What is Digg?64 Comments
- zezak, on 10/12/2007, -10/+31Hey guys: Let's keep Xiata's post exactly at 0, as if we have exactly no opinion.
- mateo60, on 10/12/2007, -1/+15I bought a Macbook (my first ever mac) this morning. I hated the keyboard and felt a bit lost on it (I know that sounds weird.), but after spending some time on it, it's actually starting to feel really nice. I almost didn't buy it because of the keyboard (it reminded me of a calculator or something).
After spending the day with it, it feels better and roomier than any notebook I've tried before. Understandably, there will be people out there that don't like this keyboard. (I may not be the best judge of these things, my favorite type of mouse on a notebook is the eraser mouse! :P) - Ireland, on 10/12/2007, -7/+21"The stroke just feels too short and too firm" Some might say it feels more solid, the Powerbook keys tended to feel a bit rattley after 6 months to a year. I doubt this keyboard will have the same complaint. I have yet to see apple get something like this wrong, since steve was at the helm. My guess is they are one step ahead of you. Maybe once you break the keyboard in, with about a week of use, you'll get what they were up to. You might find yourself saying: "they think of everything" ;)
- harshbarj, on 10/12/2007, -4/+15Actually 30 minutes is almost too long to take to decide if you like a keyboard (I can tell if I like a keyboard in 30 seconds). As they keyboard is the main input device it's critical it's comfortable to the user. This is why thinkpads are popular.
As for getting use to a keyboard. Why? if you don't like it then look for another laptop. With so many choices it's almost foolish to force yourself to get use to a bad keyboard.
Do you buy a pair of shoes that are uncomfortable and hope they will grow on you or do you buy a pair that feels good? Same logic here. - Teague, on 10/12/2007, -0/+10I don't think the writer is idiotic, he's reporting on his first impression, which is the same impression anyone would get once they stood in front of the machine for the first time.
Regardless of whether or not added time would have changed his opinion, I appreciate actually hearing someone talk about the keyboard, rather than seeing pics and thinking "damn, looks like typing on a checkerboard."
Nobody who was interested in getting a MacBook is going to change their opinion after reading a blog. Chill out. - frem001, on 10/12/2007, -7/+17How can you judge somthing within 30 mins in a busy location such as an applestore. Eventually you will get used to it, if you don't then you're not very flexible.
- Xiata, on 10/12/2007, -2/+10Without fanboyism, Digg would have no soul.
- DVRDude, on 10/12/2007, -4/+11You guys crack me up! If I pick up the MacBook and don't "adapt" to the keyboard, will you pay my restocking fee? :)
Honestly, I think I'd rather spend a few extra bucks for the MacBook Pro and get a keyboard that feels good and allows to me type efficiently. It doesn't hurt the MBP also happens to come with a much larger screen at only 1/2lb. more. Though, I do plan a few more trials of the MB before I throw in the towel (and break the bank).
I did want to share my brief experience with the community since I know a lot of people are ordering the laptop sight-unseen -- for some it may be worth checking out in person before purchasing. I know I'm also interested in hearing other people's experiences with the keyboard - hopefully some reviews will start trickling in over the next few days. - cphuntington97, on 10/12/2007, -2/+8"So what’s the verdict? I want to love it, but I’m not sure I will gamble $1200 on getting used to the keyboard. I see several more visits to the Apple Store in my future…"
So the new keyboard is just a marketing gimmick designed to get people into the Apple store more frequently. - scotus, on 10/12/2007, -0/+6c'mon, keyboard is one of the most essential parts of a notebook. i really want to move to a mac laptop, but love the keyboard on my t42. of course you can adapt, but that's not the point. a keyboard is one of the most essential pieces of a notebook. i'm looking forward to trying the macbook keyboard, but i have to say i'm a little worried by the looks of it. i like the macbook pro keyboard ok, tho i find it a bit "mushy".
- IcanFLY, on 10/12/2007, -5/+9If everyone just agreed, digg wouldn't exist! People come back day after day to complain about what they don't like, and maybe find some interesting articles at the same time.
- IcanFLY, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4Is it actually no crumbs? I mentioned this on the other article and others seemed to think that the keys didn't actually keep crumbs out.
- JetwingX, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3"Does Apple even charge restocking fee's? (maybe after 30 days?)"
10% if opened
2 weeks to return it (open or not) - Starforge, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3One main reason I wanted a Powerbook in the first place was the keyboard. The MacBook Pros have retained that so even though its a whole $1K difference in price, for something I'd use everyday I'm still siding with the MacBook Pros.
- Durrok, on 10/12/2007, -1/+4Then guess what? Don't read the story. I know it's a complicated process, but maybe after a couple years you can get used to the idea that YOU DONT HAVE TO READ EVERY STORY!
- IcanFLY, on 10/12/2007, -1/+4I agree. The current series of Thinkpad keyboards are pretty awsome. Keys have good travel and actually have some resistance like a real desktop keyboard. If people don't like having to press buttons, you can always use one of those funny laser/IR keyboard things for pda's that project on the table and have zero pressure needed.
