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My work desktop was dying a painful death and so had to be replaced with something a bit saner. Of course by “saner” I mean a faster Mac, as I’ve been converted to the dark side for quite some time now!
Unfortunately the keyboard that came with my new “toy” is tiny.
I’ve got quite big hands and type reasonably fast, so I’m finding the new slim keyboard quite hard to work with – it’s actually slowing my typing speed down quite a bit, as I have to think more so that I don’t do myself damage while typing.
So what are the options?
I still haven’t worked that out, so I posted over on IWF. Seemingly the bluetooth option is only available for the slim keyboard. If I want a full size keyboard with a number pad I have to go wired, which I really don’t want to do,as it will use up a USB port (plus add another cable to my desk).
Logitech have a keyboard which looks pretty slick, though I’m not sure if it’s what I want.
Are there any other brands out there that do decent full size bluetooth keyboards?
When you use the wired option, the keyboard itself comes with two USB ports underneath. Take a look at: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_PHz0O5Uk27s/TTYJXdQG3OI/AAAAAAAAEWU/cVht9LKqAaU/s1600/apple_wired_keyboard_side.png
Brian
True, but it still means cables which I’d love to reduce – my office is currently a cluttered mess, but I’d love to declutter it entirely
This wireless one looks pretty nice: http://www.logitech.com/en-roeu/keyboards/keyboard/devices/4741
Michele
That Logitech one will take up a port too due to the 2.4GHz receiver. I know what you mean about the new Mac keyboard. When I got my first one over a year ago it certainly upset the apple cart in my typing world. However, after a few weeks usage I was surprised how much I had adapted to it and now it seems perfectly natural again. Granted you shouldn’t have to persevere to use a keyboard but they’re so damn stylish!!! 😉
My 2 (unlucky) cents:
Apple wired keyboard: the return key died after 1 year and 1 day (hence no warranty from the big fruit)
The Logitech DiNovo was ok but the space bar died after 1 year and 3 months.
I am typing on the Apple wireless keyboard since 4 months now.
And when it will be his turn to leave me I think I’ll go for the Arc Keyboard from Microsoft. (the Arc Mouse is still alive after 2 whole years of service)
Cheers.
Jonathan
Ah – that’s a fair point. The bluetooth powered ones are preferable for this reason alone.
My main problem with the ultra slim keyboard is that it’s very small for someone like me who both types quite quickly (and violently) and who types so much
I’m not sure I want to adapt tbh 🙂
If all else fails I could get a wired version (like the one I’m using to type this reply !)
Thanks
Michele
Luc
Sounds like you’ve had a run of bad luck 🙂
I’ll look into the Arc keyboard – is it bluetooth or wired? Or wireless?
M
PS: I assume I’ll see you tomorrow / Thursday?
Windows users may be happy to know that Apple keyboards will work with their machines. The essential keys all work without having to install a driver.
Apple keyboards are particularly attractive for laptop users looking to spread out a little. Both Apple models are thin and easy to carry in the original box.
Hey that’s a good one Michele. When I first opened the iMac box and found the tiny wired keyboard I thought a bit was missing! I have “farmer” hands also but am well used to it and the old PC keyboard feels like using a VT100… I must admit I only found the 2 usb slots in the keyboard just recently !
Chris