Regardless of peoples strong opinions either way on this, and as much as I'm extremely tempted, I need the backlit keyboard. I'll stick to stealing my kids 2009 13" MBP when I need to travel with a computer until what suits me is available. No biggie.
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Backlit Keyboard...Revisited
- Thread starter iRun26.2
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gwsat
macrumors 68000
Although the absence of a a backlit keyboard on the new MBA doesn't concern me, in the interest of full disclosure I should confirm that the old Powerbooks did, indeed, have lighted keyboards. I bought a 17 inch Powerbook G4 nearly 8 years ago and it had a lighted keyboard.
3goldens
macrumors 68000
I broke down and got ones despite the keyboard issue..
and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised at how much easier it is to type on a smaller board. The lighting is not as much an issue as I would have thought. I may very well look into ne of the accessory lights but we'll see.
More interested in getting a case first. GOt the 11 incher and am really loving it.
and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised at how much easier it is to type on a smaller board. The lighting is not as much an issue as I would have thought. I may very well look into ne of the accessory lights but we'll see.
More interested in getting a case first. GOt the 11 incher and am really loving it.
You are kidding right? Plenty of people use their desktop computer in a dimmly lit room or a dark room. Are you living under a rock and only have room to fit your MBA under there? Is that why you are so pissed about the MBA not having a backlit KB?
With the brightness of the screen at 20% you can see the keyboard just fine. The light from the screen gives enough light to see the keys that most people need to look to find (such as the F-keys and the numbers). If you still need help finding keys, then you need to learn how to type. End of story.
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While you can make out the keys when looking directly at the keyboard, it takes more time to center your fingers and then find the key you are looking for. And if the keyboard is at a flatter viewing angle, the reflective shine on the keys obscures the letters. This wasn't the case when the keys were silver with black characters.
You harassing of people who are vocal about their desire or need of the BL keyboard within a thread specifically about this need makes you look like a blind fanboy who can't accept that Apple makes mistakes. Don't like the discussion, don't read this thread. Its not like the discussion is bleeding into other topics.
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tigres
macrumors 601
Wish I was a kid again, miss those days actually.
The backlit keyboard is missed by many, not by you- ok, but nonetheless it is a shame they took it out.
Lastly, your baiting, rudeness, and complete lack of benevolence is really showing your true person.
Again... baiting, rudeness..
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Maybe Apple will save adding the keyboard backlight for a more advanced model of the Air. Could they introduce a MacBook Air Pro??
Of course, I'm really just being silly. The name 'MacBook Air Pro' is simply too long! 🙂
gri
macrumors 6502a
Scepticalscribe
macrumors Haswell
I have read this entire thread and have been somewhat surprised at the strength of the feelings expressed on the matter.
Having said that, I must admit I have enjoyed the experience of a backlit keyboard both in my two and a half year old MBP, and my very recently bought (just before the update) Rev C (SSD) MBA.
FWIW, I spent the past two years in the Caucasus, working in a Windows environment, a place where electricity was erratic at times, and internet access also somewhat sporadic. Thus, a backlit keyboard became more than an added pleasure, indeed was something of a much missed necessity. Actually, I have to say that I greatly missed the sheer convenience of a backlit keyboard on the official computers assigned for work purposes when working in these conditions. So, I'm a fan of the backlit keyboard and hope Apple think of restoring it in an updated version of the MBA lineup.
Cheers
Cheers
Having said that, I must admit I have enjoyed the experience of a backlit keyboard both in my two and a half year old MBP, and my very recently bought (just before the update) Rev C (SSD) MBA.
FWIW, I spent the past two years in the Caucasus, working in a Windows environment, a place where electricity was erratic at times, and internet access also somewhat sporadic. Thus, a backlit keyboard became more than an added pleasure, indeed was something of a much missed necessity. Actually, I have to say that I greatly missed the sheer convenience of a backlit keyboard on the official computers assigned for work purposes when working in these conditions. So, I'm a fan of the backlit keyboard and hope Apple think of restoring it in an updated version of the MBA lineup.
