The Keyboard

[SandraV]

I am new to Mac and just wanted to comment. No offense to the Mac lovers out there. I am having to make a serious adjustment to use the keyboard. I appreciate the smallness in one respect, but typing is a whole different matter. A little background though, I started typing when all we had were the manual typewriters that you had to return after you typed a line. We progressed to the electric typewriter and then the computer. I moved to typing about 75 wpm on the manual and went to 90-100 on the computer. However, I am truly challenged with the Apple keyboard. I will master it though. Just thought I'd share.

SandraV

[baseballboy828]

Just to clarify, SandraV is using a new Apple USB keyboard.

Typing on the chiclet style keys may take some getting used to. Give it some time, and I'm sure you'll be back to your usual typing speed.

[lonnie]

I really was unsure about the keyboard when I first got mine, but you'll quickly get used to it. I absolutely hate typing on my wife's older Apple white keyboard - the one right before the new ones.

[SandraV]

Thanks baseballboy for clarifying the type of keyboard. I have to get used to identifying the hardware. We are progressing so fast in technology, sometimes by the time you actually know what you're using your on to something new. Also, this is my first true blogging experience. I enjoy the responses I get from you guys who know what they're doing. I will try to be more specific when I talk about the hardware, software, etc. I am enjoying the blogging experience as well because you all do respond to us "newbies." Be blessed!

SandraV

[notabadname]

And of course, a simple keyboard need not stand in the way of what will hopefully be a great Mac experience. There are numerous other keyboards available and compatible with your Mac. I am a huge fan of the Logitech Cordless Desktop S 530 Laser for Mac. It is designed specifically for the Mac, with dedicated application launch buttons for iTunes, iPhoto, Mail, Spotlight, Safari, as well as play/pause, volume, mute, vertical scroll and a power/sleep button. All buttons are highly programable, with different functions available within various programs. I love the feel. There is zero lag, and it never misses a key stroke. Finally, I have had it for a year, use it constantly and still have not replaced the batteries. Oh, and it does come with a good mouse, but I use a trackball instead, so can't review the mouse. I personally find it very attractively styled with Mac friendly faux-brushed aluminum accents. It is easy to find for about $62-$68 US.

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/ke...s/158&cl=my,en

[Yuiichi]

Keyboards have suddenly become a hot topic within the Mac community!

@Sandra: The second most recent episode (episode 20) of The Talk Show was actually all about keyboards and what each host considers to be the best. While both of the hosts (John Gruber and Dan Benjamin) seemed to agree that the Apple Extended II keyboard was the best for each of them personally, they also agreed that many users who learned to touch type on typewriters loved the old IBM Model M keyboard. Considering that you also started typing on a typewriter, maybe you should look into getting a Model M. They are old keyboards but there are tons of them out there, if you're willing to look.

[notabadname]

Also, places like the Micro Center (if you have one near buy) have excellent selections to choose from (for Mac) with no "open box fees" on keyboards. So you can try a couple out and see if it feels good, and return it if not. The "no fee" was valid anyway 1 year ago when I tested a couple to make my choice. Of course you may be able to tell at the store also. Many stores, like Best Buy, have a large selection out on display, and now Best Buy is supporting Mac more extensively.

[philbowell]

I'll add aother one for the Logitech Mac set. I've used it with my iMac for nearly 2 years now. I've not had the luck of Notabadname with the batteries, but can certainly vouch for it. It's highly customisable and the mouse is very accurate.

[SandraV]

Thanks everyone for all your suggestions. My next step will be to revisit the Apple Store. And yes, Best Buy is beginning to support the Mac more. I will be testing out some other keyboards. In the meantime though, it does get easier the more you use it. I am starting a personal blog (if I can actually understand the BlogEngine.net system) and it will probably become even more second nature.

Off the subject, for all you programming experts out there, if I wanted to learn the basics about computer programming and start really getting into this (I do like working with computers) is there a beginning book I can get without starting a college program right now? Any recommendations are appreciated and I am willing to read a lot (even boring stuff! as I was told) to understand more depth and the inner machinations of this culture.

Thanks,

SandraV

[Yuiichi]

Originally Posted by SandraV

Off the subject, for all you programming experts out there, if I wanted to learn the basics about computer programming and start really getting into this (I do like working with computers) is there a beginning book I can get without starting a college program right now? Any recommendations are appreciated and I am willing to read a lot (even boring stuff! as I was told) to understand more depth and the inner machinations of this culture.

As far as I know, there is no "beginners guide to computer programming", just as there's no "beginners guide to speaking". Programing, like speaking, requires a language. Carrying on with my analogy, each language works in a specific area. Objective-C works with the Cocoa "environment" to create Mac applications. HTML/CSS work to create the web and so on.

So, my question to you is: where would you like to program? Some examples would be: desktop applications (Mac or PC), web applications, web sites, etc. From there, I'm sure one of our "experts" can point you in the right direction