Keyboard question on T42- Alps to Thai

[STS06]

So with some help, I have found out that the keyboard on my 15" T42 is an Alps. I'm wondering if I can replace that with a Thai (will it fit) and if its worth replacing.

I think the Alps keyborad is really good, problem is that I have never tried the Thai nor the Chichony keyboards.

Does anything think its worth getting the Thai? If I complain alot, do you think I can get the Thai for free?! ...seriously? haha

Anyways, I'm happy with it so I'm leaning towards not getting another one. But having said that, I feel different about this new computer. I feel like its a car and I'd like to "supe" it up as much as possible so I'm willing to pay for a new keyborad....never did that with ANY computer before this.

So first, can a Thai fit into my T42? -15" and its a 2373N3U.

Secondly how many people like the Alps keyboard and how many think its worth getting the Thai one instead?

Thank you for your help. Also, I have had this computer for roughly two weeks so I am well within the 30 day period.

[pphilipko]

If you're happy with your keyboard, keep it. Everyone's preferences differ, and it will save both IBM and you a lot of trouble.

[chrisnyc]

I also have the Alps keyboard and was initially upset about this and wondering if I should try to get the Thai keyboard many have been raving about. Personally I don't see anything wrong with the Alps, which came with my T42. The name "Alps" worries me, as I have seen and used "Alps" touchpads, which I have found inferior to Synaptics brand touchpads ; I'm not sure that has any relevance to the keyboards, though. That being said, I don't do all that much typing on my notebook. I am a very goog typist. I've only had my T42 a month now and have been doing so many other things with it that I haven't had a whole lot of time to practice typing and checking out the keyboard.

There is a way to get Lenovo to replace the keyboard ; I'm not sure exactly what it is. And you may be able to purchase a replacement as well, I think.

The keyboard is considered customer replaceable. I think they call it something like level 2 customer serviceable, meaning that it's a little complicated (you have to remove some screws, etc.) and you need some technical ability. I find something like opening the memory slot and installing another memory module is just about the limit of what I can do, so I couldn't replace the keyboard myself -- another reason I decided just to accept what I got -- but maybe it's something you could do.

There are a couple of very long posts about the keyboards. Maybe if someone could be kind enough to summarize the difference between the three keyboards for us, that would be helpful.

I think it has something to do with the tightness or "spring" of the keys, and other factors. -- I'm not sure if there is a difference in terms of durability, whether the Alps keyboard is more likely to have keys fall off than the Thai keyboard, for example.

Just now typing this post, the Alps keyboard seems OK to me. If you're satisfied and you don't do heavy typing on your Thinkpad, then my advise is just keep what you got.

If you do use your notebook for regular and heavy typing, then maybe you should take the time to read over the extensive postings on these keyboards, and make a decision based on that.

I said above that I thought that you can purchase a replacement keyboard. I'm not sure that's correct. Maybe someone can clarify this, also how much it costs.

Hope that's helpful.

[hoya]

STS06 - I would also advise you to keep your keyboard. it's possible for an inexperienced user to damage some of the internal components of the T42 when replacing the keyboard, so I wouldn't suggest doing it.

here is a parts listing for the T42 series, and you will see replacement keyboards listed there. the cost is around $45 with shipping.

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... 46503.html

[hoya]

ChrisNYC - here is the best thread I could find comparing the three keyboards (I've also tried all three and would agree that the NMB keyboard is the best of the three)

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=2177

[fschwep]

The thread mentioned is indeed very detailed. I am now pretty sure my 14" T42 has the Thai keyboard (light blue jumpers under the arrow keys, partno in the 08K50xx range, little flex or squeeking). Interestingly, we now also have an R51 which according to its parts list has an NBM (i.e. Thai) keyboard, and clearly the two machines are slightly different. It seems the R51 has a bit more travel, is in that sense slightly more like a desktop. Maybe that is possible as its case has more space (it is a lot thicker than the T42).
The only thing I can say is that before the T42 and R51 I had an A22m (died of lightning, alas) and that one had an even better keyboard. No contest. Just sturdier.