- Boondoggle, on 10/12/2007, -2/+5The Macbook does NOT have a matte screen option.
- Xipher, on 10/12/2007, -4/+7I honestly thought the old iBook keyboard felt horrible when I first tried it, but then I got used to it and I can type faster on that thing faster than any other keyboard I've ever tried.
I like small keystrokes especially for a laptop. - djlean, on 10/12/2007, -1/+4I picked up a BlackBook today at the Apple Store, and I've got to say I really like the keyboard. At first it felt a little weird and I made a few more typing mistakes than usual, but after using it for an hour or so I totally adapted and found I could touch-type on it with no problems. I actually like it a lot better than the keyboard on my old iBook. There's something really satisfying about the key response. And visually, it really adds to the aesthetic--this computer (esp. the BlackBook) has a real retro-futurist thing going on. I dig it.
- garyploski, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3I agree with you. I enjoy using my 12" PB because of the keyboard. Originally my wife wanted an iBook because of the price difference of the iBook and PB. I told her numerous times to try the PB keyboard first. She's a writer and a keyboard is one of those essential devices that need to be thoughtless in ones computing experience.
After a few seconds on the PB keyboard she stopped and looked at me. Sighed and used it again. Within 2 minutes she'd tried the iBook keyboard, the PB, back to the iBook, and finally back to the PB sighing at the additional money that would be spent. She, and I, love the feel of the PB keyboard. It was one of the most important selling points for the both of us.
To those that have said the keys get flimsy after 6 months... You must be pounding on it with a hammer. I've had mine for over a year and have not had one problem with the keyboard.
To those complaining that people are complaining about the new keyboard back off and wake up. The keyboard has much more importance than you are giving credit. It is easy to know if you like a keyboard. Sometimes it takes a bit of time to adapt to the size of the keyboard but the feel/use of the keyboard should be instant. If it's not then you're probably going to want another keyboard aka laptop.
I would never go near an iBook keyboard unless I had too. The keys felt like they'd fall off if I used it. Serious amounts of curiosity are swirling with the new keyboard design. If I don't like it... I'll either look to the Pro or wait for Rev 2 for each the Mac Book line to see what changes are made. - colitis, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2Not having touched one yet, my first reaction is it looks radically different to my 12" PB keyboard. As that is absolutely my favourite laptop keyboard I've used, I'll definitely be having a serious sit-down with the keyboard before I decide whether to buy or not.
(I even like the PB keyboard more than most desktop keyboards with the Model M one of the more notable exceptions) - Marku$, on 10/12/2007, -9/+11this guy is an idiot. does he carry around a keyboard with him so that he never has to adapt to anything new ?
- swindmill, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2If you prefer OS X, the options are macbook and macbook pro. Therefore, the keyboard can't be a deciding factor unless you are willing to shell out more for a larger macbook pro
- Jeebugorn, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2Without fanboyism, Digg would get no kickbacks from Apple for ensuring every Apple article gets to the front page.
- deusx, on 10/12/2007, -0/+2"That nipple thing bugs the hell out of me..."
Sounds like you've got some serious Freudian issues. Were you bottle fed? - wastern, on 10/12/2007, -2/+4i'm actually not a huge fan of the keyboard on my MacBook Pro. its good, but not as good as my old Thinkpad was. The Thinkpad is the king though, i think the MacBook Pro is still better the 90% of the laptops out there
I'm interested to try out the new MacBook though. I may have to take a trip to the apple store myself - MaxPowers, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1You're kidding.. TrackPoint? That nipple thing bugs the hell out of me...
- suMMx, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1ive been using mine all day and the keyboard is fine
- WilyHacker, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1I tend to agree here... there's a difference between "bad" and "different".
I never expect a new pair of shoes to be comfortable. If they are comfortable when they are new, they will be loose and uncomfortable after a week of being broken in.
I'd expect something similar with a keyboard. Not uncomfortable when new, but not house-slipper comfy, and growing in comfort as both the keyboard and user become adjusted to each other. - TeKoverride, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1I bought the macbook this morning. I thought the keyboard wasn't very good looking to say the least. But after a few hours of typing I noticed that accuracy is up. The small spacing between the keys prevent me from accidently hitting an errant key when I am trying to break the world record for words per minute ;) It's a good keyboard, just use it and you'll see.
- streak, on 10/12/2007, -1/+2Worried about the MacBook keyboard? Just get an IBM/Lenovo ThinkPlus USB Travel Keyboard with TrackPoint, and fugetabout it! 3-button scrolling mouse built-in. Trackpads and mice are so-o-o-o last century.
- deusx, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1"Do you buy a pair of shoes that are uncomfortable and hope they will grow on you or do you buy a pair that feels good? Same logic here."
You've never gone shoe shopping with a girl before, have you? - ripflash, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1I also spent 30 minutes with the MacBooks today and felt the same way. I appreciate that Apple is trying new designs. But for my tastes, I'm now looking at the Pro's.
