Form over function.

Question

Level 1

0 points

Form over function.

does anyone have any solution to this problem?

- Apple provide a number of key shortcuts to access bootup
modes. Today I hit a snag where my new imac gets stuck while
booting up. The apple logo appears and the spinning wheel just
spins forever. For some reason my apple bluetooth keyboard won't
connect (tried new batteries)... so upon restarting I can't access
any of those shortcuts anyway!! It's an absolutely ridiculous design
flaw. The only other keyboard I have is a PS2 one that won't work
with a ps2 to usb adapter (because you need to be in osx to set up the keyboard).

How can it be that I need to buy another usb keyboard to access such
a basic feature? This is just another installment of apple choosing
form over function for me and it's absolutely ridiculous when you
pay such a substantial amount for a complete computer system.

Does anyone have a solution to this other than driving 45 minutes to
the closest town to fork out for a usb keyboard?

imac 21.5" 3.06ghz, Mac OS X (10.6.2), 10.6.2

Posted on Apr 24, 2010 9:00 PM

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Answer 1

Dah•veed

Level 9

67,183 points

Apr 25, 2010 8:42 AM in response to Ziggy!!

Are you a software engineer and knowledgeable that a BT keyboard could be engaged at an earlier stage in the boot process? If so then perhaps the iMac is not the computer for you, a poor match.

Instead of driving in for a wired kb you could trade the whole thing in on a PC kit that is a better match for you.

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Answer 2

roam

Level 6

13,637 points

Apr 25, 2010 5:33 PM in response to Ziggy!!

Hi Ziggy

I agree that this is a design defect, and it has been pointed out before almost three years ago. Different task, same problem.

http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=4253696

As Miriam suggested, 'Buy, beg or borrow a wired keyboard.'

So if one needs a wired keyboard for such an event as this, if taken as true, then one might as well plug it in and use it.
I have always thought wireless keyboards as being gimmicky, after all you can't be using it in another room. 🙂 Sell it and get a wired keyboard Ziggy!! and I hope your Disk repair works out too.

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Answer 3

babowa

Level 9

78,676 points

Apr 25, 2010 6:26 PM in response to Ziggy!!

FWIW, I've used the same third party wired keyboard with my last three iMacs because I've never cared for the feel or the way the keys respond; the Apple keyboards have always stayed wrapped and then sold along with the Mac. And, I have another wired keyboard just in case this one fails. I didn't blame my preference on Apple though; after all, I didn't buy a Mac because of the keyboard - I buy Macs because of the Operating System - period.

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Answer 4

Apr 25, 2010 7:43 PM in response to Ziggy!!

I had the same problem and the same solution offered by tech help at Apple. Fortunately, I still have my eMac on the adjoining desk and could just plug in my old keyboard.

I also had a similar problem with the wireless mouse and had to connect my old mouse in the USB slot.

In both instances I had to "pair" my keyboard and mouse to the new computer - even though they were new and shipped together. So far, so good - haven't had to do that again. But, then, it's only been two weeks.

I agree, it's a problem that needs a better solution than having to keep a spare keyboard and mouse.

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Answer 5

babowa

Level 9

78,676 points

Apr 26, 2010 5:16 PM in response to alicebluegown

+In both instances I had to "pair" my keyboard and mouse to the new computer - even though they were new and shipped together+

Of course you would - how could anyone pair two pieces of hardware without turning both of them on and going through the process of pairing???? Then, legally, neither could be considered new. As an additional thought, how would Apple know exactly which keyboard and mouse will be taken off the shelf to add to the box?

Edit:
Do you or the OP own a cell phone and what is commonly referred to as a "hands free device", a.k.a. a bluetooth speaker/earbud or similar? If so, have you noticed that you have to turn on the phone in order for the bluetooth device to work? Expecting a wireless bluetooth device - whether keyboard, mouse, earbud, or whatever - to work without/before the other device (in this case a Mac) is operational/on, is foolish at best.

Message was edited by: Barbara Daniels1

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Answer 6

Dah•veed

Level 9

67,183 points

Apr 26, 2010 6:41 PM in response to babowa

Well Barbara, from the OP's snarky title to his plight, Form over function, he leads me to think that he thinks that Apple gave him a wireless keyboard because they think that it is the cool thing to do, regardless that it does not work until the Mac is actually running.

But that is not the case at all. He perhaps neglected a little homework before he purchased because there are three keyboards from which to choose when buying a new iMac; this wireless that he has, an identical USB version or an extended USB version with a 10 key, all for the same price.

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Answer 7

babowa

Level 9

78,676 points

Apr 26, 2010 7:01 PM in response to Dah•veed

Interesting - I had no idea that you'd have a choice of keyboards; although my personal preference is my trusty Macally Netkey which includes a scroll wheel and, if Macally would have to decided to issue driver updates, many programmable buttons. Alas, they haven't worked since 10.4, but I love the feel and slant of the keys as well as the built-in wrist rest and the scroll wheel. One of the USB ports keeps losing its connection with the mouse, but in my opinion, it's still the best keyboard ever made...

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Answer 8

imavery

Level 1

15 points

Apr 27, 2010 7:26 AM in response to Ziggy!!

Since you live 40-45 minutes away from an apple store, you could try a dell keyboard, if memory serves, I've used a dell usb keyboard during boot problems. Just remember that the Alt key is your Apple Command key. Other than that, it's a wise investment to have a wired keyboard and mouse handy just in case your bluetooth runs out of juice with no new batteries available, or even if you drop it and break it.

As a side note, it's been a while since I've looked it up, but I believe the support documents that have the shortcut keys specifically say you will need a wired keyboard. At least they used to when I was having problems a few years ago

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