mactel-support team mailing list archive

[Andrew Flegg <andrew@xxxxxxxx>]

> This isn't a normal PC keyboard and we shouldn't try to make it one.

As has been pointed out above, though: the primary OS for this keyboard
is OS X. Apps for OS X use function keys a *lot* less than Linux apps in
terms of keyboard shortcuts etc. This is argument #1 - from a user-
centred design point of view, for making the default different to this
keyboard's behaviour in OS X.

Argument #2: this keyboard is a nice keyboard, and many people using it
with Ubuntu are using it on non-Apple hardware. In fact, I'd wager that
*more* Ubuntu users use it with non-Apple hardware than with.

Argument #3: Some of the keys don't have media/hardware use. This is
another UCD argument for making the default behaviour one all keys
support.

Argument #4: In their default configuration the keys aren't bindable.
Steps to reproduce: System > Preferences > Advanced Desktop Effects
Settings > Scale > Bindings; click keyboard shortcut for "Initiate
Window Picker"; click "Grab key combination"; press Exposé key (F3);
label changes to "disabled".

Argument #5: There is no easy way - except going through each
application, and each Compiz setting, separately to make the behaviour
of Ubuntu match the brightness, scale, widget layer and volume buttons.

> We should try to be consistent with what is actually on the keyboard not
> with what is in our minds that the keyboard should be.

Indeed: this is why I believe the numlock should be enabled by default
(and why I'd prefer the 'clear' key to work as such in Calculator,
OpenOffice.org, etc.). However, every function key has a 'F\d' label on
it - this isn't making up behaviour.

> Yes its different but thats what buying apple hardware is all about.
> "Think Different"

The only Apple hardware I currently own is this keyboard. We should be
trying to ensure that this keyboard (and any other hardware) presents
the most usable and joyful experience when using Ubuntu. Any *intended*
use by its manufacturer, or behaviour on another operating system should
play second fiddle to this.

-- 
Slim USB Apple Keyboard not working correctly when pressing the "numlock" key
https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/201887
You received this bug notification because you are a member of Mactel
Support, which is the registrant for Mactel Support.

Status in Mactel Support: In Progress
Status in “linux” source package in Ubuntu: Fix Committed
Status in linux in Ubuntu Hardy: Fix Committed

Bug description:
I have the new Slim USB Apple Keyboard and in Hardy Heron (Beta) when I first boot up the alphabet keys work perfectly, but once I type in the numpad or a number, nothing happens.  After nothing happens I'm not able to use my alpha keys, either..  When I type alphabet keys after trying a number the alphabet keys produce numbers like '4' and '3'..  And many of the keys don't do anything..


I have tried setting the keyboard up as default, and as an Apple keyboard by going to System > Prefs > Keyboard -- but nothing works.

If i then unplug the keyboard to reboot the keys usually work fine until I hit a number key or the keypad again.