Cleaned x40 keyboard

[coleridge]

I got a used x40 a few weeks ago, and have been making little adjustments to it. First, was windows 7 HP install, and the hack to get the Intel mobile graphics working

Next, I tried to use readyboost to speed up the system. It worked, but the Cpu load was hovering around 30%, so decided not to use it.

Bought a scratch and dent 8cell from lenovo outlet, new condition, made in June 2009, 0 cycles count, 65 wh.

Yesterday, I decided to clean the keyboard. I think the previous user had spilled some soda on it, and let it dry. It was very gummy in places. After searching online how to accomplish this, I came up with my own method. I did not want to pry off all the keys, thinking if I break one then I will have to buy another keyboard, off ebay, at least $40.

I used a steamer with distilled water to shoot steam into the keyboard while it was inverted. Next, I dried it with a hair dryer. Finally, I used some Rz-50 dry film lubricant, applying it pretty liberally, using the straw to coat all the mechanisms under the keys. It left quite a residue on the surface of the keys, so some goo gone took it off quite well. Then, a little rubbing alcohol to get that residue off.

Now, the keyboard feels great, 100% better. Nice and springy. But, my right click key on the trackpoint seemed to die (was having some problems before this), so I just remapped the right click to the "press-to-select" on the actual track pad. oh well. Don't know what else to do about that.

[sjthinkpader]

The rubber dome under the click key is of a different design than the rest. They are easy to change if you have a spare rubber dome.

[coleridge]

yes, i took off the left, middle, and right buttons, tried switching the rubber buttons, to see if that was the problem, but the right click/button still did not work. I wonder if by some reason I shorted it out with some moisture or something, very strange