Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
In truth, I don't send a lot of mail to Canada...

I don't have a lot of support for this, but I think the reason the number pad is more effective for a lot of people is that it places all of the numbers under the 3 strong fingers and the zero under the thumb. If I have to enter a 3 digit number in the middle of a sentence, I use the top row. If the number of digits starts to get much longer though, I either need to look down, or move my had over to the number pad and back. Get out to about 10 digits and the number pad is a clear winner for me. If I'm entering numbers on a web form, then I'm going back and forth to the mouse generally anyway, or my left hand is on tab and the right hand on the pad.

My zip code is so ingrained in muscle memory for me that banging it out on the numpad is almost a single gesture (and it's the end of the entry, so moving my hand isn't a problem).

I have no doubt that a number pad appears to be ergonomic in that - or many other - case(s). I just don't think that it has any speed benefit for those who are used to one or another. Physically it doesn't make sense to be how I could be faster with one hand if I have both hands available on the number row. Plus I'm left handed, which makes it even worse for the num pad...
 
I have no doubt that a number pad appears to be ergonomic in that - or many other - case(s). I just don't think that it has any speed benefit for those who are used to one or another. Physically it doesn't make sense to be how I could be faster with one hand if I have both hands available on the number row. Plus I'm left handed, which makes it even worse for the num pad...
If you buy a standalone numpad you can place it on the left side.
 
I have no doubt that a number pad appears to be ergonomic in that - or many other - case(s). I just don't think that it has any speed benefit for those who are used to one or another. Physically it doesn't make sense to be how I could be faster with one hand if I have both hands available on the number row. Plus I'm left handed, which makes it even worse for the num pad...
Left handed may explain it all, actually...

I touch type with sufficient speed-- not secretarial school fast, but fast enough for writing long documents without much care and the top row slows me down even after years of using laptops and such where the number pad isn't available and being forced to practice the top row.
 
That's cool, I'm glad that Apple leaves it away to give you the option of adding one on as you like. :)
Now that I'm thinking about it-- given how sensitive Apple is to showing any sort of bias, I wouldn't be surprised if that's a lot of the reason they've done away with number pad. It's probably why their mice have been so symmetric too, for example.

Great. Now my hopes are fading...
 
If we were talking about laptop keyboards, I think that would be more relevant. I don't care how heavy my desktop keyboard is, I want it to be as heavy as it needs to be to make me as productive as I can be at my desk.

I suppose size matters to some, but it seems weird that a company that only makes ginormous displays pairs them with teeny tiny keyboards. It's a desk, not an airline tray table.

NO, it's relevant depending on who is using it. Your wants or needs are not the same as everyone's so it's all relevant. I don't need a numbers pad attached that I will never use at all. Kind of like your comment on the bezel of the tray that adds a trackpad or numbers pad to the keyboard. The numbers pad is far wider than that bezel and unnecessary to me.

I actually would not mind the keyboard being larger, just do not have any need for a numbers pad. Not everyone is the same. By all means make 2 keyboards. One with and one without the numbers pad, or as was suggested get the freaking tray and add a numbers pad. It makes a whole lot more sense as if it's made on to the keyboard those of us that do not need it cannot cut it off. IN one post you complain about the bezel which is not large and in another you complain about the "teeny tiny" keyboard so that means it's about complaining, period.
 
It's not really big, bulky, or heavy.

You can complain, or do something about it.

Apparently it's all about complaining since the apple keyboard is tiny and another about this tray making it big, bulky or heavy. I've seen these and I agree they are not big, bulky or heavy. It's not about wanting a fix, it's about complaining.
 
I still don't understand this. If backlighting is useless on a desktop keyboard, why isn't it useless on a laptop?

Because you use a laptop places where you won't be using a desktop, such as in bed, where backlighting could be useful.

--Eric
 
Another vote for wireless, extended keyboards. It's not just for numeric entry, my prime use is for custom keyboard shortcuts. Saves me a ton of time, and I don't need to worry about conflicting with default alpha-based shortcuts.
Plus, if it's so anachronistic, why does Apple still sell the wired option?

For the record, I use Logitech's solar K750, despite its snap-happy riser legs and pesky RF USB dongle. Numeric pads are an option, but also an additional device to power and manage.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Benjamin Frost
Curious.. they remove the "barrel" because it's no longer needed for the batteries, and now the keyboard is "flat"? Isn't that a step in the wrong direction in terms of ergonomics? And really Apple... where is the split-keyboard option? Everybody knows that split keyboards are far, far better for the wrists when doing extended typing.
 
Here you go!
http://www.logitech.com/en-us/product/wireless-solar-keyboard-k750-mac

wireless-solar-keyboard-k750-silver-for-mac-glamour-image-lg.png
This thing is missing two key things:
Caps lock feedback
Backlit keys

And the home end keys don't work as expected.

The solar charging is nice.

The need to occupy one of the USB ports to have the receiver plugged in is also an annoyance.

I wish they release an improved version to deal with all these.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Benjamin Frost
Those complaining about the need for a numpad get the short version and enjoy your crippled experience.

Playing games is one of the main advantages in addition to entering numbers.

I guess very few in this forum understand that the best way to play a 2 player game of Hardball is with an extended keyboard.

The Mac Plus is the keyboard to get
 
  • Like
Reactions: jettredmont
Can't tell if you're trolling, but I like my extended wired keyboard and can't help but think its days are numbered. Maybe I should stock up on them like Gruber stocks up on his Apple II keyboards.

Backlit keyboards are nice in laptops because you can't always control your surrounding lighting, but for a desktop I don't really see the point. Especially for a wireless keyboard--it'll just make for worse battery life.

You are right that one can control the environment. But sometimes I just do not want to have a bright room at night. Hence I would like a backlit keyboard. You can always turn it off and save battery.
 
A number pad would be an anachronism. Anyone doing specialized data entry that would make one useful should get a specialized keyboard, not a mass market one.

So, typing in numbers is "specialized data entry"? I type numbers all the time as I manage my finances and when I'm inputting sizes for a photos edit or inputting text sizes. We use numbers all the time.
 
A number pad would be an anachronism. Anyone doing specialized data entry that would make one useful should get a specialized keyboard, not a mass market one.
There are many of us that use Macs in the workplace. There are also many of us that prefer to do simple number calculations at home using the number pad. Number pads are definitely still useful in a daily environment, home and at work. I'm sure we can both agree number pads have no business on laptops, but to not include them on standard desktop keyboards is asinine.
 
This thing is missing two key things:
Caps lock feedback
Backlit keys

And the home end keys don't work as expected.

The solar charging is nice.

The need to occupy one of the USB ports to have the receiver plugged in is also an annoyance.

I wish they release an improved version to deal with all these.
I use that Logitech keyboard at work. My one main annoyance with it is your first point, not knowing when Caps Lock is on or not. Backlit keys isn't a big deal personally since I'm only ever going to be using it in a lit room. Otherwise I love it. Keep meaning to get one for home, but now I guess I'll wait to see what the new Apple one will be all about.
 
Rechargeable is great! I can't count how many times I have run out of battery with no replacement available.
 
i think the only device with force touch will be the next trackpad and thats it. Probably next year?
I hope magic mouse to be more precise and last me more than 1 week daily usage until the recharge
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.