Logitech Elite Keyboard owners wanted...

Question

Logitech Elite Keyboard owners wanted...

Hello all,

I have no idea where I should post this so I hope posting here is okay.

I am wondering if any Macintosh owners of the 'Elite' keyboard had run into a problem where the Macintosh startup, or boot-time, shortcuts fail to work.

For example, the shortcut (Holding down option during boot, http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106178) which allows you to 'Select a startup disk (on some computers)' fails to work when trying to use this keyboard. Now I understand the 'Elite' keyboard by default is set up for Windows so the 'ALT' key is equivalent to the 'Option' key for the Macintosh - Which still does not trigger the startup disk selection process when pressed down.

Things to note:

• The keyboard is plugged directly into the back of the Apple Computer.

The only thing I can gather is the keyboard is not fully supported at boot time or not initialized fast enough.

Appreciate any comments or suggestions in advance,

Thank you.

PowerMac G4 Dual 1 GHz, Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Posted on Oct 16, 2006 4:52 PM

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Answer 1

Dr. Smoke

Level 9

56,586 points

Oct 16, 2006 5:17 PM in response to Rick Bargerhuff

Hi, Rick.

Logitech has their own forums, akin to the Apple Discussions, where you may also want to search or post.

However, in searching their forums on your behalf, I see you appear to have posted the same problem here on their forums back in June.

It's hard to interpret the dearth of responses you've received. Either:

• Your keyboard is defective.

• Few Mac users employ that keyboard or have tried to use the Startup Manager with that keyboard.

Logitech's Support Database has no items indicating that the keyboard shortcut for the Startup Manager should fail. As you noted, they state to use Alt for Option, such as in their document 2100, "Where are my standard Apple keys on my Logitech Keyboard?

You may want to contact them about having the keyboard either serviced or exchanged.

Good luck!

😉 Dr. Smoke
Author: Troubleshooting Mac® OS X

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Answer 2

Oct 17, 2006 12:05 AM in response to Rick Bargerhuff

Thanks for the reply. I tried exploring that route but contacting someone that knows what they are talking about instead of reading from a book of answers is really difficult. If it is defective, I'll just buy a new keyboard. This one is way out of warranty.

I'm just hoping to find someone that has a Logitech Keyboard and uses it with a Mac to verify!

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Answer 3

Oct 21, 2006 11:05 AM in response to Rick Bargerhuff

Posted over on MacOSXHints' Forums

http://forums.macosxhints.com/showthread.php?t=62195

"My understanding is that the problem is not just with Logitech but with most non-Apple keyboards. From what I've read, Mac OS X starts up with built-in information for Apple keyboards but the needed information for recognizing non-Apple keyboards only happens after Mac OS X starts up. I also use a Logitech keyboard and on the rare occasions when I need to use special keys during startup I use an old Apple keyboard.

Claire"

That says it all. Perhaps it's an issue Apple should look into in my opinion. Not being able to execute start up shortcuts without an Apple keyboard would be bad in a emergency situation where you don't have an Apple keyboard to use.

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Answer 4

Dr. Smoke

Level 9

56,586 points

Oct 22, 2006 12:44 AM in response to Rick Bargerhuff

You wrote:

"Perhaps it's an issue Apple should look into in my opinion. Not being able to execute start up shortcuts without an Apple keyboard would be bad in a emergency situation where you don't have an Apple keyboard to use."

If you'd like to suggest that to Apple, you can submit a Mac OS X Feedback.

IMO, it would be impractical for Apple to test third-party keyboards. Instead, third-party keyboard manufacturers should adhere to Apple's design guidelines in such matters, and perform their own testing to ensure their product's compatibility with both Macs and Mac OS X. Apple provides a variety of documentation on its Developer Connection Web site for use by third-party hardware and software developers to ensure such compatibility. Apple also offers the ADC Compatibility Labs where Developer Connection Premier and Select members can conduct compatibility testing.

Your Elite keyboard, by Logitech's own admission in its FAQs, was designed for PCs running Windows, not Macs. If it stated "Mac-compatible" on the box, perhaps that should have been clarified w.r.t. the degree of compatibility.

Good luck!

😉 Dr. Smoke
Author: Troubleshooting Mac® OS X

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