Apple Aluminum keyboards: Problems with startup commands

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.

Previous coverage:

• Apple's new keybaords require Keyboard Software Update 1.1, available in Software Update

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