New Apple BT Keyboard
 

Has anyone more info about Apples's new BT keyboard: http://www.apple.com/keyboard/ ? HID? Probably a companion for the iPhone, but also for N800/N770... Looks impressive, doesn't it?

Re: New Apple BT Keyboard
 

System Requirements

Mac computer with Bluetooth wireless technology
Mac OS X v10.4.10 or later
Keyboard software update
Existing keyboard and mouse for initial setup
Three AA batteries (included)

It requires Mac OSX, keyboard software, and you have to have a keyboard and mouse to get it set up in the first place? That pretty much screams "Doesnt use HID" to me. Otherwise it would 'Just Work', and work with any computer with bluetooth as well as innumerable smart phones...

Re: New Apple BT Keyboard
 

well, the existing Apple BT Keyboard is HID compliant, so I don't see why the new one wouldn't be. I have one on order - I'll let you know in 3-5 weeks time.

Re: New Apple BT Keyboard
 

A HID BT keyboard is a HID BT keyboard is a HID BT keyboard.
Of course Apple is going to post info like that on their website. Duh.
They want to sell more HARDWARE (read: Apple PCs).
I say it will work well with the N800. Look at the FCC filing they have for this keyboard and then compare it to the FCC filing they had for their previous keyboard.
THe only thing that's changed is the physical look and layout of the keyboard itself. Very little - if anything - has changed in the underlying technology inside the keyboard itself.

Re: New Apple BT Keyboard
 

Lol, looks like you guys got me on that one. Well. Boo on Apple for making it sound like it isn't HID complaint then. I guess I just assumed that since it looked like it wasn't HID, and it was Apple, that it really wasn't HID. For some reason Apple making a bluetooth keyboard that only works with macs just makes a ton of sense to me, I dunno. Sorry bout the misinformation then guys.

Re: New Apple BT Keyboard
 

That sounds like someone who isn't a mac user. They do have a habit of using more advanced standards that aren't particularly popular yet (EFI anyone?) but they are just fine with using the existing standards when they are perfectly fine. Bios and serial ports were flawed, so now we have EFI and USB. Apple just did it early.

Re: New Apple BT Keyboard
 

It wasnt so much a shot at their standards as much as it was a shot at how apple likes to keep in all in the family so to speak. Keep it nice and simple and closed and clean. It makes sense though, I mean if you can make a more stable or better performing perhipheral by sacrificing compatability, and have the sort of user base where doing a closed move like that would actually matter, why not? Apple does not care about conforming to standards or being compatable, thats what I'm talking about. And no I don't use macs if I can help it, but I'm not really being negetive as much as I'm calling it like it is I think.

Re: New Apple BT Keyboard
 

So I hope it will be a HID. Looks pretty nice and if the size is what I guess (the three AA batteries seem to fit into the tube at the top, so we have a clue) then I would prefer this one against Stowaway's slim BT KB. Also the price is very good.

Re: New Apple BT Keyboard
 

The new keyboard from the docs I've read is HID, but some of the add-on controls (itunes control, etc) are non-standard mapping, more or less just like the existing keyboard's eject key

Apple's "needs a mac" arguement is based on the fact that if you want the keyboards to implement all the features listed, you'll need their supplied software installed. This is really no different than "internet keyboards" on the pc side of things.

I currently use the last-gen apple BT with my n800 as well as with my PS2, and XBox360 using BT HID usb dongles.

Re: New Apple BT Keyboard
 

So there is hope :-) The Apple online shop says "estimated ship: 3-4 weeks". I'll try it (in an local shop) with my n800 and report here.

Re: New Apple BT Keyboard
 

just walk into a local apple store and ask to try one out.

Re: New Apple BT Keyboard
 

I just tried today with a new Apple Wireless Keyboard (the skinny aluminum one) and it paired fine and worked on my N800. No software needed. Just paired it (you have to type the passcode into the keyboard, just like pairing it with a Mac) and then just set the hardware keyboard option to standard 105 key.

Re: New Apple BT Keyboard
 

Any photos of it alongside the N800? Would be cool to get an idea of the size?

(I love my new Apple Keyboard (wired) with my Linux box)

Re: New Apple BT Keyboard
 

looks great but how portable is it ?
do we know anything about dimensions ?

If it is sold in a reasonable price in my country i will consider buying it.

