Apple Announces New Keyboards to Go With New iMacs

Like most of you: why-oh-why not a full blown wireless keyboard. Yeah, Steve-o says that it's great to have this keyboard on your lap. Ok, I'll buy that, but that doesn't mean that I *always* have my keyboard on my lap.
I mean, I need to get some serious work done here (yes, all work and no play makes T1 a dull boy), and that means that I'm sitting in a decent chair at my desk with a keyboard on the desk in front of an iMac. If Steve is so eager to point out that an iMac reduces the wired clutter on your desk (make no mistake: it does) and yet offers a full computing experience, why-oh-why doesn't he provide us the full wireless keyboard solution to top it off.
I hope that by the time I'll replace my iMac G5 a full blown wireless version is available.

Now, how can I get a wired keyboard without the cursor keys and number keypad?

The form factor of the wireless keyboard is a nice size for switching your hand between keyboard and mouse all day. But I'd rather have it wired.

As much as I'd like the new keyboard they're $49 and $79. I wish I could get the same form factor in something cheaper. Here's to hoping someone is willing to copy it soon.

The Apple Store doesn't mention if the new Wired Keyboard works on PCs. I have to assume it does...I mean, why not? But the fact that i's not mentioned concerns me. Also, it always say "Alt" on the Option key? If it did, I neevr noticed before. It certainly does now.

Why oh WHY is the bluetooth keyboard not the same as the corded one (without the USB ports of course). I like, cross that, LOVE wireless keyboards and mice (not in --that-- way) and I was ready to go check out the new ones and possibly buy the new bluetooth one. Until ... I saw that it doesn't have the arrows and number bad. #$*&#*&#@$

That is so strange they didn't add a trackpad to the wireless keyboard. I would've expected it to be like the Keysonic ones.

http://www.theglowlounge.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/720?osCsid=9b1792f2df30283be435

The wireless keyboard operates on three AA batteries, which oddly enough, are included.

What worries me is that apple claim the wireless keyboard to have a nine-month battery life with 'standard use'. What happens after that? is it just a couple of replacable AAA batteries, or will you need to check it into an apple store for a pricey replacement???

I see a wireless keyboard as useful for 3 consumers:
1.) Traveller wants a fullsize keyboard for their notebook.
2.) Media center user wants to use computer from couch.
3.) Desktop user wants to cut down on cable clutter.

The new wireless keyboard fails all three.
1.) It's no bigger than the keyboard on my MacBook Pro, and doesn't add features (like a numpad)
2.) The lack of a built-in pointing device (see Logitech's PS3 keyboard and their DiNovo Edge keyboard) means I need a wireless mouse, which isn't that helpful on the couch or the bed.
3.) Cuts down on clutter, but you also lose functionality (numpad again).

And I have to put batteries in it? Why isn't it USB-rechargeable?

Actually... if you use your iMac from a distance, like I do, actually using Front Row and leaning back, it makes a bit of sense. I think Steve mentioned the fact that people like to use the wireless keyboards on their laps, now the keys are centered on their lap instead of it being off-center as the case would have been with a num pad. Same reason why the touchpad is off-center on notebooks with a numpad.