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Apple Keyboard: Bluetooth or USB?

B

bamaworks

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Nov 9, 2007
391
1
Lexington, KY
The question here is how useful is the USB Port(s) on the Apple keyboard? Do you find yourself using them often? I can't decide if I would or not. It's just USB 1.1 right?

I know I want the bluetooth mouse, but I am debating on the keyboard. Any suggestions?
 
The BT keyboard is fine for irregular use with a laptop, but I wouldn't want to use one on a desktop computer - personally I find the USB ports very handy and the numerical keypad absolutely essential.
 
Never use a numerical keypad :). I suppose I heard wrong on the USB ports and they actually ARE 2.0. I may go wired. I considered just buying last generation KBs, but that new iMac Keyboard is just so damn appealing, haha.
 
Theyre ok, obviously one of the 2 is for a mouse and I *used* to use the other for the camera/camcorder input although I hated having to lift the keyboard up and down when I had to plug the cables in.
I didnt want to leave the cables in all the time as it looks untidy so i rerouted them to a usb hub hidden behind the mac.

If your question is which to get and you dont really use the num pad and want a nice cable free desk, then buy the bluetooth keyboard along with the wireless mighty mouse.
 
From my experiance my 2 month bluetooth keyboard is getting sent back!

Not only does it cost a fortune in batteries!

But I got a dudd one aswell! (you cant win them all! :D)

It also feels very small and my hand keeps on slipping off when I try and hit enter!

Hope this helps!
 
I went withe the bluetooth with my MB that I use as a desktop because I HATE wires. I like as few as possible on my desk.
 
Apple site says that with normal use the batteries should last 9 months.... if that's a fortune in batteries, you probably shouldn't own a mac ;)
 
Bought the new wireless to replace the old wireless on my work iMac. Great keyboard, don't miss the numerical keypad.
 
I bought the wireless one to replace my older style white keyboard, though I would miss the usb plugs but as I went completely wireless I don't need any more than the ones in my Macbook.
 
I would prefer the wired keyboard, only because of the numerical keypad...so if you don't use that, I suppose you'd be ok with a bluetooth one.

As far as batteries go, I've had my bluetooth keyboard (previous model) about half a year and never changed the batteries.
 
I faced this same dilemma, and opted for the wired kb for my G5 iMac - hated that kb (so I replaced it with a Micro$oft kb). I think it's the best kb I've ever used. That could be because I love my MB. I use both usb ports as well. One for my mouse and one for my camera downloads.

However, I use keypad a few times a month so that played in my decision.

Coachingguy
 
g-7 said:
They can, if you use the aluminum keyboard with latest aluminum iMacs.
Click to expand...

Jasonbot said:
Quite strange how it only works on that one model.
Click to expand...

Actually I was told that the issue was not the keyboard so much as making sure to plug it into one of the USB ports on the Mac itself. I had been plugging my aluminum keyboard into a USB hub and thus was unable to use the USB ports on it for my iPod. Once I plugged the keyboard directly into one of the USB ports on the iMac it worked fine for powered devices including my iPods.
 
I have both and now only use the bluetooth keyboard and mouse. Once you start using it you get used to it. I now really like the size on the desk. It did look a little funny at first with that huge 24" Imac.
 
I use my computer with the new Apple bluetooth keyboard daily (4-10 hours) and am only half way through original batteries (which came with the keyboard purchased over three months ago.

The mighty mouse is much more of a battery hog, so much so I turn it off every evening, but the keyboard I never turn off.

Unless you need a number pad or unpowered usb ports go for the bluetooth, its perfect in my eyes and has never let me down.
 
I bought my Bluetooth keyboard (the original ones, not the crappy new aluminum ones...i need my number pad) back in July, use it quite often, NEVER turned it off, and I just replaced the batteries for the first time last week.
 
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