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Should I keep my Apple Keyboard with number-pad?

raysfan81

raysfan81

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Oct 6, 2009
601
4
I just went to the apple store the other day and picked up the usb keyboard with number-pad for $50. I haven't opened it yet and am just wondering if I should keep it or try to find another alternative. I mean, I like the way it looks, feels, and functions in the store but I'm not sure of the $50 investment in a keyboard. Thanks for any input!
 
raysfan81 said:
I just went to the apple store the other day and picked up the usb keyboard with number-pad for $50. I haven't opened it yet and am just wondering if I should keep it or try to find another alternative. I mean, I like the way it looks, feels, and functions in the store but I'm not sure of the $50 investment in a keyboard. Thanks for any input!
Click to expand...

Best keyboard ever, imo. I love the key action and how thin it is (makes it easier on the wrists, I've found).

Your milage may vary...
 
I know what you mean, but I like mine. $50 seems pretty steep for a keyboard, but somehow I justified it at the time. What I don't understand is why they are phasing out the wired keyboards with the number pads in favor of the wireless ones without in on the iMacs. Do that many people have a need for a wireless keyboard? I use the number pad all the time. I'm lost on my laptop when I don't have it.
 
u6crash said:
I know what you mean, but I like mine. $50 seems pretty steep for a keyboard, but somehow I justified it at the time. What I don't understand is why they are phasing out the wired keyboards with the number pads in favor of the wireless ones without in on the iMacs. Do that many people have a need for a wireless keyboard? I use the number pad all the time. I'm lost on my laptop when I don't have it.
Click to expand...

Thanks, I thought I might be the only one who likes wired keyboards over wireless ones. I love the number pad and use it frequently. Now I can see the benefits of a wireless mouse but not for a wireless keyboard.
 
It depends on what you use it for and what you're used to - I'm absolutely hopeless with a numpad so it has no value to me. I also like to move my keyboard around as I shift in my chair and a wireless keyboard works well with the ants in my pants. I'm happy to be in Apple's camp on this one, but as someone who detests the glossy screens, I can feel your minority pain :p.
 
raysfan81 said:
I just went to the apple store the other day and picked up the usb keyboard with number-pad for $50. I haven't opened it yet and am just wondering if I should keep it or try to find another alternative. I mean, I like the way it looks, feels, and functions in the store but I'm not sure of the $50 investment in a keyboard. Thanks for any input!
Click to expand...

you should overnight it to me! :rolleyes::cool:

imho, the apple keyboards are a lot nicer/better in function/form then regular keyboards... a lot better on my wrists then my Logitech G11, but YMMV...
 
Believe me when I tell you that $50 is cheap for a keyboard you really like. If you are interested in really educating yourself on keyboards, check out the URL in my sig.
 
I'm in 2 minds about the wireless and wired, the solution i see is for apple to make a wireless numberpad keyboard, our keyboard downstairs is wired and I always bring it up here for when I am doing things on excel, but then when I'm writing or browsing the web, wireless is just the way to go
signature_BasicSmile.jpg
but back to your point, $50 is definately not expensive for what you are getting, they are such nice keyboards
 
I use the number pad frequently for data entry as well on excel. So i dont think i would personally make the switch to wireless, since it does not have the number pad.

Nonetheless, the apple keyboard is a fantastic buy. I can type much faster than other generic keyboards out there. The flat and streamline body looks really slick and its sturdier than it looks.
 
Low travel scissor switches are good for your hand/wrist health as well. You can tap lightly which is much better than the trauma of jamming your fingers, full force, to the bottom of a full travel rubber dome keyboard.
 
If you dual boot with Windows or want to use it on a PC then the small keyboard variant is pretty much useless as it lacks a Del key.

Rotten keyboard to type at length on and I seem to miss-hit keys with it more than any other I have used, so I am waiting for a Logitech wireless keyboard to arrive in a couple of days after which this keyboard is going in the back of the cupboard.
 
I also love the Apple keyboard, and also wish they hasn't omitted the numberpad on the wireless ones. Sure, it makes the keyboard smaller and more sleek, but the numberpad is useful, darn it.
 
If you are worried about the cost, pick one up off of craiglist or ebay. They seem to be going for less than 30 last time I checked.
 
weckart said:
If you dual boot with Windows or want to use it on a PC then the small keyboard variant is pretty much useless as it lacks a Del key.

Rotten keyboard to type at length on and I seem to miss-hit keys with it more than any other I have used, so I am waiting for a Logitech wireless keyboard to arrive in a couple of days after which this keyboard is going in the back of the cupboard.
Click to expand...

If you despise it so much, why not sell it in the marketplace?

Personally, I find cheap rubber dome keyboards appalling to type on. There are some decent tactile wireless keyboards available that would be much better.
 
Check out this keyboard

raysfan81 said:
I just went to the apple store the other day and picked up the usb keyboard with number-pad for $50. I haven't opened it yet and am just wondering if I should keep it or try to find another alternative. I mean, I like the way it looks, feels, and functions in the store but I'm not sure of the $50 investment in a keyboard. Thanks for any input!
Click to expand...

I was in a similar position and found a Rocketfish bluetooth keyboard on eBay that has been great. Thin (not as thin as the Apple chicklet keyboard, but nearly so), number pad, long battery life, excellent key feel, and the aluminum/white design doesn't look out of place with the current Mac lineup. There are a few listed on eBay now for about $30. They show up periodically as new, open box for about $20. That's what I bought.

Here's a link.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Rocketfish-Blue...mQQptZPCA_Mice_Trackballs?hash=item2c526ddf83
 
well, I finally opened it and i love it! Thanks for all the comments/advice/opinions! :D
 
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