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?
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Backlight on MacBook Keyboards
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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".
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jav6454
macrumors Core
acfusion29
macrumors 68040
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.
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
macrumors 68000
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
macrumors regular
Yeah thats what I thought, cos I never really look at the keyboard.
Oh ok, fair enough. Thanks!
tjcampbell
macrumors 6502a
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
macrumors 68040
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. 🙄
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
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.
gixxerredliner
macrumors regular
so true
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.😛
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.😛
hdsalinas
macrumors 6502
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.
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
macrumors 603
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!