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Apple Pro Keyboard and Mouse?

Originally posted by Tue12
Time for Apple to face the music. Give the PowerMacs a multi-button mouse with scroll wheel.

It's professional gear, it shouldn't have a beginner's mouse.
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AMEN!! It's really pretty pathetic how they are sticking to one-button. Especially since "contextual menus" have been available for years on the Mac.

At least with the desktops you can get a 3rd party mouse. But the worst is for powerbooks...when I jump to the iBook, I feel totally crippled with that built-in 1-button trackpad. Like I've lost an arm. Well, almost.
 
not so fussed about a new mouse, but what I am fussed about is having newly desgin keyboard. something a bit short travel more "clickly" something more on the lines of the 17" powerbook. Too be honest we work mostly in dimly lit office just to minimise colour cast on the monitors so for me a glowing keyboard is ideal. Mouse dont really care so much. I like the Pro mouse, we use Wacom tablets so we are nots o fussed.. :D New keyboards please with new keys...
 
Re: Problem solved...

Originally posted by illumin8
Get a real keyboard and mouse, like this one: Logitech Cordless MX Duo
Click to expand...

Or these:

http://www.macally.com/spec/usb/input_device/ioptinet.html
and
http://www.macally.com/spec/usb/input_device/ikey.html

Remember the good old days when Apple made mice and keyboards that were worth a damn? I'm talking the older-style ADB keyboard, not the mushy crappy "Apple Design" stuff. And the last-generation ADB mouse. Both of those were miles ahead of anything else on the PC, past and present. Quite a letdown when they started shipping with the garbage we have now, which I would rate lower than a standard Dell keyboard and MS mouse. Yuck.

Fortunately we have MacAlly. Those products I list above replicate the pinnacle of Apple keyboard/mouse design. Except the mouse is a 2-button+scroll, and of course optical. Hallo-freaking-looyah.
 
Originally posted by inkswamp
Sometimes I don't know whether to laugh at the forums here or scream. Apple just unveiled what is arguably the fastest personal computer on the planet more than fulfilling even the wildest of the rumors and yet some of you are whining about the possibility that the old style keyboard and mouse might be included. Is there nothing Apple can do to satisfy some of you?
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Hey, we're the customers. It is our prerogative to gripe about any problems the product has. Especially for $3k! Expect better from Apple. Why let them off the hook? Are they not charging you enough?
 
Re: Re: Problem solved...

Originally posted by soggywulf
Or these:

http://www.macally.com/spec/usb/input_device/ioptinet.html
and
http://www.macally.com/spec/usb/input_device/ikey.html

Fortunately we have MacAlly. Those products I list above replicate the pinnacle of Apple keyboard/mouse design. Except the mouse is a 2-button+scroll, and of course optical. Hallo-freaking-looyah.
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YUCK i hate macally products. first off, they are more ugly than that stuff that comes outta my butt. and secondly, i had a couple macally mouses (mice?) and they were crap...wore out in a matter of a few months.

if i were ever to replace my black apple pro mouse and keyboard, i would get logitech's corless elite duo keyboard and mx700 mouse...logitech is simply the best there is.
 
Re: Re: Re: Problem solved...

Originally posted by mnkeybsness
YUCK i hate macally products. first off, they are more ugly than that stuff that comes outta my butt.
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True, they aren't lookers. I for one don't care though...as long as it works well. The MacAlly stuff has a nearly perfect tactile feel IMO.

Originally posted by mnkeybsness
and secondly, i had a couple macally mouses (mice?) and they were crap...wore out in a matter of a few months.
Click to expand...

I've had mine for maybe 2.5 years, I think? Ever since I got my QS867 (which I bought at release). No problems at all here, they work like new.

Originally posted by mnkeybsness
if i were ever to replace my black apple pro mouse and keyboard, i would get logitech's corless elite duo keyboard and mx700 mouse...logitech is simply the best there is.
Click to expand...

Logitech...bleah. They have a "PC" (i.e. crappy) feel to them. The mouse fits awkwardly to the hand, and the tactile response of the keyboards sucks. IMO of course. I suppose this is all a matter of taste.
 
