Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Backspace is called "delete" on the mac, unless your using a desktop keyboard you wont find an actual delete key.
 
thanks pf
I'm not seeing an appropriate button above the return key on my MBP

but I've just discovered the effect i'm looking for is a forward delete

so i found that to be fn & delete
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.