Keyboard Replacement?

[Lenovoate]

Hey all!

I have a T42 that I love and still runs great. The only problem I have with it is that I broke the space bar trying to dig out some crumbs. The little springs which hold it in place are completely ruined.

Is there any way I can get a new spacebar?

Or a whole new keyboard?

Or am I just going to have to keep lugging my external around with me?


Bonus Question: If I do have to keep lugging around an external keyboard, do those ones that roll out into a mat ( like in Die Hard 4) really exist?

[The Spirit of X21]

Luckily, ThinkPad keyboards are easy to replace. I was able to get a used keyboard on the forum for $25 shipped. It is much easier than keeping that external by your side!

[Lenovoate]

Luckily, ThinkPad keyboards are easy to replace. I was able to get a used keyboard on the forum for $25 shipped. It is much easier than keeping that external by your side!

Interesting...how difficult is it to install?

[Johan]

Interesting...how difficult is it to install?

Answer: Very easy! Refer to Hardware removal and installation - ThinkPad T40/p, T41/p, T42/p, T43/p and there you will find movies showing exactly how-to!

There are three "different" keyboards for 15" T42's, and two for 14" T42's ("different" in the sense that they are being made by different manufacturers), and the NMB-brand is preferred by many users - but search this forum yourself for views on the different types of keyboards. You will find the part numbers ofr the different types of keyboards (and for different countries) here: Service parts list index - ThinkPad. Another good place you need to know is where to find the Hardware Maintenance Manual - ThinkPad T40, T40p, T41, T41p, T42, T42p. Now you're all set! Good luck...

PS: If your T42 is still under warranty, chances are that IBM will replace the keyboard for free... unless it was your own fault that it was damaged? Call and ask! Otherwise, you may order a replacement keyboard from IBM, if not e.g. buying it via the Marketplace in this forum.

Best regards,

Johan

[NS]

That rolled up keyboard is the silicon rubber keyboard and yes they can be rolled up and you can wash it under a running tap. But... I hated the way when i type on it because you need to tap exactly in the middle of each and every one of the keys to type a word and it takes too long and it feels uncomfortable to the user. If you feel fustrated, you can pound your fist onto the enter key- yes, i mean very hard. nothing will happen. Good way to vent your anger if your thinkpad fails to operate the way you want.

You can ask around in the marketplace to see which forummer can sell it to you; provided they have one extra piece lying around.

[GomJabbar]

Bonus Question: If I do have to keep lugging around an external keyboard, do those ones that roll out into a mat ( like in Die Hard 4) really exist?

Roll-Up Keyboard

Do I get the booby prize?