Apple Wireless Keyboard Kit MB167LL/A
by Apple Computer
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Apple Wireless Keyboard Kit MB167LL/A
Customer Review: My favorite desktop keyboard
Summary: 5 Stars
I received this keyboard as a gift to replace the old white Apple USB Keyboard that came with my 2006 iMac, and I've got to tell you, I was overjoyed to get it! My old Apple USB Keyboard had become gummy and difficult to type on, even after key removal/cleaning and using a silicone-based lubricant on each of the keys.
Thoughts:
(1) My fingers kept sliding off of the proper keys for a while when I first got it; the keys themselves are flat and lacking in the depressions common to other keyboards. After a few days, I got used to this, though, so it hasn't been a problem since.
(2) The travel distance of the keys is everything that you would expect from a desktop keyboard based on one from a laptop. Keys are quick to respond, and for me at least, they make typing a breeze. I shudder when I have to use long-throw keyboards on other computers.
(3) As with many of the devices that Apple sells, this keyboard is great to look at. I particularly appreciate the way that the AA battery chamber is used to prop up the keyboard at a comfortable typing angle.
(4) Paired with my iMac (in both OS X and Windows XP), this keyboard has no discernible lag time between when a key is pressed and when it registers on the screen. Also, it works well even from across the room (unlike some Bluetooth input devices).
(5) This keyboard is small enough to be used with a portable device like a Nokia 770 Internet Tablet. I paired it with my 770 running OS2006 (I think), and it worked just fine. It was not easily recognized by OS2007 (Hacker Edition), however.
(6) In Windows XP, I used to have a problem where the keyboard would freeze (that is, no longer transmit user input to the computer) if I (accidentally) engaged the caps lock key. This wasn't a huge deal to me because I almost never use caps lock for anything, and after a Windows update, the problem went away.
(7) Battery life seems to be fine to me. I have a set of quickly-recharging Ni-MH Energizer AAs that I use, and I really can't complain. I can't remember the last time that I charged the batteries.
(8) My biggest complaint with this keyboard is actually quite minor: the small picture on the F3 key is intended to indicate that when pressed, this button will activate the Exposé mode that shows you all of the current windows in the Space. However, to my mind, the button bears a decidedly striking resemblance to how my *Dashboard* looks when invoked, so whenever I stop and think about which button to press, I almost always hit F3 instead of F4 to trigger my dashboard. I am fully aware that I have complete control in remapping this key so that it makes sense to me, but for some reason, I've never decided to do that.
I would recommend this keyboard to anyone who enjoys typing on laptop keyboards. If you're considering a migration away from a IBM M-series keyboard, this one may not be for you. ;)
Customer Review: The Apple Wireless Keyboard Diet
Summary: 5 Stars
My last Apple Wireless Pro keyboard had the unfortunate fate of meeting a hot chocolate death. Because I liked my last Apple keyboard so much, the natural route was to go with this new aluminum Apple wireless keyboard. Out of the box, it was as easy as installing the three included batteries, turning it on, and in less than 30 secs, pairing with the iMac.
While at first I was disappointed that it did not include the 10-key and other shortcuts, I've quickly learned to live without that 25% of the keyboard. And while it appears smaller because of the omitted keys, it's actually just the size of the previous Apple Wireless Pro keyboard from the ESC to the F13 keys in length/width - I've compared. Yes it looks and feels like a MacBook's keyboard but the keys have more spacing. As a previous reviewer indicated, it has a small footprint for those desks with not much real estate.
Compared to the last model, it's gone Hollywood and shed a ton of weight. It's light where the previous model came in at almost 3 lbs. In my opinion, it's better when resting on your lap and typing from the couch. It's no higher than 3/4" at its peak and contains rubber feet to keep it in place on smooth surfaces. This new keyboard is so much more responsive to finger taps, too. My previous wireless Apple keyboard was curved, thus the middle keys would sometimes not register in a fast-type situation. Not the issue with the new keyboard as it's designed as a flat typing surface. Also, the added shortcuts on the F keys (eg, Expose, Widget Dashboard, iTunes controls) are a welcome addition.
Flimsy it's not! With the exception of the keys and part of the back, it's made mostly of thick aluminum. BMW makes engines from this stuff, so trust me it will hold up. This new flat surface makes for an easy cleaning of the keys as well. And while the keys are not sealed, at least you don't have to see the lint and dust the keyboard collects over time.
Pair it with the Apple Wireless Mighty Mouse, program your own shortcut keys, and it's the perfect keyboard/mouse combo. Obviously there are no USB ports on this model, so if you need those two extra ports, go with the wired version.
Overall, as a buyer I'm very satisfied with it. But please don't just take this reviewer's favorable word of this keyboard, test drive it at your nearest Apple, Best Buy with an Apple Shop, or Fry's store to see and feel for yourself.
Customer Review: Excellent ergonomics!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is by far the best keyboard I have ever had. I have used various Logitech and other keyboards (incl: Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser & Logitech Cordless Desktop Comfort Laser, the previous Apple Wireless Pro Keyboard, etc), but none of them have matched the ergonomics of this simple, light piece of art.