Re: New Apple BT Keyboard
 

I've already touched (and measured) the cable version, and if both pictures at http://www.apple.com/keyboard/ are taken from the same perspective then the size of the bluetooth version is approx. 233mm x 108mm. In Germany, a localized version will be available in a few days already (for 79 Euros) and it works out of the box with the n800. I'll buy one as soon as possible.

Re: New Apple BT Keyboard
 

79 euros, good price !!!
I hope it comes to Greece with same price.


The dimensions you say are perfect, it must be really tiny.

Re: New Apple BT Keyboard
 

If you know anyone with a MacBook, it's the same size as the keyboard.

Re: New Apple BT Keyboard
 

Here are some pics of my N800 and the Apple BT keyboard. Sorry they are not the greatest...

Re: New Apple BT Keyboard
 

Nice! Our Apple store doesn't have any of the new keyboards yet. :(

Re: New Apple BT Keyboard
 

Looks like a very nice keyboard. However, it seems a tad large to throw into a backpack or my sling bag to take along when I leave home. The folding ones will likely serve my needs better, but I'll check it out at the Apole Store tomorrow. Thanks for the info!

Re: New Apple BT Keyboard
 

Could you provide us with the dimensions please? I am a little bit impatient ...

Re: New Apple BT Keyboard
 

Dimensions are 282mm by 130mm according to http://mactalk.com.au/forums/showthr...571#post369571. So they used different perspectives for the photographs, hm.

Re: New Apple BT Keyboard
 

Just a post to say that I bought the Apple BT keyboard and paired it with my N800 on the second try. It took two tries only because I'm not as smart as the keyboard. If I'd simply turned it on and paired it with the passcode by typing it on the keyboard and hitting enter, I'd have saved myself a minute or two. All in all VERY slick and just the right size for typing in bed @ nite!;)

PS I tried out the ipodtouchy @ the apple store and, well, the interface is quite slick and the video resolution is very good, but still wasn't enough to entice me. I am, after all, one of the three people left in the us who does not own an iplod, but I bet one of the other two will succumb to this nifty toy.

Re: New Apple BT Keyboard
 

I picked up my Apple BT keyboard today and it works just great.

Woot.

Re: New Apple BT Keyboard
 

I got mine today - it is really fancy and works out of the box without any trouble! Dimensions 282mm by 130mm acknowledged, very thin, lightweight and easy to travel around. I am very pleased . In contrast to the iGo Ultra Slim Keyboard, the german layout works as it should do.

Re: New Apple BT Keyboard
 

Will this work with the 770?

Re: New Apple BT Keyboard
 

I am so happy with my set up that I decided to post a pic!

http://picasaweb.google.com/phillip....90517857030242

It is easy to see why I have no interest in the slider keypad (or d-pad). The Apple BT is small but not too small, and because it is one piece and has a metal frame, it is solid and quite pleasant to type on. It's like typing on a laptop keyboard but, 1) it rests at the right angle, and 2) I can adjust the angle and position of my ny N800 for a perfect ergonomic 'fit'!

Now if I can just keep from exploding while I wait for the new OS 08:)

Re: New Apple BT Keyboard
 

How does one get page-up and page-down to work on an N800 and apple wireless keyboard? The fn-arrow keys don't seem to work.

Re: New Apple BT Keyboard
 

I have a 770 - should this work with that? I have the bluetooth plugin installed ok.

thanks, love this site!

Re: New Apple BT Keyboard
 

Hi, what's a BT HID USB dongle..? I have a Wii and it now supports USB keyboards, but a cable is so 1995... :)

Re: New Apple BT Keyboard
 

I bought this keyboard today and I'm writing this post using it with my 770. It works fine, except that letters Y and Z seem to be mixed up. "Stowaway Italian" is the only layout in bluetooth plugin which is QWERTY. All the others seem to be QWERTZ. And the French and Spanish layouts produce Z from both Y and Z keys :)

EDIT: The keys are now working correctly now after pairing the keyboard and 770 again.

