12 Issues of The Economist for $12Apple Wireless Keyboard (2007)
Manufacturer: Apple Part number: MB167LL/A
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Apple bundles its Wireless Keyboard with every new iMac because it matches the computer's strengths in terms of minimal design and simple functionality. While some may bemoan its lack of extra features, the Apple Wireless Keyboard does the job and looks good doing it.
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CNET editors' review
Apple Wireless Keyboard (2007) price range: $64.80
- Reviewed by: Justin Yu
- Edited by: Rich Brown
- Reviewed on: 08/25/2010
The good: Ultrathin profile; minimal footprint; simple Bluetooth pairing; top row keys offers one-touch access to popular Mac features; automatic shut off conserves energy.
The bad: Lacks number pad; small keys may feel cramped for some users.
The bottom line: Apple bundles its Wireless Keyboard with every new iMac because it matches the computer's strengths in terms of minimal design and simple functionality. While some may bemoan its lack of extra features, the Apple Wireless Keyboard does the job and looks good doing it.
Apple gives its keyboards a different aesthetic with each new generation it releases, and its latest Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard pushes the peripheral to the limits of space-saving design. This time, Apple discards the numeral keypad and gives it a much thinner profile than that of the previous full-size model. Whereas the last generation required three batteries to power it, the Wireless Keyboard only uses two batteries and improves on power conservation with a unique auto off and on feature that saves batteries over time. Apple bundles the $69 keyboard with every new iMac desktop computer, but it also is a handy iPad companion for typing longer documents on the run. For its affordability, clever design, and sheer good looks, we recommend the Apple Wireless Keyboard to anyone shopping for a Mac-friendly keyboard.
The base of the Apple Wireless Keyboard is built from a solid cut of aluminum and bears a purposeful similarity to the MacBook Pro's unibody aluminum enclosure, with the exception of white keys instead of black. The new low-profile design not only looks clean cut, but it also reduces the amount of gunk and dust that tends to accumulate over time with standard keys. The key layout is also identical to that of the MacBook Pro's, and the top line of F-keys includes secondary shortcuts for audio, track advancement, dimming, and two one-touch launch buttons for Expose and Dashboard.
This model is also the first Apple keyboard to omit the numerical keypad, reducing the overall dimensions to 12.8-inches long by 7.3-inches wide by just 1.4-inches high. Apple's guess seems to be that most users don't typically input enough numbers on a daily basis to warrant a separate space, and we're inclined to agree. Reducing the length also means a shorter distance for your right hand to travel between the keyboard and an accompanying mouse pad, or most recently, Apple's Magic Trackpad that fits right next to the keyboard with seamless precision.
The scissor-switch style mechanisms beneath each of the keys allow for a shallow throw action (vertical travel distance) so using the Wireless Keyboard feels more like typing on a laptop, which can take some time for you to get up to speed if you're used to the standard desktop keyboard. On the other hand, if your preference leans more toward clicky, sculpted keys, Matias offers a viable alternative with the mechanical switch TactilePro 3.0 that earned our favor, but at more than twice the price.
The back of the keyboard is brushed in Apple's classic glossy white finish, with a cylindrical bar that operates as a compartment for the two included AA batteries. The round tube places your hands at a fixed angle with no mechanism for adjustment, although we felt no discomfort even after using the keyboard as our primary input device for a full day of typing. Additionally, two small rubber strips on both sides and a thicker rubber bar in the middle of the battery compartment keep the keyboard from moving around your work space.
Replacing the batteries is as simple as unscrewing a small metal plug on the left side of the tube with a coin, and Apple also makes good on its commitment to energy conversation with a convenient power management feature that automatically shuts down the keyboard after a prolonged period of inactivity and turns it back on when you start typing again.
The Wireless Keyboard connects to a computer via Bluetooth and pairing it with a Mac is incredibly easy. After you press the power button on the right side of the battery compartment, a green light starts flashing to indicate that the keyboard is ready to connect. The keyboard will display under "devices" as soon as you launch the Bluetooth Setup Assistant, and after a few key press tests, you're ready to begin typing. In our anecdotal tests, we successfully paired the Wireless Keyboard to an iMac, a Mac Mini, a MacBook Pro, and an iPad, in less than 2 minutes for each device with zero hiccups. It can also pair with Windows Vista and Windows 7 PCs, but note that the function and command keys won't line up with the standard Windows keyboard layout.
