Aluminum Keyboard weirdness

Just got the new Aluminum keyboard from Apple. I cannot figure out how to use the sound volume keys or brightness keys. When I press one, it acts as an F-key and activates some software function. Have tried using shift or alt when pressing the keys, since they apparently have dual functionality, but no go. Tried the fn key, which ought to switch the functionality. Keyboard preferences are set properly, as far as I can tell. Not many options. I must be missing something very simple.

Apple lists only one Bluetooth adapter that they've tested--the D-Link USB Bluetooth Adapter, part number DBT-120, rev. B2 or later. You might find it at some online Mac sales companies, like Otherworld Computing (www.macsales.com), Small Dog (www.smalldog.com), etc. Or just enter "D-Link USB Bluetooth Adapter DBT-120" into your favorite search engine.

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G4 DA can't detect new Aluminum Keyboard

I just got a refurbished Aluminum Keyboard off ebay (MB110LL/A) and it won't detect in either my Power Mac or my CRT iMac. I even plugged it into my wife's XP laptop and it detected it, bu couldn't install the driver. Is there a setting I need to change to get this going or did I just get a defective one?

Well, that doesn't happen with this keyboard. I have a windows keyboard that does that, when I plug it in, it says that it can't detect the keyboard and to press the button to the right of the shift key to try and detect it. That doesn't happen with the aluminum keyboard. And it still shows up as "vend_device" under the system profiler, which is just weird.

Apple Aluminum Keyboard slow responding after reboot

I have Leopard installed on my external firewire drive, and 10.4.1 installed on my PowerBook. Whenever I boot from one to the other I get a very slow response from my new Apple Aluminum Keyboard and my USB trackball. I have the trackball connected to the keyboard's USB port and the keyboard is plugged directly into the PowerBook. When I boot into either system it takes a good five minutes before the keyboard and trackball respond. In the meantime I have to use the keyboard on the PowerBook and the trackpad to login, etc... I also have USB Overdrive installed on both systems, but this problem developed before I installed USB Overdrive in Leopard. Any clues?

Does this new keyboard pair fine with the other computer?
I can only think of two other things given the troubleshooting that has been done so far.
This may be an OS issue (Reinstall the Mac OS) or something in or around your setup is generating interference: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1365 (doubtful as you said you used another computer and it was fine in the same area).
If you have already contacted AppleCare and the replacement keyboard did not resolve the issue you might want to give them a call back to follow-up so they can investigate the issue further.

Wireless Aluminum Keyboard Troubleshooting

If you're having issues with your Apple Wireless (Aluminum) Keyboard disconnecting, there are a few things you can try.
First, check your wireless network configuration to see if you can avoid interference. See this post in another topic:
http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=5783742#5783742
Although I did have success with tweaking my wifi setup, my keyboard disconnect problem returned again a couple of weeks ago. I had recently upgraded to Leopard (10.5.1) which may have contributed - although I had been using wired ethernet, and switched back to wifi around the same time as my Leopard upgrade.
Like others have posted, I also noticed the bluetooth daemon log errors in my system log. To look for them, you can open console.app, and search for "blued" in the system.log and also its archive history. Here's an example:
+Jan 25 09:17:22 Macintosh-2 kernel[0]: IOBluetoothHCIRequest::Create [0x55da000] Request OpCode 0000 Generated by: blued (47) status: 0 timeout 1000. has a too small timeout, a reasonable value would be 5000 (5 seconds)+
Here are some other things to try. You should only try one at a time - so that you can tell which change fixed your problem.
1. In the Bluetooth System Preferences panel, unpair your keyboard, and re-pair it again
2. Also in the Bluetooth System Preferences panel, add the keyboard to your favorites. To do this in Leopard: select the keyboard in the bluetooth devices list. Click on the tasks cog at the foot of that pane (just beside the plus and minus). Select "Show more info". Select "Add To Favorites".
3. Reset the bluetooth preferences by moving system preference files. Warning: only try this if you are comfortable using the OS X terminal!! :
sudo mv /var/root/Library/Preferences/blued.plist /var/root/Library/Preferences/blued.plist.old
sudo mv /var/root/Library/Preferences/com.apple.Bluetooth.plist /var/root/Library/Preferences/com.apple.Bluetooth.plist.old
(you will need to enter your password at least once, and then will need to restart your machine).
Keep a log of all the things you've tried. If none of these work, its probably time to call AppleCare. If you have one of the new Apple (Aluminum) Wireless Keyboards, it is still covered by warranty at this point.

It sounds like the bluetooth in both of your keyboards has simply died. If it's still under warranty (if it has one), take it to the apple store and show them. They may give you a new one. For future reference, the new wired USB keyboard is now exactly the same as the wireless (except that it has a wire), and you won't face any bluetooth issues like that. You can get the new wired keyboard here:
http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB869LL/A?fnode=MTY1NDA1Mg&mco=NDE4NjI4Mg
Also, if you're willing to spend a bit more money, Macworld rated the Logitech DiNovo Edge Keyboard very highly. Here's a link to that:
http://store.apple.com/us/product/TU938LL/A?fnode=MTY1NDA1Mg&mco=MjgzMTkxNA
Hope this helps.

