No Backlit Keyboard? GLOSSY screen????!!!!!

Learn how to type in dark? Learn how to type without looking?

Why don't we also do more exercise so we can carry a more heavy laptop and forget this expensive MBA.

I was working in a basement last night again with limited light. I was very glad that my 13" mbp has backlit kb, but too heavy to hold it with 1 hand...

I certainly did NOT say (or imply) that one cannot touch the function keys -- why you misquote me, I do not understand?

What I said is that I doubt very much that even quite skilled touch typists are able to accurately use the function keys (and perhaps even the number keys) without looking.

Thanks for your condescending instruction about what touch typists do. FYI, I learned to touch type in high school and still type about 50-60 wpm without looking. Nevertheless, I need to look at the function keys and, if I want accuracy, the number keys.

I'm not sure who appointed you arbiter of what is, or is not, "ridiculous" when it comes to individual purchase behaviour?

If you don't think a backlit keyboard is a big deal, fine. Please don't presume to tell others what they must think.

$1100 + tax = at least $1200, for a MBA which has only 1 USB port, lower screen resolution, 2 GB less RAM. It does have a little faster CPU (200 Mhz more), but I really dont need it.

What is important: will the new revisions have a backlit keyboard? How can you be sure? Its NOT like the iphone4's antenna. That was a flaw, but the backlit keyboard is an omitted option, not a flaw.

I have to admit I really didn't think I was going to like the glossy screen on my 17" MBP, but I do. And I really thought the backlit keyboard was going to be a gimmick, but it isn't; I really like it.

Does anyone know how the light is delivered to the keyboard? Perhaps that would be a clue as to why the feature was omitted.

OK, I bought a new one anyway... 13" 4GB/256GB. This new MBAir runs SO much cooler than my MBA Rev. A using Youtube video as a gauge @ full screen. This is worth not having a back-light in my opinion, just my 2c.

I bow to the legions of touch type gods here. But as others have posted why are you on this thread? I cancelled my 2 13 inch airs when I found out about the backlight. I can touch type just fine in a office type environment. However this product is not a desktop or MBP replacement, as designed. My usage
will involve lots of low light bars, rooms, patios and lounge chairs. No touch typing there folks ( maybe I'm just human) 🙂 So for now, I will stick with my Ipad with the backlighted keyboard!!

Here is a possible solution for a backlit keyboard. (if they fit) Glow-in-the-dark keyboard covers.



http://www.iskin.com/protouchmacbook/fxfeatures.html#continue

http://caselogic.ecrater.com/p/7425920/apple-macbook-keyboard-protector-glow-in

http://newyork.ebayclassifieds.com/computers-tech/flushing/brand-new-apple-macbo ok-keyboard-protector-glow-in-the-dark/?ad=3531607

http://cgi.ebay.com/Blue-Silicone-Keyboard-skin-cover-Macbook-PRO-13-/3205437243 58?pt=LHDefaultDomain_0&hash=item4aa1e51346#ht_3857wt1178

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I don't know if the glow-in-the-dark would work.... it seems to me it would attract attention (as if MBA users don't get enough attention from passer-byers).

Plus, the keyboard layout for the new 2010 MBA is different than the previous MBAs and 13" MBPs -- the function keys are thinner, and the power button is now on the same row as the function keys.

Bring back the backlit keyboard!

Apple also decided to get rid of the pulsating sleep/on button. This, and the removal of the IR signal (infrared remote, to use with the Apple Remote) is missing.

What is Apple's problem these days? I can see removing a feature and substituting it with a newer and improved something-or-other, but to remove features that make your computer easier to use? With no explanation at all?

Who signed off on this thing, anyway? I have a lot of Macs at home, and everyone in my family turns to me for advice on Apple purchases. The more I learn about this version of the MBA, the more I will wait out until Rev. A.

Perhaps I wasn't clear. I won't buy a laptop w/o a backlit keyboard. I won't buy a phone w/o a backlit keyboard either.

I like that ProTouch FX, but how can we find out if it fits the keyboards of the new MBAs 13" ??

Anyone knows the official reason why apple omitted the backlit keyboard? Based on that I guess we can find out if it will be included in the future or not.

I might add my disappointment they also dropped the white sleeping light. It's been a mainstay of apples from the Cube days. Why drop it now?? I will miss it.

What is this White sleeping light?

"I don't know if the glow-in-the-dark would work.... it seems to me it would attract attention (as if MBA users don't get enough attention from passer-byers)."

A backlit keyboard will also attract a lot of attention. Mind you.

benzdoc,

I guess you really can't touch type if you claim to only be able to do it in a "office environment." What does that even mean?!

I've used a MBP for the last three years (it was my first Mac and Apple product actually) and I never ONCE used the backlit keyboard. In fact I found it so annoying and it was the first thing I turned off! That an automatic adjustment of my screen brightness. I picked up a fully specced out 11.6" MBA and I couldn't be happier! **** thing boots faster than all the blogs claim it does and I haven't noticed any performance slowdowns coming from a 15" MBP with a 2.4ghz c2d.

This thread just proves that Apple users love to whine about anything/everything. Like you all were really ordering two fully specced out 13" MBA and suddenly just cancelled your orders over some gimmicky backlit keyboard..... GIVE ME A BREAK!

ecdowney,

AMEN! FINALLY SOMEONE AT APPLE GOT RID OF THAT STUPID LIGHT! I can finally lay in bed at night and not have my entire room lit up by some stupid pulsing white LED!!! I LOVE IT!