Thinkpad X230 Backlight/Thinklight

[outsidethebox]

Hello Friends,

I recently purchased a Lenovo X230 tablet PC (3435-24U) and I love it.

After MUCH debate with Lenovo, however, I think I have determined this: While the unit has a symbol for a light (either backlight on keyboard or thinklight on screen) on the spacebar, this particular model does not have that feature.

1. It's a shame because it's a great feature, and I hope my diagnosis is wrong, but when I press the function key and space bar together, I get no light, and get a symbol on the screen of a light with a circle/slash through it. Seems like no light to me, yes?

2. As a fallback, I see that X230 BACKLIT replacement keyboards are available for under $50 on the internet and wondered if any of you had any luck switching out a non-lit keyboard for a lit one, either by yourself or with professional help.

Any insight on either issue would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you...

[brchan]

Tablet models do not have the think light. You can swap in a backlight keyboard with no pproblems.

[outsidethebox]

Thanks so much (again). When you say "you can switch keyboards no problem," is this something a newbie can do or would it require an expert?

[RealBlackStuff]

All you need is a small Phillips #1 screwdriver and the matching HMM (see "Drivers & HMMs" link at the top of this page).

[outsidethebox]

Thank you so much.

One more question?

Some sites indicate that the backlight keyboard will only work if the mainboard has an extra connecotr cable for the backlight.

Do you know if this is true? Is there an easy way to check before taking the old keyboard out?

Your advice is much appreciated...

[RealBlackStuff]

Keyboards with built-in backlight don't need an extra connector, it's the same connector for all.
All X230 KBs have a KB-backlight switch (Fn + Spacebar).
Only on a KB with backlight will it work, otherwise it'll show a key with a stroke through it on your screen.

[outsidethebox]

Thank you. Do I have this right then?

My keyboard has the light icon on the spacebar but when I press FN + space I only get a symbol of a light on the screen with a slashmark through it (and no light). My plan is to buy a backlight keyboard and switch it for my current keyboard using the one connector.

Do you think this will work?

Thank you again, so much, for your patience...

[RealBlackStuff]

That's what I have been telling you, get a backlit KB...

[elektrokid]

Hi,

just as RealBlackStuff wrote: Get a keyboar with backlit. The process is really straightforward so don't worry about a little bit of screwdriver work (think it's two crews but you should consult the HMM) and be sure: You will LOVE the new keyboard.

[outsidethebox]

Morning All,

Replacement Keyboard=$35 from eBay.

Swappingout with existing keyboard=5 minutes with a small Phillips head screwdriver.

New backlit keyboard=PRICELESS!

An easy fix if even I can do it. Highly recommended...

[USSS]

The backlit keyboard I ordered with my X230 Tablet last year is absolutely indispensable.

I hope Lenovo will consider using an RGB LED array in the future that would allow you to change the backlight color (red-orange would be very useful).

[lindalonely]

Can u give me the link?

Morning All,

Replacement Keyboard=$35 from eBay.

Swappingout with existing keyboard=5 minutes with a small Phillips head screwdriver.

New backlit keyboard=PRICELESS!

An easy fix if even I can do it. Highly recommended...