Aluminum Keyboard Sometimes Not Recognized By USB Port

I have an Aluminum wired keyboard that occasionally isn't detected by my Macbook in both Windows XP (Boot Camp) and Leopard. This is an exchanged one because the first one also behaved this way. I'm not using the extension cable. I have a USB wireless mouse plugged into one of the keyboard's USB ports and a flash drive. When the keyboard isn't detected, the mouse doesn't work (no lights on the receiver, can't connect), but the flash drive gets recognized. I've also had the keyboard not be detected without the flash drive so I know that it isn't the issue.
When it isn't detected I have to disconnect and reconnect the keyboard multiple times until it randomly starts working. Once it works, it doesn't stop working, though after going to sleep it occasionally disconnects itself on startup. All the function keys work properly and there's no updates available...is there anything I can do about this?

I've seen the very same problem. In my case I have a wired Mighty Mouse attached to one of the USB ports on the aluminum keyboard. Every time I plug it in -- not recognized first time. Second time -- success. Highly annoying.
Unfortunately I don't have a solution for the problem.

Kernel panic when I try to run Aluminum Keyboard Firmware Update

Hi,
I'm trying to run the Aluminum Keyboard Firmware Update and every time I try, as soon as I've entered my admin password I get a kernel panic. I've tried it 5 times and it's the same every time - I click Update, I put in the password and bam.
Anyone else had this?

If you don't get the KP when booting from the internal, then suspect a corrupt installation on the SSD or that the SSD is causing the issue. See
What is a kernel panic,
Technical Note TN2063: Understanding and Debugging Kernel Panics,
Mac OS X Kernel Panic FAQ,
Resolving Kernel Panics, and
Tutorial: Avoiding and eliminating Kernel panics for more details.

Remap volume and eject keys on aluminum keyboard?

Is there a way to remap the volume, mute and eject keys on the Apple
(wired) aluminum keyboard?
I'd rather have them above the keypad if that's possible - like they
were on previous Apple keyboards.

Something vaguely relevant from MacFixit:
"Friday, March 03 2006 @ 02:46 PM PST
Mac OS X 10.4.5 Special Report: Keyboard/Mouse issues
Some users are reporting issues with specific input devices -- generally third-party keyboards -- after the update to Mac OS X 10.4.5.
One reader writes:
"After updating my iMac Core Duo to 10.4.5, the scroll function of the blue, middle button on my IBM SpaceSaver USB keyboard (with integrated trackpoint pointing device) no longer works. I had been using USB OverDrive 10.4.4 to gain this feature."
Re-installing combo updater The versatile workaround of re-installing the Mac OS X combo updater (PowerPC, (Intel) works to resolve a number of odd keyboard and mouse issues occurring after the update, including inversion of mouse buttons. "
http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/macosxupdate1045combo.html

Aluminum keyboard eject button does not work on Windows XP

I'm wondering if anyone else has the same issue:
the eject disk button on my new aluminum keyboard does not work in Windows XP (Boot Camp).
As I have a Mac Pro, there is no way of manually opening and closing the tray-loading Superdrive.
I can open the drive if I right-click "My Computer>DVD drive>Eject" but there is no way of closing it back. I am obviously not a Windows XP expert, are there ways of mapping the eject function to any key?

Actually, how does Software Update figure out what apps you have available for update?
I always thought that Software Update looks at your /Library/Receipts to check what Apple pkgs you have for update, so I assumed that any Apple-related Pkg would be updated. I may be totally wrong on this, correct me if that is so...but thanks for the info.

Apple aluminum keyboard w/o keypad not working with Mac Mini

I'm in the process of reconfiguring our old Mac Mini to run some of our old games that no longer run on the newer Macs. We had a spare Apple aluminum keyboard (without the numeric keypad) which I thought I'd use with the Mini. The alphanumeric keys work fine, but the function keys don't seem to. (In particular, I can't get the volume keys to work.)
I've checked my keyboard settings in System Preferences. Software Update shows everything up-to-date.
The aluminum keyboard WITH the numeric keypad works fine with the Mini. Also the keyboard without the keypad works properly with my Intel iMac.
Does anyone know what's going on?

Hi,
am I right in assuming that you are talking about the Wireless Aluminum Apple keyboard ?
If so, the 2009 version of it requires OSx Leopard 10.5.8 to work properly.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1809
The 2007 version of that keyboard requires at least OSX Tiger 10.4.10 plus this keyboard software update http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2394
Maybe downloading and apllying the update can help.
Regards
Stefan

Apple Aluminum Keyboard and 23" cinema Display and MacBook Pro??

Hello there
I have just purchased an Apple Aluminum Keyboard and have and MacBook Pro with and 23" cinema display, and if i try to connect the keyboard to my cinema display via USB the keyboard don't work.
i have an Apple mighty mouse that works fine wen connected to the USB port on the display...
why is it not working...

have you tried a different USB port on the ACD? Maybe the one you used was defective? I run a 7-port bus off one of the USB ports for all my hardware. OTOH, I do use bluetooth mouse and keyboard!

