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jmault · Oct 6, 2006, 11:48 AM

One of the keys on my PB cracked and I am anal about my computer. It is not even that noticable it kind of looks like a stran of hair. Is there a way of replacing it or anything?

Sherman Homan · Oct 6, 2006, 12:55 PM

I doubt you can buy a key (Can I buy a vowel?).
How about a repair place with a dead keyboard with your damaged key in tact?
Thye pop on and off with alarming ease...
Of course, you can buy a whole new keyboard.

sahnapiranha · Oct 6, 2006, 01:47 PM

You can purchase individual key caps from PowerBook Parts dot-com:

Titanium Keycaps -

No, I am not affiliated with them. I have purchased a variety of 'stuff' from them, and haven't had any problems whatsoever.

cbrfanatic · Oct 6, 2006, 03:09 PM

i have extra keys, if you want a few pm me and ill give you a good deal.

jmault · Oct 7, 2006, 12:07 AM

So is it possible to change the key/keys myself; Do they just pop on and off? What kind of places will do the replacement? Any idea of how much it costs to replace the key or the whole keyboard?
Thanks much

jmault · Oct 7, 2006, 12:08 AM

So is it possible to change the key/keys myself; Do they just pop on and off? What kind of places will do the replacement? Any idea of how much it costs to replace the key or the whole keyboard?
Thanks much

shabbasuraj · Oct 7, 2006, 12:16 AM

A key on my PB broke and I walked into the Apple Store and they gave me a new key. No questions asked.

You should try the same.

macdevil · Oct 7, 2006, 12:19 AM

They actually do pop off. A number of websites show instructions. I have done some myself. If you are truly anal the cost for an individual key isn't too high. I actually replaced my whole keyboard, purchased from ifixit.com. They buy old laptops and then part them out, so inventory is somewhat iffy at times.

jmault · Oct 7, 2006, 02:31 AM

What is the difference between the "aluminum" and "titanium" PBG4??? I was not aware there were two kinds?

cbrfanatic · Oct 7, 2006, 07:05 PM

the titanium has a self destruct feature, it also doubles as an ice maker.

macdevil · Oct 7, 2006, 08:39 PM

Originally Posted by jmault

What is the difference between the "aluminum" and "titanium" PBG4??? I was not aware there were two kinds?

It is my understanding that keys are slightly different, I am not sure if it is color or what. I would imagine the backlite key feature on the Al's might create a key difference but I am unsure.

As for the self destruct feature on the Ti.... the fan sure sounds like something is going to blow from time to time, but I did get the ice maker option on my BTO.

slpdLoad · Oct 7, 2006, 11:18 PM

Originally Posted by jmault

What is the difference between the "aluminum" and "titanium" PBG4??? I was not aware there were two kinds?

The aluminum powerbooks have separate keys, which you can pop off (the kind you seem to have). The titanium powerbooks had a black, rubbery membrane type keyboard that didn't have separately removable keys.

Velocity211 · Oct 7, 2006, 11:33 PM

Originally Posted by jmault

What is the difference between the "aluminum" and "titanium" PBG4??? I was not aware there were two kinds?

If you are asking the differences in general, then here's your answer. The aluminum PB is made of aluminum, the titanium PB is made of titanium...

jmault · Oct 8, 2006, 01:31 AM

So uhhhhhhh....which one was the better model??? Is one version more current???

Velocity211 · Oct 8, 2006, 10:10 AM

the aluminum is more current.

analogika · Oct 8, 2006, 02:29 PM

The Titanium Powerbook's keys *do* come off, as well.

They are *completely* different from the Aluminium keyboards.

Many stores keep defective keyboards around to replace individual keys for customers. They might do it for free or a couple of dollars into the coffee-break fund.

frankthetank966 · Nov 28, 2006, 10:47 AM

one of my keys on my macbook has basically broken. it so annoying. i am also very anal about my laptop.