Any Laptop Hardware Gurus Around?

[SweetErika]

So, the laptop you guys helped me decide on last year is doing well EXCEPT our 36" monster has managed to yank four keys off the keyboard. I'm getting tired of typing on the rubber nubs instead of j, l, ; and ' keys, so I want re replace the keyboard. It looks like a pretty easy and inexpensive fix, which is super!

The laptop is an Asus P50IJ with an unlit keyboard. However, I've been noticing several of the replacements I've looked at say they're "backlit." Here's one example I pulled for your perusal. Now that feature would be a huge help to me, especially during the summer.

Here's my question: Can I replace an unlit keyboard with a backlit one, like the one in the link? I mean it says it's for my computer's particular model right there. Or is it that Asus made some P50IJs with backlit keyboards and others (like mine) without them, and I have to buy an unlit replacement?

Oh, and while I'm here, I'd also like to ask about keyboard protectors to hopefully deter my little monster from pulling keys off of the replacement keyboard and keep my new keyboard cleaner. I've read reviews on some of the covers, but I'd still like your thoughts. The flat ones get poor marks, so I've been looking at the contoured ones, like this one. Yes, I know it's only $4, but I'd rather not waste time and money if I don't have to.

 

[ConfusedAgain]

I bought my keyboard protector from Ebay. I'm not sure if it's the same seller but mine came from Hong Kong. It only took about a week for me to receive it in the US. It works as it is supposed to. I never used another to compare it to. It's a little weird getting used to the new texture but it's not that big of a deal. I only take it off if I have a lot of typing to do.

I'm pretty sure you can only use the same exact keyboard to replace a keyboard. But if it is the same exact model number than I don't see why not.

 

[NippleMuncher]

My current computer is in fact an ASUS, which brings me to a funny video which I'll share later ...

At any rate, I don't use it as a laptop as much as a desktop, so it was purchased with an external mouse and keyboard. The mouse is a Logitech lz12033. I have fairly large hands and was merely looking for something that wouldn't give me carpel tunnel syndrome, as well as the mouse functions that I use most, which is a forward/back button and scroll wheel. The keyboard is also a Logitech, specifically the K120, which is a standard keyboard that facilitates ham fisted beatings. We bought everything from Amazon.

As for keyboard covers, I'm not a fan, like a condom, it removes the tactile sensitivity from the experience, however, as a necessity they do work pretty well. As an alternative I'd recommend keeping the gremlin away from the computer completely, at least when unattended. If you are away from the computer, make it gremlin resistant by locking down the system and putting the hardware out of reach. You can never child proof a home, you have to home proof the child, meaning little fingers don't belong in a great many places and they (the gremlin and its fingers ) need to learn that concept early on or else you'll be battling damage to your home for the next 18+ years.

On to that video I mentioned earlier.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xo8wRKpqAPI

 

[SweetErika]

I bought my keyboard protector from Ebay. I'm not sure if it's the same seller but mine came from Hong Kong. It only took about a week for me to receive it in the US. It works as it is supposed to. I never used another to compare it to. It's a little weird getting used to the new texture but it's not that big of a deal. I only take it off if I have a lot of typing to do.

I'm pretty sure you can only use the same exact keyboard to replace a keyboard. But if it is the same exact model number than I don't see why not.

Yep, it appears all of the protectors ship straight from China or HK. It's good to know you like yours! Is it one of the contoured ones that more-or-less has a spot for each key, or a flat one?

My current computer is in fact an ASUS, which brings me to a funny video which I'll share later ...

At any rate, I don't use it as a laptop as much as a desktop, so it was purchased with an external mouse and keyboard. The mouse is a Logitech lz12033. I have fairly large hands and was merely looking for something that wouldn't give me carpel tunnel syndrome, as well as the mouse functions that I use most, which is a forward/back button and scroll wheel. The keyboard is also a Logitech, specifically the K120, which is a standard keyboard that facilitates ham fisted beatings. We bought everything from Amazon.

