Filed under: Desktops, Hardware, iMac, Apple
Apple Announces New Keyboards to Go With New iMacs
Today at a special event Apple, Inc. honcho Steve Jobs announced a whole slew of new products including a revamped iLife '08 suite, enhancements to the .Mac service and something which makes me particularly happy: redesigned and enhanced iMacs. These new computers sport cool new enclosures made of glass and sleek plastic as well as a host of internal refinements to processor, memory and video.
And what goes better with a cool new iMac than brand new input devices? Yes, in addition to the re-designed iMac, Jobs also announced two versions of a slick new anodized aluminum keyboard to go with them or to purchase separately. The new keyboards have been completely redesigned and seriously put previous Apple keyboards to shame -- at least in terms of looks.
The new keyboard comes in two different versions, one is USB 2.0 and sports the full complement of keys including document navigation controls, a numeric keypad and special function keys for Mac features such as brightness, volume, eject, play/pause, Exposé, and more. The second keyboard option is smaller, more compact and is wireless via Bluetooth.
It features the same low-profile keys as the wired version as well as the same access to Mac features as its larger sibling. However, it does not have the numeric keypad like the larger version. It also features what Apple calls "intelligent power management" which conserves battery life by powering down the keyboard when not in use and then bringing it back to life the moment you start typing again.
Yes, the new keyboards look super cool. After all, they do come from Apple, which excels at making things that look great. However, I'm a stickler for a good keyboard, so I really hope these work and feel as good as they look. When I get my hands on one, I'll report back. Until then, if any of you get one first, let us know how it is.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Justin said 3:05PM on 8-07-2007
On a semi-related topic, the Mac Mini finally makes it to Core 2 Duo Land:
http://www.apple.com/macmini/
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eugene said 3:06PM on 8-07-2007
CMD no longer has the "open apple", that's a little sad to me
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SubGenius said 3:08PM on 8-07-2007
The wireless rage of Apple's aluminum MacBook Pros suck compared to the less expensive plastic MacBooks.
Will one of the "features" of the new aluminum enclosure be reduced wireless range?
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James said 3:11PM on 8-07-2007
"These new computers sport cool new enclosures..."
Am I the only person that thinks these are the ugliest iMacs to date. What is with the black? I can understand a trim around the screen, but then the edges go back to silver and the back is black. It looks horrible . They have pictures on Apple's site comparing how the iMac looks up against a dell. It really looks tacky to me.
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Jay Contonio said 3:14PM on 8-07-2007
No full wireless keyboard? WTF?! Some people want wireless to reduce cables with their mac pros...not for mobile use. GIMME THE FULL KEYBOARD IN A WIRELESS FORM!!!
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mathmonkey said 3:13PM on 8-07-2007
Ugly new iMacs, yes, but the keyboard is awesome. I'm excited about potential third party keyboards that mimic the design at a lower cost.
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mentalsticks said 3:16PM on 8-07-2007
I agree with Jay. It's weird that there's no wireless full keyboard.
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Quix said 3:24PM on 8-07-2007
"Am I the only person that thinks these are the ugliest iMacs to date."
Yes, you probably are. "Ugliest to date?" Drama queen. :P
I agree with Jay - what's up with the lack of a number pad on the wireless version? LAME. Come on Apple, you're better than that.
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J.I. Vicuña said 12:46AM on 8-08-2007
The new wireless keyboard looks perfect for a living room setup. For a Mac mini (Now with C2D, finally!) connected with a LCD or PDP display, it really hits the spot.
Now, for a more common desktop setup... I don't know. No keypad?. I know Steve hate buttons, but this is a bit too much, considering that Sony includes a full keyboard with their LS series. I'll stick with my old Wireless keyboard for as long as possible (2 years and counting)
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Mike said 3:21PM on 8-07-2007
The smaller wireless keyboard is indeed odd, but what I find most crazy is that neither of them (especially the wired one) have backlit keys! That's the best feature of the Mac Book Pro, I can't believe they haven't brought it over to the desktop yet.
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required said 3:24PM on 8-07-2007
I agree James, the new iMacs are fugly
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Elliot said 3:50PM on 8-07-2007
If someone can help me with the logic of the limited bluetooth keyboard, I'd really like to hear ideas. I have a Macbook and would love a slim portable keyboard, but this one looks to be no better or bigger than the one already on my laptop. And yeah, I have moved my iMac around on occasion, but the size of the keyboard has never really been the thing holding me down on that. So can anyone figure out an intelligent reason for this? Please?
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San_Ra said 3:33PM on 8-07-2007
They are both kind of ugly. They keyboard looks like it won't compare with current, white, curved, bluetooth Apple keyboard. And no Open Apple!!!!
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Dripps said 3:38PM on 8-07-2007
When will the online STORE open. I have orders to place!
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DBrim said 3:38PM on 8-07-2007
The displays are growing on me, I think. The black and the aluminum accent each other well.
The last keyboard wasn't exactly a winner, what with the sticky keys and the sensitive spacebar and all. I've been using my MBP keyboard because of it. I'll be getting the wired soon, so I hope it's better than the previous one.
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Billy K said 3:42PM on 8-07-2007
Oh, please say this isn't so.
I've never been a wireless guy, but I've recently decided to go Bluetooth on my keyboard and mouse. I figured I'll go ahead and get the new wireless keyboard. But where is the number pad?!
How can your top-of-the-line-most-expensive keyboard not have a number pad?
Sheesh...
P.S. Not sure if I like the new iMac look. I was prepared this morning to go home and hate my 6-month old iMac, but that won't be the case.
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where's the apple said 3:55PM on 8-07-2007
The new iMacs are impressive looking, but I'm not excited about the glossy screen. I hope Apple doesn't move to all glossy as I love my MacBook Pro with a matte screen. Where the hell is the open apple on the keyboard? I know it's a bit crazy, but I want my open apple!
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Daniel said 3:47PM on 8-07-2007
Surely they should be bundling a black keyboard and mouse with the new black iMac? The black iBooks have a black keyboard so why why not the iMac?
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Billy K said 3:55PM on 8-07-2007
@16 - "an anyone figure out an intelligent reason for this?"
No.
A simple answer for a valid question.
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Paul said 4:10PM on 8-07-2007
Love the new look. Love the new keyboards, though I'll have to test one out first to make sure I like the keys.
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