Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Backlit keyboard on (new) entry-level MacBook?

A

Aztec

macrumors regular
Original poster
May 12, 2008
110
0
During the keynote, it was specified that only the higher end MacBook would have a backlit keyboard but while going through the BTO options, I noticed that the entry-level MacBook had a backlit keyboard...Error or do both MacBooks have them?
 
No. BOTH new MacBooks have a backlit keyboard. Only the old white system won't. I confirmed this by buying one. :p
 
WilliamG said:
No. BOTH new MacBooks have a backlit keyboard. Only the old white system won't. I confirmed this by buying one. :p
Click to expand...

Buying Online? How does that confirm? Unless you have one right now, it could still be an error.
 
WilliamG said:
No. BOTH new MacBooks have a backlit keyboard. Only the old white system won't. I confirmed this by buying one. :p
Click to expand...


Really? Did you buy one online or from a store?
It's not showing the specs page but only in the config...
 
It's definitely an error:

2.0GHz MacBook

Built-in full-size keyboard with 78 (U.S.) or 79 (ISO) keys, including 12 function keys and 4 arrow keys (inverted “T” arrangement)
2.4GHz MacBook

2.4GHz MacBook

Built-in full-size illuminated keyboard with 78 (U.S.) or 79 (ISO) keys, including 12 function keys and 4 arrow keys (inverted “T” arrangement)
 
hey guys, i just chatted with an apple store rep. apparently the low end 1299 macbook DOES have a backlit keybaord. here's the convo:


You are chatting with Tomeca F, an Apple Expert
Hi, my name is Tomeca F. Welcome to Apple!

Tomeca F: Good evening.

Tomeca F: Would you like help with your shopping?

You: yes, i have a question

You: hello

You: umm, well i am considering buying the new macbook. at the page where you can select BTO options it says that the keyboard is backlit. if this is true, that's wonderful. but everywhere else on your site it specifies that the low end macbook is NOT backlit. what can i believe?

Tomeca F: It now has a backlit keyboard.

Tomeca F: We are in the process of updating everything,sorry.

You: it's ok. so. to clarify. if i purchase the $1,299 macbook, it will ship with a backlit keyboard?

Tomeca F: Yes.

You: ok, thank you very much. this clears things up :)

im saving this! if my new macbook doesn't have a backlit keyboard, i'm going to call apple up to complain! either i'm getting a backlit keyboard, or unfortunately Tomeca F will have some explaining to do!
 
asphyxiafeeling said:
hey guys, i just chatted with an apple store rep. apparently the low end 1299 macbook DOES have a backlit keybaord. here's the convo:


You are chatting with Tomeca F, an Apple Expert
Hi, my name is Tomeca F. Welcome to Apple!

Tomeca F: Good evening.

Tomeca F: Would you like help with your shopping?

You: yes, i have a question

You: hello

You: umm, well i am considering buying the new macbook. at the page where you can select BTO options it says that the keyboard is backlit. if this is true, that's wonderful. but everywhere else on your site it specifies that the low end macbook is NOT backlit. what can i believe?

Tomeca F: It now has a backlit keyboard.

Tomeca F: We are in the process of updating everything,sorry.

You: it's ok. so. to clarify. if i purchase the $1,299 macbook, it will ship with a backlit keyboard?

Tomeca F: Yes.

You: ok, thank you very much. this clears things up :)

im saving this! if my new macbook doesn't have a backlit keyboard, i'm going to call apple up to complain! either i'm getting a backlit keyboard, or unfortunately Tomeca F will have some explaining to do!
Click to expand...


Thanks for posting this!
I wonder why she said "It now has a backlit keyboard, we are in the process of updating everything"? I mean thats the problem is that it ALREADY says it has one.
 
I will guarantee you that the entry level macbook doesn't have a backlit keyboard. Interpret that as "I betcha it won't"

Apple loves to upsell you things. I really hope I'm wrong, but history is on my side.
 
It sure would seem to follow Apple's normal up sell pattern to not have the back lit keyboard on the mid prices MB. However the person that saved the online chat with Apple is in a good spot if there MB doesn't have the back lit feature.

For people comparing the new MB to the closeout priced MBP this should tip the balance to the $1349 15 inch MBP.
 
pufftissue said:
I will guarantee you that the entry level macbook doesn't have a backlit keyboard. Interpret that as "I betcha it won't"

Apple loves to upsell you things. I really hope I'm wrong, but history is on my side.
Click to expand...

Sheesh, people! Apple has a website! Try it! The new MacBook, both the 2.0 and the 2.4GHz models, has backlit keyboards. Just go to the store to configure one and read!
 

Attachments

  • Picture 3.jpg
    Picture 3.jpg
    27.8 KB · Views: 348
It says so, right on their website. No need to double-post or start a new thread for something that's obvious.
 
asphyxiafeeling said:
i posted this on someone's thread in the macbook forums but i thought i'd further clarify to everyone who is confused here. i chatted with a store rep, here's the convo:

Hi, my name is Tomeca F. Welcome to Apple!

Tomeca F: Good evening.

Tomeca F: Would you like help with your shopping?

You: yes, i have a question

You: hello

You: umm, well i am considering buying the new macbook. at the page where you can select BTO options it says that the keyboard is backlit. if this is true, that's wonderful. but everywhere else on your site it specifies that the low end macbook is NOT backlit. what can i believe?

Tomeca F: It now has a backlit keyboard.

Tomeca F: We are in the process of updating everything,sorry.

You: it's ok. so. to clarify. if i purchase the $1,299 macbook, it will ship with a backlit keyboard?

Tomeca F: Yes.

You: ok, thank you very much. this clears things up :)

Tomeca F: You're welcome.

so there you have it. either Tomeca F is a liar, or apple has changed their policy on this at the last moment, or it was backlit the whole time and somebody was just drunk while they updated the site. enjoy :)
Click to expand...

The tech specs on the Apple website list only the 2.4GHz MacBook as having the backlit keyboard. I'd say the bloke on the iChat was talking out of his arse.
 
Chundles said:
The tech specs on the Apple website list only the 2.4GHz MacBook as having the backlit keyboard. I'd say the bloke on the iChat was talking out of his arse.
Click to expand...

Well, here it certainly implies that both models do.

(edit: sorry, that was the display -- but the distinction is not made elsewhere)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back