[dcsmrgun]

Being on a fixed budget, I opted for the lower end new 1GHz 15". I opted to purchase an Airport card instead of including the backlit keyboard. My question is whether the backlit keyboard is a drop-in replacement for the regular one, whether everything is contained in one replacement keyboard, or whether the light sensors and everything else are on the logic board, making an "upgrade" to the lit keyboard at a later date impossible.

Purely theoretically, I mean. I don't think this will bother me in the slightest.

[parsec_kadets]

The keyboard is not a part that can be replaced by the user. It would probably require taking the machine almost completely apart. I have a feeling you'll be stuck with what you get.

[Link]

dude there's a custom option on apple's site. Look in the keyboard/OS section and there's a backlit keyboard option for $69.

You might want to return the one you have if you just got one. They aren't exchangable by the user and it's very hard to order the backlight part.

BTW It isn't too hard to replace the keyboard, you have to remove about 6 screws from both the top and bottom and the whole trackpad/keyboard area will come up... not too hard really.

Anyway, yeah. Get the $69 option.. you won't be sorry!

[11011001]

Originally posted by Link:
dude there's a custom option on apple's site. Look in the keyboard/OS section and there's a backlit keyboard option for $69.

You might want to return the one you have if you just got one. They aren't exchangable by the user and it's very hard to order the backlight part.

BTW It isn't too hard to replace the keyboard, you have to remove about 6 screws from both the top and bottom and the whole trackpad/keyboard area will come up... not too hard really.

Anyway, yeah. Get the $69 option.. you won't be sorry!

He knew about it, but he was on a budget so he didn't get it.

Oh, and if you did decide to get one at a later date, where would you get it? You'd have to order it through an Apple service place or something I think.

[ae86_16v]

You know what is the funny thing. I had a 17", at first it was a very cool feature. But after the first week, I never used it again. I usually just turn on my table light.

I guess it is usable if you travel alot and don't want to disturb others around you.

[dcsmrgun]

Originally posted by 11011001:
He knew about it, but he was on a budget so he didn't get it.

Oh, and if you did decide to get one at a later date, where would you get it? You'd have to order it through an Apple service place or something I think.

I've got a buddy who works for a powerbook authorized repair center, he's got the means to pretty much order whatever I'd need.

[Amorya]

Originally posted by ae86_16v:
You know what is the funny thing. I had a 17", at first it was a very cool feature. But after the first week, I never used it again. I usually just turn on my table light.

I guess it is usable if you travel alot and don't want to disturb others around you.

If it was available on a 12", I would have bought it.

Firstly, on the rare occasions that you need it, it'd be a lifesaver.

But mainly, because it's a cool feature to show off with! (Yes, I really am that sad.)


Amorya

[Chemmy]

If you're on a budget the light up keyboard seems stupid. I bought the 1.25ghz which comes with the backlit keyboard, but I can't envision it being anything other than a neat toy.

Who looks at the keyboard to type?

Originally posted by dcsmrgun:
I've got a buddy who works for a powerbook authorized repair center, he's got the means to pretty much order whatever I'd need.

Do you have stairs in your house?

Sup dude?

[urban]

wouldnt it be nice if the backlit keyboard was available on the 12" as well?

[Synotic]

I did order my PowerBook with a backlit keyboard, but I really don't look at the keyboard when I type, even at night. If I turn on the light it's because I am typing up some written material or doing work. I suppose it could be useful if you're typing addresses/credit card numbers on a website or something.

[Dr Reducto]

I've got a buddy who works for a powerbook authorized repair center, he's got the means to pretty much order whatever I'd need.

Can he get me a G5 mobo and Processor?

[tooki]

He probably can, but unless you have a broken same part to send in, it'll cost you a fortune. (E.g. $900 for an iMac motherboard, back when the iMac was $1300.)

tooki