Macbook - Review of keyboard design? - Mac-Forums.com

RoosterTeacher · 12-02-2006, 10:54 AM

I'm currently using a Ti PB G4 and looking at getting a Macbook. I don't need the pro since I'm not looking for a desktop replacement and I want something small and easy to take with me wherever I go.

One of my students just got a Macbook (obviously she's one of the bright ones) and it was my first up-close look at one.

The Ti is near the end of it's run (almost 5 years old) but still works so I may not be in the market for up to a year.

The thing that stood out right away was the keyboard. It's been redesigned. What does everyone think of it? Is it easy to type on? Does it seem durable? Anyone had any problems with it?

I'm sure that if it sucks entirely it won't be used for too long. Is that something that I should worry about?

Roo · 12-02-2006, 12:56 PM

I'd have 100% love for the keyboard if I knew how to clean it. Hair and little dust things keep getting into it, and I've got no idea how to clean it.

It does feel nice on the fingers though, and it is visually appealing (I think, anyway

), so I'm about 90% on it. It's not something you should worry about at all.

brianj08 · 12-02-2006, 01:50 PM

just buy a can of compressed air to clean that out...

also, the macbook is more than capable of being a desktop replacement. it has caused me to abandon windows, and it runs alot faster than my P4 2.8 ghz desktop right now. i only have the 1.83 core duo in my macbook with 1.25gb ram and the thing is screaming fast!!

caribiner23 · 12-02-2006, 02:13 PM

The keyboard on the MacBook is great, and I've used a lot of notebook PCs.

The only notebook keyboard I've found that I like better is on the IBM/Lenovo ThinkPads. The problem is that they run the wrong OS. :-)

cvx5832 · 12-02-2006, 02:30 PM

The wife and I like the keyboard very much.

Recommended.

Roo · 12-02-2006, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brianj08

just buy a can of compressed air to clean that out...

also, the macbook is more than capable of being a desktop replacement. it has caused me to abandon windows, and it runs alot faster than my P4 2.8 ghz desktop right now. i only have the 1.83 core duo in my macbook with 1.25gb ram and the thing is screaming fast!!

But how do I use the air? Do I stick a nozzle in one of the keyholes and hope random pieces of dirt come flying out?

brianj08 · 12-02-2006, 04:52 PM

just aim at the keyboard and let err rip. no need to shove it in the keyholes, something could get damage that way.whatever you aim it it should come out with the force of the air, or else it probably wont ever come out.

cryption · 12-02-2006, 07:41 PM

i like the keyboard, i was a bit shaky at first about the design but it works nicely

eric · 12-02-2006, 10:09 PM

keyboard works just fine.

the sharp forward bottom edge that you lay your wrists on (if you're a lazy typist as i am), can be irritating to downright excruciating after a very long time.

i've invested in a cheap gel keyboard wrist rest that stays with my lapdesk for the times i'm there for the long haul. otherwise, when i'm just browsing the interent or watching dvds on lunch at work it's fine since i'm not locked into position on that sharp edge.

eric · 12-02-2006, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roo

But how do I use the air? Do I stick a nozzle in one of the keyholes and hope random pieces of dirt come flying out?

note: make sure you hold the can vertical and don't shake it as you're spraying it!

RoosterTeacher · 12-03-2006, 02:17 AM

Thanks. I just bought a 24" iMac for my desktop but I take my old Powerbook to school, basketball games, and whenever I leave town. I prefer to work on a desktop (even though I used to Powerbook as a desktop replacement for several years). It's just a personal preference though, nothing to do with functionality.

My Powerbook is a 15" and I want to go with something smaller and lighter which would still be functional but not as convenient for longer hours of research and other work.

Sounds like the new keyboards are quite acceptable. I just didn't want to get something that wasn't as easy as accepted to type on or was prone to problems due to dirt and debris. I like the way they look and it sounds like I don't have much to worry about.

Now I just need to decide on the flat or glossy screen.

12-03-2006, 04:47 AM

Aren't MBP's lighter than Macbooks?

Aptmunich · 12-03-2006, 05:46 AM

No, the Macbook is a bit lighter, but considering the size, the MBP isn't really much heavier.

caribiner23 · 12-03-2006, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoosterTeacher

Now I just need to decide on the flat or glossy screen.

You don't have a choice with the MacBook-- it only comes in glossy. (And it's wonderful.)

And by the way, my MacBook is my desktop replacement. After many years with desktop Windows machines, I now have everything I need on this machine. When I want to use a full-sized keyboard, mouse, and monitor, I connect it to the ones I use for my remaining XP machine, and my MacBook becomes a desktop machine.

No need to sell the MacBook short on its capabilities. :-)