We were also impressed to learn that of the keyboard's compatibility with Apple's latest iOS software for the iPhone 4 and third-generation iPod Touch. When you pair it with those mobile devices, the function keys on the top row can even alter settings like brightness, volume, and track control. Finally, the "eject" button on the far right brings up the onscreen virtual keyboard within mobile apps like Notes and Contacts.
User reviews
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Very small keyboard takes some getting used to
by aricr47 on January 22, 2008
Pros: Very small; nice looking; Bluetooth (good range)
Cons: No number pad or dedicated delete button; small keyboard for large hands
Summary: I purchased this keyboard while on a mission to make my home office as neat and tidy as possible. While I accomplished my goal of a tidy workstation, I had ...
Summary: I purchased this keyboard while on a mission to make my home office as neat and tidy as possible. While I accomplished my goal of a tidy workstation, I had a hard time getting used to this keyboard. Overall, the hardware performed just fine, but I simply never got comfortable with this keyboard.
My admittedly large hands initially pecked a lot of incorrect keys. This keyboard is exactly as it appears – very small. If you have large hands this product may not be for you.
This keyboard does not have a dedicated number pad. Of course, I knew this when I bought the product, but what I didn’t realize was just how often I use the number pad on a traditional keyboard. During a solid month of heavy use, I found myself constantly reaching over to use the absent number pad.
The unit does not have a dedicated ‘delete’ key; there is only a ‘backspace’ key. (Note: You can mimic the behavior of a traditional delete key on this keyboard by holding the function key while pressing ‘backspace’.) Again, I didn’t realize just how often I use both the ‘delete’ and ‘backspace’ keys until I started using this keyboard. Is it hard to press the function key while clicking ‘backspace’? No! But, for some reason, it sure annoyed me.
I never adjusted to the minor differences on this keyboard due, in part, to the fact that I use a full-sized keyboard at work. After a full day at work, switching between my work keyboard and this one drove me nuts! After a solid month of heavy use, I went back to my full-sized Apple Wireless keyboard. If a key pad and dedicated delete button aren’t important to you, I suspect you would be happy with this product.
I give this product a 7 because the performance itself was quite good and it is aesthetically pleasing. My complaints are all rather subjective.4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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If this is what you want - it's perfect
by atmcclain on May 11, 2008
Pros: Tiny, elegant, minimalist design
Cons: Takes some getting used to, especially for touch typers. Expensive (now)
Summary: First off, reviews bemoaning the lack of a number pad and the home/end buttons, etc. don't make sense to me - check out the keyboard layout before you ...
Summary: First off, reviews bemoaning the lack of a number pad and the home/end buttons, etc. don't make sense to me - check out the keyboard layout before you buy the keyboard. (In fairness - you do need the internet to do this - the layout isn't on the package like it should be.) If you want a num pad and the full layout, just don't buy this keyboard. Yes, it would be nice if Apple made a full sized wireless version, and maybe they will, but this isn't it.
If, however, you're not typically using those extra keys and would like the smallest, most elegant keyboard available - this is the one for you. Beautiful finish and design, and the combination of the smaller footprint and the lack of wires make this the most minimal yet effective keyboard I've seen. It really cuts the concept of a keyboard down to its essence.
It has taken me a bit of time to get used to touch typing on this keyboard, primarily because I think I'm subconsciously expecting there to be more of it and am shifting to the left by a key or two - hitting caps lock instead of A. However, after a day or so that tendency is decreasing and my typing is confident.
My PC keyboard is Das Keyboard, which has a very mechanical, long throw, loud clicky action (I love it BTW). This is very different - short throw, subtle, quiet - but still very confident and precise. Certainly has the sense of being a well made machine.
Highly recommended - just check out the layout and ensure that you really want the 'small version' - if you do, or are willing to give it a try - I think you will be very pleased.
(9/10 for the price - cut $30 off and it's perfect.)3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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great purchase, feels great too
by CarbonScooby on September 28, 2009
Pros: great response and tactile feel, exactly like my MacBook Pro keyboard, metal and lightweight, great connectivity and range via bluetooth
Cons: a number pad wouldve been nice, but i've adapted, and ive started to wash my hands every time i use it because ive only had it for a couple weeks but the keys arent as bright as they used to be on the home row
Summary: this is a good keyboard, great infact, the keys are the same as my MacBook Pro so i'm a fan, it feels great, takes up less space on my ...
Summary: this is a good keyboard, great infact, the keys are the same as my MacBook Pro so i'm a fan, it feels great, takes up less space on my desk, its metal, and really lightweight, so i can put it in my lap when i lean back, its a great purchase, worth the money, i've had no connectivity issues whatsoever and great response on the keys, also really quiet
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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I love it wireless devices!
by danimull on August 25, 2010
Pros: size is perfect...not too big and not too small
wireless so no cord to worry aboutCons: nothing...i use to rely on the number pad, but i've gotten use to now having one.
