T43 ALPS keyboard

[Sleepy]

I ordered T43 DJU last month and in general I am happy with it. The battery life under power savings settings is around 4h when doing text editing, it's reasonably fast and light. However, I really dislike the ALPS keyboard that I got with my Thinkpad. It's making a squeeking noise and clicking on the left button by the touchpad also produces weird noise. Since the primary purpose of the Thinkpad is text editing and some programming, I am extremely unhappy with this. I called IBM once and I was told by the guy that the real keyboard should feel like that and that I probably had some lousy laptop before that so I need time to get used to it. The bottom line is that I want a better keyboard. I don't want to keep the current one, I really don't need it. Is there a way to get a free replacement and get the Thai keyboard (what's the part number for the Thai keyboard, I have a 15" Thinkpad?).

If somebody has any suggestions, please let me know.

[c333]

Well, from what I read here it is luck of the draw. Most people will call in and say their keyboard button is stuck or keys aren't responding. (Just don't make it sound like it was your fault) Then, the IBM rep will put in an order for a new keyboard. This is the point where members will request a specific FRU for the Thai keyboard. Some reps will do it no problem, others don't know what your talking about. Even if you get a nice rep that puts in an order for a Thai, there is still a chance you won't get a one. If the Thai is out of stock, and the Chicony is in stock, the system will automatically send you a Chicony. Hopefully, you will find a nice rep that knows you want a Thai, and maybe he can help you get one. If not, I think there are people that have again sent the keyboard back, but I wouldn't. People like that are part of the reason prices are so high.

[fefland]

I got a chicony in the first 2686DGU I got. Sent the laptop back for issues (long story). The second one I ordered had ALPS. I was honest with the tech support rep I got. I told him the trackpoint was too stiff (hurt my finger to use), the keys too loose, and the mouse buttons creaky. I told him it was unacceptable. He said that there was 3 manufacturers and wanted to know the FRU of the one I had. I told him that I wanted an NMB (thai) keyboard. I told him that the Chicony would not pick up when I used the shift key, which was the truth. He said that that was fine. He placed the order and told me it was backordered so it may take an extra couple of days. This was the thursday before labor day. I got the NMB keyboard tuesday (day after labor day). 5 minute install. It is night and day compared to ALPS. I would say it is between the two, more sensitive than the Chicony but not as loose as the ALPS. Plus, no creak in the mouse buttons like the other two. Be nice but firm. One last thing, if you are not satisfied and really want to keep your Thinkpad, you can request to talk to customer satisfaction management team.

[chrisnyc]

I understand the parts numbers of the keyboards have changed with the switch to Lenovo ; is that correct ? The chart with all keyboard parts numbers is confusing to me.

Can anyone please post the part number for the 15" Thai keyboard, not as part of a list, just the one part number ?

Also -- can you just order and buy a keyboard ? How would you do that ?

I'm basically satisfied with my T42 15" Alps keyboard -- don't do a whole lot of typing on it, ultranav and buttons are fine -- but wouldn't mind buying an (extra) Thai keyboard to have if I want to swap it out some time in the future !

[Sleepy]

Well, I called the IBM support yesterday and after describing the problem I was forwarded to tech support. The lady I talked to sounded as if she was doing some other things while I was talking to her. I told her my problem and expected her to say at least something, but she was silent. I was waiting and then thought I got disconnected and only then she managed to say "OK" and the same thing happened several times. Funny. Then she told me to take the battery out, disconnect AC and press the power button for 15s. I thought she was joking. Then i tried to explain her that I don't have any specific problem, just the keyboard is bad. Then silence again and another "OK". Well after almost 30min of waiting she said they will be shipping the keyboard. I asked for Thai keyboard and she said it wasn't possible since you will get only the keyboard you originally had. I again asked for the specific keyboard and she basically just hung up. I'll see what I got today when I return.

[fefland]

That sounds unbelievable! What she said isn't true. they can send any of the three keyboards, especially if the one you have is not usable. If they continue to hassle, I would return. In addition, I would contact the Customer Satisfaction department. That just does not sound right. i got my order placed within about 10 minutes. there were a couple of holds of about 2-3 minutes, but that was to place the order. Surprising that it too 30 minutes.