Apple's redesigned Magic Mouse 2 & Magic Keyboard gain integrated batteries, Lightning ports

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  • Reply 61 of 127

    I have grown accustomed to a track pad on my Imac, might upgrade to this, Does anyone know how much El Capitan would take advantage of force touch?

  • Reply 62 of 127
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by TechProd1gy View Post



    Most people do not know how or use the number pad people. I was born in 1975 and was taught to use the number keys on the keyboard effectively. So I can only assume that younger generations do not use a number pad. So why would Apple include that? Give me an example where this is even needed? Why would I take my hand off the keyboard and move over to the number pad? Makes no sense. I am waiting to hear of any modern application. Yes if you are a hard core data input specialist where you just type in just numbers all day OK...



    That is your opinion and not fact. About the only time I use the number keys above the letters is when combined with the Command key for performing keyboard shortcuts.

  • Reply 63 of 127
    For the Magic Mouse: the Thunderbolt connector is on the bottom of the unit. That bears repeating: the Thunderbolt connector is on the bottom of the $#*! unit!!! Which of course, means that if your unit goes kaput while you're working, you're SOL, buddy! This is not a better solution to simply swapping out spare rechargeable batteries.

    why on earth would you let it go a month before plugging in before, you know, being done for the day?

    also, two minutes gives you 9 hours. take a walk or something... you'll live.
  • Reply 64 of 127
    inkling wrote: »
    Keyboard: Yawn. The "stability" of keys has never been an issue with any keyboard I have owned. That's just marketing speak. I might evaluate the feel of this new keyboard, but $99 is simply too much when I can get the previous generation, which I like, from various sources for half that. Besides, what I need is a USB keyboard.

    Mouse: I hated the shape of the first generation of this mouse the instant I tried it at an Apple store. Pretty, but obviously uncomfortable. Since the shape hasn't changed there's no reason to change my mind. Give us something ergonomic not artistic.

    Trackpad: For some reason Apple Insider staff didn't discuss this one above, although it is listed the Apple Store. There are few details though, so I'll wait for the reviews. The real hitch is whether I want to push my mouse further to the side to get space for it. Probably not, and for $129, especially not.

    Batteries: Built-in batteries are a pain. I prefer replaceable ones. It's not that hard to carry two AA spares to handle a suddenly dead battery.

    Lightning cable: I'm disappointed Apple didn't make all three of these accessories, especially the keyboard, connect to iOS devices through a Lightning-to-Lightning cable, bypassing Bluetooth. I've been in WiFi-intense situations where Bluetooth became very flaky.

    General: I'd hope for a keyboard that'd mimic that of the latest Apple laptops, meaning with a built-in trackpad. I like to have a common UI for desktop and mobile. No such luck.

    oh, you hate everything theyre doing? again? damn.
  • Reply 65 of 127
    aaarrrgggh wrote: »
    How long have you had it? People seem to complain about batteries dying after 6-12 months.

    ive had it for years, no battery problems yet.
  • Reply 66 of 127
    It is kind of funny that those that responded to my comment regarding the number pad keep saying "that is your opinion" when they are responding with guess what "an opinion". I get all of your claims. I understand that anyone who inputs number data often this is a great invention and I agree. Most of us do not need it. I own a 600 employee business. Accounting needs this. The rest of us do not. There are 10 people in accounting which equates to 1.67% (did that quick on a num pad just for kicks). Although niche it is by no means needed by the masses. And I am willing to bet Apple understands this and focuses on the 98% like with everything else. Why else would Apple ignore this feature?
  • Reply 67 of 127
    Looking forward to the new keyboard. Not now. Having multiple systems with different Operating Systems the lightning port is a DOA.

    er what? Lightning cable is DOA? the one thats shipped on the best selling mobile phone in the world? the one that charges on any OS w/ a USB port?

    can you explain what youre talking about?
  • Reply 68 of 127
    zoetmbzoetmb Posts: 2,654member

    Personally, I'm still using a Targus Bluetooth mouse with five programmable buttons (left, right, scroll wheel is also a button, + two thumb buttons.   I have one of the thumb buttons programmed to be a browser back button.   I don't know how anyone works without that - I find it indispensable.   I don't use the scroll button.  

     

    However, sometimes this mouse reacts slowly.   It does seem fine since I installed El Capitan.  

