Apple Wireless Keyboard keyboard
Manufacturer: Apple Part number: MB167LL/A
- CNET Editor rating: Not yet rated
- Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 12 reviews
- More product information:
- Editors' blog post
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.com Marketplace |  | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 11/08/2009 |
 | Not yet rated | In stock | as of 11/07/2009 | |
| PaylessMerchandise.com | Not yet rated | In stock | as of 11/07/2009 |
CNET editors' blog post
By David Carnoy, 08/12/09
(Credit:
Apple)
Recently, my colleague Rafe Needleman wrote a column titled "Why consumers won't buy tablets." The article was a direct reference to the long-standing rumor that Apple may be releasing a slate-style, jumbo iPod Touch this fall. Rafe doesn't really believe Apple would be misguided enough to release a tablet and that if it does put one out in the rumored $700 to $800 price range, "it will die." He also believes that, "This whole category is a nonstarter."
I tend to agree with Rafe on a lot of his points. I think tablets and tweener devices--like Ultra Mobile PCs (UMPCs)--that are too big to put in your pocket, cumbersome to operate, and overpriced, are problematic and have no place in the marketplace.
The reason why Netbooks have been successful is that they're cheap, and their form factor makes sense, especially for those looking to take a basic, lightweight computer out with them on the road--or just out to the patio. It's a pretty simple equation and you'd think that Apple would just follow the Netbook trend and come out with something that didn't break the mold but was sexier, a little zippier, and cost an extra $100-$200 in so-called Apple tax. What I'm talking about is a 10-inch $600-$700 Apple Netbook with a keyboard.
Alas, that probably won't cut it for Apple. Low-end computers just aren't in the company's DNA, so rumor has it we're looking at a $700-$800 tablet, which, to guys like Rafe and me, doesn't make a tremendous amount of sense. But at same time I also have enough faith in Apple to realize that if it's going to come out with such a product, it's probably going change the tablet's paradigm to the point where it suddenly makes abundant sense.
To a degree, this is what Brooke Crothers argued in his piece, "Why an Apple tablet will succeed." It was meant to be a counterpoint to Rafe's article and featured some potential specs for a fantasy tablet of the near future. I appreciate Brooke's point of view as well.
As the rumors and concept images continue to swirl, much of the debate around Apple's rumored device has focused on the touch screen and the prospect of typing on a virtual keyboard, much like one does with the iPhone and iPod Touch, which some users view as mini tablets. However, it's hard to imagine that this would be the best experience for doing serious work, and I know lots of people who still struggle with the iPhone's keyboard (my father owns an iPhone and it's a little bit painful to watch him type on it).
But as Rafe pointed out, there's another possibility. "Of course," he wrote, "you'll probably be able to plug a keyboard into any of these yet-to-be-released tablets...but you'll pay extra for the hardware and it'll mean more gear to keep track of and prop up on your desk."
To some it would seem incongruous for Apple to put out a keyboardless device that would have an optional keyboard (The Newton had one, which is maybe why Steve Jobs hated it). That said, there are a lot of folks who wouldn't mind using a wireless Bluetooth keyboard to connect to their iPhones or iPod Touchs, but Apple has yet to offer the Bluetooth-keyboard profile that would allow you to do it. So why would it allow it with a larger, jumbo iPod Touch?
Because it has to. The only way for an Apple slate-style Netbook to succeed at the price point we're looking at is for it to be a flexible device that can appeal to a wide range of users and usage scenarios. In short, it will be what you want to it to be. (One reader suggests that Apple call it the Omni, which isn't bad).
At home, it will be a media pad you can take to bed with you. On the road, it'll be a Netbook during the day (I'd like to see kickstand on the back) and an e-book reader and video phone at night. At school, students will use it was a digital notepad. In the car, it's a game machine for the kiddies.
Can't you see the Apple ads already?
And one more thing: I'd venture to say that the keyboard (virtual or physical) and stylus won't be the only way to navigate the device or input information. If you've been following what Apple's been doing with voice commands on the Shuffle and iPhone/iPod Touch, it's obviously been experimenting with voice operation as an interface. At some point, you'll not only be able to playback tracks in iTunes (like you can now) with your voice, but you'll be able to open and close applications, browse webpages, dictate email, and do even more.
For now, though, I could make do with an optional keyboard. And it's already here, both in a wired and wireless version. I just hope Apple allows me to use it.
Comments?
More:
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.3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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dude wheres my numpad?
by sajaki on March 11, 2009
Pros: it's wireless. that about sums it up.
Cons: Apple is so rabid about "minimizing" that they purposely disregard ergonomics. Form over function, that's what Apple is all about. Tthere's a huge hole in the market for people wanting decent keyboards. OS X is amazing, but this keyboard isn't.
1 out of 1 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.)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)
2 out of 4 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
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Surprised that I actually liked this keyboard!
by Dean81299 on May 16, 2009
Pros: The keyboard's very small and attractive footprint. Keys have a crisp responsive feel. It has surprisingly intelligent features whereas it turns off when you stop using it for a few minutes, and wakes up when you start typing. Great battery life!
Cons: A bit on the expensive side, ($79).
Summary: Once you get used to the lack of the numeric pad, you find that its absence is well worth the space you gain on your desktop area. It slides perfectly ...
