New Apple Keyboard - USB Low Power Notice

I just got the New Apple Wired Keyboard for my iMac G5. I plugged it in, installed the Keyboard Update 1.1, restarted my iMac, and it worked... seemingly. I really like the design and blah blah blah - it's very nice. Everything was fine until I tried to plug anything besides an Apple Mighty Mouse or Logitech Optical Mouse into one of the keyboard's two USB ports.

Apple's product description says:

Well Apple, my friend, you lied to me. I plugged a Video iPod into the keyboard's USB port and got this message:



The exact same thing happened with my SanDisk Cruzer Micro USB Flash Drive! I even tried different USB ports, using it with a 2.4GHz MBP, disconnecting the Mighty Mouse and only using one of the two ports at a time - nothing works. I should also mention that I was able to use my USB Micro Drive with the previous Apple Keyboard (I never did try an iPod though).

Do you think this issue can/will be resolved with an update? Why is Apple advertising that the New Wired Keyboard works with iPods, when it clearly does not? Shame on you Apple !

 

Wow, I'm surprised at Apple. They specifically marketed it to be able to use with virtually any USB device. I was going to suggest the Update but you already did that...frankly I'm surprised (and disappointed) in Apple if they market it and then say it doesn't support it.

I haven't noticed any other "complaints" similar to yours around the internet though...I'd expect you wouldn't be the first one to try plugging in an iPod on the new USB ports in the keyboard...interesting.

EDIT: I found this on Wikipedia:

and this thread on MacRumors:

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=340660

 

Actually, there are several users with similar complaints, but no solution:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1084224&tstart=0
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1083598&tstart=0
http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=340660

mahonmeister (from the MacRumors link) called AppleCare and wrote this:

At this point I'm pretty disappointed and the New Keyboard is going to be returned. I would wait a bit to see if the issue gets resolved, but I'm going back to school Sunday and there is not an Apple Store nearby campus.

 

This happened to me a while ago (About a year) With my Sisters Imac, (The one where its all built into the back of an LCD), I tried plugging my Sony HD player into the keyboard and it came up with that exact message, It amused me no end as Apple is always crapping on with their adds "Everything just kinda works with a mac" Yeah right.

 

No, that was normal. The old keyboard never said to have USB 2.0. The only thing that you could use with the old keyboard's USB port was the Mighty Mouse or a USB 1.1 device. So yeah, Apple didn't "lie" in that case.

But the new keyboards were specifically advertised with USB 2.0.

 

Here is what I read before I purchased the keyboard, let's call it Exhibit A: A Screen Shot from Apple's Website for the New Keyboard - http://www.apple.com/keyboard/ . Notice the highlighted quote from the first post.

 

Contact AppleCare, eternal/Xander. Or go back to the Apple Store and complain to the employees. This is unacceptable, even for Steve Jobs .

 

Oh, for sure it's going back to the Apple Store with a strong complaint, I was going to be in that area of the city anyways doing some back-to-school shopping. I just don't want to return the keyboard, only to later hear this issue was resolved. But I'm not sure if that's even possible, it sounds like a hardware issue and false advertising.

 

are you sure you dont need to use a usb cable with the power adapter on it to get the correct power to the device??

Otherwise does the keyboard have a power adapter hole so you can feed the extra voltage required by high powered usb devices?

 

I'm doing the same thing I did with the previous version Apple Wired Keyboard. However, that model used USB1.1, the new one is USB2.0. The keyboard is connected to a Mac via USB2.0. The keyboard also has two usb ports that allow me to plug-in devices directly, one on each end as shown in this picture:


It simply does not work. Why does the keyboard work with a Mighty Mouse connected to a side port, but even if I disconnect the Mighty Mouse and plug-in only a Cruzer USB Flash Drive I still get the USB Low Power Notice?

 

i really dont like these new keyboards, i used one instore and it felt as if they just threw ergonomics out the window, very uncomfortable, also the keys dont depress much and now this. and even design wise, which they usually nail, i really dont know.

 

I really do like the new keyboards, hence why I purchased one. However with the USB ports not functioning as advertised, I went to the Apple Store today and returned it.

An Apple Store employee and myself tested the keyboard on several other Macs. The first Apple employee I was talking to tried to tell me that the MacBook Pro only had USB1.1 ports and this was the reason it wouldn't work. Sorry buddy, but NO! Next please. I didn't even waste my breath to also state that Apple's requirements for the new keyboard are USB1.1 or USB2.0, but don't take my word for it this is what Apple says:

That's simply not correct. There is no statement of contingencies or reduced functionality - someone should probably fix that with a footnote or something.

The next employee seemed much more knowledgeable, so I asked him to help me instead. The Apple Store employee wouldn't fully acknowledge this but from what I observed it appears that the new keyboard's USB2.0 ports are only fully functional with the New iMac. I definitely did NOT have a defective keyboard - we tried several different keyboards with several different Macs. We were only able to get the new Apple Wired Keyboard's USB ports to connect my Flash Drive and an iPod with the New iMac .

