New Apple Keyboards and G5

Question

Level 1

14 points

New Apple Keyboards and G5

I have just purchased one of the new auminium keyboards. The special features ie for Dashboard expose - sound etc. Apple support told me these new features only supported on the new iMacs. This is not stated in apple's marketing material for these keyboards. Is this the case or is it it bug or fix needed. Still a nice keyboard though

G5 2.3, Mac OS X (10.4.10), UK

Posted on Aug 22, 2007 6:21 AM

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Answer 1

japamac

Level 7

24,400 points

Aug 22, 2007 7:10 AM in response to drawbridge35

Hi-

The USB 2.0 function is said to be iMac only, otherwise, no special mention of limitations.
Did you install the keyboard software update:

http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/keyboardsoftwareupdate11.html

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Answer 2

drawbridge35 Author

Level 1

14 points

Aug 22, 2007 7:29 AM in response to drawbridge35

Yes I did install the software update. trawling the web this is a problem being identified

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Answer 3

Aug 23, 2007 6:08 AM in response to drawbridge35

Apple support told me these new features only supported on the new iMacs.

What a load of tosh! Strange that you're having problems though - the 'special' buttons are all working fine for me with the 1.1 update..

My problem is that the G5 doesn't always see the new keyboard (or mouse) at startup, & it takes unplugging/re-connecting the usb 2 or 3 times (whilst the G5's powered up & waiting at the login-screen) before the devices are finally recognised by the Mac.

What about you guys on this point?

Thanks,

Jason

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Answer 4

drawbridge35 Author

Level 1

14 points

Aug 23, 2007 6:45 AM in response to Jason Creasey

I finally found a solution at the Max Fixit Page - involved extracting a file from Tiger Install Disk Dock.app - reinstalling the 10.4.10 Combo and the Keyboard software update. Buttons for dashboard etc as layed out on the keyboard now work. But I've now discovered that the USB ports on the keyboard will only power my mighty mouse, but no other device like my USB2 Memory stick. Again this facility only available on the Macs. Apple are really short changing their customers who just buy a new Aluminum keyboard. Maybe a fix will be forthcoming?

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Answer 5

japamac

Level 7

24,400 points

Aug 23, 2007 7:43 AM in response to drawbridge35

On the Japanese Apple site, it is said that the USB ports only run at 2.0 with the iMacs. All other macs will have to settle for USB 1.1. A couple of purchasers, who rated the keyboard, also complained, that, although Apple says ( in their PR) that the keyboard ports can be used for memory sticks, iPods, etc., the ports won't function, or result in a "low USB power" error.

Lets hope there will be more function, along with the form....

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Answer 6

Aug 27, 2007 11:06 AM in response to drawbridge35

I ran through the steps on the MacFixIt page and everything now seems to be working fine. I have a Griffin PowerMate connected which also seems to be behaving as before.

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Answer 7

Phil Huse

Level 3

564 points

Aug 27, 2007 1:54 PM in response to drawbridge35

I bought the keyboard for my G5 this weekend... I installed the latest keyboard update (there is a second update now) and the keyboard is working great.

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Answer 8

drawbridge35 Author

Level 1

14 points

Aug 28, 2007 1:35 AM in response to Phil Huse

I followed the fix mentioned at Mac Fixit and also used Disk Warrior and keyboard works fine other than attaching USB devices other than my "mighty mouse". Where is this new keyboard update, I can only see 1.1 on the Apple Downloads page, which I used?

Many thanks

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Answer 9

Phil Huse

Level 3

564 points

Aug 28, 2007 7:49 AM in response to drawbridge35

Well now...

I wish I could tell you what I thought I saw to suggest that the update I installed was a second update. That information was incorrect. I did in fact install the 1.1 update.

As for USB, it appears the tech people got in touch with the marketing people because the disclaimer "*Devices that draw high power from the USB connection, such as iPods, hard drives and some flash drives, can only be used with the new keyboard when it is attached to the aluminum iMac." now appears at the bottom of the keyboard page.

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Answer 10

Edward

Level 1

38 points

Aug 30, 2007 9:35 AM in response to Phil Huse

I've just bought the new apple keyboard and it's great. But, like many of you, the f3 and f4 expose and dashboard keys do not work. I've read this thread and it appears there is a way to get them working from macfixit... but this method seems to be blocked from me unless I pay to subscribe... can you let me in on the secret?
Thank you!
Edward

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Answer 11

Edward

Level 1

38 points

Aug 30, 2007 9:36 AM in response to Edward

I'm on 10.4.10 not 10.4.2 by the way... 🙂
Edward

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Answer 12

drawbridge35 Author

Level 1

14 points

Aug 30, 2007 11:26 AM in response to Edward

- go to
http://joemullins.com/archive/2007/08/21/fix-for-apple-aluminum-keyboard-dashboa rd-and-expose-keys-not-working.php

I have to say that I couldn't get Pacifist to find Dock.app in the Combo Update or keyboard - so reinstalled both and then ran Disk Warrior to repair and create an optimum directory. Then Keyboard worked fine. Follow the above fix first. Good lucj

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Answer 13

Edward

Level 1

38 points

Aug 31, 2007 1:54 AM in response to drawbridge35

Thanks for the reply. The fix worked a treat. Initially it sounded a fairly daunting task but I downloaded Pacifist from Version Tracker and it was all pretty straightforward from then on... I'm not sure why you couldn't get Pacifist to find the Dock.app because it was right there for me... anyway, thanks for the post!
Edward

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Answer 14

Sep 11, 2007 5:49 PM in response to Edward

Today Apple released a software upgrade that includes a fix to use the new keyboard on a PowerPC G5. Perform a software update and it will install.........

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Answer 15

Sep 12, 2007 1:50 PM in response to drawbridge35

Can you provide a link or the instructions for getting the Expose and Dashboard keys to work? Your quick summary is not quite clear enough for me to begin the process

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