'd hope it would be faster and maybe it will be one giant multi-touch overhaul these are just insights gained from apple's marketing strategy

oldwatery · Jul 9, 2007, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bye Bye Baby

The macbook keyboard sucks. Better something like the macbook pro keyboard. That would be cool!

I agree.
I was shocked at how nasty feeling and looking the latest MB keyboard is.
The MBP is really nice however

longofest · Jul 9, 2007, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AidenShaw

I'd rather have a laptop with a desktop-inspired keyboard, than a desktop with a laptop-inspired keyboard.

Very true. I hope they aren't thinking about reviving the original iMac keyboard. Although I still use it as my server's keyboard as it is nice as small (so it is easy to tuck away), it is horrendous to type on.

vendettabass · Jul 9, 2007, 12:57 PM

backlighted would be very nice!

arkmannj · Jul 9, 2007, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vendettabass

backlighted would be very nice!

Quote:

Originally Posted by AidenShaw

I'd rather have a laptop with a desktop-inspired keyboard, than a desktop with a laptop-inspired keyboard.

That's what I was thinking.

Infinity · Jul 10, 2007, 02:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vendettabass

backlighted would be very nice!

I'm down with this too!

mathwhiz90601 · Jul 12, 2007, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by longofest

Very true. I hope they aren't thinking about reviving the original iMac keyboard. Although I still use it as my server's keyboard as it is nice as small (so it is easy to tuck away), it is horrendous to type on.

My iMac's keyboard (just like yours) is horrendous to type on simply because the return/enter keys, shift keys, command key, control key, option key, space bar, caps lock key, and arrow keys don't work.

devilot · Jul 9, 2007, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AidenShaw

I'd rather have a laptop with a desktop-inspired keyboard, than a desktop with a laptop-inspired keyboard.

I dunno, I love Apple's notebook keyboards. More than any other (yes including desktop) keyboards I've ever used. Especially as I type this on a horrifically noisy HP KB that has travel for miles.

BenRoethig · Jul 9, 2007, 01:00 PM

I absolutely hate the feel of the Macbook keyboard. The keys are too big and generally very difficult to type on.

sam10685 · Jul 9, 2007, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenRoethig

I absolutely hate the feel of the Macbook keyboard. The keys are too big and generally very difficult to type on.

Aren't bigger keys better?

iMeowbot · Jul 9, 2007, 12:58 PM

If they're to be anything like the IceKey then it's long overdue. The current generation of Apple desktop keyboards is just awful, giant dirt and liquid traps with cheap feel.

bretm · Jul 9, 2007, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iMeowbot

If they're to be anything like the IceKey then it's long overdue. The current generation of Apple desktop keyboards is just awful, giant dirt and liquid traps with cheap feel.

All keyboards are. It's just that Apple was dumb enough to put them in a nice clear case so you can see all the crap. Lovely.

Jul 9, 2007, 12:57 PM	#4
Sandfleaz macrumors regular Join Date: Jan 2007	Setting a unified appearance with product (iPhone like) starting with the iMac, then the new iPod makes sense. Can't wait to see them! __________________ Funniest T-Shirts & Stuff on the net http://www.cafepress.com/shirtspot

Jul 9, 2007, 12:54 PM	#9
AidenShaw macrumors Demi-God Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: The Peninsula (Northern Silicon Valley)	I'd rather have a laptop with a desktop-inspired keyboard, than a desktop with a laptop-inspired keyboard. __________________ -as Marriage Equality - Have you talked about it with your gay friends, your gay colleagues and your gay relatives?

Jul 9, 2007, 02:28 PM	#12
oscuh macrumors 6502 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Michigan	I just want to see a new iMac ... I've been waiting for 6 months to get my work machine upgraded. Anything has to be better than this 1.83 CD 17" machine ... Maybe something in the 24" 3.0 Ghz C2D range? And if the keyboard sucks, I'll just buy an aftermarket ... __________________ Rest your trigger on my finger - Pushit, TOOL Forum anonymity is no excuse for rudeness.

Jul 9, 2007, 02:41 PM	#13
Tom B. macrumors 65816 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Staffordshire Uni, UK	I too love the MacBook keyboard. It looks really good and makes other keyboards look and feel cheap. I wish the MacBook Pro had one too, but I'm sure it will before the end of this year. I'll be buying one of these new keyboards as soon as possible to go with my MacBook/Pro. It better be backlit too. I wonder if there will be a redesigned mighty mouse to match the keyboard? Maybe they could fix some of its issues as well. __________________ MacBook \| 2.2GHz \| 4GB RAM \| 500GB HDD \| black SyncMaster 2343BW 2048x1152 \| Magic Mouse \| Bluetooth Keyboard iPhone 3G \| 16GB \| black

Jul 9, 2007, 02:40 PM	#14
Hard-Hat-Mac macrumors regular Join Date: May 2007 Location: Philly Burbs	Multi-Touch timeline Here's how I think multi-touch will be implemented in the coming months/years: iPhone: June 07 Multi-touch Mouse: Oct. 07 or with new iMac launch Multi-touch keyboard and Multi-touch Power Portable: Macworld 08 Multi-touch iMac: Spring 08 Multi-touch displays (can be retrofitted to any Mac 2006 on): WWDC 08 Multi-touch consumer tablet/ phone w/video ichat: Macworld 09 I'd hope it would be faster and maybe it will be one giant multi-touch overhaul these are just insights gained from apple's marketing strategy __________________ 24" iMac, 3.06 GHz, 4 GB RAM, 1TB HD, ATI 4850 15'' 2.2GHz MacBook Pro 160GB 4GB 16GB iPhone 3G White 1TB Time Capsule Last edited by Hard-Hat-Mac : Jul 9, 2007 at 02:48 PM.

Jul 9, 2007, 12:53 PM	#2
starflyer macrumors 6502 Join Date: Jan 2003	Interesting...I like the macbooks keyboard. A welcomed change.

Jul 9, 2007, 12:54 PM	#3
interlaced macrumors 6502a Join Date: Nov 2005	ooh i can't wait to see it.

Jul 9, 2007, 12:56 PM	#5
Peace macrumors Demi-God Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: On top of the Storm Peaks waiting for the Time-Lost Proto Drake	So it looks like the keyboard could be sold separately ?

Jul 9, 2007, 04:05 PM	#7
lelereb macrumors member Join Date: Jul 2001	nope, new iMac will sports the MigthyKeyboard: the entire keyboard surface is a single button, a touch-sensitive technology under the shell detects which part of the keyboard you're clicking.

Jul 9, 2007, 12:57 PM	#17
vendettabass macrumors 6502a Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Manchester, UK	backlighted would be very nice! __________________ Italic Edge \|\| Twitter \|\| Facebook

Jul 9, 2007, 01:00 PM	#22
BenRoethig macrumors 68030 Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Dubuque, Iowa	I absolutely hate the feel of the Macbook keyboard. The keys are too big and generally very difficult to type on. __________________ When did Think Different become Conform Always?

Jul 9, 2007, 12:58 PM	#24
iMeowbot macrumors 601 Join Date: Aug 2003	If they're to be anything like the IceKey then it's long overdue. The current generation of Apple desktop keyboards is just awful, giant dirt and liquid traps with cheap feel.

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