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Apple Keyboard MB869LL/A
See it at Amazon.com for $40.00Average Customer Rating
(4.5 out of 5)
Amazon Customer Reviews
Most Helpful First | Newest First | + Share9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
Even smaller than the Bluetooth wireless
(5 out of 5) by Parka on Mar 19, 2009 (Singapore)This is my third aluminum keyboard. The first was the wired with numeric keypad, and second the Bluetooth version.
This keyboard is smaller and lighter than the Bluetooth version because there's no battery compartment.
There are two USB2 ports underneath by the sides. To power electronic devices (e.g. cameras, iPod), it has to be plugged into a self-powered USB2 port. In case you don't know, not all USB ports on Macs are self-powered.
I like the tactile feel of the keys. Typing is faster compared to the previous white plastic keyboards. The very minor issue is sometimes I mis-type letters because my fingers hit the keys nearby -- these keys are flat and not indented to prevent slips.
The layout of the keys are exactly the same as those on the portable Macbooks. If you're a new user, you'll get used to it after sometime.
There are people complaining about the lack of numeric keypad for reasons I don't know. I don't think they have Macbooks or even PC portables because I don't hear a lot of complaints from laptop users about the lack of numeric keypad. Additionally, if you want the numeric keypad, you have that option.
This keyboard can also be used in a Windows OS environment. You have to read support documents on Apple's website for specific requirements, e.g. how to map the buttons and stuff like that.
Conclusion: This keyboard is really for Mac users whose computers have no Bluetooth, and who value table space very much (or need those extra USB2 ports).
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My Bluetooth keyboard had some issues so I had to use the wired version. Table space is my main priority. I bought this keyboard to replace my other wired keyboard, which still functioning perfectly well.
This keyboard is also extremely easy to clean. No more worries of things like hair, bread crumbs falling between the keys. When the keys turn yellow, just use a wet tissue to wipe and it looks brand new again.
This keyboard is smaller and lighter than the Bluetooth version because there's no battery compartment.
There are two USB2 ports underneath by the sides. To power electronic devices (e.g. cameras, iPod), it has to be plugged into a self-powered USB2 port. In case you don't know, not all USB ports on Macs are self-powered.
I like the tactile feel of the keys. Typing is faster compared to the previous white plastic keyboards. The very minor issue is sometimes I mis-type letters because my fingers hit the keys nearby -- these keys are flat and not indented to prevent slips.
The layout of the keys are exactly the same as those on the portable Macbooks. If you're a new user, you'll get used to it after sometime.
There are people complaining about the lack of numeric keypad for reasons I don't know. I don't think they have Macbooks or even PC portables because I don't hear a lot of complaints from laptop users about the lack of numeric keypad. Additionally, if you want the numeric keypad, you have that option.
This keyboard can also be used in a Windows OS environment. You have to read support documents on Apple's website for specific requirements, e.g. how to map the buttons and stuff like that.
Conclusion: This keyboard is really for Mac users whose computers have no Bluetooth, and who value table space very much (or need those extra USB2 ports).
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My Bluetooth keyboard had some issues so I had to use the wired version. Table space is my main priority. I bought this keyboard to replace my other wired keyboard, which still functioning perfectly well.
This keyboard is also extremely easy to clean. No more worries of things like hair, bread crumbs falling between the keys. When the keys turn yellow, just use a wet tissue to wipe and it looks brand new again.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
Good for what it is...
(4 out of 5) by TMC on Jun 26, 2009 (Los Angeles, CA)When I ordered my iMac I forgot to check the bigger keyboard box, so I wound up with this one (oops!).. despite my initial hesitation, I've grown to like this keyboard just fine. It is small yet sturdy, and even survived some pizza grease (easily cleaned out).
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
Great keyboard, surprisingly easy to use and SMALL!
(5 out of 5) by Shane Conder on Apr 9, 2009 (USA)This keyboard is replacing a Microsoft Wireless keyboard.
My goals for the keyboard were: 1. save desk space (keyboard drawer) and 2. Have a wired keyboard that doesn't need batteries.
I'm very surprised by how small the keyboard is. Make no mistake: the keys are full-sized. It's exactly the same size and layout of the keyboard on my MacBook Pro, which is convenient.
I do not miss the media keys from the Microsoft keyboard, nor the numeric keypad (used, but never by need).
The keyboard is extremely solid -- there is no bounce or play from pressing down hard. This wonderful and makes typing very easy.
The noise is acceptably quiet. It's not silent, nor does it click annoyingly. Some of the bigger keys do make more noise (such as the delete key), but not so much that it matters.
The only thing I really miss from it is back lighting. I wish it had that as I've come to enjoy it on the built-in keyboard.
Highly recommended as a keyboard attached to a MacBook -- or for any machine where desk space is important.
My goals for the keyboard were: 1. save desk space (keyboard drawer) and 2. Have a wired keyboard that doesn't need batteries.
I'm very surprised by how small the keyboard is. Make no mistake: the keys are full-sized. It's exactly the same size and layout of the keyboard on my MacBook Pro, which is convenient.
I do not miss the media keys from the Microsoft keyboard, nor the numeric keypad (used, but never by need).
The keyboard is extremely solid -- there is no bounce or play from pressing down hard. This wonderful and makes typing very easy.
The noise is acceptably quiet. It's not silent, nor does it click annoyingly. Some of the bigger keys do make more noise (such as the delete key), but not so much that it matters.
The only thing I really miss from it is back lighting. I wish it had that as I've come to enjoy it on the built-in keyboard.
Highly recommended as a keyboard attached to a MacBook -- or for any machine where desk space is important.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
my god, this thing rocks
(5 out of 5) by R. Kreis on Apr 9, 2009 (North Fond du Lac, WI United States)This keyboard is beautiful, compact, and functional. Apple has always made nice keyboards, and continue to do so long after its pc brethren have turned into disposable pieces of plastic crap. After using one of these, there's no going back.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
Great for ASUS notebook computer
(5 out of 5) by Gomerel on Apr 21, 2009 (Fantasyland)I have an iMac desktop computer. Recently, I bought an ASUS notebook and started looking around for a good accessory keyboard. Someone recommended the Apple aluminum. I thought, wait, isn't that illegal! The spec's clearly say Mac computer with OS X v10.4.10 or later.
So I plug my full-sized aluminum keyboard into the ASUS and hold my breath. The computer says "Ok, got a new Apple keyboard. No prob." Ok, Windows computers don't talk like that but you get the idea. No problemo.
I have sausage-like fingers but the keyboard is fine. The up and down keys are a little smaller than I would like, but for combat games I can use the WASD keys. Or I could if the ASUS could handle combat games. I do use it for Second Life though.
I actually like the fact that Delete is fn backspace delete. Much more convenient.
It is so kewl to be able to use essentially the same keyboard on my notebook as my desktop.
So I plug my full-sized aluminum keyboard into the ASUS and hold my breath. The computer says "Ok, got a new Apple keyboard. No prob." Ok, Windows computers don't talk like that but you get the idea. No problemo.
I have sausage-like fingers but the keyboard is fine. The up and down keys are a little smaller than I would like, but for combat games I can use the WASD keys. Or I could if the ASUS could handle combat games. I do use it for Second Life though.
I actually like the fact that Delete is fn backspace delete. Much more convenient.
It is so kewl to be able to use essentially the same keyboard on my notebook as my desktop.