Summary: Once you get used to the lack of the numeric pad, you find that its absence is well worth the space you gain on your desktop area. It slides perfectly under the computers main structure and rests nicely on the computers base.
Apple truly knows what people want, even if you at first don't agree. Somehow they have done studies on how often people actually need that extra 4 inches or so that the numeric key pad takes up. I consider it the best keyboard ever made or certainly any one I have ever used. In my opinion this is the perfect keyboard and was well thought out and well designed. But aren't all Apple products born from this, knowing how to keep things simple and make it gorgeous? I am a huge fan of Apple and it's computers and its accessories. This new brushed aluminum keyboard is yet another home run for Mac users.
And it is also another reason why I am so glad there is such a stable computer to use. PC's are just worthless.As are most of it's vendors that make subpar accessories for a subpar computer and operating system. With Macs, you get what you pay for, perfection. -
Remarkable. Amazing. A must have
by Jazzyflute on June 14, 2008
Pros: Small, great for dorm room or when you are tight on space. Great battery life. Bluetooth rather than USB. comfortable, feels fantastic under the fingers. beautiful design
Cons: no number pad - only applicable to those who use it, if a number pad is essential, then purchase the wired slimboard.
Summary: This is by far the greatest keyboard I have used to date. I fell in love with my macbook keyboard shortly after purchasing my macbook. When the slimboard was released, ...
Summary: This is by far the greatest keyboard I have used to date. I fell in love with my macbook keyboard shortly after purchasing my macbook. When the slimboard was released, I couldn't resist giving it a try. I now use it as my primary keyboard in the dorm room, because it is very portable, space conservative, comfortable, and great battery life. I have had it since it was replaced, use it on a daily basis, and only have had to replace the batteries once. absolutely amazing. If you need a number pad though, this keyboard is not for you. Purchase the wired slimboard instead, as it has the number pad.
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Great design, performance!
by cybergremlyn on May 20, 2008
Pros: Bluetooth!!! Size, design, and performance are great
Cons: no numeric keypad
Summary: Great Bluetooth wireless keyboard. Works great on both my Windows XP/OS 10.5 partitions.
Needs a numeric keypad for gameplay and numeric data entry!!!!Summary: Great Bluetooth wireless keyboard. Works great on both my Windows XP/OS 10.5 partitions.
Needs a numeric keypad for gameplay and numeric data entry!!!! -
I love it, love the lack of number pad.
by radixhound on April 11, 2008
Pros: Small, light, easy to transport, easy to change batteries, no number pad, low profile, great keys
Cons: Didn't know how to turn off for a long time, easy to turn it on accidentally when in my backpack.
Summary: I love this keyboard.
The only negative is that the power button is easy to press when in my bag. My laptop has gone haywire a couple times and I ...Summary: I love this keyboard.
The only negative is that the power button is easy to press when in my bag. My laptop has gone haywire a couple times and I traced it to the keyboard that was on in my backpack and leaning against something so a key was depressed. It was in the other room too (good range)
By the way, hold down the power button for three seconds to turn it off. I wasted my first set of batteries not knowing that. (Guess I didn't read the manual.)
I love the lack of a number pad. This allows me to have a much more ergonomic mousing position. -
Missing Number Pad?
by Dorian Mattar on November 18, 2007
Pros: Minimalist Design
Cons: No Number Pad / Not rechargeable
Summary: I can't believe someone actually wrote that Apple FORGOT to incorporate the Numeric pad onto this Keyboard! I also can't believe they purchased it without knowing that it ...
Summary: I can't believe someone actually wrote that Apple FORGOT to incorporate the Numeric pad onto this Keyboard! I also can't believe they purchased it without knowing that it did not have the NumPad in the first place.
As far as the keys, as the second poster wrote, this key is for those who prefer to have short-throw keys as in a laptop. I'm typing on the Wired Apple Keyboard of the G4 era and it's a very long-throw approach. I prefer the short-throw, but that's a matter of opinion.
The real issue with this Apple keyboards are the short battery life on them. Usually the batteries only last a month or two. You can purchase rechargeable batteries, but that's an extra expense.
The bottom line is that all other keys are so darn large and ugly, that this one stands out, wether it has short batterie life and no Numpad or not.
I'll wait for BlueTooth 2.0 and the NumPad and then grab one. I also which it was backlit, but you can't have it all...
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Apple
- Part number: MB167LL/A
General
- Device Type Keyboard
- Color White
- Form Factor External
- Localization English
Input Device
- Interface Bluetooth
- Max Operating Distance 30 ft
- Connectivity Technology Wireless
- Features Optimized battery life, Intelligent power management
- Key/Button Function Expose, Volume, Brightness, Multimedia, Optical media eject
Expansion / Connectivity
- Interfaces 2 x USB - 4 pin USB Type A
Battery
- Type AA type
- Type AA type
- Installed Qty 3
Software / System Requirements
- Software Included Apple Dashboard
- OS Required Apple MacOS X 10.4.10
Interface Provided
- Port(s) Total (Free) 2 USB 4 pin USB Type A
Manufacturer info
- Apple
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Apple products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.apple.com
- Address:
One Infinite Loop, Cupertino, CA 95014 - Phone: 1-408-996-1010
