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    Will an Apple USB external keyboard work with Windows?

    Discussion in 'Apple and Mac OS X' started by Mitlov, Oct 25, 2011.

  1. Mitlov

    Mitlov Shiny

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    As the title says. I really like nice chicklet keyboards, which both my MBP and Vaio F have. I'd like to get something similar for my work machine (a desktop). I run Win 7 on that work machine. Chicklet keyboards are pretty rare on the external keyboard market. Besides suspiciously-cheap (and thus likely poor-quality) models, I've only found the an Apple option and a Sony option.

    The Sony is bluetooth-only, I've read it's only compatible with Vaios (i.e., needs Vaio software installed, and my work machine is business-class Dell), and I've read it drops the signal intermittently.

    The Apple is available as a USB keyboard:

    Apple Keyboard with Numeric Keypad - English (USA) - Apple Store (U.S.)

    but the system requirement suggest it's not compatible with Windows:

    Does anyone here have one to check? I can't even "go to my local Apple store and ask" because that's a ten-hour round trip (no joke).
     
  2. GallardosEggrollshop

    GallardosEggrollshop Notebook Evangelist

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    Works fine with XP, Vista, and windows 7. It's plug and play no need to hunt down drivers. Obviously the only differences the command key is the windows key and the shortcut keys only function as F-keys.
     
  3. xfiregrunt

    xfiregrunt Notebook Evangelist

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    You could probably hunt down the bootcamp drivers for that if you wanted but aside from that it is perfectly compatible.
     
  4. Mitlov

    Mitlov Shiny

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    Thanks guys! Sounds great for me then.

    I don't care about the shortcut keys, as I'm using a desktop. If I want to adjust brightness, I adjust it on the screen. If I want louder volume, I turn the knob on my speakers. Etc.

    I did read something about the number pad not working in Windows. Is that just some user who can't figure out how to use it? I need to input numbers frequently, so the numpad is essential.