Review: Apple Wireless Keyboard’s size is its strength, weakness

Posted by Dennis Sellers Nov 7, 2007 at 6:05pm

The first thing you’ll notice about the US$79 Apple Wireless Keyboard is its size. In fact, the graphic accompanying this story is life-sized. Okay, not really, but the keyboard is amazingly petite. Which is both its strong and weak points.

Like its wired sibling, the Apple Wireless Keyboard features a low-profile anodized aluminum frame that complements most Macs. It’s razor thin except for the cylindrical battery compartment, which also raises the keyboard up to a comfortable (at least for me) typing angle.

The keyboard connects using Bluetooth wireless technology and has very useful “intelligent” power management that conserves battery life by automatically powering down the keyboard when you’re not using it. Apple says batteries should last around nine months on average.

The Apple Wireless Keyboard has no USB ports for attaching peripherals. That’s not a complaint, just an observation. The inclusion of such ports would put too much of a drain on a battery-powered device. However, the wired version has two such ports, and they support USB 2.0.

As I’ve said, the ultra-slim design of the Apple Wireless Keyboard is impressive; it’s hard to realize just how small it is until you get your hands on it. Talk about saving desktop space. Despite its diminutive form factor, the keys press down with a pleasing, solid feel.

Those with big hands might find the keyboard just a bit too small, but most folks should find it comfortable to use. My medium-sized hands found the keyboard angle comfortable, but if it doesn’t suit you, you’re out of luck. The angle isn’t adjustable.

Though a strong selling point on one hand, the Apple Wireless Keyboard’s teeny size has some drawbacks. There’s no numeric keypad, inverted T arrow keys and other extra keys (including Print Screen) as found on wired keyboards and even Apple’s previous wireless entry. I especially miss the Home, End and right delete keys. The new keyboard sports a series of new key assignments that takes a bit of getting used to. Once you do, however, they’re very handy.

Apple says you can use the wireless keyboard at up to 30 feet. Mine bottomed out at about 28, but results may vary.

The Apple Wireless Keyboard is gorgeous. However, I don’t think I’m ready to give up the forward delete, Home and End buttons just for the small, stylish design. There are certainly workarounds (I would think) to the missing keys, but their absence will keep me using the wired version (which costs 30 bucks less).

If you do decided on the Apple Wireless Keyboard, be sure and download Apple’s Keyboard Software Update 1.2, which lets you take advantage of the special features of the keyboard, according to Apple.

System requirements; a Mac computer with Bluetooth wireless technology; Mac OS X 10.4.10 or later; Keyboard software update; a wired keyboard and mouse for initial setup; and three AA batteries (included).

Macsimum rating: 7 out of 10

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