My Idea For A Laptop Add-On

graeme d warren

After some-one brought up the idea of a new Duo earlier, it occurred to me that the one thing which loads of laptop users buy is a full sized keyboard for use at home.



How about if Apple made an external keyboard? Sony do one which plugs in where the CD drive goes (I think), but a USB one would be better. What do you think? I have very quickly chucked one together to show you how. I know it is poor quality, but hey, it only took me two minutes!

paul

they already make an external keyboard... it is called the Apple USB Pro Keyboard... in fact, you have a picture of part of it right there <img src="graemlins/oyvey.gif" border="0" alt="[No]" />



Laptop users would rather (imho) have a fullsize keyboard then just part of one... I think it just makes more sence...



and even if they didnt, the need would be so small it wouldnt make sence for apple to make a solution.... <img src="graemlins/bugeye.gif" border="0" alt="[Skeptical]" />

othello

or you could buy a 'proper' full size keyboard and plug it into one of the USB ports...



<img src="graemlins/bugeye.gif" border="0" alt="[Skeptical]" />

othello

[quote]Originally posted by othello:

<strong>or you could buy a 'proper' full size keyboard and plug it into one of the USB ports...



<img src="graemlins/bugeye.gif" border="0" alt="[Skeptical]" /> </strong><hr></blockquote>



damn you beat me to it!



[ 05-28-2002: Message edited by: othello ]</p>

paul

[quote]Originally posted by othello:

<strong>



damn you beat me to it!



[ 05-28-2002: Message edited by: othello ]</strong><hr></blockquote>



wow, beating yourself is pretty tough...

graeme d warren

My idea is that a full sized Apple Pro keyboard costs about $100 or whatever, but this would cost about $50 and is much smaller. It would of course be restyled to actually match an iBook or PowerBook of course.



Maybe I shouldn't start marketing this then after your comments <img src="graemlins/embarrassed.gif" border="0" alt="[Embarrassed]" />

davegee

[quote]Originally posted by Graeme D Warren:

<strong>My idea is that a full sized Apple Pro keyboard costs about $100 or whatever, but this would cost about $50 and is much smaller. It would of course be restyled to actually match an iBook or PowerBook of course.



Maybe I shouldn't start marketing this then after your comments <img src="graemlins/embarrassed.gif" border="0" alt="[Embarrassed]" /> </strong><hr></blockquote>



From the Apple store



Apple Pro Keyboard (Black keys)

$59.00

The Apple Pro Keyboard (black keys) is the perfect complement to your Power Mac desktop or PowerBook. Click the Learn More for important information.

cdhostage

I'd say...



buy an Apple Pro keyboard. hey it works for us iMac peons.

naepstn

I have an external USB number pad for my iBook. It's made by Adesso. It lacks the media eject key, volume adjust, etc. but since these already exist on the iBook keyboard, it doesn't matter. The only thing that would be nice on it would be the Page_Up/Down, Home and End keys, which you need to hold down the Function key to make use of on the iBook. It doens't quite match the iBook, since it has semi-transparent clear keys and graphite housing, but it works.



For the work I do, I really need a number pad, so this is perfect. Not sure the market is big enough for Apple to make one though. It cost about $50 Canadian (~US$30-35).

luca

Macally makes a keypad also. If I got a new laptop (which I may do, otherwise I'd get a new iMac) I would probably get one. It's not necessary for what I do but I use the calculator often and I just can't use the "embedded" keypad in my Wallstreet PB.

gizwald

[quote]Originally posted by Paul:

<strong>



wow, beating yourself is pretty tough... </strong><hr></blockquote>



Not really, I do it all the time.

agent302

<a href="http://www.kensington.com/products/pro_mob_d1470.html"; target="_blank">Kensington Pocket Keypad</a>

graeme d warren

Ii still need proper arrow keys though!