Apple Wireless Pro Keyboard
Jean | Mar 06, 2010 | Comments 5
- Works with the Bluetooth option in your Mac to provide a cable-free way to interact with your system at a distance of up to 33 feet
- 128-bit over-the-air encryption
- Features 16-function keys, full numeric keypad, document navigation keys, and an inverted-T
- Note: Requires a Bluetooth enabled Macintosh
Product Description
The first time you use this wireless keyboard, you’ll realize to what an extent wires tether you to a fixed position at your computer. Because now you can sit upright holding the keyboard away from your body, or you can slouch in your chair and put the keyboard on your lap. You can, in other words, work whichever way it suits you. Bluetooth wireless freedom means that you work that feels most comfortable – without feeling like you’re tied to your computer.The Apple … More >>
Related posts:
Filed Under: Wireless Keyboards
The greatest compliment I can give this keyboard (or any wireless device) is that you won’t be able to tell the difference between it and a wired keyboard. No lag, no signal fading in or out, no buttons missing or anything else. The shape and keys are identical to an Apple Pro Keyboard, great news because the tactile feel of the keys is to die for. Setup literally took 60 seconds. I got a signal as far as 30 feet -outside- my apartment, through a closed door and all kinds of walls. Gamers rejoice, there is no lag of any kind.
Draw-backs for this keyboard: You will have to change the batteries every 3-4 months, but at least OS X notifies you in advance when to change them. This keyboard doesn’t have USB ports, so you’ll have to plug your mouse into the computer or get a wireless mouse.
If you are the average user who leaves his/her keyboard in front of your monitor and don’t really mind your keyboard wire among all the other clutter of your desk, then this keyboard might be overkill for you. The wireless capacities are strong, but you can only really use it as far away as you can read your screen.
Rating: 5 / 5
I love Apple’s designs, I needed a keyboard for my Powerbook setup (the laptop is raised off the desk on a stand), and I hate cords. So when I could afford this keyboard, I ordered it.
It looks nice, but that’s about the only good thing about it. Apple’s got a good reputataion with me, so I think I had on blinders the first few weeks I owned this thing. But my experience with this keyboard was mostly negative.
Pros (let’s start off on a positive note):
– looks nice (but see caveat below)
– no cords
Cons:
– mushy key action – this feels like one of those crappy $10 keyboards you get with sub-$500 windows systems.
– connection problems (also mentioned by a couple other reviewers) – keyboard loses connection, and the bluetooth driver in some cases just repeats the last character that you sent for about 10 seconds. If you’ve just pressed the delete key, then you get to watch what you just typed disappear into the ether. Frustrating.
– at first, the attractive transparent case looks modern, unusual, and stylish. But have you ever looked underneath the keys of any board that’s been in use for over a few weeks? With this keyboard, you’ll get a chance to see the horror that lurks just beneath your fingertips. On a daily basis. And all your clients and friends will too. It’s not a pretty sight.
- After switching to a scissor-key-action type keyboard (the same method used in the Powerbook’s built-in board), I’ve discovered that I *far* prefer this method instead of the Wireless Pro’s mush, long-travel, type keys. The twinges of RSI that I was beginning to get more often have disappeared since I switched. BTW, the keyboard I switched to, and highly recommend, is the MacAlly icekey slim model. It’s got a nasty USB cord, but it doesn’t disconnect and it feels much much better. And it’s about 1/2 the price.
Rating: 1 / 5
This keyboard is everything I had hoped for and more. It works without any delay, unlike my Logitech wireless trackball (there were no bluetooth trackballs at the time of purchase). Ease of setup was like any other Apple product…plug and play. One word of caution: turn off the keyboard even when not using for ten minutes and the batteries will last much longer. The keyboard came with some of the best batteries available……..Energizer eTitanium. Apple did not have to do that, but they rarely skimp when it comes to quality. I should have also gone with the bluetooth Apple mouse.
Rating: 5 / 5
I found this keyboard to be very helpful. I am a graduate student and spend a lot of my time typing papers. While my laptop can be used to type, when you type for hours at a time it gets very uncomfortable. This keyboard is a great size and has a nice feel for long days spent typing. The bluetooth is also reliable and allows me to get some distance from the computer if I would like without stopping the connection. I would suggest getting a mouse to accompany it. Overall, a very useful and reliable product that makes my life much easier.
Rating: 5 / 5
We have been very pleased with our keyboard. I love that the nine-key is ful sized. Sometimes we sit on the other side of the room and watch movies and this works as a remote control.
The battery life could be improved, but it just uses AA batteries and the computer tells you when you need to switch them out.
It’s easy to clean.
Rating: 5 / 5