     

    I've tried the Magic Mouse and I've never gotten used to the scroll - I find it hard to use.

     

    When I've gone into retail, I've been surprised by the dearth of Bluetooth mice.   The vast majority of everything they sell, even for the Mac, use those USB receivers.    

     

    I agree with the comments about a numeric keypad, although since I'm using a MacBook Pro, it's a bit of a moot point for me.   Didn't earlier Apple keyboards overlay the equivalent of a numeric keypad on the right hand keys and they worked with a num lock?   They should re-implement that.   But the designers at Apple don't think anyone uses spreadsheets anymore, so they see no use for it.   

     

    And yes, I wouldn't want a sealed device with a non-replaceable rechargeable battery.   If the battery or keyboard loses its charge, one is stuck not working until it's charged and if it dies, one is stuck investing in a new device.   How environmentally responsible is that?    I don't even think this is Apple's usual case of form over function because the mouse and keyboard both seem to look exactly the same as previous models.    I can see the competitive ads now showing a Mac user whose keyboard or mouse stops working because it needs to be charged.   

  • Reply 69 of 127
    polymniapolymnia Posts: 1,080member
    It is kind of funny that those that responded to my comment regarding the number pad keep saying "that is your opinion" when they are responding with guess what "an opinion". I get all of your claims. I understand that anyone who inputs number data often this is a great invention and I agree. Most of us do not need it. I own a 600 employee business. Accounting needs this. The rest of us do not. There are 10 people in accounting which equates to 1.67% (did that quick on a num pad just for kicks). Although niche it is by no means needed by the masses. And I am willing to bet Apple understands this and focuses on the 98% like with everything else. Why else would Apple ignore this feature?

    I prefer the extended keyboard myself, but I'm happy to buy the Logitech k750 until apple comes around. If apple comes around.

    I've had to supplement my apple gear with specialized 3rd party gear since the beginning. Not a hardship to continue this practice.
  • Reply 70 of 127
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by TechProd1gy View Post



    It is kind of funny that those that responded to my comment regarding the number pad keep saying "that is your opinion" when they are responding with guess what "an opinion". I get all of your claims. I understand that anyone who inputs number data often this is a great invention and I agree. Most of us do not need it. I own a 600 employee business. Accounting needs this. The rest of us do not. There are 10 people in accounting which equates to 1.67% (did that quick on a num pad just for kicks). Although niche it is by no means needed by the masses. And I am willing to bet Apple understands this and focuses on the 98% like with everything else. Why else would Apple ignore this feature?

    :)

  • Reply 71 of 127
    nolamacguy wrote: »
    er what? Lightning cable is DOA? the one thats shipped on the best selling mobile phone in the world? the one that charges on any OS w/ a USB port?

    can you explain what youre talking about?

    I'm referring to the industry as a whole. Instead of just straight USB-C to USB they now have to have an adaptor to goes from lightning-> USB which just adds $20+ to the price. Considering the price bump and a .50 cent USB port, not to mention the neutered keyboard layout even for the arrow keys, it just does nothing for me.

    10-Key, no 10-Key, Apple keyboards don't last nearly as long as they once did. Designed obsolescence is common. I cannot and never have stomached the touch pad. Too many years with a mouse. The Magic Mouse and every Apple mouse from the iMac forward have stunk it up. Their ergonomics designed to hit an average sweet spot, one-size-fits all and that coming from a company big on ergonomics is truly odd.

    On the plus size: The Wired Aluminum is $49. Too bad the first two I bought have dead keys after 18 months. I'm typing on an iMac BondiGray USB 1.1 Keyboard, still going strong, though far from perfect hooked up to a custom built workstation.

    I used it on the Mac laptop as well. A wireless keyboard with a compressed form factor for > $120 all to save a few square inches on the desktop does nothing for me.
  • Reply 72 of 127
    Originally Posted by portcity View Post

    $79 for a mouse, $99 for a keyboard, $99 for a stylus. The price of Apple's accessories is becoming ridiculous.

     

    $95 for a mouse.

     

    $149 for a keyboard.

     

    $80 for a stylus.

     

    Having said that, I refuse to buy anything but a full size keyboard and the new Magic Trackpad is too expensive as a standalone product.

