Dutch keyboard on U.S. MB Pro?

[CBAviator]

OK strange question for all of you:

I will be moving to the Netherlands for a couple years beginning in January. I'm looking to pick myself up a new MB Pro before heading over there. I'd like to get one here in the U.S. but with the Dutch keyboard. It's not a whole lot different but does have a few extra symbols (the euro, for example). Apple offers it in the Netherlands (of course) but not as an option here in the U.S.

Is this something that Apple might be able to do special for me maybe through a special order of some sort?

I do not want to purchase the MB Pro over in Holland, however. With the crappy dollar it would cost me about 1.5X compared to here in the U.S.

Thanks!
Christopher

 

[Hellhammer]

I think they can. All MBPs ship from same factory so it's just a different KB. You can try calling to Netherland's Apple and ask them but I think they do

 

[Styxie]

Hi there, I'm actually from Holland, and I think I might be able to help you.

First of, it's possible to choose what keyboard-layout you want, at least it is when buying the Apple Keyboard. However, I strongly suggest you rethink your choice of wanting a Dutch keyboard-layout. I myself deteste the Dutch layout. The return key is shaped like a upside down 'L', and the "?/" key is located under the 'A' key, next to the left 'Shift' key. This causes frequently missing the shift-key when trying to type a capital. I know this because I own a BlackBook with the Dutch keyboard layout, but my iMac has the US international keyboard, which I specifically ordered at the Apple Online Store.

I can type the € sign (option+2), as you can see =p. So I suggest you just get the US international layout, it's much nicer to type on. Don't worry that you might not be able to sell it after a few years, because most non-Mac laptops have the US international keyboard. Also, if it's a 15" MB Pro with the non-removable battery, I might be interested in a few years, when my MacBook becomes too old =p

 

[Sneakz]

You can't. The only options for a MacBook Pro in the U.S. are English. Not even if you call 1-800-My-Apple in to order will they be able to get you a Dutch keyboard. You can only get what they currently offer which appears to be Spanish, French and Japanese.

 

[UltraNEO*]

Well.. I'm not sure about in the States but in the UK european keyboards are available so the only way you'll know is to checkout Apple's online store. Alternatively, buy a US model and prowl the internet for a new case and matching keyboard for you're preferred layout but be-warned, on the new Unibody MBP's it's not as easy to replace the keyboard as you might think cause each case is specially carved to house the local keyboard. So, if you don't mind using the international US version, then go with that instead, you should beable to print all the symbols with ease, it's just a case of learning some new keyboard shortcuts.

I'm in the UK and I'm using a US layout.. so for me:

€ (option+shift+2)
£ (option+3)

So, for your reference, with Option pressed I get:

and with Option+Shift pressed I get:

Anything else you need?

 

[oblomow]

I can't imagine why you would want an dutch keyboard. An american keyboard would do fine. If you want to insert the occasional euro-sign, just compose it.

Anyway, if you want more help, let me know. I'm in the NL.

 

[kasakka]

When I bought my MBP in USA they didn't have European keyboards. But that doesn't matter because you can simply change the keyboard layout. I'm using both the Finnish and US layouts on a US keyboard without problems, switching between the two with a keyboard shortcut.

IMO the US keyboard is actually better because the Enter key is in a better position and slightly bigger.

 

[Trexznl]

I have to agree with the other Dutchies here. The Dutch keyboard is terrible if you're used to a "normal" keyboard. The enter key has got an awful reversed L-shape and it's got an awful position on the keyboard. Unlike styxie I haven't got a problem with the "?/" key, because on my keyboard it's placed next to the right-shift key which is ok. But man, the Enter key!

I don't know what came into Apple's minds thinking that we Dutchies needed a different shaped Enter key...

Now the killer is, I was going to order a US-style keyboard via the Apple Store, however my parents bought me one for my birthday from the local Apple Reseller.. And take a guess... it's a Dutch one.. Of course I'm perfectly happy with my gift, because it's very kind of them to buy me one.

 

[kasakka]

I have to agree with the other Dutchies here. The Dutch keyboard is terrible if you're used to a "normal" keyboard. The enter key has got an awful reversed L-shape and it's got an awful position on the keyboard. Unlike styxie I haven't got a problem with the "?/" key, because on my keyboard it's placed next to the right-shift key which is ok. But man, the Enter key!

Just so you know all European keyboards have a big reverse L-shape Enter. It's far better than the small, Shift-like one on US keyboards when in its full-size glory. Where Apple failed is they made it way too small and awkward.

 

[Styxie]

Whoops, the guy above me was right, the /? key is on the left, the key I meant is the ~` key. Here's a picture for you! =)

 

[dyn]

Apart from the physical layout you can always set the keyboard layout in OS X itself in the "language and text" part of the system prefs. If you select multiple input sources you'll have the option to change between using a keyboard shortcut or the input menu on the menubar. The biggest difference is the position of the tilde (~) key which can be annoying if you use the commandline a lot or program a lot (as you can see from the picture there are some more but this is the biggest difference).