Apple Aluminum keyboards: Problems with startup commands
Startup keyboard commands don't work on the new keyboards with some Macs.
Several readers are reporting issues with startup commands when using the new Aluminum Apple keyboards (introduced alongside and shipping with the Mid-2007 iMacs). Most of the reports come from Intel-based Macs other than the new iMacs.
MacFixIt reader Roland Kiefer writes:
"After installing the Keyboard Update 1.1 and using the new wired aluminum Keyboard with my iMac Intel 20" (2006) I can't boot either into single user modus (cmd-s) nor from a hard drive connected by FireWire (via option ALT)."
Another reader writes:
"I bought the new Apple Keyboard (wired) and hooked up to my Rev.A MacBook Pro (2.16GHz Core Duo). Tried to perform some startup key sequences like OPT, CMD-S, CMD-V and even T for Target Mode but my MBP went straight to the Apple startup logo. But I did not have any issue with the new Mac mini (2.0GHz Core 2 Duo) and first generation PPC-based Mac mini. Brought it down to a Apple service centre and confirm my findings that Core Duo Macs can't work the startup key sequences. Tried with a few Core Duo and Core 2 Duo Macs, and startup key sequences only work with the latter."
If this indeed turns out to be a widespread issue, firmware updates may need to be released and applied to older Macs in order to properly use startup commands with the new keyboards.
Feedback? Late-breakers@macfixit.com.
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