Hey guys, Thought I'd pass on this bug that was discovered by (Bob) from the Apple discussion forums. I have been having trouble trying to get my original Apple BT keyboard to pair with the iPad and it appears to be a software glitch. From (Bob): So, if you have an A1016 Keyboard you're trying to use, don't waste $70 on a new one; this could be a simple software fix. I already submitted a bug report on the iPad feedback page.
I have a feeling its not a bug. Theres no doubt the first generation Apple BT keyboard uses an older version of Bluetooth spec, while the new one uses a later spec. Its quite plausible (and extremely likely) the iPad requires a device with a newer profile.
I think it is a bug. I can use a Microsoft Bluetooth keyboard that is even older than the plastic Apple one, so I would think any Bluetooth keyboard should work fine, unless Apple is just being greedy and not letting their older keyboards work the way they should because they want you to buy a new one.
This bug has an easy fix, you first need the keyboard to totaly forgett the old mac then it should work ( Tried it yesterday and it worked for me)
old big apple white keyboard Most definitely a bug. I've had a white apple keyboard paired to a mac mini and a macbook pro. Went in and removed both bluetooth from each. Even went in and removed other devices unknown from the list. Nothing worked. Tried to even film the brief numbers that come up and enter but they change each time and no luck there either with entering. It's a bug and Apple needs to come up with a solution. The old apple white keyboards work with everything and the iPad doesn't allow the connecting numbers to stay on the screen so you can enter the data and connect. Oddly, even though disconnected from both other machines, the keyboard still comes up as under my name. Thought it would show as just a keyboard but it shows the name with keyboard. If Apple doesn't fix it, will probably get a third party folding keyboard like the old Palm type. No use in rewarding the guilty here.
How to pair ipad and First Generation Bluetooth Keyboard You can use iPad with a Bluetooth keyboard for wireless typing, or Bluetooth headphones for wireless listening. Pairing Bluetooth Devices You must first pair the keyboard or headphones with iPad before you can use them. Pair a Bluetooth device with iPad: Follow the instructions that came with the keyboard or headphones to make it discoverable. In Settings, choose General > Bluetooth, and turn Bluetooth on. Select the keyboard or headphones and if prompted, enter the passkey or PIN number. See the instructions about the passkey or PIN that came with your keyboard or headphones.
I've used my metal Apple keyboard w/o issue; so it might be just the plastic BT keyboard; never owned one...