As for keyboard covers, I'm not a fan, like a condom, it removes the tactile sensitivity from the experience, however, as a necessity they do work pretty well. As an alternative I'd recommend keeping the gremlin away from the computer completely, at least when unattended. If you are away from the computer, make it gremlin resistant by locking down the system and putting the hardware out of reach. You can never child proof a home, you have to home proof the child, meaning little fingers don't belong in a great many places and they (the gremlin and its fingers ) need to learn that concept early on or else you'll be battling damage to your home for the next 18+ years.

On to that video I mentioned earlier.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xo8wRKpqAPI

LMAO! You know, we've been pronouncing it "EH-suss"/"ACE-us." It never even occurred to me the proper pronunciation would be "eh-SOOS." Oh well, I like our way better.

I do use this as a laptop, so a separate keyboard is out of the question. Otherwise, I'd be all for that solution!

The monster pulled off the first key or two before we realized he knew how to open the screen, much less yank off keys. The last ones happened a couple of weeks ago when we were Skyping with my husband. Monster was tired, cranky missing his dad severely, and simply exploded all of a sudden, yanking off the keys before I could restrain his hands (and he was right in front me - that's how fast he is!). We are very strict about teaching him to treat people and things with respect, discipline, following through, consistency, etc., because you're right, we can't childproof everything! OTOH, we DO recognize that some things will become casualties of his outbursts along the way. We don't like or excuse that behavior, but we can literally see our son struggle with controlling his emotions and body and lose the battle sometimes due to his sensory disorder. I guess that just makes it easier for us to understand and continue to address in his occupational therapy sessions.

 

[EdwardMidweston]

So, the laptop you guys helped me decide on last year is doing well EXCEPT our 36" monster has managed to yank four keys off the keyboard. I'm getting tired of typing on the rubber nubs instead of j, l, ; and ' keys, so I want re replace the keyboard. It looks like a pretty easy and inexpensive fix, which is super! QUOTE]

Instead of replacing the keyboard, you might want to merely replace the keys--which is even easier and more inexpensive. Large-volume online suppliers, of whom there are many, are usually much cheaper than local computer dealers. The one I've had personal experience with is
http://www.replacementlaptopkeys.com They were cheap and shipped quickly and their replacement keys work flawlessly.

BTW, an 18-pound Maine coon cat can pop keys even more efficiently than a 36" monster, plus he can climb very well when I try to put my laptop out of his reach!

 

[SweetErika]

Edward, I looked at just replacing the keys initially, but with each key costing $5, it's about the same price to replace the whole keyboard, which is really pretty ridiculous since the damn keys must only cost pennies each. And if I do buy a whole new keyboard for around $25, I'll have a backup to cannibalize if more keys are pulled off in the future (well, as long as they're not the same ones that are off now!).

 

[EdwardMidweston]

Prices must have skyrocketed in the couple years since I bought keys. I think I paid 40-cents apiece for them. All good things must end, I guess.

 

[DeceptiveSpeed]

If the keyboard is made for your particular model then there shouldn't be any trouble. Being backlit is just an added feature. It'll work as long as it's the correct size, which it should be. Keyboard protectors are a matter of taste. $4 isn't that much if it keeps you from having to deal with this problem again. And if you don't like how the keyboard responds, you can always ditch it.

Plus you can always give your kid up for adoption so it doesn't happen again... (I kid )

 

[SweetErika]

If the keyboard is made for your particular model then there shouldn't be any trouble. Being backlit is just an added feature. It'll work as long as it's the correct size, which it should be. Keyboard protectors are a matter of taste. $4 isn't that much if it keeps you from having to deal with this problem again. And if you don't like how the keyboard responds, you can always ditch it.

Plus you can always give your kid up for adoption so it doesn't happen again... (I kid )

So the connection is the same for a backlit keyboard, and the light is simply powered through that connection?

 

[Goey]

Before you buy anything online check if you have a computer repair shop somewhere near you. They normally have a few loose keys laying around and you never know - you might get lucky.

If something says it supports your model number, it should work (if not you'll be able to get a refund).

 

[DeceptiveSpeed]

So the connection is the same for a backlit keyboard, and the light is simply powered through that connection?

Yep, exactly.