[Ryan1524]

do you think it's do-able? maybe we can get the new backlit kb's from like PB-medic or similar stores, and install it on previous gen powerbooks. would this be violation of warranty? i'm thinking it should be easily do-able, cause it's just a matter of simple connections, no?

any ideas?

[ibook_steve]

No. Not at all. There is special hardware for controlling the keyboard backlight and the ambient light sensors. This is simply not possible.

Steve

[raiste]

What makes the new keyboards brighter? A brighter bulb? If this is all, maybe the bulb could be replaced. They are lit by a single bulb aren't they,
and each key is fed by fiber optics?

[jzdziarski]

then sign me up for a bluer bulb

[Ryan1524]

Originally posted by ibook_steve:
No. Not at all. There is special hardware for controlling the keyboard backlight and the ambient light sensors. This is simply not possible.

Steve

i'm talking about transplanting it to fellow backlit notebooks. the previous gen alu-pb have a dimmer backlight on the keyboard. all i want is to make it brighter. either by using a brighter light source, or if we must, by replacing the entire KB assembly.

[Ruahrc]

Interesting stuff- I'll have to follow this thread. But I would like to see some comparison pics- one guy claimed that the new KB at 3 blocks was as bright as the old one on full brightness. That is pretty significant! I wonder if it sucks a lot more power being a lot brighter and all...

How much do you think a backlit KB unit would cost if bought from a "salvage" site? Estimate?

I think it would definitely void your warranty- at least any warranty that covered the backlight/keyboard. I don't know if you lose ALL your warranty for opening up your PB, perhaps someone could enlighten me? I was/am always weary of upgrading parts myself because I am afraid that Apple will void my warranty for opening my PB up. For example if I replace the HD or Optical drive- and then my logic board or speakers fail (some obviously unrelated malfunction) they will say "sorry, you must have messed something up when you opened your PB to upgrade that HD", etc. Would this happen or would I still be able to get it serviced?

Ruahrc

[jzdziarski]

The Apple warranty makes no mention of disassembly voiding your warranty - only damage caused by doing so. If apple ever tried to deny you a warranty for disassembly, you could very easily win in court.

[bighead]

Originally posted by jzdziarski:
The Apple warranty makes no mention of disassembly voiding your warranty - only damage caused by doing so. If apple ever tried to deny you a warranty for disassembly, you could very easily win in court.

The new backlit keyboards are USB. The old ones are ADB. Not only will they not work, the screw locations for them are different. Look in the RAM compartment of an older 15" AlBook and a new 15" AlBook. Look for the two silver screws on the inside.

Replacing anything that is not considered a "customer installable part" on the Apple website technically voids the warranty, as the service was performed by a non-Apple Authorized Service Technician. If you have your certification, then you might have a shot at maintaining your warranty, but it is far from guaranteed.

Nevertheless, I don't believe there is any easy way to brighten your old keyboard. Sucks, I know, but I'd say don't bust up a good thing, even though it's a little dim.

[jzdziarski]

The warranty only says that parts are not covered that were _damaged_ by a noncertified technician. It doesn't say if a noncertified technician works on your powerbook that your warranty is void.

[Ruahrc]

Originally posted by bighead:
The new backlit keyboards are USB. The old ones are ADB. Not only will they not work, the screw locations for them are different. Look in the RAM compartment of an older 15" AlBook and a new 15" AlBook. Look for the two silver screws on the inside.

Good point, I remember reading about that. Too bad. Oh well to be honest I think my PB's backlit KB is bright enough as it is. If ambient light is so dim you don't wan't super-bright keys, just enough to see by. And then once the ambient light is bright enough to read the keys with no backlight, there is no need for it to be on. Although I do guess it fixes the "limbo" area where sometimes the backlight comes on and the keys all become unreadable grey blocks.

The warranty info is good to know though in case I ever slip a 5400/7200rpm drive in here or a DVD burner.

Ruahrc

[shabbasuraj]

The new keyboards are much better then previous generations in terms of brightness. IMHO.

[anamexis]

Originally posted by jzdziarski:
The warranty only says that parts are not covered that were _damaged_ by a noncertified technician. It doesn't say if a noncertified technician works on your powerbook that your warranty is void.

Wrong.

This warranty does not apply: (a) to damage caused by use with non-Apple products; (b) to damage caused by accident, abuse, misuse, flood, fire, earthquake or other external causes; (c) to damage caused by operating the product outside the permitted or intended uses described by Apple; (d) to damage caused by service (including upgrades and expansions) performed by anyone who is not a representative of Apple or an Apple Authorized Service Provider; (e) to a product or part that has been modified to significantly alter functionality or capability without the written permission of Apple; (f) to consumable parts, such as batteries, unless damage has occurred due to a defect in materials or workmanship; or (g) if any Apple serial number has been removed or defaced.

Note clause (e). That is very broad and Apple will be very swift to void your warranty if you have altered anything you are not supposed to, damage or no.

Also, (d) covers everything else. How are you going to prove that the defective motherboard wasn't a result of your adding a third party hard drive? You can't, and Apple can and will void your warranty.

The moral is, modify any non user servicable parts, and you are liable to have your Powerbook warranty voided, whether you cause damage or not.

[jzdziarski]

The burden of proof is on Apple, not me, since they're the ones voiding the warranty. And as for:

(e) to a product or part that has been modified to significantly alter functionality or capability without the written permission of Apple;

Putting in your own hard drive is a far cry from "significantly altering functionality or capability"

I'm not saying that Apple won't try and void it, I'm just explaining what sound-minded judge will say.

[jzdziarski]

(e) to a product or part that has been modified to significantly alter functionality or capability without the written permission of Apple;

This also suggests that some modification to functionality or capability must take place in order for the warranty to be void. Simply opening it up to see what's inside, or to replace a defective part can't possibly void your warranty under this subsection.

[Chuckit]

Nevermind. Misread.