Should I get the large or small keyboard?

[JonL12345]

I will be ordering my iMac today, but not sure which keyboard to get, the one with a numeric keypad or not. Perhaps someone here could give an opinion on which they prefer and why. Or the benefits of either.

Thanks,

Jon

 

[Gav2k]

I will be ordering my iMac today, but not sure which keyboard to get, the one with a numeric keypad or not. Perhaps someone here could give an opinion on which they prefer and why. Or the benefits of either.

Thanks,

Jon

Without is wireless
With is corded

Do you need the number pad? Do you type a lot? If yes then number pad might be best.

 

[JonL12345]

I didn't realise that! If I went for the smaller wireless version, how often do you have to charge up the keyboard? Can you also have it wired too? Is the wireless keyboard more tightly spaced?

 

[IGregory]

I didn't realise that! If I went for the smaller wireless version, how often do you have to charge up the keyboard? Can you also have it wired too? Is the wireless keyboard more tightly spaced?

Battery change, it all depends on how much you type. I have a Macbook that I primarily use as a desktop with the wireless keyboard. In nine months I've changed the batteries once. Personally, I think you will be happy with the wireless.

 

[Macman45]

I have always ordered the full sized corded KB's with my iMacs. I did have a wireless BT Apple KB for a while, but didn't really like it...I like to have the numeric pad, and the instant response of the wired variety....Also don't have to worry about batteries although the life is pretty good on the Apple made BT models.

 

[JonL12345]

Decided to go for wired keyboard. Call me old school.

Wish they had a wireless full-sized keyboard though. Nice not to have all that cable clutter.

 

[Gav2k]

Decided to go for wired keyboard. Call me old school.

Wish they had a wireless full-sized keyboard though. Nice not to have all that cable clutter.

You only have one cable from the keyboard. If you choose the wired mouse that plugs into the keyboard

 

[FreakinEurekan]

I'm a big fan of wireless keyboards, in large part because my desk is glass, so cables are a little unsightly. I have two Macs, one with the current wireless (no keypad) and one with the old A1016 Bluetooth keyboard that has the numeric. I use primarily magic mouse with both, plus I have a magic trackpad on the one with the newer keyboard.

The real benefit of the new keyboard is that your mouse is that much closer to your hand. It doesn't seem like it would be a big deal, but I really do like that. It's the difference between pivoting my forearm to get to the mouse, vs. moving my whole arm.

Of course the drawback is if you do much ten-key work - keying in a long number, such as a credit card, telephone, SSN, etc. I don't do it enough that it's a real bother with the small keyboard, but if you regularly take credit card orders over the phone or something like that, you will REALLY want a numeric keypad.

 

[tn9design]

I didn't realise that! If I went for the smaller wireless version, how often do you have to charge up the keyboard? Can you also have it wired too? Is the wireless keyboard more tightly spaced?

I have both but prefer the smaller wireless keyboard.

I use mine quite heavily and while my magic mouse will go through the two AA batteries about once every three weeks, my keyboard lasts at least two or three months before it alerts me its low. I just bought some rechargeable batteries, keep one set in my keyboard, the other set charged and ready to go at a moments notice.

The batteries never bothered me but the lack of the keypad did. After a few years I am used to it but if they released a full sized wireless tomorrow I would be first in line.

 

[linds15]

can always get the small KB then grab one of the wireless numeric pads to put in a drawer and pull out when you will be doing lots of numerical stuff, thats what i considered but never ended up needing it that badly

 

[Giuly]

You should get Apple's Battery charger (or the eneloop kit with charger for $10 less), it's much more convenient and environment friendlier than regular batteries.

 

[iAppl3Fan]

Decided to go for wired keyboard. Call me old school.

Wish they had a wireless full-sized keyboard though. Nice not to have all that cable clutter.

Wireless + MagicTrackpad

or

Wired + Magic Mouse

The wired with magic trackpad is just too weird in positioning for me.