Cheers
Cheers
A New Question
I also have been surprised by strength of the comments. The negative comments are most baffling to me. I am almost tempted to go back and read the whole thread again and count the number of different people who responded with pure negativity to this topic. Is it just one or two people who can't seem to see things from a different person's perspective?
A New Question (for anyone): What other features on other Apple products have been taken away and brought back in a future released? Many people seem very confident the backlight will return in the MBA sometime in the future. I have my doubts since the new MBA are now priced in the 'low end' of Apple's price range.
I also have been surprised by strength of the comments. The negative comments are most baffling to me. I am almost tempted to go back and read the whole thread again and count the number of different people who responded with pure negativity to this topic. Is it just one or two people who can't seem to see things from a different person's perspective?
A New Question (for anyone): What other features on other Apple products have been taken away and brought back in a future released? Many people seem very confident the backlight will return in the MBA sometime in the future. I have my doubts since the new MBA are now priced in the 'low end' of Apple's price range.
I think FW400 was removed in one of the Macbook Pro (15") models in place of FW800 then was brought back in the next revision after many complaints of lacking FW400 for their video devices.
Firewire was also removed entirely from the Aluminum (late-08) Unibody 13" MacBooks. It was promptly brought back with the Mid-2009 13" MBP.
But that is like removing it from a 'basic' line of products to put it only in the more 'advanced' line of products.
Could this be a hint that the MBA is no longer the 'advanced' line (something better and more expensive is coming)?
While that would be awesome, I would honestly be a little disappointed; but, only because I just forked out the cash for two new macbook airs (one for me and one for the wife).
Probably both. Removing a part saves room on the Logic Board. It also requires one less piece of silicon to manage it.
In the end though, the outcry from users spoke to Apple, and the 13" MBP is 10x the computer the 13" Alu MacBook was (SD card, WAY better screen, almost double the battery life, plus the aforementioned return of the firewire port).
Here's hoping the late-2010 w/o backlight is an anomoly in the Apple Lineup the way the late-2008 Alu MacBooks were.
Not necessarily. I just think the initial attempt was to limit the # of ports, and save a but of size and few $$ on each machine. In the end, that attempt must have bit them in the butt, or else why did they change it?
Just to add my 2 cents, I just picked up my 11" this morning. I am currently using it in the dark and the screen is VERY bright against the keys. I can see every key with the light from the screen.
imgramlee: What level of brightness do you have the screen set at when you see your keys in the dark? I hope it wasn't necessary to have the screen too bright (since that would annoying to my wife when using my MBA in bed in the dark). Still, at least they ought to be somewhat visible even with the screen slightly dimmed.
Well I hope that someone at Apple reads these forums (somebody must have that job, right?) and sees that there are a bunch of us who are unhappy that they took the keyboard backlight away.
I think it is so interesting to see what people include in their signitures. I had to laugh when I saw yours, proclaiming the fact that you have a previous generation MBA and treasure the backlit keyboard. Very good! 🙂
In my room I was using about 60% of the brightness blocks and I could still see my keys fairly well.
wirelessmacuser
macrumors 68000
I must be one of very few that doesn't even care about a backlit keyboard.
My new 2010 MBP has one, and from my perspective it's only useful for those who must look at the keys to type.
I have no need for it, and celebrate the fact my MBA's don't have it.
My new 2010 MBP has one, and from my perspective it's only useful for those who must look at the keys to type.
I have no need for it, and celebrate the fact my MBA's don't have it.
Never had one on any of my 3 Mac laptops either, so its not something that alters my decision. I thought I would buy the lowest end 11" air and upgrade next year when it gets upgraded but it is so fast for all the tasks I use it for and I can type in the dark no problem so I dont think Im going to part ways with it.
Plus it is so adorable 😀
Thank you for saying that! It is nice to know that someone else is attracted to the aesthetic aspects of the 11.6" MBA (I think it is so cute...). 🙂 I'm sure there are people who would redicule the fact we like how it looks ("A computer is a tool! Who cares what it looks like!").
That's fine with me...to me it is partially a toy, too!
When I use my MBA in complete darkness I usually have the screen on only 'one bar' of brightness. I suspect it will be hard to see the keys with this screen intensity.