I am this close to getting a 13.3'' MacBook, but I need to know about the keyboard

For you users, give me your best description on how this keyboard is different from any other laptop keyboard period, even vs PC ones. Ive read about it, but I still dont get it.

A high end, non flexing keyboard is absolutely crucial to me. I am sick of flexing keyboards. Is the MB 100% solid, meaning no flex what so ever in the keyboard?

 

There is no flex using this keyboard, but the feeling is different (while not that different from tipical, low-travel notebook keyboards) due to the individual keys. You should try it before you buy if possible.

 

Well, I don't really get what you want from a keyboard, but I can say that every key feels independant. Thats the main difference between a clasic notebook keyboard and this one. Personally I like it very much, I can say that I make less mistakes while typing on my macbook than on any other laptop (I make a lot of mistakes on my sister's dell 600 m, i hate it!)

 

well if this is anything like the Mac scissor keys then i will be in love haha.

Only thing is, why so much space in between the keys? Looks wierd, almost like a bunch of keys thrown on haha.

 

Thats the only thing I had to get adjusted too, was the larger spacing between keys, but you learn real quick, the only mess up is when you get on a PC laptop and you start typing giberish. Fine with me, it'll help me keep away from PCs xD.

Anyways, I love how much quieter my keys are from previous notebooks I had, its not making loud clicking noises, barely any at all. Not sure what flexing is, but I don't notice any of that.

 

The keyboard does not flex AT ALL. Sorry for the shouting but I wanted to emphasis that. I hate flexy keyboards as well. The key throws are a bit short compared to say an IBM but it isn't bad. There is a definite break in the action. If you're a touch typists you'll be in for a treat. As far as key spacing that is an optical illusion. The keys are spaced the same as a traditional keyboard. What is different is that the MB keys don't have a skirt or flared are beneath the top surface of the key. Think about it for a moment. Most keyboard keys have the top surface that you can contact with your fingers. The rest of the key below the surface is just fluff because you can not actually touch it unless you really try or suck at typing. The MB keys do away with that unused plastic. The spacing in-between the keys is the same as a full size notebook but without the plastic skirt on each key the keyboard looks a little funny. Why did Apple do this? It allows the key to depress fully into the case so it lies flush with the top surface of the MB.

 

I just switched and bought a MacBook last week, and I've been really pleased with the keyboard. When I originally saw it in pictures, I was concerned but was able to get my hands on a demo one to try out. No flex at all, and it has solid keys with lots of spring. As others have already pointed out, the spacing of the keys is a little wider than usual, but it's not that hard to get used to at all. Out of all the laptop keyboards I've tried (Averatec, Toshiba, Sony, HP, Compaq, other Apples), I prefer the MacBook's, hands down. Very solid keyboard all around.

 

I was at a local reseller today, they finally got the Macbook Pro in and I touched it all over and it was cool to the cool.

Great screen, it was matte I don't care for em, i prefer glossy. Anyways what I hated was the keys on the Macbook Pro, they had this appearance like it was the cheapest plastic I ever seen, but when I started using it, it was pretty nice after all, but I did prefer my Macbook keys over it, I feel its much more quieter.

 

So Im guessing the travel/keystroke distance of the keys on it, are super short? Like less than the powerbooks? If so, then i would forsure like that. But the spacing inbetween the keys meh.

 

im very very tempted now, but these problems i hear about the h/w - overheating, etc worry me.

 

You can only go to a place that has them and try them out yourself, everyone has their own likes.

You have to stop worrying about what other people have issues with, sometimes bad ones get through...it happens. The majority is that everyone gets a good one.

I have the macbook and it works great, it was hot at first, but after a burn-in (breakin) period the macbook has cooled down considerably. Just give it a try, you have 14 days to decide, if you don't like it than return it. I'm just not sure if you have to do a restock fee if its within that 14 days, I don't think so, nor do I even know because I never had to return an Apple product.

 

From Apple's Website

Return & Refund Policy

If you have received an incorrect product due to an Apple shipping or order processing error or are not satisfied with your purchase of a pre-built product from Apple, please call 1-800-MY-APPLE for a Return Material Authorization (RMA) request within 14 calendar days of the receipt of the product. If the item is returned unopened in the original box, we will exchange it or offer you a refund based on your original method of payment. The product must be returned to the Apple warehouse within 14 calendar days of the issuance of the RMA. All products must be packed in the original, unmarked packaging including any accessories, manuals, documentation and registration that shipped with the product. A 10% open box fee will be assessed on any opened hardware or accessory. You may be asked to provide a major credit card for Apple to assess the 10% open box restocking fee.

Please note that Apple does not permit the return of or offer refunds for the following products:



1. Product that is custom configured to your specifications

2. Opened memory

3. Opened software*

4. Electronic software downloads

5. Personalized iPods

6. Software Up to Date Program Products (SW upgrades)



* You may return software after rejecting the licensing terms, provided the software is not installed on a computer. However, software that contains a printed software licence may not be returned if the seal or sticker on the software media packaging is broken.



· NOTE: Apple asks that you use a carrier recommended by Apple keeping the following criteria in mind: (1) use a carrier that offers shipment tracing and (2) either insure your package for safe return to Apple or declare full value of the shipment so that you are completely protected if the shipment is lost or damaged in transit. If you choose not to (1) use a carrier that offers shipment tracing and/or (2) insure or declare the full value of the product, you will be responsible for the loss or damage to the product during shipping.

 

I thought the keyboard might be a problem getting used to but now i really like the feel of the "Chiclet" keyboard.

 

Chiclet eh? lol, what do you mean?

 

I think he means that it looks like that small candy 'chiclet' the keys do, but a bit bigger version of em?