Keyboard Question

[Trip]

Well, I just got my T42 (only took a week and a half to ship!) and for the most part I really like it. However, I'm failing to see the appeal of IBM's famous keyboard. Not only does this keyboard feel rather worse than the Dell 1150 that I'm used to, it frequently fails to register keystrokes. Am I right in assuming that this isn't normal? Is this something that could be fixed under the warranty?

[hoya]

what type of keyboard do you have? Lenovo uses three different suppliers for its keyboards: Chicony, NMB, and Alps. I've tried all three and the NMB (made in Thailand) is my favorite.

go to this site to perform a parts lookup on your machine, which will tell you which type of keyboard you have:
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... sLookup.vm

[Trip]

Ah, thanks. According to that, I believe this keyboard is made by NMB (FRU-KBD NMB US ENGLISH ROHS).

So should this be more sensitive, or is that just what the Thai keyboard is like?

[hoya]

if it's failing to register keystrokes, then it sounds like it might be defective. However, it could be that the NMB keyboard is firmer than your dell's keyboard.

I was using a Toshiba A75 prior to buying my T43, so the NMB keyboard on my T43 felt stiff in comparison. I've adjusted with time but I still miss the A75's keyboard (I tried the Chicony and Alps keyboards just to make sure the NMB was the best, and it is).

[Trip]

Well, I did a bit more comparing of the two keyboards, and the difference is that the Dell responds very well to quick taps on the keys, whereas this one only registers very firm keystrokes. It's rather frustrating.

If you don't mind answering a couple more questions for me, hoya, could you tell me if your keyboard is the same way? From what you've said, that sounds like it could be the case. Also, did you notice any differences in sensitivity between the three types of keyboards when you were trying them out?

My fingers are starting to get sore from typing on this thing...

[BillMorrow]

sounds to me like you are so accustomed to the bad DELL keyboard that you think a good keyboard is sub-standard..

you might have to give yourself some time to get used to the new and superior Lenovo/IBM keyboard..

[Trip]

Crisp and sensitive or mushy and unresponsive... hmm. Right now the Dell is winning.

Honestly, if this is what the keyboard is supposed to be like, then I think I've been mislead. It's unpleasant.

[hoya]

Trip - the Chicony registered keystrokes more easily, but the difference was very small (like 15%) so I went back to the NMB, mainly because the Chicony was noisier and felt cheap overall.

the Alps I received was defective, but I didn't bother to get a replacement since it also was noisier and felt cheap in comparison to the NMB.

I recently tried three Dell's and I must say that the Inspiron 6000 had a decent keyboard, though the two lattitudes I tried were even stiffer than the NMB.

I think we both have the same complaint about the NMB keyboard, as I also prefer a keyboard that is easier to depress and more effortless.

In Lenovo's defense, I must say that the NMB keyboad is better than many of the keyboards out there. I spent some time at compUSA last week trying every laptop and desktop keyboard I could find, and the only ones I liked were on the Powerbook and Toshiba M45. however, there were three M45 models on display and each one had a different keyboard (only one of those three was good, the others were terrible)

Have you ever tried the keyboard on a Powerbook?

[desdinova]

Have you ever tried the keyboard on a Powerbook?

ew ew ew!

The last keyboard apple produced that I liked was on the PB1400.

[hoya]

ew ew ew!

The last keyboard apple produced that I liked was on the PB1400.

That question was for Trip.

[STS06]

IBM really needs to dish out computers to local dealers so we can try them out. Frankly, the IBM keyboard on my T42 is the best keyboard I have seen on a computer...the trackpoint...unbeatable for now. Unfortuantely with these computers and many top brands, you go on reviews and reviews alone...most of the time.

You may simply be really really used to the Dell and once you break into this one, you probably wont go back. The only reason I say this is because IBM keyboards, even their worst ones, are typically better than the rest. Its kind of like saying a Ferrari is too slow...well ok maybe not...but anyways...just b/c everyone says they are best, it doesnt necessairly mean you'll like it. I suggest replacing it if if bugs you too much or worse comes to worst, return the laptop...but that'd be the last option.

[Trip]

Thanks for letting me know what you thought of the other keyboards, hoya. Unfortunately, I gather that it's more difficult to to get replacement keyboards from Lenovo in Canada, or I'd considering giving the Chicony keyboard a whirl. I agree that this one is still a lot better than many of laptop keyboards that I've played with in stores, though.

I've never tried a Powerbook keyboard, although I did realise that this one reminds me a little bit of what the Apple keyboards I've used would feel like if they weren't sticky and abused from being in a high school.

I suppose I'll just have to get used to this one. The feel of it is starting to grow on me, at least.

[hoya]

yeah, you'll definitely get used to it. I absolutely LOVE the trackpoint and feel of the mouse buttons (even the touchpad on the T43 is incredible), so I'm willing to put up with a slightly stiff keyboard. You'll find that it will feel better after it's broken in and your fingers have adjusted.

[Trip]

The TrackPoint is awesome, yes. At first I thought I would never use it, but it's just so much fun to use, especially now that I'm used to it. The buttons are great too, and it's such a joy to have a middle mouse button for Firefox.

I hope it won't take me too long to get used to this. I need to do some fixes on the right side, though.

[zelchenko]

I know this isn't helpful, but it's a funny (at least to me) anecdote nonetheless. I can't remember who it was, but someone I know refers to the IBM trackpoint as the (offensive term removed by Moderator).

Sorry if that's offensive to anyone--but I figured after Trip's "sticky keyboard" comment, I was safe.

Edited by Moderator: Think again, and while you're at it, read the Posting Guidelines.

[hoya]

Trip - this is a very informative thread covering all of the ThinkPad's keyboards:
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=2177

[zelchenko]

Well, I guess it does violate cardinal rule #4. However, it doesn't qualify as an offensive term, since it's an actual anatomy term shortened. Still, had I thought about it in the context of cardinal rule #4, I certainly would've thought twice about posting it. Sorry, again. (I still think it's funny though, and I make no apologies for that.)

I know this isn't helpful, but it's a funny (at least to me) anecdote nonetheless. I can't remember who it was, but someone I know refers to the IBM trackpoint as the (offensive term removed by Moderator).

Sorry if that's offensive to anyone--but I figured after Trip's "sticky keyboard" comment, I was safe.

Edited by Moderator: Think again, and while you're at it, read the Posting Guidelines.