My pre-ordered new Wireless Keyboard arrived, and I can say easily that my first impressions are very positive.

I have owned a Core2Duo MacBook for about a year, and become very accustomed to the keyboard style and layout. As a result, more and more when I sat down at my iMac to do some work I became annoyed at the bulky, blocky keyboard that came with the iMac. I even replaced it with the Wireless one that was previously released, which had little effect on my appreciation of the keyboard.

When Apple announced the new keyboard design I felt as if my mind had been read- for awhile now I had been thinking that it would be great if the keyboard for the imac was identical to that of the MacBooks. In fact, I’m considering an upgrade to a MacBook Pro, but am waiting for it as well to be upgraded to the recessed, square key design of the MacBooks and now iMac keyboards.

The New Wireless Keyboard is very, very compact. I don’t think it’s clear in the photos just how small, thin, and well-designed it is. It’s width and profile are exactly that of the MacBook’s- to a tee.

It’s height is a comfortable incline, one which is reasonable and not too daunting on the wrists. It’s understandable that the reason for the lift is due to the requirement of batteries, something that is a draw back for some people. I however use rechargeable batteries, and found that with the previous Wireless keyboard, the batteries lasted for months- and I imagine this keyboard will be no different. It takes 3 AA batteries, which are included (they’re Energizer batteries).

Another criticism of this Bluetooth version of the new Apple keyboard is it’s lack of a numeric keypad. And again, coming from the MacBook, I have both no worries about that and no need for it for the work I do. I can see however that some people are displeased because, to have the new design they’re left with the wired version, something that didn’t happen with the previous generation of Apple keyboards.

The typing experience is nearly identical to typing on my MacBook, something that’s warmly welcomed. Additionally, the extra Expose and Dashboard buttons, as well as brightness, volume, and playback controls are welcomed.

I’m giving it a 4.5 out of 5- the missing numeric keypad will be a deal breaker for some, while the portability, MacBook size and feel replication will also be a beacon of joy for others.