Apple Keyboard Kit

Apple Keyboard Kit
by Apple Computer

Apple Keyboard Kit
List Price: $49.99
Our Price: $48.77
You Save: $1.22 (2%)
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Buy Used: from $30.00 (click here)
Category: CE
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Digital product summary information

Manufacturer: Apple Computer
Audio: English (Original Language)
Model: MB110LL/A
Color: White
Product features:
  • Anodized aluminum enclosure
  • Extended layout with document navigation controls, a numeric keypad, and special function keys
  • Low profile keys
  • Two USB 2.0 ports
  • Ultra-thin design
Accessories:

Digital camera reviews of Apple Keyboard Kit

Digital camera Review: Almost perfect in design.
Summary: 4 Stars

I upgraded to this keyboard from the last version which is the white USB with transparent plastic casing. You may recall that prior to introducing the white USB plastic keyboard was the similarly styled black keyboard.

As you can see, this latest Apple keyboard iteration is a significant departure from the last two in terms of material and design.


PROS:

- MATERIALS.

Aluminum. The obvious major additional component is aluminum on the exterior versus an all-plastic offering in the past. This is one strong keyboard.

Also the look is in-line with the current Apple design and their generous use of aluminum. In fact this keyboard is what should have been included starting as far back as the Power Mac G5 desktop.

Plastic. The keys have an elegant texture and matte appearance that gives a night and day impression of higher quality. (Since the keyboard was relatively newly introduced, time will tell from frequent use if this texture on the plastic will wear out sooner than later.)

- DESIGN.

Function. My number one objective in patronizing this keyboard was the additional use of the function keys which allows access to certain Mac OS X shortcuts including being able to control iTunes.

Spacing. The spacing of the keys is similar with their notebook line-up where each keys are individually enclosed around an aluminum material versus an open design which would allow more dust and dirt to enter in between keys. Now, the entrance of any dust has been minimized.

(HOWEVER, the same is true to dust that has in fact entered inside the keys already. It would be nearly impossible to remove them at this point. Imagine it was very, very difficult then to remove dust that has entered the old keyboards, moreso with these models.)

Slim. Unbelievably thin which allows your hand to be in a more natural position since it's closer to the tabletop and not painfully raised. This slim profile extends to the keys. Now you don't have to depress each key so much. This allows less repetitive stress injury as well as faster typing. If you don't need to depress the keys so much, then you don't have to exert so much force and movement. Not exerting much movement allows you to go to the next key stroke.

- USB. Two USB outlets are still provided and retained despite the slim profile. This time the USB sockets are on the opposite ends of the keyboard versus placing them both on the front. The good thing about this is that it allows a stealth placement of the USB plugs.

- CLEANING. Easier cleaning of the keys. You can slide a cloth gracefully from one key to the next without snagging in between.


CONS:

- As mentioned above, the individual wrapping of each keys around the aluminum material helps deter dirt and dust from entering in between. However, this also prevent any of those debris from exiting as well once it was entered.

- Adjustable L.E.D. Back-lighting, anyone? Where is it? I'm surprised with the backlighting on keys of the Apple notebook which has been around for years has not been carried over to the desktop keyboard line. This is a no-brainer in design addition at this point and a big omission not having thought about it even with the recent introduction of the compact wired version.


THOUGHTS:

First there are complains that the USB sockets are not powerful enough to provide charging function to power-hungry devices such as the iPod. This will never be possible unless there is a power socket for the keyboard to connect to an electrical outlet.

The short-length of the USB cable is actually perfect to prevent more cable clutter. You can plug the keyboard directly to your Apple monitor, iMac or Mini. If you use it for a desktop, then the included USB cable extension (same as the old version) is there to help you plug it to the computer hidden under your desk.

I would have given this keyboard 5 stars if it only incorporated a built-in back-lit LED on the keys. If that were the case, it would have been a perfect introduction to a new era of Apple design and it would have been tough to beat something better than this in the near future.

Also, since Apple has gone one-step in providing a relatively ergonomic keyboard. How about going further and creating a split-type keyboard similar to what Microsoft has done with their Natural keyboard line in the past.

Overall, with little minutes spent on this keyboard you will naturally adapt to this new feel and shallow typing depth and hopefully enjoy it the same way I do without regrets in tossing out my old Apple keyboard.

Summary of Apple Keyboard Kit

The Apple Keyboard has been completely redesigned to feature an elegant, ultra-thin anodized aluminum enclosure with low-profile keys that provide a crisp, responsive feel. It also has function keys for one-touch access to a variety of Mac features such as screen brightness, volume, eject, play/pause, fast-forward and rewind, Expose and Dashboard. Its extended layout includes document navigation controls and a numeric keypad. Two USB 2.0 ports provide high-speed connectivity for your iPod, Mighty Mouse, digital camera and other USB-based electronic devices.
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