[hanxu]

Sorry guys, I didn't want to mis leading, I have a PowerBook 15inch now, and I think the keyboard on the PowerBook is ok, just when I seen Mr Jobs use a desktop keyboard in those only streaming shows the sound of it is so cool, may I ask you guys, if who has a PowerBook and also have an external keyboard, which keyboard you prefer?Why?

Thanks

[iREZ]

I have an external? I use the external when I sit at home and clamshell mode on my 17", I don't use the PB keyboard because it would be cumbersome to do so, I do however use the PB keyboard on the road and it's just great, but I don't understand the question, why would you care which I prefered you should have your own preferences.

[crazeazn]

for light use its more than adequate, however if i know i am going to be typing for a while i would prefer using the external.... i'm pretty sure most laptop users feel the same way... your hands get cramped after a while...

[f1000]

I prefer using an external Apple Wireless keyboard over the PowerBook's built-in one for several reasons.

1. The external keyboard has better key travel.
2. The external keyboard doesn't make my hands sweat.
3. No sweat means no corrosion of the AluBook's palm rests
4. The external keyboard allows me to position the computer screen better (esp. when using an external monitor).
5. The external keyboard has a better layout (i.e., a numeric keypad).

In general, using an external keyboard saves some wear and tear on the PowerBook. It's also much cheaper to replace an external keyboard that you've spilled coffee on than it is to replace a PowerBook to which you've done the same.

[tooki]

I prefer the flatness of laptop keyboards. I use a gel wrist rest in front of the PowerBook to help find proper posture, but realistically, so long as your chair is the correct height, ergonomics should not be a big problem. I have external keyboards, but invariably I prefer writing on the PowerBook's keyboard.

tooki

[nagromme]

The PowerBook's keys are the same exact size as destop keys--AND they push in just as far. (Really--I didn't believe it myself until I measured! They just look thin because of the slope around the edged.) So your hands get the same experience as a regular keyboard.

With certain exceptions:

* An external keyboard gives you freedom to position the screen and keyboard independently, which might lead to a better arm position.

* Some of the "outer" keys like Command and the arrows are smaller.

* The spring action of different keyboards feels different. You might prefer the feel of other springs over the ones in the PowerBook.

* An external keyboard means you can use extra keys like Page Down and the numpad without having to use Fn or NumLock.

I have an external keyboard, but I almost never use it.

[Lancer409]

Originally posted by tooki:
I prefer the flatness of laptop keyboards. I use a gel wrist rest in front of the PowerBook to help find proper posture, but realistically, so long as your chair is the correct height, ergonomics should not be a big problem. I have external keyboards, but invariably I prefer writing on the PowerBook's keyboard.

tooki

i prefer the powerbooks keys as well. they click in quietly too and the flatness makes it easier for my fingers to slap a key without having to reach up and forward for a upper row key. it's just faster. maybe i'm on laptops too much...

[wuzup101]

I prefer the powerbook keyboard also. It's one of the best laptop keyboards out there. I considered getting an icurve and an apple bluetooth keyboard so I could play games in clamshell mode with my 19" LCD.... just haven't got the money right now

[Randman]

I'm happy with the PB keyboard (though so much wasted space on the 17), but I do use an external when I'm doing some serious writing as it just feels better.

[sheer]

I use an Apple Pro keyboard with my Powerbook (which is deskbound 95% of the time) - I need the extra USB for my XSkey and I'd rather use a mouse (I guess I could use a BT one) than a trackpad as I run a 17" TFT off the PB for dual screens. A Midi keyboard is in the PB's other USB slot. On the rare occasions I do migrate with the PB I can cope with the trackpad (ie watching TV whilst tracking ebay etc) but do find it overly sensitive.

[tooki]

Originally posted by nagromme:
The PowerBook's keys are the same exact size as destop keys--AND they push in just as far. (Really--I didn't believe it myself until I measured! They just look thin because of the slope around the edged.)

Well that depends on the keyboard. The key travel in my desktop Mac's MS Internet Keyboard Pro is decidedly longer than that of my PowerBook.

tooki

[mishakim]

I'll put another vote in for preferring the powerbook's keyboard. I use an apple pro keyboard on my desktop G4 (the black one, one generation I think before the current models) and find myself making a lot more typos (missed letters or wrong same-finger letters) on it, and my fingers getting tired faster. I'd attribute it to the spring-force, so it's really a matter of preference.

[MilkmanDan]

I say go with an external keyboard. Much better overall feeling. Plus you can grab an external from just about any store for a relatively cheap price.