MowingDevil
macrumors 68000
That means nothing, the Mac Pro always had a different keyboard from the MBP anyways.
The Pro has always used the same kybrd as the iMac.
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New Macbooks / Macbook Pro soon?
- Thread starter mklnz
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That means nothing, the Mac Pro always had a different keyboard from the MBP anyways.
The Pro has always used the same kybrd as the iMac.
AppliedMicro
macrumors 68040
Yes, but nowadays every current Mac (!) uses the same or similar notebook-style keyboard. Even the "premium" MacBook Air. Even the desktop ones. This does mean something, if you ask me. And there's quite a good reason for that: Offering the same user experience across product lines, in times where notebooks outsell desktop computers (or are about to do so). Apple is the type of company putting engineering and thought into that.
Customers who want a more "traditional" keyboard can still get one. Even with Mac layout, and even sold by Apple at the Apple store. I am convinced, the MacBook Pro is not going to be the odd man out on this.
MowingDevil
macrumors 68000
So tell me, whats so great w/ these new chicklet keyboards anyways? Seriously. I think the kybrds from the last generation across the line were top shelf. I have the last kybrd w/ my iMac before they went all thin. I tried the Air & MB's kybrds out & didn't like them in the least. The MBP currently has the best laptop ...err, "desktop replacement" kybrd I've ever used. I feel awkward on the Air's.
You can still use a "traditional" kybrd on a desktop...but its hardly something you want to lug around w/ your notebook.
This chicklet era of kybrds just reaks of the ol' hockey puck mouse they were using. Eventually they came to their senses. Design before function (as Apple seems to do at times) isn't always a better alternative to its opposite (what the rest of computer manufactures believe)...ask Frank Lloyd Wright:
"Form follows function-that has been misunderstood. Form and function should be one, joined in a spiritual union"
rkdiddy
macrumors 65816
I'm so excited...
Why you ask, because it is becoming very apparent the new notebooks will be released very soon. We've been speculating new MB and MBP would be coming since the Feb update.
However, it is now and only now things are starting to really buzz. Just as they did right before the revised Nano and Touch came out.
This is very exciting!!!! 😀
Why you ask, because it is becoming very apparent the new notebooks will be released very soon. We've been speculating new MB and MBP would be coming since the Feb update.
However, it is now and only now things are starting to really buzz. Just as they did right before the revised Nano and Touch came out.
This is very exciting!!!! 😀
Manatee, if your tired, give it to me, my hands loooooove to walk around with $3,000 😀
AppliedMicro
macrumors 68040
They allow for thinner form factors. And because of the lighter (less force needed to press a key) and shorter stroke, I find typing easier and less tedious on them, once you get accustomed to it. Sorry, a better description goes a bit beyond my english-language skills. 😉
Yes, "desktop replacement" is the right term. I think, the MacBook Pro's rumored redesign should provide even better "replacement" for desktop keyboards (Apple's, that is) as the keyboards are virtually going to be the same.
Of course it might a take a bit of practice to get used to it. You obviously haven't gotten used to it yet (no offense intended).
I'm pretty sure they aren't going to get rid of these types of keyboards anytime soon (or ever, really). For the aforementioned reasons. I read on Macintosh-related message boards quite a lot. Except for the usual complaints shortly after the release of a redesigned Apple part, I haven't really noticed many complaints about the new current keyboards.
Last but not least, look at it in a broader, "historical" perspective: Most of the first mechanical keyboards like the IBM buckling spring ones were "descendants" from the traditional mechanical typewriters people were accustomed to, emulating their typing feel to some extent. Nowadays however, nobody uses mechanical typewriters anymore. Instead, people are more and more using tiny and thin keyboards (think of typing messages on blackberrys and cell phones) requiring less force to type. So I'd guess, the proliferation of notebook-style keyboards also makes some sense in an ergonomic way.
I, for instance, practically grew up with notebook keyboards and their feel; my first computer had been a notebook. So it's little wonder that I actually prefer these types of keyboards, even if given the choice on a desktop computer. Of course, preference all depends on personal feel. Still I'd guess, there will be more people like me and less like you in the future. 😉
AppliedMicro
macrumors 68040
Not everyone. I am not particularly keen on thinness.
But then teh Steve seems to be.
yeah MacBook pro specs are nerfed by it's thinness, the reason why you can get better specs on PC laptops half the price for an extra 0.3".
Maybe Apple will simply not release it, and give a big "@#$% YOU" to rumor sites... And stockholders.
