Skip to main content
Home Forums 68kMLA Mac SE and Newton serial keypad — #8
Post #8 by Mac128
Source Forum68kMLA
CategoryPeripherals
Post DateSun, 31 Aug 2008 - 18:54
Original URLhttps://68kmla.org/bb/threads/mac-se-and-newton-serial-keypad.14645/
Post
thanks for links and amazing to see this actually working.

michael.
The reason I prefer the Newton keyboard over a standard ADB keyboard from the period is specifically for the compact design. I always loved the original 128K/512K/e keyboard and what I considered an elegant solution for adding a keypad if necessary (something I rarely use). The fact that Apple didn't officially offer one again until the aftermarket Adjustable Keyboard and then the TAM (which had no keypad option) shows just how out of touch Apple was with their customer base. The TAM keyboard was one of the most sought after items on eBay. And the Adjustable Keyboard didn't sell because it was highly criticized for being cheaply made. I think Jobs hit the nail on the head with the new Wireless Apple Keyboard. Further, the Newton Keyboard has no power-on key as JDW points out, which makes it perfect for the compact Mac which does not use soft-power, except for the Color Classic (and there are ways around that). I love how it keeps everything streamlined within the width of the Mac, like the original. Even the Adjustable Keyboard spreads out quite a bit wider than the original Mac short keyboard, TAM or the new Wireless. But it looks great with the "Classic" series of compacts and is period. Certainly the black color of the Newton Keyboard sets it apart, but it is an Apple keyboard and it co-ordinates with the black accents on the case: name badge, text, ports, display mask area. Get yourself a black Apple mouse and it'll seem intentional. Of course you could always paint a badly yellowed one black to match. The TAM keyboard should look perfectly co-ordinated with the original beige Macs, which I think is in part why they chose the bronze colour-scheme in the first place. Sadly it can only be used with the Platinum ADB Macs with which it will be a more stark contrast, then again it is much harder to find.

mp.ls