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Apple Updates Universal Dock, Discontinues Compact Wired Keyboard
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I don't get it. You already have the numbers at the top. Why add so much bulk and take away from the clean look with the smaller keyboard? This sucks.
especially since they used to offer one with the previous generation white keyboards.
Jobs wants you to go green, buy the Apple sixpack of rechargeable batteries with the power charger, they last along time before needing to be recharged...
The mini USB is required only for charging European phones, Apple can easily make it do only that and keep the 30 pin connector...
I bought one for exactly the same reason. First problem, no delete key. How to enter the bios screen, which requires hitting DEL after POST?
Yep, I agree completely. Wired for the keyboard and wireless for the mouse. A keyboard doesn't move and the mouse does. I do shift the keyboard slightly to one side to use my Wacom tablet, but it has a wire too. Somehow I survive!
And why does it have to be Apple-branded? Why not use whatever's best? I love my Logitech illuminated keyboard, gives me the same backlighting as my MB Pro. A simple preference change makes the CMD key behave like it should.
http://reviews.logitech.com/7061/4740/logitech-illuminated-keyboard-reviews/reviews.htm
And my MX Revolution kills any mouse Apple makes. Rechargeable lithium battery lasts for weeks...
Of course they aren't white with an Apple logo on them, but if that's one's main criteria for computer peripherals...well...lol
Don't get me wrong, been using Macs since 1984 but their peripherals....meh.
Another vote. I'd love to ditch the cables on my desk, but I need that numpad!
Apple kill the Number Pad
Unless you are a serious number cruncher and spend all day in Excel or Numbers, you probably don't need the full sized keyboard. I wasn't happy about losing it when I went wireless, but now I don't miss it, and I wonder if I really ever used it enough to justify it's existence. The smaller keyboards have been proven to be better for you, as they allow you to use your mouse in a more comfortable position (closer to you) and thus reducing RSI.
I expect offices opt for the large wired option and most consumers opt for the small wireless keyboard. I expect if there was a full size wireless keyboard more people would go for it, but I don't think Apple wants large keyboards to hang around, after all there is nothing you can do on the full sized keyboard that you can't do on the compact version, so it's just duplication anyway.
Unless you are a serious number cruncher and spend all day in Excel or Numbers, you probably don't need the full sized keyboard. I wasn't happy about losing it when I went wireless, but now I don't miss it, and I wonder if I really ever used it enough to justify it's existence. The smaller keyboards have been proven to be better for you, as they allow you to use your mouse in a more comfortable position (closer to you) and thus reducing RSI.
I expect offices opt for the large wired option and most consumers opt for the small wireless keyboard. I expect if there was a full size wireless keyboard more people would go for it, but I don't think Apple wants large keyboards to hang around, after all there is nothing you can do on the full sized keyboard that you can't do on the compact version, so it's just duplication anyway.
If you do a lot of data entry, movement of the hand across a 3x3 pad is much quicker (and intuitive) than a cross a single row of keys.
Yet another, 'I don't need it, so do away with it' post.
As for Apple not wanting large keyboards, I hope that they would see that some minimalism is actually counter-productive.
I disagree with all of your points, which is why you can still buy both wired and wireless.
I have the Apple batteries and charger. I keep one set of batteries in each of my keyboard and trackpad, and another pair in the charger plugged into the wall. When one runs down I swap out the charged pair from the charger, and pop the discharged ones in there. They're ready when the next pair runs down.
Well I guess in that case, if you have the Apple charger, going wireless isn't a problem.
Yet another, 'I don't need it, so do away with it' post.
As for Apple not wanting large keyboards, I hope that they would see that some minimalism is actually counter-productive.
Well personally I would like to see a magic trackpad with a touchscreen so that you could toggle the number pad, or other keys that you use regularly.
For now there is this: http://www.edovia.com/numpad
I have a wireless mouse and an extended wireless keyboard that I use with my Mac.
... and they are made by Logitech, which is a great brand for mice and keyboards.
... and they are made by Logitech, which is a great brand for mice and keyboards.
Yet another, 'I don't need it, so do away with it' post.
As for Apple not wanting large keyboards, I hope that they would see that some minimalism is actually counter-productive.
Only until you get used it. Then it's not any different.
I know. I can't even plug my Garmin into it, let alone my RAZR. And don't get me started on the vacuum cleaner!!So, it's not "universal".
Fn-Backspace. (I'm not saying this is optimal, but that's Delete)
Their charger is meh at best, crap more likely. Get a real charger.
Unless you need the keypad. My wireless model is in our LR, and I only got it hoping I could tolerate it there. If there was a good alternative, I'd switch in a second. I may even settle for a Logitech if I get antsy.
Crap! It looks like there is finally another. Logitech K800. I'm going to have to find one and check that out. I use backlit every day in my theater room, right now I'm tethered and it sucks. But not seeing anything is worse.
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Wireless doesn't work well for gaming, or anything where low-latency is a requirement.
Yep!!!
Honestly, I never saw a point to the wired compact keyboard, so not surprised that's gone now.
I think the compact nature is a plus when you're considering bluetooth wireless, because after all, some of the buyers are using those with iPads - where portability is the main factor. Others are using them with media center systems where again, you don't want a full-size keyboard taking up your whole coffee table or storage pocket on the side of your couch.
But if you're talking a regular desktop PC setup where the wired keyboards are fine? Why wouldn't you want one with the numeric keypad while you're at it? The compact ones look "out of place" to me on big screen iMacs or Mac Pro towers anyway. Too small compared to the rest of the system!
I wouldn't mind a wireless full-size model with keypad though. It'd get rid of one more annoying wire hanging down off my desk's sliding keyboard tray that I accidentally pull loose with my foot, from time to time.
Honestly, I never saw a point to the wired compact keyboard, so not surprised that's gone now.
I think the compact nature is a plus when you're considering bluetooth wireless, because after all, some of the buyers are using those with iPads - where portability is the main factor. Others are using them with media center systems where again, you don't want a full-size keyboard taking up your whole coffee table or storage pocket on the side of your couch.
But if you're talking a regular desktop PC setup where the wired keyboards are fine? Why wouldn't you want one with the numeric keypad while you're at it? The compact ones look "out of place" to me on big screen iMacs or Mac Pro towers anyway. Too small compared to the rest of the system!
I wouldn't mind a wireless full-size model with keypad though. It'd get rid of one more annoying wire hanging down off my desk's sliding keyboard tray that I accidentally pull loose with my foot, from time to time.
Give me a break... (Unless this was already sarcasm.) Wireless is less efficient and uses more total energy than wired, even with rechargeable batteries. Taking away the more energy efficient wired option is not green friendly at all.
I think Apple's move to push everyone to using bluetooth/wireless is highly regrettable for this reason. Especially when they start taking away options for people to make the choice for a more energy efficient setup.
I would rather prioritize energy efficiency over whatever incredibly slight convenience gains I might get, from say, a wireless keyboard. (Not trying to guilt-trip anyone for their choices, but this is something I think about and I don't see it discussed.)
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Tell that to all the current gen console users. The PS3, 360, & Wii controllers are all wireless.