MowingDevil
macrumors 68000
LoL, I'm not talking about Apple putting type-writer keyboards or even the prior MacPro/iMac keyboards onto laptops...I'm talking about keeping the CURRENT MacBookPro keyboard. Typewriters, hehe...thats too much.
Trust me I'm fine with notebook keyboards, I just don't like the chicklet ones.
And there's lots of people "like me" who prefer the silver MBP keyboard. Thats a notebook keyboard is it not?
As for blackberrys, ya I'd rather type on a standard desktop kybrd than those little things w/ my thumbs anyday. I'm sure most people would, they're the way they are for size & mobility alone not because they're better keyboards.
jacg
macrumors 6502a
I have two issues with the MBP keyboard. Firstly I am bored with the look of the plastic silver PB/MBP keyboard. Look at really closely for a moment - it looks cheap! Fake metal invariably looks bad. I think the 'new' MB design keyboard is very cool looking and I find it very good to type on.
Secondly I am fed up with marks on my screen. My last notebook (PBG4) ended up with permanent marks and now my MBP has similar ones. I'd like a design that doesn't require a keyboard cover or obsessive hand-washing. Does the MB keyboard get touched by the screen?
I'll be really disappointed if the new MBP doesn't address both these issues. (And I'd a like 500 GB hard drive option and oodles on RAM please).
Secondly I am fed up with marks on my screen. My last notebook (PBG4) ended up with permanent marks and now my MBP has similar ones. I'd like a design that doesn't require a keyboard cover or obsessive hand-washing. Does the MB keyboard get touched by the screen?
I'll be really disappointed if the new MBP doesn't address both these issues. (And I'd a like 500 GB hard drive option and oodles on RAM please).
I'm used to "normal", PC keyboard. Really used to. However, the first time I typed on my friend's MacBook, I absolutely fell in love with its keyboard. It's just so... comfortable. And I suppose there're many other people who perceive it so - it may seem to you that most prefer current MBP keyboard, but keep in mind that complaints are far more often voiced than contentment. I'm sorry for those who'll be unhappy with the new keyboard, but I really don't think Apple would go ahead with the change if it hadn't been, let's say, "generaly accepted". They were switching to this type gradually after all. If most people who bought the new keyboard were annoyed with it, I suppose it would've never made it to MacBook, and then to MacBook Air. I also think black keys are the future, because when backlit, they're apparently more comfortable.
As far as I know MB's and MBA's keyboards aren't really chiclet, but some sort of hybrid. They certainly don't feel like those rubber keyboards that I absolutely hate.
I just wish they made those keyboards in notebooks spill-safe...
I agree with you. I was taken aback on first glance with the plastic metal look. It is not horrible, however, for such an advertised premium machine details make a difference.
I guess it's a survival world, cut the costs, collect the profits, re-invest, repeat.
I guess it's a survival world, cut the costs, collect the profits, re-invest, repeat.
I won't be going to college until next year, but I really want to get a Macbook or Macbook Pro, do we think there will be another release before next July? Or is this going to be the newest Mac Notebook when I go to college next year?
Tough call. The cycle is 6-8 months, so we'd definitely be due by then. Mobile Nehalem is coming sometime around there, it is assumed the next revision would be to add that in. Unfortunately, Intel hasn't given an actual launch date, just a range. Are you in your last year of high school? If so, sit tight for awhile. There's a good chance the Nehalem MBP will be out in time for the Fall 09 term, then again....maybe not.
MowingDevil
macrumors 68000
LoL, here we go again...while I agree with you, I just find it amusing that we've all been waiting on pins & needles for this update and already the 'wait for Nehalem' watch has started. To be honest thats the machine I really want but have no desire to wait. I'll be happy w/ the next revision and will upagrade when Nehalem rev B comes out to allow for bug-fixes. The dangerous neverending cycle of waiting. I guarantee if its expected to drop next summer it won't and people will be freaking out thinking it might come as far as MW2010. Then some store will put up the wrong photo...
Brien
macrumors 68040
If they did do the chiclet keyboard, but made the keys out of machined aluminum, that would be AWESOME.
marbles
macrumors 68000
I agree , I'm getting the next revision of notebooks , then waiting on rev b of the Nehalem Mac offerings
The "wrong photo" comment made me laugh, it seems every time an Apple product is due , so called 'wrong photo's' & 'leaks' appear all over the web , very good those Apple folk at raising hype but tbh when you see through it it gets a little tedious .
🙂