If the laptop keyboard is really uncomfortable for you, try an external keyboard - either USB or wireless. I had a bit of trouble getting used to a laptop, but once I'd made the transition, it really has not been an ongoing problem (& I, too, learned to type back in the stone age …).
new user hates Macbook keypad
Help. I touch type, learned on an old manual in the 1960s. My sister gave me a brand new Macbook and I still have 2 weeks or less to decide to keep or switch -- I do not like the flat keys, and my hands ache from stretching across the keyboard -- someone told me MacPro still has keys with slight concave to them -- should I upgrade, switch to a PC, or learn to love this $#@& keyboard?
It seems designed for hunt-an-peckers.
It seems designed for hunt-an-peckers.
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I had to use various laptops for 4 years. I hate all laptop keyboards, no exceptions. The suggestion of an external keyboard is a good one if extreme portability is not required. Personally I would pick USB over Bluetooth (no cable). I would also buy an inexpensive mouse as I find touch pads of any variety an irritant.It seems designed for hunt-an-peckers.
If a desktop unit would work, an iMac might be a better choice.
I don't like the chicklet keys on the MacBook either. This is actually the main reason I haven't bought one yet...not that I need it urgently.
To answer the OP question, the MacBook Pro keyboard is a bit better. On it the keys are slightly concave - but still not the same as a regular keyboard.
To answer the OP question, the MacBook Pro keyboard is a bit better. On it the keys are slightly concave - but still not the same as a regular keyboard.
I'm not fond of the MacBooks keyboard but I really love the MacBook Pro's so you might want to give it a try at a store and see if its more to your likeing....or go external.
Only thing that drives me nuts about the keyboard is the lack of a delete button... unless I haven't stumbled across a hotkey to mimic this....haven't looked either...
Fn+DeleteOnly thing that drives me nuts about the keyboard is the lack of a delete button... unless I haven't stumbled across a hotkey to mimic this....haven't looked either...
You can get used to it if you spend enough time with it. I actually find the new keyboard to be very comfortable to type on, and I have a MacBook Pro. I don't see how the curved keys saves you from stretching your hands across the keyboard compared to the flat ones. I think you'll have problems with all notebook keyboards because they are by their very nature flatter than a desktop keyboard to reduce their profile for a thinner notebook design. Most desktop keyboards have a slight curvature to the rows of keys so you don't have to stretch your fingers quite as far to reach the upper rows.Help. I touch type, learned on an old manual in the 1960s. My sister gave me a brand new Macbook and I still have 2 weeks or less to decide to keep or switch -- I do not like the flat keys, and my hands ache from stretching across the keyboard -- someone told me MacPro still has keys with slight concave to them -- should I upgrade, switch to a PC, or learn to love this $#@& keyboard?
It seems designed for hunt-an-peckers.
You may want to try tilting the back of the notebook up slightly to see if that helps, but not more than say 1/2". Much more than this and you may be increasing your risk of developing an RSI. Unless you have a specific health issue that is contributing to your hand aches (like arthritis), my guess is your hands will get used to it and the aching will go away. I suspect you are just working your hands differently than you're used to and your hands just need to get accustomed to it.
Likewise for those of you who dislike trackpads. If you force yourself to get used to it, you'll quickly become very efficient with them. I used to hate using trackpads, but one day I just stopped using my mouse to force myself to get used to it, and now I find myself using the trackpad instead of my mouse, simply because it's a shorter distance from the keyboard. I use two finger scrolling all the time, it's great. I've also gotten used to the two finger+click instead of control clicking to access context menus. Human beings are very adaptable to new things if we put the effort into it.
I would switch to a PC if I were you. They are very similar to typewriters from the 60's. If you hit two keys at the same time, they jam together.
:lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:I would switch to a PC if I were you. They are very similar to typewriters from the 60's. If you hit two keys at the same time, they jam together.
I'd get a MS Office Keyboard - you'll love it ( mine is polished smooth on the wrist rest). It's got just the "touch" you are looking for.
Big, ugly, comfortable, bulletproof and very very programmable.
I don't like the flat keys either.
The MBP is better tho than the MacBook.
Big, ugly, comfortable, bulletproof and very very programmable.
I don't like the flat keys either.
The MBP is better tho than the MacBook.
On a side note, the e,n and space band keys on my MBP are worn through to the black plastic beneath in just over one year. This never happened in two years with my 12" Powerbook. Did something change? Are they easily replaced? Does Applecare cover such things?
That's been an issue for a while, especially with the iBook.On a side note, the e,n and space band keys on my MBP are worn through to the black plastic beneath in just over one year. This never happened in two years with my 12" Powerbook. Did something change? Are they easily replaced? Does Applecare cover such things?
I do believe it is covered under Applecare (not sure), but it has to be a certain amount of keys before they'll be replaced. If there's obvious fading on some others as well, give a call to an AASP and see what the deal is.
I remember my iBook had no e, i, o, u, m, c, s and a keys.
It's the nature of a long winded typist I suppose Did that for four years. Still hate trackpads. Absolutely worthless when trying to select a portion of a photo in Elements....
Likewise for those of you who dislike trackpads. If you force yourself to get used to it, you'll quickly become very efficient with them. .
If you are going to make yourself fit the system go Windoze.
MBP keyboard better
Thanks for all the input -- I understand that MBPro keys are not as flat at the chicklets on the MacBook, so will try that out in a store, but it is also $1,000 more. -- I can't see buying an external keyboard for a portable computer -- I have a PC at home (desktop) and this would just be for travelling.
If the keys are wearing down in one year, that can't be quality.
Thanks for all the input -- I understand that MBPro keys are not as flat at the chicklets on the MacBook, so will try that out in a store, but it is also $1,000 more. -- I can't see buying an external keyboard for a portable computer -- I have a PC at home (desktop) and this would just be for travelling.
If the keys are wearing down in one year, that can't be quality.
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