Summary: i love that it's wireless and small. when i turn to use my PC keyboard it seems so bulky and unwieldy!
Summary: i love that it's wireless and small. when i turn to use my PC keyboard it seems so bulky and unwieldy!
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Where is the rest of it?
by eseiger on September 21, 2007
Pros: Bluetooth wireless is a plus.
Cons: It doesn't feel like a real keyboard. They forgot to include the rest ie the number keyboard to the left.
Summary: For a lover of apple products; this one sucks! Its uncomfortable to type on and they forgot to include the rest of the keyboard. I dont want to be typing ...
Summary: For a lover of apple products; this one sucks! Its uncomfortable to type on and they forgot to include the rest of the keyboard. I dont want to be typing on a laptop like keyboard when Im at my main computer. Try again apple! Bring back your old wireless keyboard with full functionality. It not worth the extra expense get the wired one (or try to find an older wireless one online)
3 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
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BUY IT! ABSOLUTELY FLAWLESS!
by yy66376 on April 3, 2011
Pros: The keys are just the size for your fingers.
You can get used to it to first time you use it.
You can type faster than an average keyboard.
You can connect it with an iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, and Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone and Windows computer, and aCons: If you don't have Bluetooth on your Windows computer, you can't really use it with your computer. But don't worry, you can buy a Bluetooth dongle from an electronic store and it costs like about what? A buck?
Summary: This is the best keyboard that I ever bought and use. It's worth the money. I know what you guys are thing, it's expensive right? But it's ...
Summary: This is the best keyboard that I ever bought and use. It's worth the money. I know what you guys are thing, it's expensive right? But it's totally worth it and I use it everyday! In fact, I'm using it now!
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Very nice companion for the iPad
by fondy on January 29, 2011
Pros: Very comfortable, no connection issues, feels durable, very portable
Cons: Pricey, no number keypad, power button is prone to accidental bumps.
Summary: My only real gripes with this keyboard is the price and the fact that you can't map the ESC key to mimic the iPad's Home button. Apple more ...
Summary: My only real gripes with this keyboard is the price and the fact that you can't map the ESC key to mimic the iPad's Home button. Apple more than made up for this oversight though by allowing the keys for brightness, volume and media to work with the iPad.
I thought I'd really miss the number keypad but honestly it's not that big a deal for me.
There have been instances where something has accidentally bumped the power button while the keyboard was in my backpack. Thankfully, the light on the Capslock key helps you quickly determine whether it's on or off.
All in all, I highly recommend it for people who are looking for a great compromise between portability and full keyboard functionality. -
It's nice but i want the longer keyboard.
by FloresPriscilla on January 10, 2011
Pros: It's wireless, it's pretty, i like it.
Cons: I just hate the thought of the batteries running out.
Summary: I love it, the keys are nice, i miss the number pad on the right, so i think I'm going to buy the other imac keyboard.
Summary: I love it, the keys are nice, i miss the number pad on the right, so i think I'm going to buy the other imac keyboard.
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Yes, works with Windows 7
by somerandomguy1 on September 11, 2010
Pros: -Small
-Light
-feels to be built solid
-Keys have a nice feel to them and are perfectly spaced
-Doesn't slide around the table
-Accidental Caps Lock protection doesn't work with PC :)Cons: -The Fn key doesn't work on my Windows 7
-Getting the proper drivers for the keyboard was more of a paint than it should beSummary: The Apple Wireless Keyboard is a fantastic keyboard if you are looking for a small, portable keyboard that is fantastic to type on and solidly built. I say that getting ...
Summary: The Apple Wireless Keyboard is a fantastic keyboard if you are looking for a small, portable keyboard that is fantastic to type on and solidly built. I say that getting the proper drivers was a pain because I had to go and download bootcamp 2.2 , 3.0 and 3.1 and install the respective Keyboard drivers that came with them which, after a little trial and error got everything to work on my PC and then some. The only thing I was worried about was when watching the reviews Apple keyboards have a second or two delay when pressing down Caps Lock so that you don't "accidentally" hit it. I'm a fast typer and I WOULD hate this, that is if it work for PCs. But it doesn't, and I can toggle on and off the Caps Lock as fast as I can press it.