I might be able to get used to the keyboard, but having played with the glossy screens in PCs, I know that it's too annoying for me. If Apple offers a matte screen option for the MacBook, I'd probably be able to handle just the keyboard issue. - c0uchm0nster, on 10/12/2007, -2/+3Maybe that's because on every other keyboard you repeat things on every other keyboard?
- SP33DFR34K, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1I may be weird, but I felt that iBook G3 keyboard was much better than iBook G4. The keys were much softer to push, so you would not have to type as hard. But that is just me.
As for adjusting to keyboard, yes any keyboard would take a while to get use to. For example, I was living on those OEM keyboard's from 98' and didn't want to give it up. Finally I switched over to a wireless Logitech keyboard and boy did it take a while to get use to it. But honestly, it wasn't really much of a big deal. Just give things time and it will be fine. - rbvmusic, on 10/12/2007, -0/+1Wasn't that a problem ever since the powerbook? The keyboards always seemed to have bugged me, since it's too big as compared to a regular keyboard and you can't exactly type very fast on it. On the road I just deal with the keyboard and it does me good but at home I use a macally keyboard, which is way better.
But yeah, it is kind of annoying and for 1500+ you'd think you'd be getting a better design but it isn't that big of a deal. - pbjorge12, on 10/12/2007, -2/+3Huh...I just realized the no-dust or crumbs thing...
That my friend is cool! Hopefully more companies will start adopting this - Although it's probably patented... - enzomedici, on 10/12/2007, -3/+3
Who cares about the keyboard? That glossy ass screen is what bugs me. That has cheap PC written all over it. - Truegod, on 10/12/2007, -10/+10I love Apple, but we don't need 20 front page stories everytime they release a product...
- tronbrain, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0I went to the store to check it out myself, since on the website it looks like a phenomenal laptop for the price. Seeing it in the store changed my mind. For me, the keyboard was a big disappointment. I like a good quality keyboard with firm action and decent throw. Such things seem trivial to many, but it can be an issue for people who type over 40 words/minute and spend all day typing long emails, documents, etc. A crappy keyboard can slow you down, be a frustrating experience. And yes, this is a crappy keyboard, reminiscent of the chicklet keyboard which doomed the IBM PC Jr.
The keythrow is very short and feels too rigid. The keys are COMPLETELY FLAT. In other words, it's missing the traditional scallop which allows you to feel your fingers are centered over the keys properly. On a flat keyboard, you kinda have to feel for the edge of the key to get a sense that your fingers are over the keys properly. Even then, you can drift off and lose your place while typing.
Also, the idea of putting spaces between the keys strikes me as silly. I don't make typing mistakes because I pressed a key adjacent to the one I intended, like for example hitting 's' instead of 'a'. I usually use the wrong finger or just go for the wrong key, or hit the keys out of 'odrer.' So I don't buy the spacing between keys rationale. I think they just had to do that because the keys were flat, no scallops, which makes hitting the adjacent key by mistake a serious problem.
It seems to me that to shave off a couple of millimeters from the overall thickness of the laptop, the designers totally compromised the quality of the keyboard. The fact of it is that you need about 7 millimeters of depth minimum for a decent feel to the keyboard. Going below that forces you to compromise quality. That's why we don't have completely flat computer keyboards like they did on ST:TNG.
I hate to say it, but I think they blew it on the keyboard, and for me that was a deal-breaker. It's too bad, because otherwise this laptop seems to have it all. I guess you can always attach a keyboard while you're working at home or the office. For people who don't touch-type, it probably doesn't matter anyway. - Xiata, on 10/12/2007, -67/+67A Digg Experiment!
Apple sucks. Linux sucks. Windows sucks. Intel sucks. AMD sucks. Nvidia sucks. ATI sucks. You suck.
Hypothesis: The aforementioned statements will cause all the fanboys in existance to be pissed off for some reason or another and therefore mod me to a brand new digg low.
Now to wait for experimental data... - cazabam, on 10/12/2007, -0/+0@Xiata : you might want Apple's next product, the iSuck
- neuroanatomist, on 10/12/2007, -0/+02006 Apple Mac Book + 1986 IBM model M buckling-spring keyboard
http://www.clickykeyboards.com/ - oboreruhito, on 10/12/2007, -1/+1lol disappointment
- r3wind, on 10/12/2007, -3/+3You can't judge a keyboard this quick, your just trying to be popular by posting about the keyboard because it's main new feature that's changed on it. get some real content, they try again. btw get the macbook pro. i got one recently and it's great. not a mac fan boy, just someone that wanted a stable computer.
- duzbin, on 10/12/2007, -3/+2Cosmetics & Functionality vs. Microsoft
- funkytaco, on 10/12/2007, -6/+5The guy likes Thinkpad laptops?
Translation: I basically like having to pound keys. - ani-pockdotnet, on 10/12/2007, -12/+11agreed. marked as innacurate. reviewer must spend more time on keyboard. a visit to the apple store is insufficient
- inactive, on 10/12/2007, -10/+8Yes we do.
- deadbaby, on 10/12/2007, -3/+1Does Apple even charge restocking fee's? (maybe after 30 days?)
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