Problem with IBM T42 Keyboard

[Johnnyz351]

Okay, so I have an IBM T-42, and I like the keyboard and all, but a week ago, a thin folder got wedged under the "Fn" key and when I lifted the folder, the key just popped out. The same happened to my "Right" direction key on the right side of the keyboard.

I looked at the bottom of the keyboard and it looks like it can be sled or popped back into place. However, I've tried and tried, and I can't get the keys properly back into their place.

Is this an IBM keyboard design flaw or am I just dumb and don't know how to put the keys back into place?

Thanks guys.

[egibbs]

Is this an IBM keyboard design flaw or am I just dumb and don't know how to put the keys back into place?

Yes.

The IBM laptop keyboards are engineering marvels that are nothing like a desktop keyboard where you can just pop the keys off and back on.

It is possible to reinstall a key - if and only if the tabs on the little plastic scissors mechanism aren't bent or broken. If you search the forum you'll find LOTS of people asking the same question or describing their experience, and one post by someone a few weeks ago who described in excrutiating detail exactly how to do it.

Me - I've never had any luck with it. The one time I popped a few keys off to clean under them (coffee spiil) I wound up replacing the keyboard. They are pretty inexpensive and easy to change, and I have enough frustration in my life already.

This should be in the FAQ by the way - it may be THE most FAQ. And IBM should really have a video on their site showing how to replace a key - they have them for everything else. And everyone should send me money too, and why can't we have world peace? Oh wait - scratch that last one, I work for a defense contractor.

Ed Gibbs

[JaneL]

>This should be in the FAQ by the way - it may be THE most FAQ.
>

That can be arranged! Write it up in the form of a Q&A, and send it to me.