The best part is the fact that there is no wasted space. In particular, there is no navigation and numeric keypad on the right hand side; this allows you to bring the mouse closer to the keyboard, and thus position the "usable" part of your keyboard -- in this case, the entire keyboard -- directly in front of your screen. As far as the lacking keys:
- I never use the numeric keypad anyway - so I loved the diNovo layout as well (its main problem is the space wasted around the edges of the keyboard).
- It does have arrow keys in the lower hand right corner, below the shift key. These double as [PageUp], [PageDown], [Home] and [End] with the simultaneous press of the [Fn] key in the lower left corner.
I would actually have preferred the wired version (with the 2 USB out ports, as with the wired Apple Keyboard Kit) - if not for the extra size used for the navigation/numeric keypads on the right.
Despite the small size of the keyboard as a whole, the keys themselves are as large as a regular keyboard (specifically, the same size/distance between as my Logitech diNovo). Also, they are light on the touch, and IMO even more comfortable.
The only downsides I find with this keyboard:
- The extra [Fn] key on the lower left side takes a bit getting used to; you'll initially hit it when you mean to hit the [Ctrl] key. (This is not a problem if you are already used to the MacBook/MacBook Pro layout, as they are identical).
- [PgUp], [PgDown], [Home] and [End] (again, like the MB/MBP) are achieved only via dual keypresses.
- It is not available in a "Split" layout version (like, say the Logitech Comfort line). However, as I already said, the overall ergonomics are excellent.
Customer Review: A stylish and high quality wireless keyboard
Summary: 5 Stars
I've had this keyboard for over 2 years and it still my favorite out of all the dozens of wired and wireless keyboards I've tried in my lifetime. As with nearly all Apple products, it's a masterful union of style and functionality. It looks great and works great. Build quality is excellent, with a beautiful metal housing that is designed for looks as well as durability. It really stands out from the sea of black plastic keyboards out there. A pleasant little green dot lights up when on, but is totally hidden when off. Made of anodized aluminum, it's got a matte, frosty texture. It's very light and portable, as well as being more environmentally friendly since aluminum can be recycled when this product reaches the end of its usable life.
The keys lie almost flat against the surface of the keyboard and may take a little getting used to at first because they don't "clack". After using it for a few days though, I now prefer this tactile response. It's got a different spring feel to it and is very quiet.
No wires means I can work and sit the way I want to, instead of being constrained to the length of the keyboard cord. I often have it on my lap because this position eliminates shoulder strain by having my arms rest at a neutral position instead of being elevated on a desk.
Because it is Bluetooth, I can put this anywhere and not worry about dangerous wires to trip over or having to face the computer directly (or even be in the same room). Bluetooth does not need line of sight and I've never had a problem with a weak signal or interference, unlike some of the Kensington wireless keyboards I've tested. This keyboard also works with the PlayStation 3 and Bluetooth-enabled Windows machines like my Acer laptop. Sometimes I pair the keyboard with my PS3 when I'm playing games online.
The only con I can think of is that a full-sized version is not available. I use this mostly at home and would like to have the number pad and usual set of keys on the right 1/3 of the keyboard. This version uses 3 AA batteries. A newer version of the Apple Wireless Keyboard (Retail Packaging) requires only 2 AA batteries.
Customer Review: An Outstanding Bluetooth Keyboard!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is, by a wide margin, the best bluetooth keyboard I've ever used. I used to work for the business division of a major electronics chain where I've used and sold many wireless keyboards. I can honestly say that this keyboard outshines many of its competitors.
First, the small design is a definite plus, not a flaw. I have big hands and I was a bit worried that it would feel small and cramped, but my worries were proven false. It's a lot more durable than it looks, too. The keys feel strong, crisp, and responsive, and they don't get all loose and noisy over time like most keyboards do. For some reason other brands (like MS) seem to think that their keyboard isn't worthwhile unless it takes up as much desk real estate as possible, which just isn't practical. Just make sure you know what you're getting - take a good look at what keys are and aren't present. If you're trying to write code or do lots of calculations, this probably isn't your keyboard.
Secondly, the battery life is amazing. I bought this back in May 08. Today is September 22 and I only just replaced (today) the first set of batteries. I do regular internet stuff, plus a casual amount of gaming. I also never actually turn the thing off.
Lastly, the bluetooth connectivity is very strong and resilient. I have never lost a connection after 5 months of use - it's never even missed a single keystroke. Plus, Software Update actually updates the firmware ON THE KEYBOARD ITSELF, ensuring maximum product performance and use. This alone is a major plus!
Something to note - this keyboard does indeed work with Windows via bootcamp and Parallels (I use both). I paired the keyboard securely with Mac OS, but if you plan to use bootcamp you might have to pair it without a security key in Windows. Since I use Mac OS for anything critical, this is a non-issue for me. The keyboard automatically just connects and starts working with either OS. You could just as easily make Windows the secure connection. I haven't tried this, but I'd imagine that if you securely pair the keyboard in both OS's, you'd have to re-pair it each time you switch. In Parallels, however, it works right away without any additional setup.
This is a strong, practical, durable product. Now if only they could redesign that darn mouse...