T60(p) Other Language Keyboard

[Cclyde]

Hey everybody,

I've decided it is time for a new computer. More specifically so, a laptop, since as a student, I need all the mobility I can get

After considering a lot of options, I have set my heart on the T60p - I love the screen, it has enough power for a non-gamer like me and I cannot suppress the heavenly nostalgia that sets in when I hear the name Thinkpad (a trusty 755 accompanied me through my late childhood).

It was enough trouble locating a dealer in Europe where I could get that [censored] thing with a little less than the average 40% "idiot tax" that magically gets added to the American price - I think would save about $1500 if I got a similar model in the US...

But what bothers me more is that I cannot get it with a US keyboard (or at least a UK/International one). I'm used to this since I am a native English speaker (to hell with all the umlauts on German keyboards!) and hate the placement of the special chars. Searching this forum I learned that the keyboard is easily replaced, but my question is: How easy/hard/impossible is it to get hold of a US keyboard and how would I best go about doing so?

Thanks ever so much,
Chris

[amo]

Hi,

I am myself in the search of a new thinkpad (I write this on a 2 years old R51). Thought of a X60s but came across the T60p, 14", which is also quite light, even if not ultra-protable. I need top performances as I'm using it as a live music machine. To make a long stroy short, the same specs cost 3500 euros in france, where it goes for 2600$ (2000 euros), in the US. Now, I have found that this site:

http://www.euclidcomputers.com

does ship internationnaly. So, even with the shipping cost and French VAT, it comes way cheaper ! And as far as I know, the warranty is internationnal. My only problem is the opposite as yours: I'd like a French keyboard.
Anybody knows how hard it is to find/replace a T60p keyboard?

Regards,
Amaury

[GomJabbar]

Keyboard service parts - ThinkPad T60/p

There is a link at the bottom of the above page for purchasing parts from Lenovo. You can also Google the part number you are interested in, to find other suppliers of the part.

Keyboard removal movie - ThinkPad T60/p

Keyboard installation movie - ThinkPad T60/p

[freakwave]

Hi,

took my dealer 4 days to order (received it 2 days ago). I got the US keyboard for about 100 Euro. Swapping it is really easy, comes witih a short plan.

If you are in Germany, call magicdevices and they will get it.

Regards,

Wolfgang

[amo]

Hi,

I just found out today that here in France I can buy the French keyboard for T60p for about 40 euros, directly from the IBM website. Only parts can be bought online in France from the website, but that is good news!

Have you checked the German IBM website?

Regards,
amo

[Cclyde]

Thanks everyone for your help!

Turns out IBM Germany even has it in stock (only the Alps, not the NMB, but I guess I can't get everything ).

It comes at a hefty price tag (80 euros w/o shipping), but I suppose that's the price for special requests

As for Austria, they only have a phone number, not a website to order parts. I might as well call them anyway once I have ordered my T60p, because I'll probably pay less shipping there.

[amo]

really weird, here in France, French keyboard comes for less than 40 euros:

https://www-134.ibm.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... PartNumber

I just don't get business policies. Talking about that, where do you get the T60p from? I'm thinking of Euclide, as they ship internationnally, or of some private service.

best,
amo

[Cclyde]

Wow...

I think I should just polish my French skills and call up IBM France!

The difference really is huge, I wonder why...