Works well from the Hacker Edition firmware for the N770
 

I didn't have to install a bluetooth plugin or any additional software, to pair with the Nokia 770

1) Turn on the Apple Bluetooth Keyboard
2) Go to the "Tools" menu in the Nokia Application menu, go to "Control Panel"
3) Select the "Bluetooth" control panel under the Connectivity section
4) Select the "Devices" button
5) Select the "New" botton then turn on your keyboard (may have to turn it off first then re-power it on), the green light will be flashing.
6) Let the Nokia find the keyboard, it will shortly show the MAC address of the keyboard (or even the name if it has had a name set)
7) Select the MAC address or name of your keyboard and hit "OK"
8) A window will come up with a Passcode displayed, make sure the "set as trusted device" option is checked. Hit "OK"
9) Then push the number buttons corresponding to the Passcode followed by the <Return> button on the keyboard.
10) Accept the connection to the bluetooth keyboard

You now have a working keyboard, all the arrow keys and the ESC, CTRL keys work. The function keys/special keys across the top row map to the following:

The Bluetooth keyboard worked simultaneously with my RAZR providing GPRS internet access over a Bluetooth connection. Cool. Wonder if a GPS receiver will work at the same time. Not sure how many simultaneous Bluetooth the 770 can sustain.

No problems at all with the Bluetooth keyboard working simultaneously with a WiFi connection.

ESC = Back/Return button (also Back in the Web Browser)
F1 = nothing
F2 = nothing
F3 = Applications Launcher/Menu
F4 = Menu
F5 = nothing
F6 = Full Screen/Windowed toggle
F7 = Zoom +
F8 = Zoom -
F9 = Home Key (not working well in some applications like Opera, but you can pull it up in Notes and Terminal and use it to switch applications or go to the Home screen)
F10 = nothing
F11 = nothing
F12 = Power Button
EJECT = Power Button (same as F12)
Right side Option key is mapped to the Return Key, handy when you're navigating using the arrow keys.

In some applications (Notes, Terminal):
The Right side Command key brings up the Edit menu items (cut, copy, paste, etc.)

In Terminal, the ` key works, but the ~ (shift+`) results in a * character instead of the ~ Tilde. Hit F10 or F11 for the ~ Tilde key.

The keyboard works and types great. The keyboard doesn't fold but it feels much better to type on than most of the folding keyboards that I've tried. It really isn't all that big and should pack away in my backpack quite easily, just going to have to find some sort of sleeve that it'll fit in for some protection. My eyes aren't that good and I have to sit quite close to the N770 to read the text on the screen, but if I sit at a coffee table, prop up the Nokia close to my face and type on the keyboard on my lap it seems to work fine. Probably I can figure out how to do this in bed with a couple of pillows. I can really see using this with the N770 when I'm on the road going fairly light (no laptop) but wanting the ability to type long e-mails and text. Can't wait to try it out on my next road trip.

Dave

Re: New Apple BT Keyboard
 

PageUp, PageDown, Pos1, End - these actions have to be mapped to some keys. I'll try this (for the german layout) as soon as I have some time. Help very much appreciated...

Re: New Apple BT Keyboard
 

Anyone else's Caps-Lock key LED never shining? Besides, the power LED only lights up for a few seconds, then it goes off again. The manual suggests that it stays on.

I'm also missing page up/down, pos1/end and delete keys; I'm used to laptop keyboards where the Fn key is used to access those functions as well as a numpad-layout. Doesn't seem to work like that with Apple keyboard / N800 combo.

Re: New Apple BT Keyboard
 

Update: Caps-Lock LED works when paired with a Windows XP laptop, so it's not a hardware problem.

Re: New Apple BT Keyboard
 

I noticed this as well with my keyboard. I thought that it was perhaps for energy conservation or that the whole was for something else than a led (I did not see any light from it since I got it).

Robert B.

Re: New Apple BT Keyboard
 

PageUp/Down worked for me using the Apple/Cmd-Buttons left and right of the spacebar - very neat (but only when using the default configuration of the hardware keyboard (Nokia SU-8W)...)

I must say that this keyboard is an EXCELLENT addition to the N800.

Re: Works well from the Hacker Edition firmware for the 770
 

Yes, bluetooth keyboards are supported by OS2007 (also HE). The bluetooth plugin is needed with OS2006.


BTW, has anyone found a way to map a key to open the main menu in OS2006? F3 does this in OS2007.

Re: New Apple BT Keyboard
 

- just got back from the Apple store in Tampa (after braving the insane Floridian drivers doing 100mph+ across the Howard Frankland bridge)...

- the Apple wireless keyboard opens up a whole new dimension of use for the N800... after pairing and setup to 105US via the control panel, i find i can do nearly everything through the keyboard (zooming Web views is especially handy!)...

- and for everything else, there's xmodmap!

:-)

p.s. this keyboard is also an industrial work of art, IMHO... who knew that chiclet-keyboards would come so far in almost 30 years?

Re: New Apple BT Keyboard
 

Would you mind posting all the remaps you've done?