New T61 and R61, warped keyboards; not straight; poor build

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lmwong · #1 Post by **lmwong** » Tue Dec 25, 2007 9:35 pm

I just recieved my new T61 and R61 from Lenovo. I was really looking forward to this build quality that Lenovo/Thinkpads were known for. But the first thing I noticed on my T61 was a slight warp in the keyboard; the left bottom area of the keyboard is higher than the right. Also, the panel on the top of the keyboard, over the volume buttons and power button is bending outward. It looks like it will pop out. The lines on this thing are NOT straight and is bothering the hell out of me! I know after taking apart and putting back togehter my Apple, if the keyboard is not placed in properly, it can look warped. I'm wondering if I can simply try to put the keyboard into a better position it will fix itself, or the keyboard is physically warped.

Second, on my R61 the left side of the space bar is higher than all the rest of the keys, by a good 1-2 mm, including the right side of the space bar. Again, the lines!!

Once I get home, I'll post some pics. Anyone else have this problem?

sugo · #2 Post by **sugo** » Tue Dec 25, 2007 10:01 pm

Photos will help. With the information posted, I don't see the keyboard issues on my T61 after a close examination.

blackomegax · #3 Post by **blackomegax** » Tue Dec 25, 2007 10:06 pm

same. my only issue thus far has been a loose battery fit. (which i suppose would be fixable by jamming something small and soft under the battery)

lmwong · #4 Post by **lmwong** » Tue Dec 25, 2007 11:07 pm

Here are some pics. The warpness of the T61 is more subtle and doesn't show in the pictures well. The T61 keyboard is noticeably higher on the left than the right. When looking straight on the from front, the keys are recessed on the right, but stick out 1 mm on the left. Is there a small elevation around the touch pad/button area which might be exagerating some of the warp?

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2108/213 ... 6c4f6a.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2058/213 ... 27c47d.jpg

You can see the bend in the top panel covering the volume and power keys.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2087/213 ... ba484f.jpg
You can definitely see the spacebar issue on the R61.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2221/213 ... aa880c.jpg

sugo · #5 Post by **sugo** » Tue Dec 25, 2007 11:29 pm

The R61 spacebar is a problem. I would ask for a keyboard replacement.

For the T61 keyboard, i suggest taking out the keyboard to see where the top panel bend is coming from. I can tell the same area on my T61 keyboard is flat.

Estrogen Kid · #6 Post by **Estrogen Kid** » Tue Dec 25, 2007 11:58 pm

hmm, my spacebar seems to be elevated slightly on the left side like in that picture. I didn't even notice until i compared my keyboard to that pic. Oh well, it doesn't bother me

lmwong · #7 Post by **lmwong** » Wed Dec 26, 2007 12:19 am

Okay, I followed Lenovo's helpful video on how to remove the keyboard from their website, and popped the T61 palm rest and keyboard out and popped it back in. Before installing it all back, I did notice a slight persistent bend to the keypad so I gave it a few quick and light bends back, reinstalled, and now all is STRAIGHT!!! Keys on both sides are recessed.

The bulge on the top piece is right where the flat ribbon cable for the monitor runs. I suspect this is what is producing the bulge. After the disassemble, it looks LESS bulgy.

As for the R61, I'll have to think about whether this bothers me enough to warrant complaining.

Paying >$2000 for a custom laptop, I would expect better build quality. Looking at all the cheap HP, Dell, Compaq, Gateway, Acer laptops in the stores, I've never noticed a warped keyboard. I'm just thankful that I could fix it.

Vert.E.Gogh · #8 Post by **Vert.E.Gogh** » Wed Dec 26, 2007 5:47 am

lmwong wrote:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2108/213 ... 6c4f6a.jpg

What OS are you running on this ThinkPad (T61?)? Is it OS X or just an OS X theme on Win XP? Can you provide some information on it? Thanks.

goran5 · #9 Post by **goran5** » Sun Dec 30, 2007 5:10 pm

Estrogen Kid wrote:hmm, my spacebar seems to be elevated slightly on the left side like in that picture. I didn't even notice until i compared my keyboard to that pic. Oh well, it doesn't bother me

Actually, I noticed the same thing on mine

however, since the feeling of typing on this keyboard that good, it doesn't bother me.

Göran
T61p/100GB_7200/4 GB/WUXGA/VISTA ULT/
6468 8TG

momo2 · #10 Post by **momo2** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 3:30 am

I've been a ThinkPad user for several years - my last machine being a T42. When it was time for me to get a new notebook, I naturally looked at the T61. Build quality on the new Lenovo's is not upto ThinkPad standard that I am used to. The best alternative I found so far is the Panasonic Y7. Too early to judge but the initial impressions are pretty good.

hippy chick · #11 Post by **hippy chick** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 9:20 am

Also take a look at the sony SZ range...I am not a great fan of Sony, But lenovo have gone down in my estimation and sony have gone up...At the moment i think Sony has the edge. lightweight, sturdy, very resilient to scratches and knocks, great spec, great display, great keyboard, tech support that does not charge you $95 when you are still within warranty!

Deb Suran · #12 Post by **Deb Suran** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 9:41 am

My new T61p has keyboard issues just like the ones you show in the 3rd and 4th pictures - there's a very noticeable hump at the trackpoint buttons, and the space-bar is warped way up on both ends. The warped space-bar is the first thing I noticed when I took it out of the box, it's very pronounced, to the point where I wondered if it was intentional. I'm still getting the laptop set up so I haven't been typing on it much and I don't know if the warped space-bar will be a problem.

And - never buy a Sony. I speak on this from experience using them in a business setting where they were an endless source of problems and calls to unhelpful tech/customer support.

cj3209 · #13 Post by **cj3209** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 10:14 am

Certain groups within Sony corp. actually use powerbooks/macbooks.

'nuff said.

SteveDC · #14 Post by **SteveDC** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 10:42 am

I replaced some parts in a T40 that required removing the palmrest and bezel (or whatever it is called -- the piece of plastic that includes the volume controls). I ended up with the same bend shown in your second picture right under the middle of the screen. Took it apart again and found a plastic tab was not popped in right on the bezel. Anyway, I am guessing your T61 was not put together correctly at the factory. The parts are probably OK and made straight. (Not sure about that bent R61 space bar though.)

pae77 · #15 Post by **pae77** » Mon Dec 31, 2007 2:40 pm

Also, if you are under warranty and your keyboard is defective, or if you even just think it is defective, a call to Lenovo support will usually result in them express shipping you a new keyboard which is a user replaceable part (5 screws and one connector). So I wouldn't give up on Thinkpads over this matter.

New T61 and R61, warped keyboards; not straight; poor build

New T61 and R61, warped keyboards; not straight; poor build

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