Problem with a new aluminum keyboard

I just bought an aluminum keyboard but when i press, for example, the sound buttons my dashboard appears rather than changing the sound. How do i get the buttons working?

I have exactly the same problem. I just replaced my old Aluninium Apple wireless keyboard that got damaged. I am running OS10.5.8 on a 3.06 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo. I just unboxed my new French wireless keyboard that I ordered form the Apple online store, and can use the sound buttons! I get the dashboard or the old F3 key instead.
DMarsh thanks for your tip, the box is unticked, but the F keys are still scrabbled. My old Apple wireless English keyboard is working fine (3 batteries).
I think that the new keyboards are not fully compatible with 10.5. Is snow leopard ok?.
Lion seems to have new functionalities. I understand the need to update the hardware accordingly, but I am not very happy as it is not clearly mentioned that the new wireless keyboard does not properly work with the previous systems!!!! Come on Apple the sound keys should at least work.
I looked on here and could not find any sofware update. I presume that they expect us to upgrade to Lion.
I get back to apple store tomorrow to get a refund or get an old model shipped.

How to remap volume control keys on aluminum keyboard?

I want to remap my volume control keys (increase, decrease and mute toggle) to F16, F17, and F18 on my new aluminum keyboard. But I can't figure out how to do this. I called AppleCare tech support and was told that volume key location is hardwired into the keyboard. Say it ain't so! There's got to be a way, right?
Help?
thank you!

I second this, I still think this was a poor decision on Apple's part. I loved real media keys, this is not a laptop keyboard, (Fn)+(..) should not be necessary. My real complaint comes from IF i can get it to remap in OSX i am still stuck with it as is in Bootcamp. No remapping programs work with (Fn) in XP.
Sorry for the rant but I have actually stopped using the keyboard because of this and finally went back to it to try again.

New Aluminum Keyboard

Received new iMac keyboard today, hooked it up, downloaded Apple Keyboard Update 1.1, and rebooted. Except for the F3 and F4 keys, everything works fine. F3 only brings up Expose, and F4 only brings up Dashboard if I assign these keys appropriately in system preferences, and use fn in combo with each. This is with the option to use standard function keys turned off.
Anyone else experiencing this? Any suggestions?

www.macfixit.com posted one guys work around which fixes this problem.
I only followed steps 3 through 5 (I figured why start all the way back at the old 10.4.3 disc) and it worked! I now have a fully funtional F3 F4 keys on my aluminum keyboard.
Apple, are you listening? How about another Keyboard Update to fix this issue the right way?
MacFixIt reader Joe Mullins writes: "I fixed the dashboard and expose keys on my keyboard. The problem is apparently that Dock.app isn't getting updated properly. I fixed it using my original install disks, 10.4.10 combo updater, keyboard update and Pacifist."
Joe's process is as follows:
1. Insert Install disk for 10.4.x and open /System/Installation/Packages/Essentials.pkg/ with pacifist.
2. Within Pacifist, navigate to /System/Library/Core Services. Click on Dock.app and click install. When it's uncompressed, it will ask if you would like to update or replace. Click replace.
3. When that's finished, open the 10.4.10 combo update package with pacifist and navigate to the dock.app again. Click install, and this time when it asks, make sure to click update.. not replace.
4. When that's finished, open the keyboard software 1.1 mpackage, click the arrow to reveal the contents of AppleKeyboardSoftware_Cmn.pkg, navigate to dock.app one more time, click install and then update once again. Not replace.
5. Once this procedure is finished, you can force quit dock.app and the keys should work.

Apple aluminum keyboard brightness keys

Just bought a apple aluminum keyboard (wired, not wireless) and hooked it up to my Macbook Pro which has all the latest system updates. The Macbook is connected to a Samsung SyncMaster 213T. Everything seems to work fine except that the F1 and F2 keys, which are supposed to control the brightness don't do anything. Before taking the keyboard back for an exchange, I thought I would ask here if there are any tricks I should try...like turning something on or off?

Hi,
I believe you can control how the F keys are intepreted via the System Preferences under the keyboard preferences. I think you have the option to set whether or not to require pressing Function at the same time as the F key to control system functions. You might want to try pressing Function + F1 and Function + F2.
I am also not sure you can contol the brightness of a non-Apple-brand external monitor with the F keys. On the MacBook, the F keys control the backlight level as opposed to modifying the video signal's brightness characteristics. An external monitor's backlight level is usually set to a fixed level.
Bill

Aluminum keyboard - customizing keys

Does anyone know of a way to make the F13 to F15 keys the volume keys with one of the (newer) aluminum keyboards? I have turned off the default keys in system preferences so that I can use the "normal" F functions (rather than dashboard, brightness, etc.), but the system preferences keyboard pane doesn't seem to let me reassign the volume keys to whatever function keys I want. This is very frustrating and makes me miss my old keyboard. I have tried a shareware program called "Controller-Mate" but it seems like something that should be built-in to OS X. Any suggestions?

Many of us have had the same problem - a sad limitation to an otherwise nice keyboard. Come on Apple - surely you can do better!!

Aluminum Keyboard weirdness

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