a MAC keyboard vs PC keyboard

Question

a MAC keyboard vs PC keyboard

I"m looking at buying a new keyboard but I am worried about the keys being different. It says it's for both mac and pc but it has the window key instead of the option key. A few other differences as well. Will I be able to not have certain functions?

iMac 24' (black), Mac OS X (10.5.7), 2.4 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo/ 3 GM 667 Mhz

Posted on Jul 11, 2009 1:10 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Scott Radloff

Level 6

14,496 points

Jul 11, 2009 1:25 PM in response to Community User

Sally,

Keep in mind that what's printed on the key is just that.... something printed on the key. Generally speaking, the keys should map properly; the "Windows" key will operate as an Option key. YMMV, however, depending on the keyboard. Personally, I wouldn't want to use a generic (read: Windows) keyboard, but would go for an Apple keyboard designed to work seamlessly with the Mac.

Scott

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Answer 2

Jul 11, 2009 1:33 PM in response to Scott Radloff

Yeah I agree. Thanks for the advice. 🙂

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Answer 3

Jul 11, 2009 5:32 PM in response to Community User

I use nothing but PC keyboards with my Mac. You can buy a back light keyboard at Fry's for 20 bucks that works on the Mac.

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Answer 4

Jul 11, 2009 5:53 PM in response to Donald Palmer

What do you do about an option key? I know it has a different key on the PC keyboards. I'm just worried about my work habits. I am HUGE on key commands while I work. I'm afraid I'll be lost if I don't have the right keys. I'll go check out frys tomorrow!! 🙂

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Answer 5

Jul 11, 2009 6:16 PM in response to Community User

I use the Alt key for this purpose.

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Answer 6

Jul 11, 2009 7:02 PM in response to Donald Palmer

so the Alt key works the same as the option key?

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Answer 7

Tom Gewecke

Level 10

116,036 points

Jul 12, 2009 3:59 AM in response to Community User

so the Alt key works the same as the option key?

Yes. Mac keyboards often have both alt and option printed on the key.

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Answer 8

Jul 12, 2009 6:13 AM in response to Tom Gewecke

I'm sorry, you must think I'm crazy. I didn't mean the alt key. I mean the windows key. Does that act the same as the apple key?

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Answer 9

Tom Gewecke

Level 10

116,036 points

Jul 12, 2009 8:06 AM in response to Community User

I mean the windows key. Does that act the same as the apple key?

My understanding is that OS X should normally interpret the Windows key as the Apple/Command key on a Mac keyboard.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windowskey#Usage_with_other_operatingsystems

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Answer 10

Jul 12, 2009 8:19 AM in response to Tom Gewecke

Awesome! Thanks for the help.

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