several things

[Zweibel]

I have several questions. First of all, when I took my palm rest off today to upgrade my RAM I incidentally noticed that at the front edge (keyboard side) there are three little gaps which seem to have been broken out. Actually, these gaps fit exactly into the three gaps on the keyboard frame, but as I said, it really looks as if they have been broken out (plastic is a bit white and edge not smooth).

Also, the two plastic strips of the inner housing (the one on the right over the cd-rom, the other on the left side over the microphone plug etc. seem rather loose – if I put a finger on them and can push them slightly to the left and right and they make clicking noises. Is that normal?)
Finally, my screen hinges are loose, but I think that’s my own fault because I always have the machine on my lap and I think moving it around all the time has loosened the screws. IBM said they would tighten them for me.
Hope you can understand what I mean by what I said above. Thanks all for your help. Zweibel.

[SpaRood]

That is not normal with the palmrest. There are actually 2 hooks. Ask IBM for replacement.

The second problem is also not normal. Your bottom or topcase needs to be replaced. It is very difficult to do that yourself, because you need to take everything out then. I bought onsite warranty to get it fixed at home. You could try to replace it yourself. Call IBM, explain your problem, and ask if they can send you a new bottom case. It can probably be fixed by replacing the bottom case.

Now my laptop is perfect! Everything fits, no clicking sounds...very solid!

[Zweibel]

so the hooks go into the metal gaps on the keyboard frame?
But what about the third gap? There are two on the left side and one on the right.

Thank you, anyway.

[SpaRood]

if it looks white, then something has broken off, so that is not normal.

[Zweibel]

ok, here are some pics of the gaps in the palm rest and in the metal frame....I'm afraid quality isn't very good.

http://i5.tinypic.com/2d94j5t.jpg
http://i9.tinypic.com/3zuuy9v.jpg
http://i12.tinypic.com/47ca6pc.jpg
http://i9.tinypic.com/2pt0znc.jpg

[Pirx]

All the pictures are out of focus

[ThinkFanatic]

Those gaps are totally normal. The gaps that are on the frame of the keyboard are part of the "gutter" system on the ThinkPad. They are there to channel any liquid that you spill onto your keyboard through those notches and into the "gutter"system in the system, and out through the drain holes in the bottom.

The only "hooks" you should see are where the palm rest tucks under the keyboard bezel on the upper right and left corners.

As for your other problem, I can't visualize what you are talking about, so I haven't any suggestions. Sorry.

Hope that helps!

[shinjiplus]

just wanted to check if what SpaRood said was correct (before i swap my entire case)...

anyone else confirm that the two strips to the left and right side of the keyboard should indeed NOT have any movement? my left strip can move around and clicks (due to plastic-on-plastic hitting) when i touch it.

thanks!