Purported photos of new iMac keyboard stir debate

***AppleInsider*** · 07-27-2007, 07:44 AM

Photos of an ultra-thin Apple keyboard have surfaced on the web, stirring considerable debate, as they appear match AppleInsider's earlier description of a next-generation iMac keyboard.

The photos first appeared on this flickr account and have since been widely syndicated across the web. One photo reveals that the new keyboard, which appears to be a pre-production unit, carries the codename "M89."

Historically, Apple has used an "M" prefix to reference peripherals that are under development and a "Q" prefix for computer systems. For example, the company's original Mighty Mouse design was frequently referred to as "M18" prior to its release.

Earlier this month, AppleInsider exclusively reported that Apple's upcoming makeover to the iMac line would include new super-slim external keyboards.

Sources familiar with the matter had said the new peripheral would sport an aesthetic and feel similar to the low-profile keyboards used in Apple's 13-inch MacBook notebooks.

Apple is widely expected to take the wraps off its next-generation iMacs in the coming weeks. For more on what to expect from the new systems, please see AppleInsider's previous coverage:

1) Apple's next-generation iMacs to add a touch of grace
2) Poor bets placed on new iMacs at Apple's developer conference
3) Apple's iMac overhaul tracking for mid-to-late summer
4) Next-gen iMacs to bundle new Apple keyboard

Apple's Current MacBook Keyboard (for comparrison)

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

gloss · 07-27-2007, 07:47 AM

Hrm. I'm thinking 'prototype'.

Interesting, though. I don't doubt it'll be something like that.

PB · 07-27-2007, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DHagan4755

The radius around the corners is too round compared with the actual keys, which to me, suggests that they are fake.

Is not that about the same as the Mabook keys? It could be the real thing. Well, we wait and see if Apple jumps on them. And in the meantime, someone please save those pictures for later reference.

gloss · 07-27-2007, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PB

Is not that about the same as the Mabook keys? It could be the real thing. Well, we wait and see if Apple jumps on them. And in the meantime, someone please save those pictures for later reference.

Yeah, looking through the gallery, I'm almost positive that it's legitimate. It probably is, though, a prototype unit, given that the materials and designers are listed on the sticker and there's another that says 'Not cosmetic unit'.

waytogobuddy · 07-27-2007, 08:57 AM

It's Hot.

I wonder what F3 and F4 are about? expose/monitor shifting and sleep respectively?

EDIT: Wired via USB?? (And I think the F4 might be Timemachine)

The new iMac is going to look sexy...

crentist · 07-27-2007, 09:07 AM

I am thinking definitely legit! This thing has "Apple" written all over it both literally (see pictures of the back) but also in style and design. Apple's design always tries to combine esthetics with function - just look at the keyboard "stand" in the back that raises the keyboard to a level of comfort - it's not some piece of plastic like on the G3/G4/G5/Current iMac keyboards - the stand is the USB extension port (both sides, I am assuming).

Also, if you look really close at the close up shot of the keys themselves, it looks like there is a bit of depth to the lettering in the middle of the keys - which makes me think that these keys could, in fact, be backlit. The lettering looks as if light could shine throughlike the MBP, and not that they were just painted on like with the previous stand apple keyboard.

Lastly, I am less sure about this one, but I cannot tell if there if a band of light coming from the underside of the keyboard to illuminate the desktop a little or not. I can't tell from the pictures if it is glare, or focused light coming from the keyboard stand in the direction of the front of the keyboard on the underside.

Summary:
- Incorporated stand/USM ports
- Backlit keys
- "Ground Effects" (for lack of a better term).

All in all, this thing looks sweet. Thoughts?

Footloose301 · 07-27-2007, 09:10 AM

I'm feeling the keyboard

Mandricard · 07-27-2007, 09:14 AM

.... but... but... where is the

on the command key?

Hope Springs Eternal,

Mandricard
AppleOutsider

waytogobuddy · 07-27-2007, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crentist

- Backlit keys

Good catch! Especially in the arrow keys. I hope it's so.

Quote:

Originally Posted by crentist

- "Ground Effects" (for lack of a better term).

Hope not!

gloss · 07-27-2007, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crentist

- Backlit keys

Sorry, not seeing it. I zoomed way in and then compared it to my MacBook keyboard. Looks about the same. As much as I'd love backlit keys, I don't think they're in here.

Outsider · 07-27-2007, 09:42 AM

I like the general look of it.

I like the expose and dashboard dedicated keys.

Don't like the new position of the eject key. In the corner i always knew where it was. It may just take some time getting used to it.

Finally the order of the mute, volume down, volume up keys make sense!

Media keys are cool. Hope it works with Quicktime, iMovie, and iTunes.

Up to F19? I think those would better be used as dedicated Expose/Spaces/Dashboard keys.