I hope this thread is informative for those of you considering the purchase of a new Apple Wired Keyboard. You should probably wait until this issue is resolved, if it can be. And if you're the proud owner of a New iMac, you probably have no clue what I'm ranting about because from what I observed the keyboard works flawlessly with the New iMac.

After all this, I was even ready to upgrade [spend more $] to the new Apple Wireless Keyboard, too bad the store didn't have one .

 

Now that's interesting, Xander/eternal...so the new keyboard is "optimized" for the iMac, so that only the iMac draws enough power for it to support USB 2.0??

Well, hope you get a working one later on, and at least you got yours refunded .

 

Too bad it doesn't work with a PC. Seems like all other wireless keyboards I've seen are rather large (which doesn't suit my needs) and I'd assume because it uses bluetooth that there is no external dongle and you could sync it with one machine, unsync it, and then resync with a different machine rather easily.

 

Well I've been writing exclusively about the new Apple Wired Keyboard; the Wireless Keyboard does not have any USB ports. But I have been able to use the previous version Apple Wired Keyboard with my Sony VAiO.

Do you know for a fact Apple's new Wireless Keyboard does not work with PC? You could probably just install the Boot Camp Keyboard drivers on the PC and it would work. I'll try it if I decide to buy one.

 

is makes me sad. i wanted to get one of those. but if this problem goes unfixed then i guess ill have to go for something else.

 

Well not 100% sure but I figured when part of the required specs is a Mac, that means it probably doesn't play well with PCs. I'm kind of hoping it does though as I plan to turn my current desktop into a HTPC, thus a wireless keyboard would come in handy (one that's not too big and can connect to my PC & soon-to-be-had MBP).

 

Wireless keyboards do add a nice touch to a HTCP. But don't believe everything you read, especially if its from Apple and about keyboards... OHHH ****!

I'm just joshing, but someone should give this a try. Hint: If you're reading this and own a New Apple Wireless Keyboard tell us if you're able to use it on a PC, please.

 

I'm not sure when exactly this happened, but today I noticed that Apple updated their Aluminum Wired Keyboard page with a small footnote:

I guess my SanDisk Cruzer Micro USB Flash Drive is included in this overtly vague disclaimer. Though it did work with the previous Apple Wired Keyboard's USB1.1 ports.

 

Thats really weird.

But I bet it's simply because the MBP and MB can't power more than 1 usb device on the line.

Hell, the MBP gives me that error when I plug in my Novation Remote 49... And this is supposed to be THE laptop for music production lol.

But I believe it simply comes down to the laptops not providing as much power as a desktop. It sucks that they didn't really say that earlier, as I wouldn't have thought about this issue either.

I'd love to buy one of these though. I really love that new keyboard style.

 

Well, this makes me wonder...can the Mac Pro power it? I mean, I guess they could argue for the portable Macs that there's not even power running through to power the notebook, charge the battery and still support the keyboard and more USB 2.0 devices, but would the Mac Pro work?

Anyways, I think this is bad marketing on Apple's part, and the revision on their webpage should've been there in the very beginning.

 

Any desktop should have no problem powering it. The Mac Pro included.

I think it largely boils down to laptop USB ports do not provide as much power to the ports, and cannot power more than a single USB device on one rail.

But yar, bad marketing.

 

Currently, only the new Aluminum iMac is fully compatible. I tried with the Mac Pro a few weeks ago when I was in the Apple Store and got the same Low Power Notice with both an iPod and my SanDisk Micro. Also, does not work with previous iMacs, only the new Aluminum ones.

 

Now that's a big issue. Fix the problem, Apple.

 

They did, with a disclaimer. *




* I do not actually believe the problem has been resolved. The only thing that footnote fixed was false advertising .

 

WOW!

Thats weird. I can't believe that...

I've run across other USB keyboards that won't power anything other than mice off the USB plugs they have. But man... the new iMac can power it but not a Mac Pro? Thats majorly surprising. And disappointing. BOO MS... I mean apple.

 

This is not what I was hoping to hear, I really wanted to get a Apple wired keyboard. Now I can understand that the wireless keyboard may have problems generating enough power from its battery, but the wired? Now thats a product quality problem.

I suppose I will just hold out on the keyboard purchase until such a time as the keyboard does what it is supposed to. Sorry eternal but it seems you became a product guinea pig.

 

The wireless keyboard doesn't have any ports...

 

Ah now that makes sense Sam.

 

Keyboard Software Update 1.2

Since Apple finally put a disclaimer on the Keyboard page I was skeptical that any type of software update would ever resolve the issues I've mentioned. Still, I had to see for myself.

Since I returned my aluminum keyboard I had to borrow one. I don't have time to go to the Apple Store so I only experimented with a MacBook Pro and iMac G5 this time. Unfortunately, the problems persist. Neither the Cruzer Micro USB Flash Drive nor an iPod Video work with either via the aluminum keyboard's USB2.0 ports.

