Apple Wireless Keyboard Eating Batteries

Same problem lately, I've had the wireless keyboard since Sept07 without any issues. However lately the batteries seem to only last a few weeks. Note, I am on 10.5.8 with the old wireless might mouse.

FYI I just noticed Apple released a new wireless keyboard firmware update v2.0 on 11/09/09. My current keyboard firmware is v1.64. Nothing mentioned in the release notes, but hopefully it will help with the battery life.

<http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/apple/firmware_hardware/wirelesskeyboardu pdate20.html>

According to the notes, the firmware update was included with 10.6.2, which I'm running. Also it refers to the "2009" aluminum keyboard, and mine is older. Just to be sure tho, how did you verify the firmware on your keyboard? In my System Profiler I get the version reported as 320, which doesn't seem to tell me much!

You are correct, I missed that detail, it is for the 2009 keyboards. And sure enough the update did not update the firmware. In trying to debug my issue, I had the keyboard connected to a winxp lenovo x61s laptop. Under bluetooth keyboard properties it displays Firmware v1.64 from Apple, Inc. But like yours, under system profiler it reports 320.

I experience the same problems. Started off when i upgraded to the new Magic Mouse Drivers.
2x3 batteries in less than 4 weeks! Absolutely terrible, i will soon stop using the keyboard. 😟

It appears that something is keeping the keyboard from sleeping. In my non-scientific testing, I've been leaving the machine alone for a while, then tapping the Caps Lock key to see if it immediately changes state. When the keyboard has been sleeping, it takes at least two presses for the LED to come on. I'm finding that often the LED responds immediately, indicating it wasn't asleep after prolonged non-use.

Just to cover the bases, is anyone else who is experiencing this issue either or both of:
- iStat Server
- Parallels Desktop 5 (with Windows 7)

I updated both of these about the same time as I acquired the Magic Mouse, and want to make sure I'm chasing the right suspect(s)!

Also has anyone switched back to a mighty mouse to see if the issue goes away?

I am also going through batteries like there is no tomorrow after adding the Magic Mouse.

Add me to this list as well. 10.6.2 with a Mighty Mouse. New batteries last about 5 days.

ok, I'm having the same problem too. Strange, because after using brand new batterie, the battery level indicated 100% for like 10 days in a row (I was very impressed), but then it showed 9% all of a sudden. It is obvious something on the software side is wrong since this problem started only after updating to 10.6.2

I have the 1st gen wireless keyboard and I remember putting in new batteries a week before my birthday which is Nov 19th. I received a brand new Magic Mouse as a birthday present and I had it set up right away. After installing the Magic Mouse software, everything seems to be working just fine, although I notice that my computer / screen would not go to sleep, but screensaver works though. So I restart my iMac and sleeping works again.

On Nov 27th, my iMac warns me that the keyboard battery is running low. On Nov 28th, I have to replace those batteries I put in 9 days ago because I couldn't type in my password when I try to wake my iMac from sleep. As I am typing this message, the battery level of my wireless keyboard is at 81% and today is Nov 29th. 19% in one day! Something is wrong Apple!

One more thing, with the new Magic Mouse software installed, the keyboard & mouse preference is now 2 separate preferences in System Preference. When I go into the new keyboard preference and click on the 'Set Up Bluetooth Keyboard...' on the lower right corner, it starts searching for my Bluetooth keyboard but could never find it even though I had the keyboard paired already in the Bluetooth preference pane. Strange!

Last but not least, I did download & install the keyboard firmware 2.0 firmware. I don't know if it has anything do with the battery issue, I couldn't even find a way to identify if my keyboard firmware is updated to 2.0. If anyone knows how, do tell pls.

Anybody knows how to formally submit a hardware malfunction report? I looked for it in the support site but couldn't find it (there is a link for developers only). We should all make sure we report this directly.

7 Days and another set of batteries into the keyboard. 4th set in as many weeks. I'm p i s s e d.

Message was edited by: Lumpdoggy

I also have experienced shortened battery life on my original bluetooth (3-battery) Aluminum Keyboard since installing the Magic Mouse under 10.6.2.

The system profiler says firmware version 320 for the bluetooth keyboard.

Ok, I just had to replace my keyboard batteries again. I just switched off my Magic Mouse and started using my old Logitech wireless (not bluetooth) mouse. Let's see how long my keyboard batteries last without the magic mouse connected.

having the same issue. vintage 2008 small aluminum BT keyboard started eating batteries. also seems to correlate with new Magic Mouse & associated drivers. fresh "premium" batteries only lasting 7-10 days. not having a problem with the Magic Mouse or its batteries (original shipped batteries still @ 67% after 30+ days), just the keyboard is a problem. wondering whether the new driver is keeping the keyboard from "sleeping", i.e. full power all the time and thus consuming a lot more power even when not in use.

My keyboard has just eaten another 3 batteries in 2 weeks 😟

Message was edited by: bucko1