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TouchID would be nice but Logitech MX Keys FTW! Wireless, backlit, USB-C charge and pairs to 3 devices via BT or Unifying receiver.


 
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Happy to see this, but hoping it doesn’t signal the removal of Touch ID from MBP line and/or a transition to Face ID only on newer laptops.
 
This is ridiculous. We live in the most stupid world at the moment. $179 for a flipping keyboard and to top it off, no backlight!

I bought my second-hand "original" magic keyboard (the one with 2 AA) batteries for just $29, and I can use the touch ID sensor on my M1 MBP by reaching forward just another 10 inches.

To be honest, I want to ditch the magic keyboard I have and replace it with a Logitech MX Keys keyboard for the backlight. A snip at just €79. Who gives a damn about the touch ID?????
 
Happy to see this, but hoping it doesn’t signal the removal of Touch ID from MBP line and/or a transition to Face ID only on newer laptops.

I'm curious -- please explain why adding touchID to an external keyboard - solving an issue for everyone who uses their laptop in clamshell mode while at their desk - might signal removing it from the laptop itself and thereby eliminating the functionality for everyone working out in the field?
 
I'm curious -- please explain why adding touchID to an external keyboard - solving an issue for everyone who uses their laptop in clamshell mode while at their desk - might signal removing it from the laptop itself and thereby eliminating the functionality for everyone working out in the field?
1) There have been rumors of Face ID replacing Touch ID on laptops for some time. Just last week was the most recent if memory doesn’t fail me.
2) Many workplaces (dealing with sensitive information: classified gov’t information, trade secrets, etc.) only allow laptops with cameras disabled — thus, Face ID would be unusable in these places thus disabling the ability to use your machine password-free without a viable workaround
3) A keyboard with Touch ID is that potential work around.

That said, I prefer Touch ID built into the machine itself.

Hope that clarifies!
 
I’d actually be tempted if they had taken the opportunity to restore the inverted T arrow keys to the non-numeric. Not a problem for the numeric keyboard, but what is going on with that fn key on that one?
 
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Add backlighting, throw in some colors (including Space Gray), and then MAYBE I'll swallow the pill and pay that steep price.

When Face ID hits the Mac though, maybe that extra $30 is going to be transferred to the Mac and keyboards will become a little bit less expensive. It won't work with the Mac Mini and Mac Pro though.
 
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Agreed. But hey, “time is money!”.
Maybe the time saved of putting passcodes over several years might amount to a couple of hours at a reasonable hourly rate fee that would pay part or all of it.
For more justifications ideas I’ll be around
Haha!
I just find it easier to use a 4-digit passcode - and I have Touch ID on my MBP - because it’s easy to remember, quick, and is on one row on the keyboard.
 
TouchID would be nice but Logitech MX Keys FTW! Wireless, backlit, USB-C charge and pairs to 3 devices via BT or Unifying receiver.


I have the Logitech MX Keys - it is so good. Seamlessly switches between the computer, iPad, and iPhone…backlit, and the charge from USB-C lasts for weeks.
 
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