I have no idea what Apple is referring to by saying "take advantage of your aluminum Apple Keyboard's special features." That's just their typical vague and cryptic description. Some members of MacRumors have some ideas. That's all. Peace .

 

Hmm...I wonder if a software update can fix it though...it sounded like it was an issue with power supply. Although I see no reason why a Mac Pro wouldn't have enough power for it...so maybe it is a software issue .

 

That's interesting.. it's hard being an early adopter these days.. first the iphone 33% price reduction.. now this. My friend might be a bit irked about this one.

 

Yeah, I was irked. For a minute. Really though, no hard feelings, I just wanted to get the word out. At least now Apple has that disclaimer. I was originally upset because I felt like they mislead me, then I had to waste time returning the keyboard and write about it here . It still sucks that the keyboard "Just doesn't work" with all Macs. Hopefully the next generations of Macs will all be compatible like the aluminum iMac is. I really do like the keyboard's design (though some people don't). I almost with my MBP had the MacBook's keyboard. I'll wait to read some reviews before I purchase the aluminum Wireless Keyboard though, so lesson learned .

 

Does anyone know if a macbook powers it properly? I was thinking of getting one so I don't wreck my macbook keyboard gaming.

 

No, currently only the aluminum iMac has full functionality. The MacBook will fail with a USB Low Power Notice depending on what you're connecting to the USB2.0 ports. I should reaffirm that the aluminum keyboard works as a keyboard. And you will be able to connect most mice to the keyboard's USB2.0 ports, but not much else.

 

The MacBook powers the keyboard just fine, so you will be able to use it fine, but the MacBook won't have enough power to support the USB 2.0 port on the keyboard.

 

Maybe I will hold off until they fix it. But all I need it for is a keyboard because I have another port to plug my mouse into it if I wanted to anyways.

 

I doubt they'll fix it. Your mouse should work with the keyboard's USB ports though. You'll run into problems with other devices like USB Flash Drives, Digital Cameras, iPod, etc. You can always try the keyboard out, then return it if necessary. If that's not too inconvenient for you. And you can bring your mouse with you to the Apple Store to test it too.

 

Hmm, actually, I would suggest not going for any of the Apple keyboards (the old ones are crap in quality and feel, and the new ones feel very weird, with very shallow keypresses....) and getting a wireless Logitech S 530 desktop for Mac. One of the best keyboards I have ever used, and it works very well with the iMac.

 

well, sometimes the keyboard can not supply enough voltage.
You better try the computer itself, it works all the time.
Sorry to hear about that bad news.

 

Thanks for the suggestion . I actually like the feel of the new Apple Keyboard. And with the Apple Bluetooth Keyboard I won't have to sacrifice any of the MBP's USB ports. The Logitech Codrless Desktop S 530 uses a mini-USB receiver. So that would occupy one of the two USB ports available.

I don't know what exactly you're talking about here. The new aluminum Apple Keyboard's USB2.0 ports have full functionality when used with the new aluminum iMac.

 

I was pleasantly surprised at the new Keyboard when I tried it out at Best Buy the other day. Maybe it has to do with me being used to a MacBook keyboard, but it was comfortable to type on and the layout isn't bad.

But I somewhat agree with Vivek, if there's anything Apple doesn't do well, its mice and keyboards .

 

too users of a laptop, this really isn't a massive issue I think, it just kind of ruins the point of using the keyboard as a USB hub for some, there ARE keyboards out there with USB 2 ports and no external power supply correct?

I was excited to get this keyboard because I just love the design, love laptop style keyboards so much, so I hope they get this working like it really should be.

honestly, I would be perfectly happy if it was just able to power my Wacom, and other basic devices, but the fact that it can't even power a usb flash drive is pretty damn lame.

I may still pick one of these up soon, but would be completely motivated if they actually got these things to have proper power.

 

My G15 on my PC can't supply full voltage to accessories. It's mainly for a mouse.

 

Why would people expect this to work with an iPod? The keyboard is just an unpowered USB hub. Things that draw a lot of current-like an iPod, need a powered hub or to be plugged directly into a USB port.

The iPod's manual even says "don't plug it in to the keyboard".

(And what the heck was Apple thinking with this design?!?)

 

OK, but the Apple Keyboard product page originally said:

And there was no * disclaimer before. Now there is a * footnote. iPods will work (charge & sync) through the Keyboard's USB ports when used with the new Aluminum iMac.

 

I think they should have a disclaimer or something, but it's not surprising. No unpowered hub is going to work with something that draws as much power as an iPod.

 

Actually, that refers to the previous Apple Keyboard, which were only USB 1.1. So the previous Apple Keyboard did not have the power to support USB 2.0 devices.

But the new Keyboard was supposed to support USB 2.0. Now it does, if you plug it with the new iMacs, but no other Mac can "power" they Keyboard as well as its USB 2.0 port, for some reason.

 

It wouldn't have anything to do with USB 1.1 versus 2.0-it's an unpowered hub. You can't use those with high drain devices like an iPod.

 

Just as Xander stated: this was Apple's original product description of the Apple Keyboard: