Apple & Physical Arabic Keyboards - not stickers

timvnelson · 1st April 2008, 01:54

I searched through the posts and had a hard time finding a definitive answer. I'm in the United States. What are the options worldwide for getting a physical Arabic Keyboard on Mac laptops.

I checked the online store for the U.S., the U.K., and France and none had the option of adding a physical Arabic Keyboard for the MacBook Pro.

I imagine that for the MacBook and MacBook Air it would have to be ordered from the factory with that layout given the nature of the permanent keys. However, on the MacBook Pro, is there somewhere I can simply order all those keys and manually replace each key with the Arabic/English keys that I purchase?

If not what are my options for getting Arabic keys on a MacBook Air or a MacBook Pro?

Thanks for your help!

Zaid Al Hilali · 1st April 2008, 02:13

You guessed it right. Arabic keys comes from factory, don't forget MacBook Pro's keys illuminates, hence Arabic letters have to be cut out in factory. It is quite hard to obtain an keyboard, but you may get loose second hand keys from a damaged MacBook Pro and probably a dealer/distributor could help.

Magnus · 1st April 2008, 06:55

I would suggest contacting a reseller in the Middle East. Try one of the iStyle stores, for example. I would imagine they could get you a keyboard.

fangpyre · 1st April 2008, 10:08

An option for english only keyboards:
- silkscreen: you remove the keys and take them to a print shop that does small silk screen.
- laser etching: this won't work on many notebooks.
- stickers: you take keyboard stickers and put them on (I hate this option)
- rub ons: you buy Arabic rub on letters from any stationary shop (they should be available in Arab targeted stores) rub them on to the keyboard. Then use clear nail polish to protect them.
- a USB keyboard: this has its pros and cons. you can also get a very portable one (like the wireless Apple keyboard) or one of those flexible roll up keyboards.
- Keyboard Viewer: it is a virtual keyboard. but this is only good for small requirements.

Zaid Al Hilali · 1st April 2008, 11:29

Additional to fangpyre list, there should be the same type of latex keyboard protector that is sold everywhere with Arabic letter on it. I believe there is.

fangpyre · 1st April 2008, 11:43

I have never seen that, Zaid.
But its still a good idea.
If you can't find one, you can take one and print on it instead of the actual keyboard.
This would be a safer option to my suggestions.

BTW, I didn't notice that you posted "not stickers" till just now.

1st April 2008, 01:54	#1 (permalink)
timvnelson Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Los Angeles, California - USA Posts: 8	Apple & Physical Arabic Keyboards - not stickers I searched through the posts and had a hard time finding a definitive answer. I'm in the United States. What are the options worldwide for getting a physical Arabic Keyboard on Mac laptops. I checked the online store for the U.S., the U.K., and France and none had the option of adding a physical Arabic Keyboard for the MacBook Pro. I imagine that for the MacBook and MacBook Air it would have to be ordered from the factory with that layout given the nature of the permanent keys. However, on the MacBook Pro, is there somewhere I can simply order all those keys and manually replace each key with the Arabic/English keys that I purchase? If not what are my options for getting Arabic keys on a MacBook Air or a MacBook Pro? Thanks for your help!

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1st April 2008, 02:13	#2 (permalink)
Zaid Al Hilali Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Mirdif-Dubai Posts: 1,403	You guessed it right. Arabic keys comes from factory, don't forget MacBook Pro's keys illuminates, hence Arabic letters have to be cut out in factory. It is quite hard to obtain an keyboard, but you may get loose second hand keys from a damaged MacBook Pro and probably a dealer/distributor could help.

1st April 2008, 06:55	#3 (permalink)
Magnus Administrator Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Dubai Posts: 8,397	I would suggest contacting a reseller in the Middle East. Try one of the iStyle stores, for example. I would imagine they could get you a keyboard.

1st April 2008, 10:08	#4 (permalink)
fangpyre Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Dubai Posts: 1,417	An option for english only keyboards: - silkscreen: you remove the keys and take them to a print shop that does small silk screen. - laser etching: this won't work on many notebooks. - stickers: you take keyboard stickers and put them on (I hate this option) - rub ons: you buy Arabic rub on letters from any stationary shop (they should be available in Arab targeted stores) rub them on to the keyboard. Then use clear nail polish to protect them. - a USB keyboard: this has its pros and cons. you can also get a very portable one (like the wireless Apple keyboard) or one of those flexible roll up keyboards. - Keyboard Viewer: it is a virtual keyboard. but this is only good for small requirements.

1st April 2008, 11:29	#5 (permalink)
Zaid Al Hilali Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Mirdif-Dubai Posts: 1,403	Additional to fangpyre list, there should be the same type of latex keyboard protector that is sold everywhere with Arabic letter on it. I believe there is.

1st April 2008, 11:43	#6 (permalink)
fangpyre Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Dubai Posts: 1,417	I have never seen that, Zaid. But its still a good idea. If you can't find one, you can take one and print on it instead of the actual keyboard. This would be a safer option to my suggestions. BTW, I didn't notice that you posted "not stickers" till just now.