Proud owner of a new Thinkpad T43p 2687D5U / Keyboard Issue

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CupOfJoe · #1 Post by **CupOfJoe** » Mon Mar 06, 2006 2:00 am

Hi Thinkpad folks,

For quite a while, I've been a user of various laptops. Mainly Dell & Thinkpads. However, I've never *owned* one. They've always been my employers.

Well, the time came recentlly to actually purchase one for myself. After giving it a bit of thought (actually, it didn't take much thought at all), I opted for a Thinkpad.

Actually *owning* one of these cool works of mechanical art is quite special.

= = = = = =

On a somewhat different note, I have a comment regarding the keyboard installed on my machine. It came with the ALPS manufactured keyboard. After reading up on various feedback with the different keyboards available, I opted to call the technical service folks and request an NMB keyboard.

I called on a Thursday, and by Friday morning I had a new NMB keyboard in my hands, free of charge & free shipping. I don't even have to return my current one (which works fine -- but had a different feel than I was expecting).

I'm guessing the new keyboard was sent to me free under the terms of my warranty -- they must consider the customer's perception of a sub-par keyboard a type of "defect", thus the free replacement.

After all, what other part of the computer do you spend most of your time interacting with (besides staring at the screen)?

The new keyboard is much sturdier, doesn't flex at all, and has a "well-put-together" feel to it.

Anyway, rambling I am -- so I close it here.

-CupOfJoe

Hanson · #2 Post by **Hanson** » Mon Mar 06, 2006 3:41 am

Hmmm...I've had my T43 for nearly 5 months now and have the CHICONY. Too bad I live in Canada, I've heard on this forum that it is more of a hassle to get IBM to send one up here.

ryan42 · #3 Post by **ryan42** » Mon Mar 06, 2006 8:38 pm

where do you actually determine what type of keyboard you have? I want to figure out. Do you have to open the thinkpad or remove the keyboard or do you just have a software tool tell you?

#4 Post by **GomJabbar** » Mon Mar 06, 2006 8:49 pm

ryan42 wrote:where do you actually determine what type of keyboard you have?

The easiest way is to press the blue Access IBM button while in Windows. Choose: Get Help & Support > System Information > Warranty and parts.

Ragtopgeek · #5 Post by **Ragtopgeek** » Mon Mar 06, 2006 9:06 pm

Although my T42p has the NMB keyboard according to the Access IBM->Warranty & Parts list, is it possible to determine, without taking out the keyboard, whether it was manufactured in China or Thailand?
Thanks, Ragtopgeek.

Chrispy · #6 Post by **Chrispy** » Mon Mar 06, 2006 9:20 pm

I sent you a PM CupofJoe

ryan42 · #7 Post by **ryan42** » Mon Mar 06, 2006 9:29 pm

39T0704 is what I have. Where would I go to determine what that is?

Chrispy · #8 Post by **Chrispy** » Mon Mar 06, 2006 9:45 pm

CupofJoe, can you please post the part number for the new keyboard?

Also, when I called they told me I was not allowed to specify a part number for replacement. All they could do was send me the same "made in china" keyboard I already have

What did they tell you?

#9 Post by **GomJabbar** » Mon Mar 06, 2006 10:11 pm

ryan42 wrote:39T0704 is what I have. Where would I go to determine what that is?

According to IBM, you have an ALPS. What do you think of it?

Keyboard service parts - ThinkPad T43/p

Chrispy · #10 Post by **Chrispy** » Mon Mar 06, 2006 10:16 pm

GomJabbar wrote:
ryan42 wrote:39T0704 is what I have. Where would I go to determine what that is?
According to IBM, you have an ALPS. What do you think of it?

Keyboard service parts - ThinkPad T43/p

I have an ALPS as well

FRU 13N9957 KEYBOARDS; FRU-KBD ALPS US ENGLISH ROHS

It feels "ok" but nothing like the keyboard on my T42 felt. I always thought something was strange about this keyboard. Now I know! I called back again and talked to someone else and got the NMB keyboard (part number 39T0519)! I am excited to get it.

Even better, the keyboard is being sent overnight shipping

Now that is service!

ryan42 · #11 Post by **ryan42** » Tue Mar 07, 2006 8:08 am

GomJabbar wrote:
ryan42 wrote:39T0704 is what I have. Where would I go to determine what that is?
According to IBM, you have an ALPS. What do you think of it?

Keyboard service parts - ThinkPad T43/p

It seems okay to me. If a little light maybe. I hate the way the ESC key presses if you hit two high up on it. It acts like maybe the scissor is at the lower part of the key and pressing on the top almost seems like you're levering it off until it snaps down. Thats my main complaint.

Proud owner of a new Thinkpad T43p 2687D5U / Keyboard Issue

Proud owner of a new Thinkpad T43p 2687D5U / Keyboard Issue

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