Apple keyboard - can we expect new ones soon?

[jon08]

I'm currently deciding whether I should get an USB or Bluetooth Apple keyboard for my MBP (since I'll be getting a laptop stand for it).

Now I do like the numeric keyboard the wired option offers, but I could eventually do without it just well - just like I did on my MBP. So if I were to go with the more expensive one (the bluetooth one), will it be worth it? Or has Apple announced any improved/new keyboards coming out in the near future?

The reason why I'm asking this is because I'll be going to study abroad about 6 months from now and won't be able to take my keyboard with me, so it will basically "stagnate" at home... And then when I get back from a semester of study abroad, I'd hate to see that a lot better and improved Apple keyboards have been released...

 

[janstett]

The current bluetooth keyboard basically is the same as the keys on the Air and Unibodies... Here's a cool thought, I wish the keyboard in the Unibodies unplugged and became a bluetooth keyboard. I think Toshiba actually did this a few years ago in a 17" or 19" laptop.

I actually just pulled my old full-size bluetooth Apple keyboard out of storage and started using that

I think I'm going back to full-style clicky keyboards and pulling my IBM Model M's out of storage I discovered a technique of greasing the key caps that makes them 80% quieter and there's nothing like the typing feel and responsiveness.

I don't see Apple coming out with another keyboard any time soon -- especially since they're emphasizing form (sleekness) over function. Although I do think there was a rumor of a full-size keyboard with a trackpad instead of a numpad, so desktop users can get all this great new multitouch technology. I guess I could see that, desktop Mac users are missing out on that great laptop feature.

I don't want to complain too much about the current Apple keyboards as they are pretty good, but for comparison I got an IBM M4-1 off of eBay -- I had one of those things in 1994 and I forgot how good the key action is, and it makes me realize we really don't have good keyboards anymore. The M4-1 is basically the old thinkpad keyboards, and man they had great key action, probably the best ever on a laptop.

 

[jon08]

Thanks for your input. The keyboard with touchpad seems really innovative and pretty cool, though I believe there will still be a lot more users who prefer to use mouse to touchpad...

 

[Shaun.P]

The current bluetooth keyboard basically is the same as the keys on the Air and Unibodies... Here's a cool thought, I wish the keyboard in the Unibodies unplugged and became a bluetooth keyboard. I think Toshiba actually did this a few years ago in a 17" or 19" laptop.


I actually just pulled my old full-size bluetooth Apple keyboard out of storage and started using that

I think I'm going back to full-style clicky keyboards and pulling my IBM Model M's out of storage I discovered a technique of greasing the key caps that makes them 80% quieter and there's nothing like the typing feel and responsiveness.

I don't see Apple coming out with another keyboard any time soon -- especially since they're emphasizing form (sleekness) over function. Although I do think there was a rumor of a full-size keyboard with a trackpad instead of a numpad, so desktop users can get all this great new multitouch technology. I guess I could see that, desktop Mac users are missing out on that great laptop feature.

I don't want to complain too much about the current Apple keyboards as they are pretty good, but for comparison I got an IBM M4-1 off of eBay -- I had one of those things in 1994 and I forgot how good the key action is, and it makes me realize we really don't have good keyboards anymore. The M4-1 is basically the old thinkpad keyboards, and man they had great key action, probably the best ever on a laptop.

What a lovely post, very informative. Thank you.

 

[MistaBungle]

I visited my aunt recently and she has the previous bluetooth keyboard and it is amazing. I'm definitely going to try and find one on eBay to use, I simply fell in love with it.

 

[jon08]

Are there any rumors when keyboards will be updated tho? This year? Or next year?

 

[uberamd]

I actually just pulled my old full-size bluetooth Apple keyboard out of storage and started using that

I use that at work (using it right now actually), and I HATE it. They keys require lots of force in comparison to the new keyboards.

 

[MattZani]

I Would love if this happened, some kind of screen so it could switch function too, between blank trackpad, numpad, and anything else really

 

[mrkgoo]

Because of multitouch and gestures, I prefer a trackpad over a mouse now (for general use).

 

[adamfishercox]

They likely won't update the keyboards until they move past the aluminum design aesthic in their Macs. And that's likely not for a couple more revisions.