Has anyone noticed that Apple quietly released a second new keyboard a couple of weeks ago when the sleekly redesigned, new iMac input device was released? The new, $79 Apple Wireless keyboard is a compact version of the new low-profile, brushed aluminum, full-sized iMac keyboard. However, it's much smaller than Apple's previous Bluetooth keyboard (about the size of a MacBook keyboard), and it features multimedia-oriented F-Keys.

I'm surprised no one has been discussing this compact new product that Apple touts as "...giving you the freedom to work or play up up close or across the room..." It's perfect for the coffee table and could be the most direct evidence yet that Apple must have a companion home entertainment computer coming soon.

Product:
http://www.apple.com/keyboard/

http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore.woa/wa/RSLID?mco=95FFC029&fnode=home/shop_mac/mac_accessories/mice_keyboards&nplm=MB167LL/A
Review:
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/07/10/15/review_apple_wireless_keyboard_aluminum.html&page=2

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=887626

It has been discussed a few times and even when it was introduced originally. The general consensus is it is cool but w/o a mousing device it is kinda limited.

I have one of the new low-profile USB iMac keyboards. I don't like the feel of it, even after a few weeks of use. But maybe the wireless version would be OK for light use by a couch potato.

I have one. It's pretty nice and really small. Here's a quick unboxing video:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=PzCpOrRmABQ

I actually find that it's a little too small to be used in my lap easily (I have to put my legs together to rest it with tipping over). Typing on the small keys takes a bit of getting used to; make sure you angle your wrists out instead or parallel to each other or else it will feel cramped. The new keys are quieter than the old ones. I can type a LOT faster on this one as well, as there's less travel distance between keys. Overall I really like it. I do agree with the others, they should have included some sort of mouse input - either a trackpoint, touchpad, or something so that you don't have to use two devices while kicked back in your chair or couch. I use a wireless notebook laser mouse (Logitech VX Revolution) which makes a good companion for it though. Here's a pic of my Mac Mini, Logitech mouse, and Apple BT keyboard next to my 24" 1080 Dell LCD for size reference:

http://www.123macmini.com/gallery/displayimage.php?album=2&pos=6

I've had one about 2 weeks now and it's an absolute dream in the theater. I still need to use my bluetooth mouse (currently an MS one I'm not happy with) but I disagree the keyboard itself needs an integrated mousing device.

However, I also use wireless keyboards in my multi-computer home office/editing room. I wish there was a bluetooth variant of the new Apple keyboard in a full-size (with keypad) form factor for that purpose.

But for the theater...the new tiny bluetooth keyboard is just what I needed!

Hmm, it wasn't 'quietly' released, it was announced when the new wired one was. I use it with my Mac Mini and my Sony HDTV, works great for my moderate typing and control needs. I use an Apple BT mouse too.