  • Reply 73 of 127
    19831983 Posts: 1,225member

    A new optional numeric keypad would of been nice. One that would snap on magnetically to either side of the Magic Keyboard thus catering for southpaws as well as righties. Such a feature (magnetic connection) would of been nice on the new Magic Trackpad too. As for keyboard backlighting, I was half expecting that to appear on this upgrade, but it didn't. The lack of some form of Force Touch on the mouse is disappointing too. Stylistically though all these new accessories look great...

  • Reply 74 of 127
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by aaarrrgggh View Post





    How long have you had it? People seem to complain about batteries dying after 6-12 months.



    I am on a year, I bought TWO of them refurbished for $29 each.  No problems so far.  Looks like its time to sell me original Apple ones on eBay as they are going to go for more with Apple discontinuing them. 

  • Reply 75 of 127
    mac_128mac_128 Posts: 3,454member
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by mdriftmeyer View Post



    I'm referring to the industry as a whole. Instead of just straight USB-C to USB they now have to have an adaptor to goes from lightning-> USB which just adds $20+ to the price.

    But you don't see them adding USB-C ports on Samsung and Android devices either. They still use USB mini and micro ports. So you have to have a custom cable, or adapter to convert to those other formats from USB-C, or USB-A as well. All things considered, I'd rather have a Lightning adapter over one of the competing mini USB formats. 

  • Reply 76 of 127
    jfc1138jfc1138 Posts: 3,090member
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by zroger73 View Post

     

    I use Eneloop batteries in my current Apple keyboard and trackpad. They last well over a month. I always have a set in a charger so all it takes is less than minute to swap them out. I do not like the idea of having to plug in my keyboard, trackpad, and mouse to recharge them - that is a step back from the whole "wireless" concept, no? I wonder how many people will simply leave them plugged in all the time.




    Do you or anyone you know leave your iPhone plugged in all the time? I expect it's the same use strategy except the recharging cycle will, hopefully, be a lot longer for these things than for a phone. a couple of weeks would be nice.

  • Reply 77 of 127
    bill42bill42 Posts: 131member
    I'm with all you others about not caring about a junior keyboard without numeric keypad. Currently I use the original trackpad next to my extended keyboard. They go together great and I love the trackpad for general home computer use. (I use a Wacom for graphics) Will the new trackpad line up just right with the old extended keyboard?
  • Reply 78 of 127
    jungmarkjungmark Posts: 6,926member
    It is kind of funny that those that responded to my comment regarding the number pad keep saying "that is your opinion" when they are responding with guess what "an opinion". I get all of your claims. I understand that anyone who inputs number data often this is a great invention and I agree. Most of us do not need it. I own a 600 employee business. Accounting needs this. The rest of us do not. There are 10 people in accounting which equates to 1.67% (did that quick on a num pad just for kicks). Although niche it is by no means needed by the masses. And I am willing to bet Apple understands this and focuses on the 98% like with everything else. Why else would Apple ignore this feature?

    I understand why Apple left the number pad off but it's so convenient to have one. A lot of people use spreadsheets for home use. Companies uses Macs. The company I work for has a retail component. Items numbers are typed in. Same with order numbers and such. Apple even uses the number pad layout on iOS devices. So there is a need for it.
  • Reply 79 of 127
    pbpb Posts: 4,255member
    Having said that, I refuse to buy anything but a full size keyboard and the new Magic Trackpad is too expensive as a standalone product.
    Me too. Fortunately, Apple still offers as an option the wired full size keyboard when you order an iMac. I would never buy a keyboard like the new one. If the battery dies you must throw it away. At this price I say no. Sorry Apple. :\
  • Reply 80 of 127
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by NolaMacGuy View Post





    why on earth would you let it go a month before plugging in before, you know, being done for the day?



    also, two minutes gives you 9 hours. take a walk or something... you'll live.



    Why would you assume that there aren't a lot of people who let their devices run down nearly zero power before recharging? Why would you assume that a battery's capacity does not diminish over time? Why would you assume that batteries won't eventually fail, rendering an all-in-one device worthless?

     

    Maybe I'm forgetful about plugging in some of my already significant number of needy wireless devices for an overnight charge, maybe I prefer the flexibility of having a spare set of batteries on hand in case of emergency. But as batteries wear out, as is inevitable, a $10 set of four AA's is a much better deal to me than replacing an entire input device. Or for that matter, being stuck twiddling my thumbs because I forgot to charge the damn thing and Apple decided that putting the plug on the bottom was somehow a smart design choice.

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