PB · 07-27-2007, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gloss

Sorry, not seeing it. I zoomed way in and then compared it to my MacBook keyboard. Looks about the same. As much as I'd love backlit keys, I don't think they're in here.

You know, a backlit keyboard was for a long time a wet dream of many people here and elsewhere, but Apple seems to think otherwise. From the beginning Apple let people understand that even the 12" Powerbook (a Pro model) does not deserves it.

PB · 07-27-2007, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mandricard

.... but... but... where is the

on the command key?

Hope Springs Eternal,

Mandricard
AppleOutsider

It is called "command" now. Literally.

psychodoughboy · 07-27-2007, 10:22 AM

Here's hoping that the wireless version has a lithium-ion battery and is USB chargeable. If the PS3 controller can do that (with a huge battery life, no less) for a $60 cost then surely a keyboard can too.

Ireland · 07-27-2007, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PB

You know, a backlit keyboard was for a long time a wet dream of many people here and elsewhere, but Apple seems to think otherwise. From the beginning Apple let people understand that even the 12" Powerbook (a Pro model) does not deserves it.

You phrased this sentence in a very strange way.

PB · 07-27-2007, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ireland

You phrased this sentence in a very strange way.

What's wrong?

scottiB · 07-27-2007, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mandricard

.... but... but... where is the

on the command key?

Hope Springs Eternal,

Mandricard
AppleOutsider

I know. First they deep six the similing Mac start-up and now this. Very sad.

cygnusrk727 · 07-27-2007, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scottiB

I know. First they deep six the similing Mac start-up and now this. Very sad.

Or a clear sign of a fake?

**Marvin** · 07-27-2007, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mandricard

.... but... but... where is the

on the command key?

Windows users like Mac keyboard too - I'm guessing that's why they've used printed names on the pgup/down, home/end.

This keyboard looks absolutely amazing to me. The only thing that immediately puts me off is the fn-key. We're not laptop users so why force us to use a hotkey? Since I doubt most people use the f-keys as function keys anyway, my guess is they'll make it so that it controls volume etc by default and using the fn-key will mean activating e.g an f11 keypress.

But now Expose or Dashboard is on F3?? This will take some getting used to.

Also what is up with the two delete keys? One is backspace. Now people are going to think they do the same thing. The support lines will be 'but I am pressing the delete key', 'no, the other delete key'.

And moving the USB ports again. First they were on the side, then in the middle now on the side again. I actually got used to them being in the middle.

My biggest concern is weight really. I sit it on my lap so I like a feather-weight keyboard. The old Apple keyboard weighed a freakin' ton.

Also, this had better get onto the front page and in red letters. Not only is this confirmation of the existence of the device, there are pictures of it. You can't get better than that for a confirmed rumor and it also hints at us nearing iMac release because the keyboards go with the machine and they look ready to ship. The metallic look also increases the likelihood of metal iMacs.

Ireland · 07-27-2007, 10:56 AM

PB · 07-27-2007, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marvin

Also, this had better get onto the front page and in red letters. Not only is this confirmation of the existence of the device, there are pictures of it. You can't get better than that for a confirmed rumor and it also hints at us nearing iMac release because the keyboards go with the machine and they look ready to ship. The metallic look also increases the likelihood of metal iMacs.

Although it is particularly convincing, it could be fake after all as the pictures are still up.

PB · 07-27-2007, 10:59 AM

It may be real after all.

The original flickr copies of the pictures are not anymore available, while they were earlier today! How Engadget escaped?

Ireland · 07-27-2007, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PB

Although it is particularly convincing, it could be fake after all as the pictures are still up.

They only take down fake stuff, like those ridiculous iPod UI videos

I think this is real, and I think Apple is telling the secrets.

PB · 07-27-2007, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ireland

They only take down fake stuff, like those ridiculous iPod UI videos

You are joking of course. Apple could have a hard time if it does this.

Ireland · 07-27-2007, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PB

It may be real after all.

The original flickr copies of the pictures are not anymore available, while they were earlier today! How Engadget escaped?

If they weren't real, do you really think someone would go to this much trouble, by actually making the keyboard? I highly doubt it.

PB · 07-27-2007, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ireland

If they weren't real, do you really think someone would go to this much trouble, by actually making the keyboard? I highly doubt it.

You never know. But as I said I find the pictures very convincing.

polar315 · 07-27-2007, 11:05 AM

I have my "fist fulla dollars" and ready to buy it. Just waiting for it to hit the shelves.

Ireland · 07-27-2007, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PB

You are joking of course. Apple could have a hard time if it does this.

Of course I'm joking. The reason they aren't taking down these, is because they planted the seed.