Multi-button mouse & Mac Gamers

Two-button mice should be offered as standard in all Pro systems. The simplicity of the single-button mouse works great for any iMac or eMac but for serious applications like Final Cut Pro you need the scroll wheels and extra buttons.

Mac gamers are more likely to have a mouse allready before they buy any new computer.
 
of course new kb

Take a look at the top row of keys in the pic Mudbug took from the G5 demo video... the escape key is bigger than on the existing pro kb and there's an extra big key to the right of F12... unless this is a non-US kb or some other model I haven't seen, it sure looks different than my pro kb.
 
Re: of course new kb

Originally posted by Badtz Maru
Take a look at the top row of keys in the pic Mudbug took from the G5 demo video... the escape key is bigger than on the existing pro kb and there's an extra big key to the right of F12... unless this is a non-US kb or some other model I haven't seen, it sure looks different than my pro kb.
Click to expand...

Also there is no gap after every fourth "F" key as on current keyboards. I got the feeling new keyboards/mice are coming ... But When?
 
I'm suprised this has not been addressed more quickly.
The eMacs had the keyboard around the time the picture of them was circulated.

There's one in the showroom, they look really ugmo with the USB ports near the back cord.

G5's will stay with the Pro keyboards because they're pro machines...

[EDIT] Yeah, my mistake, they are the new wedge keyboards [/EDIT]
 
Actually the G5s are always shown with the non-Pro keyboard, and are listed in the Apple Store with the non-Pro keyboard (and mouse). So people are being told quite honestly what they will be receiving. I'm surprised they aren't new, but... they're not. (Yet.)

But if by some chance Apple were to switch the specs on people JUST before shipping the G5--even if they legally had to send an email with an option to cancel--and provide a new kybd/mouse at the last minute... I really don't think any buyers would complain!
 
How 'bout a Trackball?!

I haven't used a mouse in probably 7 or 8 years. Currently I'm using a Microsoft Trackball Explorer (blasphemy!!). I'd readily dump it for a good trackball with scroll wheel from Apple.
 
According to my Taiwanese Contacts

My contacts within the peripheral outfits of Taipei indicate that new keyboards, mice, and displays are coming, but they were delayed by the outbreak of SARS and my inability to predict anything.

These nifty peripherals will take their design cues from the G5, which means they have been assembled and are being kept in boxes in the back of all major European Mac Resellers.

Users will skip with glee when they realize their displays are wrapped in a single piece of aluminum, protecting the otherwise lickable LCD of the highest quality underneath.

Programmers will no longer have to worry about getting goatee hair or Jolt on their keyboards because 9 fans will blow out all invading substances.

Two button mice will finally be available but a paper-clip will be required to reach the mouse which has been enveloped by a cheese-gratter grill work.

How do I know? Because I have the best friend of a friend of a friend of a made up guy contacts in the business.

Oh, and I'll be selling custom prongs for your mouse at the expected 2000 percent markup. See Me at MacWe'sGipYas.con

---The above was a work of parody and therefore is protected speech.
 
2 buttons coming

The cheaper white keyboard and mouse being featured with their metal G5 is obviously not what they are going to ship given the attention to design aesthetics they are famous for.

So why if a new keyboard and mouse shouldn't be as hard to create as a new tower case did they not have them already or even mention them as coming?

Because if they showed the keyboard, people would ask about the mouse, and they couldn't show the mouse. Why? It would have drawn all attention away from their new G5. How would a mouse do that? Because it is going to have two buttons.

Think about it. If Apple (THE one button mouse company) had unveiled a two button mouse alongside a new 64-bit ultra-fast personal computer, which do you think would be all the topic in the computer press? Right - the TWO button mouse from Apple - not the G5! It's too big a story for the one-button mouse company to start shipping a two-button mouse. Apple didn't want that stealing the spotlight away from the G5. When the 2 button mouse makes it debut, it will then be next to the G5 drawing attention back to it a bit.

