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As an early owner of the Apple Extended Keyboard - Aluminum Version, I've become accustomed to the feel of the laptop-style keypads, lower incline, and shape. My biggest downside has been the short cord which I was not able to pull far forward. See - as a digital artist, the economy of space on my desktop is important. My desk not only holds my computer, a 24-inch iMac - it also holds a couple external HDD, a wireless mouse, a 6x9 Wacom Intuos tablet, and a large 20-inch Wacom Cintiq 20WSX. I am an avid user of Photoshop CS3 and accessibility to my keyboard is a must. Arranging my desktop a couple times to accommodate the short cord, I finally started using a USB extension cord.

A few days later on Christmas day, imagine my surprise when we opened a box containing the Apple Wireless Keyboard - Bluetooth edition from a few good friends!

Upon opening the box, I immediately noticed the difference in size. The original Apple Extended Keyboard is longer, complete with a full keypad and text editing keys (insert, delete, etc). Side by side, you can see the difference in length. The wireless keyboard is quite basic. It has the complete QWERTY keypad with number and function keys. The arrow/directional keys are placed on the lower right hand side.

When placing the keyboard over my original keyboard, you can see the difference in length. As there are no USB connectors at the base of the wireless keyboard, it instead uses the battery chamber to act as the keyboard's incline.

The keyboard comes complete with a pack of 3 AA batteries wrapped in plastic for immediate use. There is a nodule on the left-side of the keyboard which by using a coin, you turn and pop out the battery chamber cap. There is a nice weight to the cap - it's easy to push in and won't likely fall our or pop off.

Inserting the batteries are simple - there is a diagram right near the mouth of the chamber for reference.

Pairing the keyboard to the computer is very simple - just turn on the keyboard BEFORE your computer boots and input the key code when it pops up on screen. Run the Software Update from the Apple icon and everything should be in working order.

After using this keyboard for a little under a week, I find it's a great addition to my desktop. It frees up a little more desk space and without the cords - nothing gets tangled up. Additionally, I have that extra USB port available for other devices I may need. The keys feel just like the Apple Extended Keyboard - laptop-like and requires very little pressure to press down.

For basic navigation, this keyboard handles all my computer's functions with the F-keys. Sound levels can be adjusted, widgets can be accessed, the screen can be dimmed and brightened with the press of a key. Despite it's compact shape, the keys are still in the same locations and don't feel cramped.

However in Photoshop, I find that I occasionally press the wrong hot-keys when switching from one tool to the next as the placement of the keys on the lowest bar of the keyboard are a little different from standard board. (4 on the left side, 2 on the right.) The problems are minor are probably won't affect most users.

For the average user, this is a great keyboard. Small, sleek, compact, stylish - functionality is at the all within reach. I personally enjoy the wireless capabilities and compact size of this keyboard. Aside from the missing number pad and editing keys, it manages to fit all the functions I need in 3/4s the size comfortably.