T40 - Cursor key problems, lack of support under keys

[plato]

Hi,

There does not seem to be solid support under the section of my keyboard which contains my cursor keys. As a result when I click the cursor keys I get large rebound off the keyboard and a rattling noise.

Is this common or should I be concerned.

Is this sort of thing covered by warranty?

Cheers

[darrenf]

The replacement keyboard will be the same. Take the keyboard out and flatten/bend the tab below the arrow keys in such a way as to extend its reach and increase the pitch of the tab so that it will grab the handrest better and force the keyboard baseplate down. (a shim could also do the trick, but bending the tab is quick and easy). When you are done the keyboard should still go back in place but will be rock solid all the way accross.

I have run into one ThinkPad keyboard that needed this adjustment on the left as well (Chineese keyboard).

Be caseful not to damage the down-arrow key while you are doing this. Any exposed aluminum can be covered with permanent marker (Sharpie) when you are done.

BTW: Since first making this fix on the Thinkpads, I've done the same with numerous other laptops with great results. Most other laptops have a much cheaper keyboard backplate though, so some keys (mid-keyboard) always flex.

Good luck!

-darren

[atlacatl]

I has the China made keyboard and got it exchanged for the the Thai keyboard - I had a sticky right arrow key - Anyway, both keyboards had the flex and bouncy feeling, so I just put a thin piece of foam and now the keyboard feels perfect.

I didn't have the guts to bend the notch on the keyboard...

[plato]

Do they just send you a free keyboard or are you required to send your old keyboard back first?

I am kind of concerned about modifying the laptop and to be honest I did not quite understand every detail in the process you described. I will read again when I have actually had some sleep.

If they just send out a new keyboard free of charge without swap over, I will just request one whilst the notebook is under warranty.

[darrenf]

plato,

I know my directions are confusing. I think the reason only two people have admitted to trying this is that my directions are hard to follow.

As hard as it is to describe, it's even harder to photograph. The baseplate on the keyboard is painted black on one side which makes it hard to see the bend. Here is my first attempt to capture it on film. Note that these pictures were taken of the mod done to a Chinese keyboard. The baseplate and paint on it will look a little different on the NMB/Thailand keyboard (and the arrow keys will be closer to the baseplate).

I hope this helps!

http://www.hdpixel.com/gallery/data/500 ... B_Tab1.jpg

http://www.hdpixel.com/gallery/data/500 ... B_Tab2.jpg

http://www.hdpixel.com/gallery/data/500 ... B_Tab3.jpg

-darren

[plato]

Hey Darren,

Thanks for all your effort and feedback. Much appreciated. I now understand what you mean.

Honestly speaking the end product looks a bit 'unhealthy'. I may end up even more depressed if I am able to see my new bent black support plate

I think I will shim it.

I will also call IBM and see how difficult getting a replacement will actually be.

[atlacatl]

Hey Darren,

Thanks for all your effort and feedback. Much appreciated. I now understand what you mean.

Honestly speaking the end product looks a bit 'unhealthy'. I may end up even more depressed if I am able to see my new bent black support plate

I think I will shim it.

I will also call IBM and see how difficult getting a replacement will actually be.

I had to send the old one back - After some convincing that my old keyboard was indeed defective - I asked to speak to a supervisor and he sent the new one with a new sticker for send the old one.

Why don't you just put a strip of foam or a piece of a business card on the right corner of the keyboard - I'm amost 100% sure that it will be a satisfactory solution - For either keyboard...You take 4 screws out and lift the keyboard a bit and voila...

Good luck...