Easy keyboard to travel with?

[GanChan]

My Macbook Air has a buggy spacebar that the local Genius Bar has been unable to fix to my satisfaction. I have to go on a working holiday soon and I'll need a reliable workaround. I have a Samsung Chromebook that does what it's designed to do well enough, but I'd rather have the additional functionality of my Macbook. So I'm wondering if you have any suggestions for a small, lightweight (maybe even flexible?) external keyboard that I can throw into my backpack along with other travel essentials.

Also wondering whether I can use the Macbook's touchpad alongside such an external keyboard, instead of buying a separate pointing device for this arrangement.

Thanks!

 

[kschendel]

I was in a similar situation a while back. Pretty much any USB keyboard will work, I suggest just picking one that suites you. You might consider buying a cheap keyboard at your destination instead of trying to pack one. From everything I've read, the flexible keyboards are very hard to type on, the folding ones are a little better. I think I'd stick to a regular one, like the smaller Apple keyboard.

If memory serves, yes you can use the trackpad, but then you'll find yourself automatically trying to type on the mac's keyboard. You might do better just including a cheap USB mouse, and keeping your hands off the laptop entirely.

 

[GanChan]

Keeping one at my destination is a good idea. For other, less regular trips, I might still need a folding keyboard that can withstand the rigors of travel. But it sounds as if most of them are Mac-friendly, even the ones that don't advertise themselves as such....(?)