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crazeazn · Dec 20, 2004, 01:59 AM

I was wondering if it is possible to acquire a foreign language keyboard for our powerbooks. i am specifically looking for a korean keyboard for my 12" powerbook (direct replacement/not external).

1. does it exist? (id rather not use the stickers on a nice computer)
2. how can i get it?
3. how hard is it to install?

thanx a bunch!

Randman · Dec 20, 2004, 02:04 AM

You might have an easier time (and cheaper) to get an external keyboard in the language you want, Korean in your case.
I remember seeing a site that had replacement keyboards for Macs in putonghua but not for a laptop.

crazeazn · Dec 20, 2004, 02:13 AM

Originally posted by Randman:
You might have an easier time (and cheaper) to get an external keyboard in the language you want, Korean in your case.
I remember seeing a site that had replacement keyboards for Macs in putonghua but not for a laptop.

i already have a bunch of korean keyboards (PC versions) but id like one for my notebook on the go b/c im pretty point and peck when it comes to typing in korean... if i could get my hands on a genuine apple korean keyboard id buy one of those as well....

Randman · Dec 20, 2004, 02:18 AM

Dunno if there's any MUGS groups in Korea. If so, maybe you could contact someone in Seoul, for instance, and see if you can find anything that meets your needs. You might be able to score one on the cheap.

crazeazn · Dec 20, 2004, 02:25 AM

Originally posted by Randman:
Dunno if there's any MUGS groups in Korea. If so, maybe you could contact someone in Seoul, for instance, and see if you can find anything that meets your needs. You might be able to score one on the cheap.

whats a 'mugs' groups?

Randman · Dec 20, 2004, 02:30 AM

Macintosh Users Groups. Usually a little more locally focused. Many have marketplace forums and recommendations issues for people in a city or particular area.

Here's one ...

and another.

tooki · Dec 20, 2004, 02:39 AM

Contact an Apple-authorized service provider in Korea. If anyone can get an Apple Korean keyboard, it's them.

tooki

Randman · Dec 20, 2004, 02:40 AM

I thought about suggesting that but if he could get one used, it'll be cheaper. Plus, there might be third-party solutions as well, which the Apple peeps might not be keen on passing on since $$ (or won, in this case) would be at stake.

crazeazn · Dec 20, 2004, 02:53 AM

Originally posted by tooki:
Contact an Apple-authorized service provider in Korea. If anyone can get an Apple Korean keyboard, it's them.

tooki

how would i go about searching for that? ive been googling for ages and it appears the main apple store in seoul is far enough that my lazy cousins wont help me out..

i called apple here and they couldnt help me at all and couldnt confirm that even if the product exists..

i dont mind buying new either.. and i would prefer apple versus third party.

im going to try the users group thing... hopefully they have paypal =PP

buffalolee · Dec 20, 2004, 07:31 AM

I am sure it exists. The way to get one is most likely in Korea.

Trygve · Dec 20, 2004, 03:03 PM

I know Arabic keyboards exists (both English and Arabic keys) on the 15" AlBook. I am not sure if the Arabic letters are translucent so as to let the backlight through.

If they have Arabic ones, I would guess they have Korean as well. Of course outisde of Korea it is probably impossible to tell. The Arabic ones are availabe in Dubai.

Phossil · 12:36 PM

The cheapest and easiest solution would be for you to set your keyboard to korean (can be done in system prefrences) and then either buying or making stickers to go over your current keyboard. If you do a good job making the stickers they can actully look good, but they are also made professionally - check out www.worldlanguage.com . You could also get a spare english keyboard and remove the current letters from the keys and paint or draw on your own. The downside to this method is that the keyboards will not illuminate the correct keys if you have a 15" or 17" powerbook, but the plus is you will save alot of $$, I've looked and forign keyboards run pretty high (I still havn't found a swedish one for the ibook G4 or Powerbook, so the sticker method works for me).

Edit: Just found these overlays for keyboards - they look like the cheapest solution to me that allows you to still keep your keyboard in english as well. http://www.datacal.com/dce/custom-overlays.htm

I do agree that it would be nice to have an OEM international keyboard - so if you come across one let us know.

crazeazn · Dec 21, 2004, 10:55 PM

Originally posted by Phossil:
The cheapest and easiest solution would be for you to set your keyboard to korean (can be done in system prefrences) and then either buying or making stickers to go over your current keyboard. If you do a good job making the stickers they can actully look good, but they are also made professionally - check out www.worldlanguage.com . You could also get a spare english keyboard and remove the current letters from the keys and paint or draw on your own. The downside to this method is that the keyboards will not illuminate the correct keys if you have a 15" or 17" powerbook, but the plus is you will save alot of $$, I've looked and forign keyboards run pretty high (I still havn't found a swedish one for the ibook G4 or Powerbook, so the sticker method works for me).

Edit: Just found these overlays for keyboards - they look like the cheapest solution to me that allows you to still keep your keyboard in english as well. http://www.datacal.com/dce/custom-overlays.htm

I do agree that it would be nice to have an OEM international keyboard - so if you come across one let us know.

i have tried the stickers before but im not a fan, and i would prefer not to use them on a nice laptop. i have many korean keyboards for my pc and they work fine on the mac but i would like one whose keys look 'right' and if i can go for the oem look, that would be killer. ill be asking a friend who is visiting to check and see if it purchasable..

how difficult is it to change the 12" powerbook keyboard anywaY?

Phossil · Dec 21, 2004, 11:20 PM

not difficult at all - you take off the keyboard to expose the chassis of the computer, remove three or four screws to reveal the connector from the keyboard to the motherboard - detach the connector (pull it out) put in your new one, and you're done.

Phossil · Dec 24, 2004, 02:15 PM

anyone have any tips as to where to get these? I've decided I really want an OEM one too.

milhous · Dec 25, 2004, 05:02 AM

hmm, how about just calling apple?

crazeazn · Dec 25, 2004, 12:21 PM

Originally posted by milhous:
hmm, how about just calling apple?

i've called apple they said i have to GO to that market to acquire the piece and they cant even verify that it exists. bums.

Spheric Harlot · Dec 25, 2004, 12:21 PM

international keyboards are available from Apple directly as spare parts (duh).

You may have to order through an authorized repair center, and they are NOT CHEAP, but they are available.

crazeazn · Dec 25, 2004, 12:34 PM

Originally posted by Spheric Harlot:
international keyboards are available from Apple directly as spare parts (duh).

You may have to order through an authorized repair center, and they are NOT CHEAP, but they are available.

would an authorized repair center be considered an apple store with genius bar?

Spheric Harlot · Dec 25, 2004, 06:49 PM

Originally posted by crazeazn:
would an authorized repair center be considered an apple store with genius bar?

I would think it wouldn't get more authorized than that.

Most any reseller that also fixes macs in-house should be able to order parts.

crazeazn · Dec 26, 2004, 02:34 PM

i will hit the apple store on monday and see how that goes.