So, since they are obviously going to have a matching mouse and keyboard, and they didn't reveal it at the G5 launch, it will have two buttons. I just hope it has a scroll wheel.
 
General summary of some people's comments "They would not buy or return their G5 if it doesn't come with a better keyboard\ mouse then what's currently available"

:rolleyes: Scary....just plain scary.
 
Re: 2 buttons coming

Originally posted by u2mr2os2

If they showed the keyboard, people would ask about the mouse, and they couldn't show the mouse. Why? It would have drawn all attention away from their new G5. How would a mouse do that? Because it is going to have two buttons.

Think about it. If Apple (THE one button mouse company) had unveiled a two button mouse alongside a new 64-bit ultra-fast personal computer, which do you think would be all the topic in the computer press? Right - the TWO button mouse from Apple - not the G5! It's too big a story for the one-button mouse company to start shipping a two-button mouse. Apple didn't want that stealing the spotlight away from the G5. When the 2 button mouse makes it debut, it will then be next to the G5 drawing attention back to it a bit.
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Thank you. Not that I buy this, just that it's a perfectly logical and sensible assumption. Not the "Dingo ate my keyboard" crap thats paraded around here as plausible theories.

-Hertz

Mac users' general aversion to logic and reasoning still proves astounding each time.
 
i doubt they'll release a wireless mouse/keyboard with this round of g5s. for starters, bluetooth doesn't even come standard - it's a bto option. so that is nixed.

i do hope htey release a 2-button mouse with a scroll wheel. i like my kensington optical elite mouse. fits nicely in my hand, and most importantly, is HAS NOT been built for right-handers only. if logitech made a left handed version of their mx700, i'd probably get. but they don't, so i won't.
 
Splitting Pro/Consumer Line

My first post here so be gentle... only a designer with basic technical knowledge, IMHO Apple are splitting their lines into "Consumer (eMac, iMac, iBook etc.)" & "Pro (X Serve, g5, Powerbooks)" versions... the consumer/home/lifestyle ones will feature the white/bubble look, the Pro ones a more technical brushed ali look... already the G5 is looking like a good fit with the X-serve.. I think the 12" PB keyboard with the flush keys looks great & we'll be seeing something like that (hopefully!) not sure how they'll make the mouse work (although a scroll wheel would be nice). Cordless for both would be the icing on the cake. The odd one out then would be the displays... I'd expect a redesigned brushed aluminum case for them soon...

versions
Originally posted by sonofslim
a brushed aluminum keyboard, a la the 12/17" PBs, would look nice next to a G5. especially if they trimmed the housing so that the keys were flush with the edges, similar to the 12" PB case.
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Re: Re: 2 buttons coming

Originally posted by MhzDoesMatter
Thank you. Not that I buy this, just that it's a perfectly logical and sensible assumption. Not the "Dingo ate my keyboard" crap thats paraded around here as plausible theories.

-Hertz

Mac users' general aversion to logic and reasoning still proves astounding each time.
Click to expand...

I don't think it would take away the buzz around the G5 - I think it would add to it...

scem0

oh and whoever asked - no I'm not changing my name after I get the G5.
 
Re: Re: of course new kb

Originally posted by Badtz Maru
Take a look at the top row of keys in the pic Mudbug took from the G5 demo video... the escape key is bigger than on the existing pro kb and there's an extra big key to the right of F12... unless this is a non-US kb or some other model I haven't seen, it sure looks different than my pro kb.
Click to expand...
Originally posted by jzieske
Also there is no gap after every fourth "F" key as on current keyboards. I got the feeling new keyboards/mice are coming ... But When?
Click to expand...

Take a look at the photo of the "Apple Keyboard" shipping with the emac. You'll note that it has a larger esc key and no gaps between the function keys.
 
Re: Re: Re: 2 buttons coming

Originally posted by scem0
I don't think it would take away the buzz around the G5 - I think it would add to it...

scem0
Click to expand...

Nah, I'm siding with him. The one button mouse is more the "Essence of Apple" than the hallmark lack of speed. So Apple finally trading in one of their spiritual beliefs/design principles for actual functionality would definitely overshadow the arrival of actual computing power (relatively speaking) to the platform.

