Broken "G" Key on Keyboard

[sting0r]

Any ideas where I can order a new "G" key for my keyboard? It broke off. Looks like it slides in with some plastic.

I have an x41. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

[gerdh]

IBM sells complete keyboards at a very decent price. It does not make sense to go find single key replacements with all the "micro-mechanical" work involved.

Gerd

[sting0r]

How hard is it to replace the keyboard? I see they want about $54 for one.

[tfflivemb2]

The keys are actually very easy to replace. There is a thread here that explains it step by step, by someone that had to go through it the first time.

I would turn to ebay for the keys. People offer ANY keys that you'd like. It would certainly be a lot cheaper than an entire keyboard.

[gerdh]

In order to actually answer the question of sting0r:

Complete keyboards are replaced by removing 4 or 5 screws; then slide the keybord out and detach the trackpoint connector, reverse sequence applies for the new keyboard. Movies and drawings available on the ibm / lenovo web site, it is considererd a "field replacement unit" - every consumer can do it.

Compare this yourself with the procedure of a) finding and b) sourcing single keys and c) applying them properly (Sure that there might not be a broken plastic notch or clip?). Personally, I put my time and ressources into the equation and find a complete key board the best solution.

my two cents
Gerd

[DataAve]

I have to agree with gerdh. You will then have a spare keyboard for key replacement (minus a "G" of course).

[carbon_unit]

Isn't you T41 still under warranty? If so IBM will send you a new keyboard.

[dr_st]

And are you sure the key is really broken? Could be that the mechanism has just popped out and can be snagged back in place.

[sting0r]

There looks like there is a little plastic piece sticking out on either side of the clip. On one side this plastic piece or "nub" is broken. Any way just to get a new clip? Looks like this slides right out.

[tfflivemb2]

Before you buy a replacement key or an entire keyboard, read through this first: http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=6748

Also, as carbon_unit asked, is this system still under warranty?

[dr_st]

There looks like there is a little plastic piece sticking out on either side of the clip. On one side this plastic piece or "nub" is broken.

Looks like it's broken alright.

Any key from any used X-keyboard should suit you. Note that T-keyboards won't work, they are different. If it's under warranty, you should get it replaced for free.