Once 3.1 bootcamp is installed all the pause, rewind, fast forward, and volume keys work with my PC. The only keys that don't seem to work are the exposer keys and the Fn key. All in all it's a fantastic keyboard and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a solid keyboard and like quality and perfection. If you're a gamer this keyboard will be fine but you won't have the number pad or any game hot keys to aid you.
On a side note, for those of you who want to fully use the "expose" button on the keyboard there is a really simple alternative. Simply go and get Switcher (googling it will get you the dl link) and then when you open it go and select "f3" as the shortcut key. For me I chose Command f3. Looks exactly like Expose but better because you can customize every inch of the program. -
Excellent keyboard!
by d_adams on August 28, 2010
Pros: It's small, thin, light, portable, easy to use, identical to the awesome keyboards in the MacBook Pro line, and the battery life is around 5 months.
Cons: No backlit keys or number pad. I really hope Apple makes a new version with backlit keys soon, but I imagine that would kill that battery life, so they probably won't. I don't really care about the number pad; in fact, I like it without, so not a con
Summary: I bought this keyboard to go with my MacBook Pro, so that I wouldn't have to wear out it's keyboard. Since it's nearly identical, I can switch ...
Summary: I bought this keyboard to go with my MacBook Pro, so that I wouldn't have to wear out it's keyboard. Since it's nearly identical, I can switch between them without having to adjust. And that about says it all. When I'm at home, I use this and my Magic Mouse, and when I take the laptop out I use the built-in keys and the multitouch trackpad. Life is awesome. Like I said, I with it had backlit keys, though, because I still have to use my laptop's keyboard if it's dark.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Apple
- Part number: MB167LL/A
- Description: Use the Apple Wireless Keyboard on your desk, on your lap, or anywhere within 30 feet of your Mac or iPad - all because of its built-in Bluetooth technology. Its compact design takes up 24 percent less space on your desktop than full-size keyboards, so you have extra room to move the keyboard around and mouse comfortably alongside of it. You'll also feel a difference when you type on its low-profile anodized aluminum enclosure with crisp, responsive keys. Use the function keys for one-touch access to a variety of Mac features such as screen brightness, volume, eject, play/pause, Expose, and Dashboard. The Apple Wireless Keyboard requires just two AA batteries. And its intelligent power management system conserves battery life. So when you're not using the keyboard, it automatically powers down. The instant you start typing, it turns back on. Use the on/off switch when you're away from your computer for a long time.
General
- Device Type Keyboard - Wireless
- Interface Bluetooth
- Max Operating Distance 30 ft
- Localization English
- Form factor External
Input Device
- Input Device:Connectivity Technology Wireless
- Features Intelligent power management,
Optimized battery life - Hot Keys Function Volume,
Optical media eject,
Brightness,
Expose,
Multimedia Expansion / Connectivity
- Interfaces 2 x USB - 4 pin USB Type A
Miscellaneous
- Color White
Software & System Requirements
- Included Software Apple Dashboard
Battery
- Type AA type
- Type AA type
- Installed Qty 3
Interface Provided
- Port(s) Total (Free) 2 USB 4 pin USB Type A
Software / System Requirements
- OS Required Apple MacOS X 10.4.10
Accessories
- 3M Adjustable Keyboard Tray AKT180LE keyboard/mouse arm mount tray (32227870)229.00 - 289.98
- 3M Adjustable Keyboard Tray AKT100LE keyboard/mouse shelf (31602306)174.04 - 263.38
- 3M Adjustable Keyboard Tray AKT65LE - keyboard/mouse arm mount tray (31607527)109.68 - 199.99
- 3M Adjustable Keyboard Tray AKT100N keyboard arm mount tray (3756745)
- 3M Adjustable Keyboard Tray AKT150LE keyboard/mouse shelf (31607757)175.94 - 299.99
- 3M Adjustable Keyboard Tray AKT60LE keyboard/mouse shelf (31601710)103.98 - 199.02
- 3M Adjustable Keyboard Tray AKT70LE keyboard/mouse shelf (31604867)137.79 - 580.00
- 3M Adjustable Keyboard Tray AKT71LE keyboard/mouse arm mount tray (32891076)117.26 - 367.01
- 3M Adjustable Keyboard Tray AKT80LE keyboard/mouse shelf (31599855)139.40 - 640.00
- 3M Adjustable Keyboard Tray AKT90LE keyboard/mouse arm mount tray (32890747)141.07 - 238.93
- Twelve South MagicWand trackpad to keyboard connection kit (34928350)29.99
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Apple products on Shopper.com
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- Manufacturer:Apple
- Address:
One Infinite Loop, Cupertino, CA 95014 - Phone: 1-408-996-1010
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