It's only been a week or so and Byte of the Apple has moved onto how iPods will be the savior of Apple and Mac's should be the accompanying free gift.

Eh, I think the world has moved on.

-Hertz

Now that the parades over, who's gonna clean all the rainbows outta the street?
 
Originally posted by soggywulf
Hey, we're the customers. It is our prerogative to gripe about any problems the product has. Especially for $3k! Expect better from Apple. Why let them off the hook? Are they not charging you enough?
Click to expand...

The point of my original post was not to say that customers should not expect better of a company, but that I see so many Mac users here who apparently cannot be happy about anything. There will always be one thing or something wrong with whatever Apple does, I guess. If Apple does in fact release a new, improved mouse and keyboard, what esoteric issue will become the bitch-n-gripe focal point then? Focusing on the mouse and keyboard when the machine itself is a thing of beauty seems really strange to me, like saying, "Yeah this house is the most beautiful house I've ever seen, but look at the crappy little welcome mat!" The point wasn't that we shouldn't expect good stuff for the money, but that some people apparently live to carp about anything, any little nitpicky thing, no matter how good the rest of the machine is. I think the current pro mouse and keyboard and winners all-around, and I genuinely believe that the single-button mouse is a better design decision, so it seems irrelevant to me.
 
new keyboard confirmed by Apple representative

Hello,

I was at a presentation of the new G5 here at Hamburg. They brought the only demo unit around in Europe to showcase a huge customer and then came to a very wellregarded german shop for one hour public presentation.

The keyboard attached was the kind like the new eMacs with white plastics on top and a acryl clear case. There is no height adjustment any more, it is fixed in the high position which is seen as the most ergonomic by apple (and i agree to this). The keyboard layout was the usual extended/Pro Layout US version, no german Layout.

I dont know whether the eMac has standard or extended Layout ( 4 cursor keys and the six key like page up/down, home, help and so on in a separate space between main area and numbers block). In case the eMac sports a standard layout with cursor keys at the bottom right of the main area, this differences would be a clear indicator of the keyboard shown at the prsentation being the final version for the G5.

I asked the presenter directly what kind of keyboard will be delivered with the G5 and he confirmed that this is the new keyboard and that Apple found most users preferring the higher position of the keyboard and thus they removed the ability to change it.

Although I am not sure whether I like it, it makes sense to me. In some way this matches the duality of brushed metal and aqua style on the desktop. Brushed metal is used for apps the mimic a unit like audio Equipment, e.g. iTunes and Aqua is the surface for document centric apps like Word. This is what the Human Interface Guidelines says. It makes pretty much sense to have servers and machines and laptops look like brushed metal an user interaction devices such as display, keyboard and mouse look like Aqua.

Christian
 
Originally posted by inkswamp
The point of my original post was not to say that customers should not expect better of a company, but that I see so many Mac users here who apparently cannot be happy about anything. There will always be one thing or something wrong with whatever Apple does, I guess. If Apple does in fact release a new, improved mouse and keyboard, what esoteric issue will become the bitch-n-gripe focal point then? Focusing on the mouse and keyboard when the machine itself is a thing of beauty seems really strange to me, like saying, "Yeah this house is the most beautiful house I've ever seen, but look at the crappy little welcome mat!" The point wasn't that we shouldn't expect good stuff for the money, but that some people apparently live to carp about anything, any little nitpicky thing, no matter how good the rest of the machine is.
Click to expand...

No we don't just live to complain. The machine is great. This thread, however, is about keyboards and mice, so that is what we focus on.

Originally posted by inkswamp
I think the current pro mouse and keyboard and winners all-around, and I genuinely believe that the single-button mouse is a better design decision, so it seems irrelevant to me.
Click to expand...

Interesting. How do you feel about contextual menus? Would you say that control-clicking or "long-clicking" is better than clicking the right mouse button?

Or perhaps you do not use contextual menus? Here's an example. Say you want to open a web link in a new window. How do you do it without contextual menus?
 
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