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mdewberry · Oct 2, 2003, 12:28 PM

Hello everyone,
Ok, I know this is super picky, but�..

I just picked up the new 1.25GHz 15� Aluminum Powerbook, and absolutely LOVE IT! I have noticed an issue with the keyboard however, and I thought I would see if anyone has any input/advice�

I noticed that there is a �mushy� spot on the keyboard � specifically an area on the right side (near the J, K, L keys). When I push the keys in that area, the other keys in the area bend down slightly. This does not happen anywhere else on the keyboard. Everywhere else if feels solid (I press a key and none of the surrounding keys move.)

I took it to the Apple store, and they stated that there was no way that the keyboard can be adjusted/tightened - I would need to send it to AppleCare to be fixed. They were nice enough to send it overnight from the Apple store.

Well, the Genius from the Apple store just called, and stated that the Powerbook has come back, and Apple Care did not replace the keyboard - they did not do a thing!! Not sure what to do at this point - the Genius definitely sees the problem.

Should I have him send it back again, or am I being too picky?

Thanks for any info!

Mike

omegahack · Oct 2, 2003, 01:15 PM

How much do you see the keyboard moving? is it a noticable amount when you type? Mine moves a bit too but nothing so much that i can really notice it. I did exchange the other 15 that i had for this one and one of the reasons was because the keyboard moved at least a mm when i was typing. The other reason is the screen had yellow lines down it. Anyway if you don't notice it when you are typing, then I dont really see it being worth the hassle of sending it back again.

LfGrdMike · Oct 2, 2003, 01:30 PM

This is normal because the CD RW is right under it. its very slight so it isnt a prb.

mdewberry · Oct 3, 2003, 10:36 AM

Originally posted by LfGrdMike:
This is normal because the CD RW is right under it. its very slight so it isnt a prb.

Hi LfGrdMike,

Thanks for the info. I tested a few of the 15" Albooks at the Apple store, and noticed that there is a very slight flex in the keyboard on that right side, but mine was a bit more pronounced. (Interesting due to the fact that the 17" Albook has no flex anywhere on the keyboard..)

I had asked the Apple guy if I was being too picky, and he stated that the amount of flex in the keyboard would drive him crazy as well. So.. he is going to send it back to Applecare, and put some code on the order that will make them replace the keyboard. Hopefully I will get it back by Tuesday of next week. I will update the post and let you know how it turns out.

Thanks!

Mike

mdewberry · Oct 3, 2003, 10:38 AM

Originally posted by omegahack:
Mine moves a bit too but nothing so much that i can really notice it. I did exchange the other 15 that i had for this one and one of the reasons was because the keyboard moved at least a mm when i was typing.

Hey Omegahack,

Did your keyboard flex occur in the same place as mine (right hand side between the J, :, I, M keys?) Also, did you notice a difference in your new PB?

Thanks!
Mike

omegahack · Oct 3, 2003, 10:45 AM

yeah it was over those keys, and when i had it out in the cold the keyboard actually started to get a bulge in it. Yes i do really notice a big difference in the new one, there is almost no keyboard flex. it does still go down a little but not so much that you would really feel it, i dont.

LfGrdMike · Oct 3, 2003, 11:03 AM

Well the 17 is bigger and thats why they can support the keyboard better to the right.

RooneyX · Oct 3, 2003, 11:12 AM

Powerbook keyboards have always had a mushy spot or two. But this is the best keyboard on any laptop nevertheless. And I've used loads!

MSME · Oct 3, 2003, 11:49 AM

My Powerbook came with a mushy spot in the upper left corner. When I took it to the Apple Store they told me that they could order a new part, and do the repair in the store. They also said that the part would take about a week to arrive. That was last Tuesday, and I'm still waiting. I called them yesterday and they said that because the model Powerbook I have is so new, it might take a while to get the part. I'm a little irritated about the keyboard not working, but they were nice enough about fixing it.

Maybe they had to send yours out because you have a backlit keyboard. The tech told me they were more difficult to replace.

mdewberry · Oct 3, 2003, 12:06 PM

Originally posted by MSME:
When I took it to the Apple Store they told me that they could order a new part, and do the repair in the store.

Hi Mike,

I actually mentioned that to the Apple store Genius (as someone had posted it on the Apple Discussion website - it may have been you..) They stated that some stores are certified to do those types of repairs, unfortunately they were not. So I had them send it back to Apple.

As Omegahack had mentioned above, my keyboard as well seemed to slightly bulge off the computer - which is why it flexes so much, I would imagine.

Hopefully this will be my last issue for a while! My first powerbook that I bought about 8 weeks ago (867Mhz Tibook) had the logic board crash - the screen was a mess. The Apple store was nice enough to switch me out to the new more powerful Albook last week. They also let me spend the extra $600 to upgrade to the 1.25Ghz Superdrive Albook (at my request.) They rock!!!!

Mike

mdewberry · Oct 8, 2003, 10:27 AM

Hi all,

Just an update -- My Albook just came back from AppleCare last night. The keyboard is worse (it actually flexes more!), and when I brought it home and turned it on, the screen was covered with white spots. Unbelievable!

Now, the book has been sent again, and I am without if for another week. Totally unacceptable, especially for a company that is supposedly known for quality. The Genius definitely agrees the keyboard is unacceptable, however AppleCare replaced it and it is worse. Not sure if there is anyway to better secure the keyboard to the computer..

So, I will wait another week for it to come back, and hopefully the issues will be resolved.

Mike