New iMac Keyboard Revealed?

[CmdrLaForge]

Does anyone else think it odd that there is no Apple symbol on the command key? Makes me wonder if this might not be a 3rd party keyboard.

The sticker on the back clearly says:"not a cosmetic unit" This might mean that this is not the final layout or design.

 

[gloss]

I don't know, I smell a fake. I don't like how the keys are smaller in comparison to the standard keyboards now utilized.

I never understood this argument. The EXPOSED key size is absolutely identical. It's just that standard key caps are narrower in all dimensions at the top then they are at the bottom. The surface area of the exposed key face is what matters, and that hasn't changed.

 

[Nepenthe]

I had a Franklin clone of the Apple ][ back in the 80s, and have been an Apple fanatic ever since. You're the first person I've ever encountered to call it "flower." Normal people call it either "Apple" or "Command."

I like "Splat" personally - vs. flower or cloverleaf.

 

[pimentoLoaf]

Thin? 1 meter thick? Portable for who? Hagrid?

Wot?

Oh... 1 millimeter thick. Oops.

 

[tuc]

I am a Mac Tech and Consultant, I tell every new Mac owner “especially former PC users” to get a third party mouse when they get their new Mac.

Now it seams that the same is going to happen to the keyboard. By Christmas the market is going to be flooded with third party keyboards.

I'm with you on recommending a third-party mouse (though the mighty mouse does permit right-click now), but I'm not sure I would expect many more third-party keyboards by xmas.

Do you really expect a bigger response to this keyboard than the response to Apples introduction of the no-keyboard-in-the-box Mac Mini?

 

[puckhead193]

seems like the macbook keyboard which i'm not a fan of IMO.

 

[2Shae]

I don't like it...don't like the grey don't like the replacement of the keys...don't like the flatness (not for an iMac)

Doesn't like very ergonomical either.



Come on Apple, you can do better than that!

 

[ThunderLounge]

If true, at least in concept, I do like the "removal" of all the open space that's in the current keyboard. It collects so much crap in it, and eventually working its way under the keys, that it's horrible and has to be blown out frequently.

 

[iMichael72]

I don't have a need right now for a new iMac, but I would definitely get this new keyboard.

 

[c.joe.go]

The sticker on the back clearly says:"not a cosmetic unit" This might mean that this is not the final layout or design.

my thoughts exactly. this would indicate it is a function/production test to ensure quality or build practices.

 

[nakile]

What can I say? I call real.

It's too realistic to be a photoshop job. And if it is, then the guy who made it wouldn't have time to do this and would be working for Pixar or something.

Not to mention that it's a prototype. That would explain the strange F-keys and the strange command an option keys. It's just a proof of concept and introduces new ideas to the team. If the ideas are not very good, it's changed.

 

[gregarious119]

What's PEBKAC?

We also refer to this as PICNIC...


Problem In Chair, Not In Computer


:-D

 

[zioxide]

fuuugly. white keys on a anodized aluminum board? no.

also, those tiny little keys suck. the macbook keyboard is **** and would be even worse on a big keyboard.

 

[Bye Bye Baby]

no way

This keyboard blows!

i hate the macbook keyboard.

Apple's peripherals really suck!

 

[segfaultdotorg]

Not enough key travel (from unpressed position to fully pressed position) for a desktop keyboard.

 

[The Macster]

I think It's nice but fake, very fake...
look at the F4 key... Time Machine? F3 = Spaces? And look at the logo on the "Apple development team" sticker...ITS DEFORMED!!!

 

[phalewhale]

Yes, apple's machines are white and aluminum, but not both colors/materials on the same machine... Can you imagine the Mac Book Pro or Mac Pro with a big hunk of white plastic on it?

And glass, yeah I misspoke, I meant clear plastic, like on the existing keyboard. (White + clear plastic.)

Hang on a sec... what about the iMac and Mac mini???

iMac - the stand
Mac mini - erm I think you can work this one out for yourself.

You didn't really think that one through now did you?

 

[Bye Bye Baby]

fuuugly. white keys on a anodized aluminum board? no.

also, those tiny little keys suck. the macbook keyboard is **** and would be even worse on a big keyboard.

Thank goodness someone is speaking sense

Some people in the mac world would think it was a killer product if Apple put a turd on a plate and put icrap in front of it!

 

[The Macster]

I don't have a need right now for a new iMac, but I would definitely get this new keyboard.

Yup! and if it comes in bluetooth edition even better!!

 

[danoindigo]

Apple Keyboard

Anybody notice that Apple's shipping time on the current keyboard is 1 - 3 weeks? Do I smell a new keyboard?

 

[3282872]

I never understood this argument. The EXPOSED key size is absolutely identical. It's just that standard key caps are narrower in all dimensions at the top then they are at the bottom. The surface area of the exposed key face is what matters, and that hasn't changed.

Um, ok, I was just saying, no need to get sarcastic by stating "I have never understood this argument". I wasn't arguing, just making a comment.

...and it was in reference to the key size in relation to the mac keyboard I am currently using. The | \ button is smaller, as well as a few others...

 

[blipoids]

Just stick to the old & almighty apple keyboard and stop whining!

 

[Digital Skunk]

On the laptop keyboards, where they began this icon/action association, they began at the left and moved to the right. I don't believe it matters entirely where. They couldn't jumble the media controls in with brightness, but now that there are 7 media keys they couldn't leave them on the right above the numeric either as there wasn't enough room. Now all controls are next to each other, playing controls, sound, and eject - perfect for DVD player.

But there still jumbled around for the small addition of relatively useless media keys. Why not leave them were they were, and make all the media keys the one that need the FN to work?

For what it's worth, the key is still in the upper right hand corner of the main keyboard, not off in the extended keyboard world. It also lends itself better to media controls than being off on its own at the end of a long line of F-keys.

It isn't in the upper right hand corner at all! Come on! It's thrown in the center of keyboard... and there is no such thing as extended keyboard... there is only a regular keyboard, and a short keyboard (the one used on laptops). We have to stop making excuses for bad design. This thing is still terrible and a fake.

 

[offwidafairies]

this is really cool. would be a great addition to my powerbook as it looks quite portable (i use the numeric pad for shortcuts)
it will slip into my backpack quite nicely

 

[phalewhale]

Exposed As A FAKE!

Click here. Take a good look at this picture.

Ok, if it's real then it's seriously flawed. Check out the rubber feet. Does anyone honestly think that this keyboard is gonna sit sturdy on your desk without the bottom part of the keyboard scraping the desk and/or moving about? The angle the keyboard would sit at simply doesn't permit all four feet to be touching the desk at once. FAKE!

Also, where's the usb port gone? Click here. You would expect to see just a little bit of it surely. If not, then the port actually sits UNDER then keyboard. Yeah right. FAKE!

And whilst on the subject of the USB port. Really, I would have expected to see the port at least slightly showing on this picture too at least if the first picture in this post is anything to go by. But wait I forgot, the port is UNDER the keyboard... Nah, it's a FAKE!

I think I have proven CATEGORICALLY that this keyboard is a FAKE!!!