Solution to little-discussed problem: bright LEDs in lid

[DaveG11th]

This is probably little-discussed because it is a problem of little consequence, but here goes:

The icon LEDs in my new-to-me-T42 are way too bright. It's hard enough for me to whip myself into doing work without some extraneous eye-magnet in my peripheral vision.

Plus, the wireless icon blinks to show me traffic. Thanks to Internet advertising, cookies, pings and general home net traffic, it's always blinking.

I dimmed the wireless, disk activity, power and battery icons with a thin layer of translucent fabric paint. If I ever find a use for Bluetooth, I'll dim that as well.

Yep, this is the the same $1 a bottle stuff you get at your local crafts store, like: http://www.duncancrafts.com/ProductDeta ... 26c8b317ef.

It's some sort of plastisol or acrylic that sticks well, yet will come off (when you want it off again) with a little judicious picking with a fingernail.

I used glow-in-the-dark because (A) I already had a bottle, (B) the g-i-t-d solids make for pleasant translucence and (C) I never get tired of seeing things glow in the dark.

Downside is that the thin layer is visible when the TP is off, but that's not a consideration for me.

[underclocker]

Downside is that the thin layer is visible when the TP is off, but that's not a consideration for me.

Good idea.

You can easily remove the clear plate, apply the paint to the inside of the icons, then replace the clear plate - then the thin layer of paint is on the inside, you don't see it at all.

[DaveG11th]

You can easily remove the clear plate, apply the paint to the inside of the icons... - then ... you don't see it at all.

Sorely tempted, believe me, but I'm paranoid about my 2.25 months of warranty left...

[ajkula66]

DaveG11th wrote:

Sorely tempted, believe me, but I'm paranoid about my 2.25 months of warranty left...

Your warranty would not be affected by such a venture...

[DaveG11th]

Your warranty would not be affected....

Well, it would look better... have to think about it.

[tim S]

I think I'd build up of layers of matt 'Scotch' tape and lay them right across all the LEDs.
But I really don't have a problem with the lights.
Tim S