Booga · 07-27-2007, 11:08 AM

It looks pretty sweet, but in the edge-on photo you can already see one of the keys at a slightly different angle than the others. That doesn't make me feel warm and fuzzy about this keyboard's long-term durability.

PB · 07-27-2007, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Booga

It looks pretty sweet, but in the edge-on photo you can already see one of the keys at a slightly different angle than the others. That doesn't make me feel warm and fuzzy about this keyboard's long-term durability.

This is a test unit if I am not mistaken.

digitalclips · 07-27-2007, 11:11 AM

My typing sucks whatever I use, I need a Wi-Fi connection into my brain so I can 'think type' ...

potterhead4 · 07-27-2007, 11:11 AM

Pretty considerable debate going on here...

More to the point, I'm not so sure how much I like the location change of the esc/volume keys. I like them where they are now, plus it's just more function keys that can't be used (without remap anyways) for expose and dashboard.

Mooch · 07-27-2007, 11:11 AM

very nice! I'm not sure how comfortable it would be to type on though. Who really likes laptop keyboards more than regular ones?

PB · 07-27-2007, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ireland

The reason they aren't taking down these, is because they planted the seed.

What do you mean?

mowenbrown · 07-27-2007, 11:25 AM

Is it, or are the pic's gone?

Edit: wow they took a while to load....

tundraboy · 07-27-2007, 11:25 AM

The current one isn't perfect by any means but I don't like the laptop type keys at all. By its very nature the laptop keyboard is a compromise between compactness and ergonomics, why adopt that design for uses that don't demand such a compromise? I think I hear the siren call of cost savings behind this design choice.

tundraboy · 07-27-2007, 11:26 AM

That is, if Apple makes that choice.

Mandricard · 07-27-2007, 11:27 AM

Whether or not it is called "command key," I think it makes no sense to remove ALL visible apple-branding from the top of the KB. I think this is not a production unit... if real at all.

though it does look super-cool!

Hope Springs Eternal,

Mandricard
AppleOutsider

No visible logo:

jpellino · 07-27-2007, 11:28 AM

like the giant iphones - 1m height? oh, wait...

(prolly don't want to use a scaled drafting ruler next time, guys. you must have really been in a rush to grab photos...)

crees! · 07-27-2007, 11:30 AM

So you take someone else's photos and watermark them with your logo? How professional.

07-27-2007, 07:44 AM	#1
*AppleInsider* Kasper's Automated Slave Join Date: Nov 1997 Posts: 6,162	Purported photos of new iMac keyboard stir debate Photos of an ultra-thin Apple keyboard have surfaced on the web, stirring considerable debate, as they appear match AppleInsider's earlier description of a next-generation iMac keyboard. The photos first appeared on this flickr account and have since been widely syndicated across the web. One photo reveals that the new keyboard, which appears to be a pre-production unit, carries the codename "M89." Historically, Apple has used an "M" prefix to reference peripherals that are under development and a "Q" prefix for computer systems. For example, the company's original Mighty Mouse design was frequently referred to as "M18" prior to its release. Earlier this month, AppleInsider exclusively reported that Apple's upcoming makeover to the iMac line would include new super-slim external keyboards. Sources familiar with the matter had said the new peripheral would sport an aesthetic and feel similar to the low-profile keyboards used in Apple's 13-inch MacBook notebooks. Apple is widely expected to take the wraps off its next-generation iMacs in the coming weeks. For more on what to expect from the new systems, please see AppleInsider's previous coverage: 1) Apple's next-generation iMacs to add a touch of grace 2) Poor bets placed on new iMacs at Apple's developer conference 3) Apple's iMac overhaul tracking for mid-to-late summer 4) Next-gen iMacs to bundle new Apple keyboard Apple's Current MacBook Keyboard (for comparrison) [ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

07-27-2007, 08:57 AM	#5
waytogobuddy Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 184	It's Hot. I wonder what F3 and F4 are about? expose/monitor shifting and sleep respectively? EDIT: Wired via USB?? (And I think the F4 might be Timemachine) The new iMac is going to look sexy... Good for wikiLeaks wikiLeaks for Good Last edited by waytogobuddy; 07-27-2007 at 09:19 AM..

07-27-2007, 09:07 AM	#6
crentist Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 202	I am thinking definitely legit! This thing has "Apple" written all over it both literally (see pictures of the back) but also in style and design. Apple's design always tries to combine esthetics with function - just look at the keyboard "stand" in the back that raises the keyboard to a level of comfort - it's not some piece of plastic like on the G3/G4/G5/Current iMac keyboards - the stand is the USB extension port (both sides, I am assuming). Also, if you look really close at the close up shot of the keys themselves, it looks like there is a bit of depth to the lettering in the middle of the keys - which makes me think that these keys could, in fact, be backlit. The lettering looks as if light could shine throughlike the MBP, and not that they were just painted on like with the previous stand apple keyboard. Lastly, I am less sure about this one, but I cannot tell if there if a band of light coming from the underside of the keyboard to illuminate the desktop a little or not. I can't tell from the pictures if it is glare, or focused light coming from the keyboard stand in the direction of the front of the keyboard on the underside. Summary: - Incorporated stand/USM ports - Backlit keys - "Ground Effects" (for lack of a better term). All in all, this thing looks sweet. Thoughts? Crentist?! That sounds an awful lot like dentist. Maybe thats why he wanted to be a dentist!

