Filed under: Hardware, Peripherals
Apple's new keyboards sans number pads
If you go to the online Apple store and configure a new iMac the new slim version is the default, though you can select the keypad version for no extra cost. On the other hand, the new Mac Pros come with the extended version by default with the slim version as a free option.
This seems like a slightly strange extra option to me, but I suppose if you never use the keypad and want a bit of extra desk space it might be worth it. Strangely, Apple's keyboard page does not yet list the new model.
Thanks Aaron!
Get a WordPress.com Blog
![TUAW [Cafepress]](http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.tuaw.com/media/tuaw-cafepress-promo.png)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Ian Scott said 2:51PM on 3-03-2009
This is great! I consider the number pad to be a waste of space, especially since it means that the mouse is that much further away from where I type. I was always a bit reluctant to get the Bluetooth wireless keyboard, but now that there's a wired option, I'm happy.
Reply
Adam said 3:03PM on 3-03-2009
I feel just the opposite. I can't stand a full keyboard without a number pad, even if I hardly ever use it. Finding the numbers up top always seems so tedious to me. Furthermore, I love the larger arrow keys and dedicated Home, End, Page Up/Down and Delete keys.
I'm waiting for them to come out with a wireless keyboard with the numberpad.
Darren said 6:05PM on 3-03-2009
I'd prefer the little keyboard as well.
I came to OS X on an iBook, and I was surprised with how much I didn't miss the full keyboard. I'm actually worse on a full keyboard because I instinctively use the Home/End/PageUp/PageDown keys in the "Windows" way, which messes things up.
But when I'm in Windows I absolutely need the full keyboard, not because of the number pad but because of Delete/Home/End etc. That's probably why I've never owned a Windows laptop: I can't type on those keyboards.
SubGenius said 12:36AM on 3-04-2009
What the article also didn't mention is that the compact keyboard is now the standard keyboard that ships with iMacs.
There are three improvements I'd like to see...
1) black keys
2) backlit
3) optional multi-touch trackpad
Bokeaji said 2:02AM on 3-04-2009
i still wonder why we cant purchase the japanese/etc versions of the keyboards seperately
we can order them with new system purchases
i was hoping this keyboard changing would allow us to buy a JIS keyboard seperately for our macs
Mike said 3:02PM on 3-03-2009
This seems to continue apples obsession with making things smaller. One of the reasons I still have an external keyboard is the bigger keys, number pad etc. I think it should be an option not standard config.
Reply
Murphy Mac said 4:18PM on 3-03-2009
It's great that there's an option and of course everyone has a preference. But a lot of people won't know when they order that this is the default. I suspect this will lead to a lot of exchanges.
What happens if you buy at the Apple Store or some other retailer ?
JohnJohn said 3:06PM on 3-03-2009
This would make sense if I could used my iPhone or iTouch as a number pad.
Reply
hunglyka said 3:30PM on 3-03-2009
You can. There's an app called NumPad.
JohnJohn said 3:39PM on 3-03-2009
Cool. Most expensive number pad I will have every owned. :) I need a new keyboard for home...I may try this out. Thanks.
KomputarGuy said 3:08PM on 3-03-2009
There are those who use the number pad and those who don't.
Personally at home I do not use it and I love having Apple's BT keyboard without it, gives me more desk space. However at work, I would shoot someone if I didn't have a number pad.
Reply
Swimatm said 3:15PM on 3-03-2009
Anytime I type numbers I use the numeric keypad. It's a lot easier than going up to the top of the keyboard and using the number keys there. With the keypad you make fewer motions (you don't have to move your hands as much).
Reply
Adam said 3:25PM on 3-03-2009
10 key for the win. I just wish they would offer a number pad built into the macbook pros. There's plenty of room for it.
Reply
required said 4:16PM on 3-03-2009
I agree. The 17" needs a numeric keypad (and a blu-ray drive).
iGO said 9:16PM on 3-03-2009
Since the Earth will sooner crash into the burning Sun,
than would Apple will EVER put a numeric key pad on a laptop, ...ever,
I expect Apple is pushing for that unified interface, for a richer user experience. They expect in the long haul, many desktop owners will join the "masses" that will be using Apple laptops.
They think about those things, you know.
Andrés Rojas said 3:25PM on 3-03-2009
I think that options are great, and if someone does or doesn't want a number pad, we're all better off for having a product that fits our desire.
Also, I want to mention that as someone who suffers from mild RSI, I welcome the shorter keyboard as it means that my mouse is closer in, and my arm can stay in a more natural position instead of angled out due to the number pad.
Reply
colouroflight said 3:29PM on 3-03-2009
Now how about a Bluetooth keyboard WITH the number pad?
Reply
James said 4:27PM on 3-03-2009
That's what I have been waiting for. I was thinking about getting the bluetooth keyboard but the lack of a keypad is a deal breaker. Since I do use the keypad.
feeko said 3:31PM on 3-03-2009
My problem with the bluetooth version of this guy hasn't been the lack of number pad, it's the arrow keys and the pgup/pgdn home/end keys. Lose the number pad to free up some desk space, but keep the navigation keys full size and dedicated.
Reply
Slartibartfast said 6:38PM on 3-03-2009
Actually those keys are there, just not labelled for some reason known only unto Apple.
If you hold down the "fn" key the Up & Down arrows change to "Page-Up" and "Page-Down" and the the left and right arrows become "Home" and "End".
I too think that Apple should create a bluetooth number-pad. As a laptop user I would love to have a small portable number pad for data entry. A full sized bluetooth keyboard would be nice too, but a num-pad would be really awesome (current 3rd party ones all suck).