Does anyone find it odd or difficult to use a windows keyboard on mac. I plan on getting a mini when the new ones come out, and I wondered if it was difficult to use a windows keyboard at all. For example what would be the eject key. The keyboard I would be using is a HP Elite Keyboard.
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Using a Windows Keyboard on Mac
- Thread starter n0cus
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Not difficult at all. The only weird thing is that the relative position of some modifier keys (Opt/Cmd) change, IIRC, but you can always modify this in System Preferences if muscle memory demands that you do--I know I did.
To address your specific concern, you can use the F12 key for eject, or during startup you can hold down the (left) mouse button.
I do miss having volume and playback keys on my keyboard. They're available on some PC keyboards but not the one I'm using for my Mac mini. When available, I've found that at least the volume buttons usually work fine. I think most playback keys will as well, but I don't have a keyboard to test with. On my basic keyboard, I've recovered playback keys (at the expense of some function keys) with a workaround program KeyRemap4MacBook, but hopefully you won't need to go that far.
Additionally, you'll also be missing the Expose/Dashboard/Mission Control and whatnot keys, but you can always enable the older function-key shortcuts in the System Preferences pane to get those to work if they aren't already.
I think this covers most things. Basically, you'll be fine--though if you miss any old comforts, you can usually change them in System Preferences. In extreme cases, other software may help.
To address your specific concern, you can use the F12 key for eject, or during startup you can hold down the (left) mouse button.
I do miss having volume and playback keys on my keyboard. They're available on some PC keyboards but not the one I'm using for my Mac mini. When available, I've found that at least the volume buttons usually work fine. I think most playback keys will as well, but I don't have a keyboard to test with. On my basic keyboard, I've recovered playback keys (at the expense of some function keys) with a workaround program KeyRemap4MacBook, but hopefully you won't need to go that far.
Additionally, you'll also be missing the Expose/Dashboard/Mission Control and whatnot keys, but you can always enable the older function-key shortcuts in the System Preferences pane to get those to work if they aren't already.
I think this covers most things. Basically, you'll be fine--though if you miss any old comforts, you can usually change them in System Preferences. In extreme cases, other software may help.
It may take some adjusting if you're used to using keyboard shortcuts, but if not, it's really not a problem. I've been using an old HP keyboard I bought at Goodwill for $5 for a couple weeks now (since my original Apple one died) and it didn't take half an hour to get everything figured out.
I just switched to a PC keyboard, and I seem to be able to do most of things I used to . . .
But, I used to put my iMac to sleep with ctrl-shift-eject, and I can't seem to figure out how to do it with a keyboard shortcut now, other than mouse to the apple>sleep. (F12 doesn't substitute for eject).
Also, lots of things can only be deleted by command-delete (or dragging to trashcan), like files in the finder window (I never understood why a simple "delete" didn't work).
Does anybody have any ideas for keyboard shortcuts for these tasks?
But, I used to put my iMac to sleep with ctrl-shift-eject, and I can't seem to figure out how to do it with a keyboard shortcut now, other than mouse to the apple>sleep. (F12 doesn't substitute for eject).
Also, lots of things can only be deleted by command-delete (or dragging to trashcan), like files in the finder window (I never understood why a simple "delete" didn't work).
Does anybody have any ideas for keyboard shortcuts for these tasks?
I use the microsoft ergonomic 4000 which is a split keyboard. They have a driver available for the mac to assign keys also.
I've got a Logitech wireless KB with a built in trackpad that I've been using with my new Mini. Only issue is remembering the shortcuts and positioning of some characters are slightly different when using a Mac e.g. @
I've been using Macs since 1993, though, so I'm doing OK!
I've been using Macs since 1993, though, so I'm doing OK!
If you haven't tried yet, go into System Preferences> Keyboard >Keyboard Shortcuts, and remap those keys.