Backlit Keyboard to Return in New MacBook Air?

[nate13]

This feature is by far the only reason I didn't go Air. Well, that and Thunderbolt for some storage space. Eventually it should become standard issue, I cant even imagine typing by 'display light anymore.

Anyone need to buy my backlit Sailtech?

 

[AfternoonDelete]

If the rumor turns out to be true, I would probably get the 11" model.

 

[torbjoern]

Regarding (b), I've read other rumors (from reliable sources) that explicitly state that the Function keys are, in fact, not backlit.

That was an nice parody of how Apple averts perfection in their notebooks (esp. the Air). It's the function keys that are the most difficult to find in the dark - touch typist or not.

 

[skier777]

Waste of battery life to me.

You can turn it off...

 

[skier777]

Backlit keyboard is a feature I rarely use on my MBP, but when i have to have it, I HAVE TO HAVE IT. If this rumor is true, a MBA might be my next laptop.

 

[firstapple]

If it has the backlit keyboard, another reason for me to upgrade. If it doesn't have it, I will still be purchasing one.

 

[GfPQqmcRKUvP]

Like a robot arm that slaps you across the face every time you're about to hit "submit reply" on yet another redundant forum post?

Didn't read the whole thread because I don't have the time for that. Sorry I didn't wade through 9 pages.

..And what makes you think that it is a lack of ability to type correctly that has someone like me looking for a backlit keyboard?

Without needing to justify myself, because frankly, I don't need to, I happen to have a SO who is legally blind. And a backlit keyboard helps her out TREMENDOUSLY, much to the chagrin of your assumption that she could not type correctly.

One of the things that has endeared her to Apple products is their built-in functionality to help the disabled, whether visually or physically. And the more independence she has (read: not depending on someone else to help her unless needed), the better a person she is and more of an equal she is to normal-sighted people.

So until you know the reasons why someone needs a backlit keyboard, no matter how petty or important they may be, please keep the assumptions to yourself.

BL.

My comment holds true for 99% of the population. I obviously feel for your situation, but there's always an exception to every assertion given a large enough population. By the way, your SO could always get a Macbook Pro. The purpose of the MBP isn't to be the thinnest laptop around.

Yeah, the 4mmX4mmX2mm space the led takes up could have housed the cure to cancer...

Most people on this site probably think so.

 

[Young Spade]

Well this would be another plus and quite frankly, probably the deciding factor in choosing over the MBP. That and the lower initial price (if they don't stock 4 gigs, that might not be the case :/)

 

[physicsfanatic]

regret?

I recently purchased a 13" MBP for college (first mac and I love it), I'm wondering if it was a bad move? With the new air coming out soon and thinking toward the future about a re-designed MBP makes me sick! I replaced the stock HDD to a Kingston SSD V series I got for a steal and plan to get a data doubler and drop the superdrive for the HDD I took out or possibly another SSD. I am a new engineering student so I suppose I may need the pro in time, but as of now I would say my computing needs are more on the modest side. Was this a bad move or will I more than likely NEED the pro power in the long run? Thanks!

 

[FieldingMellish]

I recently purchased a 13" MBP for college (first mac and I love it), I'm wondering if it was a bad move? With the new air coming out soon and thinking toward the future about a re-designed MBP makes me sick! I replaced the stock HDD to a Kingston SSD V series I got for a steal and plan to get a data doubler and drop the superdrive for the HDD I took out or possibly another SSD. I am a new engineering student so I suppose I may need the pro in time, but as of now I would say my computing needs are more on the modest side. Was this a bad move or will I more than likely NEED the pro power in the long run? Thanks!

Depends upon what apps you're going to run on it in the next couple years or so.

 

[biodigitaljazz]

Not at all, physicsfan. While it is helpful to read these rumor boards to hear about what's coming out, don't think your MBP is a bad computer just because the new Air is coming out. The description on Apple's site for the MBP 13" is "A mobile computing powerhouse." Your computer will serve you fine in college. The Air is streamlined for portability- the business man who needs it to fit into his briefcase and into tray tables on the many flights he makes per year, or something. You're an engineering student; if I were you, I'd feel safer buying an MBP. Besides, the MBP refresh is like, next year. Many college students go for the MBP 13" because of its footprint, but it also has all the Pro features. I'm waiting for the Air to make my final decision for a computer for college; I'm a comm student.

 

[4look4rd]

The Air will be my next computer eventhough I have a fairly new windows PC (which I deeply regret buying due to its poor screen and weight). Backlit keyboard will probably be off all the time since I can easily touch-type and the screen brightness is more than enough for me when I have to peck the function keys.

If 4GBs of ram is not standard than I will probably go with what Asus is offering because IMHO Windows 7 is not the problem, but the flimsy exteriors of most sub-$1000 are.

 

[how2style]

me too!

If it has the backlit keyboard, another reason for me to upgrade. If it doesn't have it, I will still be purchasing one.

Backlit keyboard is a feature I rarely use on my MBP, but when i have to have it, I HAVE TO HAVE IT. If this rumor is true, a MBA might be my next laptop.

If the rumor turns out to be true, I would probably get the 11" model.

I'm thinking the same thing.. I was (I'm still kinda) on the fence, but the backlit keys (if true), will probably push me over into getting it..

 

[Dillenger]

Time to list my 13 inch MBP on eBay.

 

[how2style]

Time to list my 13 inch MBP on eBay.

I'm in the same boat.. wondering if its worth it to have both, since the MBA won't be able to watch or create dvds (not that I do those things that often). Yea, I know I can get the external, but that just seems like a pain

 

[flycats]

That circuitry still adds to inefficiency.

I work with a guy like you

 

[Young Spade]

I recently purchased a 13" MBP for college (first mac and I love it), I'm wondering if it was a bad move? With the new air coming out soon and thinking toward the future about a re-designed MBP makes me sick! I replaced the stock HDD to a Kingston SSD V series I got for a steal and plan to get a data doubler and drop the superdrive for the HDD I took out or possibly another SSD. I am a new engineering student so I suppose I may need the pro in time, but as of now I would say my computing needs are more on the modest side. Was this a bad move or will I more than likely NEED the pro power in the long run? Thanks!

No. That laptop should last you for many years. The way Apple structures their equipment and release dates, it makes it REALLY compelling to upgrade or change and get something else. I think it has to do with the build quality and the actual quality you're getting with the machines. They're all great but they serve specific purposes, making it really enticing to go and buy a new one or a different one every year.

Don't get caught up in the excitement and specs of a new machine. Yours should last you at least 2 more years. Make sure you have a TC or something backing up your files so in the situation of a harddrive crash you can simply buy a new HD and stay active.

 

[Clint007]

This is the iMac solution...

... with the high gloss screen, we see ourself when we have light to see the keyboard.
Whith a backlit keyboard it could be a perfect solution for the big 21.5 and 27 inches screen of iMac.

 

[AppleScruff1]

I hope the backlit keyboard does return. It should have never been left out to begin with. Pure marketing bs.