07-27-2007, 09:42 AM	#11
Outsider Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: North Carolina Posts: 5,766	I like the general look of it. I like the expose and dashboard dedicated keys. Don't like the new position of the eject key. In the corner i always knew where it was. It may just take some time getting used to it. Finally the order of the mute, volume down, volume up keys make sense! Media keys are cool. Hope it works with Quicktime, iMovie, and iTunes. Up to F19? I think those would better be used as dedicated Expose/Spaces/Dashboard keys. I'm no square but isn't that counter-indicated by my operations manual?

07-27-2007, 10:56 AM	#20
Ireland Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Ireland Posts: 8,561	Collecting my SSD iMac Fry-die. :D

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07-27-2007, 07:47 AM	#2
gloss Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 506	Hrm. I'm thinking 'prototype'. Interesting, though. I don't doubt it'll be something like that.

07-27-2007, 09:10 AM	#7
Footloose301 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Fort Myers, FL Posts: 372	I'm feeling the keyboard

07-27-2007, 09:14 AM	#8
Mandricard Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 467	.... but... but... where is the on the command key? Hope Springs Eternal, Mandricard AppleOutsider

07-27-2007, 10:22 AM	#14
psychodoughboy Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Philly, USA Posts: 117	Here's hoping that the wireless version has a lithium-ion battery and is USB chargeable. If the PS3 controller can do that (with a huge battery life, no less) for a $60 cost then surely a keyboard can too.

07-27-2007, 10:59 AM	#22
PB Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 3,792	It may be real after all. The original flickr copies of the pictures are not anymore available, while they were earlier today! How Engadget escaped?

07-27-2007, 11:05 AM	#27
polar315 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 47	What are they waiting for ? I have my "fist fulla dollars" and ready to buy it. Just waiting for it to hit the shelves.

07-27-2007, 11:08 AM	#29
Booga Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Tinton Falls, NJ Posts: 702	It looks pretty sweet, but in the edge-on photo you can already see one of the keys at a slightly different angle than the others. That doesn't make me feel warm and fuzzy about this keyboard's long-term durability.

07-27-2007, 11:11 AM	#31
digitalclips Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: South West Florida Posts: 1,588	My typing sucks whatever I use, I need a Wi-Fi connection into my brain so I can 'think type' ...

07-27-2007, 11:11 AM	#32
potterhead4 Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 58	Pretty considerable debate going on here... More to the point, I'm not so sure how much I like the location change of the esc/volume keys. I like them where they are now, plus it's just more function keys that can't be used (without remap anyways) for expose and dashboard. Last edited by potterhead4; 07-27-2007 at 11:18 AM..

07-27-2007, 11:11 AM	#33
Mooch Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Canada Posts: 75	very nice! I'm not sure how comfortable it would be to type on though. Who really likes laptop keyboards more than regular ones?

07-27-2007, 11:25 AM	#35
mowenbrown Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 152	Is it, or are the pic's gone? Edit: wow they took a while to load.... 15.4" 2.33 GHz MacBook Pro 16GB iPhone 80 Gig Black Ipod

07-27-2007, 11:25 AM	#36
tundraboy Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 240	Two thumbs down. The current one isn't perfect by any means but I don't like the laptop type keys at all. By its very nature the laptop keyboard is a compromise between compactness and ergonomics, why adopt that design for uses that don't demand such a compromise? I think I hear the siren call of cost savings behind this design choice.

07-27-2007, 11:26 AM	#37
tundraboy Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 240	That is, if Apple makes that choice.

07-27-2007, 11:27 AM	#38
Mandricard Registered User Join Date: Nov 2001 Posts: 467	Whether or not it is called "command key," I think it makes no sense to remove ALL visible apple-branding from the top of the KB. I think this is not a production unit... if real at all. though it does look super-cool! Hope Springs Eternal, Mandricard AppleOutsider No visible logo:

07-27-2007, 11:28 AM	#39
jpellino Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 259	must be a prop... like the giant iphones - 1m height? oh, wait... (prolly don't want to use a scaled drafting ruler next time, guys. you must have really been in a rush to grab photos...)

07-27-2007, 11:30 AM	#40
crees! Registered User Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 431	Original So you take someone else's photos and watermark them with your logo? How professional.

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