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73416ba
(Get the code!)
> 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.