[Ji Eun]

Hey, I searched around to no avail. The only place I could find this problem being discussed was the Apple Discussions forums, but who knows what (if anything) has been 'moderated' out of those threads.

So anyway, I bought this iBook in March 04 and noticed after 2 or 3 months of normal use (for a primary computer) the paint on a couple of the keys was beginning to disappear. I figured I'd let it slide, see if it got worse, and now after another couple months I've got to say it's pretty damned terrible, and causing some usability problems with this being a bilingual keyboard. As of now, the L and N keys are over 90% gone, the S is on its way, as is the C, the <, the ?, the A, the D, the right arrow, and the I.

I called Apple Support here in Japan and they said the problem is not covered under warranty, but they'll be happy to pick it up and take a look free of charge, and maybe if I'm lucky, change their mind and replace the keyboard under warranty. If not, it'll cost about US$200 to replace the keyboard.

What do you think about this? Anyone else have similar disappearing keyboard letters paint? I'm going to call Customer Care again tomorrow and see about speaking to a higher-up. This is kind of ridiculous I think. 6 months!??!?! Unbelievable.

[drive-thru]

I've lost the bottom right bit (about 2-3 mm long) of the Apple symbol on the left-hand command key. This is the only place it's happened after about 19 months of use.

[Ji Eun]

not that anyone cares here, but i thought i should jot down the outcome of this in the event someone else has this problem.

simply put, apple picked up my machine on monday and returned it on wednesday with a brand new keyboard.

great experience with their service center here, and i'm guessing the paint on this one is *permanent*... the only problem was having to work on win2000 for a couple of days

[f1000]

Originally posted by Ji Eun:
great experience with their service center here, and i'm guessing the paint on this one is *permanent*... the only problem was having to work on win2000 for a couple of days

I'm sure you already know this, but don't use organic solvents to clean off plastic components. I've seen someone do it before, and the results ain't pretty.

[Ji Eun]

you're right, i do know that
in this case, i never 'cleaned' the keyboard, period. the thing was practically new, never needed any cleaning. if i need to clean it at some point (can't imagine i will, but if i do) i'll just use a soft water-dampened rag.

[Forte]

FWIW, this problem seems to affect every kind of laptop at some point or another (I've had it happen with several Windows-based laptops, for example). It's a real pain, 'cos it seems to be worse on newer machines within the past couple of years.

You'd think that by now, manufacturers would start producing keyboards with engraved letters instead of screen-printed ones, really...

[xaserax]

I'm having the same problem. I've had mine since February and the L is almost totally gone, the N is halfway and the S is starting to go.

Anyone know about buying individual letters and replacing them yourself?

[the_snitch]

Buy one of those clear rubber keyboard covers iskin make.
There called the protouch PB (i think). www.iskin.com

[gonadman]

I had the exact same problem, with the same result. Apple replaced the keyboard (in Germany) free of charge. It was still under the 1st year of use (actually only a couple of weeks!) and the L came off completely!

[wataru]

Right now my "L" is almost entirely gone, and the "C" is about halfway gone. The "S" is starting to go, too. I had previously lost all of my "N" and "A" keys, but I secretly swapped them with a display model at an undisclosed store. I'd get the keyboard replaced, but it's not a huge issue, and the inconvenience of not having the computer for a couple days makes it not worth it.

[Ji Eun]

i've been touch-typing for many years already, but still, occasionally i need to see what's going on at the keyboard.

i'm just thankful apple has acknowledged the problem and taken care of it. what worries me now is if i'll be resurrecting this thread in a couple of months to report the same problem >_<;;

[vvedge]

My letters dissapearing are:

A-S--LE

hmmm... what could I be typing so much..

[Lancer409]

keys rub off... that's why i love the powerbook keyboards .. etched in .. nice .. i just hope i dont rub the key (not the letter) off... hehe ... if you can touch type .. you're fine .. if not ... you can swap off your keyboard =P...

otherwise .. get a keyboard silicone cover thing .. and just write letters on that thing ...

[Donnab]

I bought an iBook G4 as soon as they came out last fall. It was delivered in November. The paint is coming off the keys. Not wearing off, but lifting up and flaking off.

This is my 5th Mac and my 2nd iBook. My original iBook clamshell 300 still has all the paint on the keyboard.

Apple sent me a new keyboard for the iBook G4, but it didn't fit. They have now sent me another one. The tech I spoke with told me it was a "hot issue".

And, no, I never used any chemicals to clean it and it has hardly been used. I use my desktop Mac most of the time and when I need to use the iBook for an extended period, I plug a full-size USB keyboard into it.

If your letters are peeling, call Apple. The keyboard replacement is an easy job to do yourself if you have a #0 phillips screwdriver.

[onlykaria]

Originally posted by Forte:
FWIW, this problem seems to affect every kind of laptop at some point or another (I've had it happen with several Windows-based laptops, for example). It's a real pain, 'cos it seems to be worse on newer machines within the past couple of years.

You'd think that by now, manufacturers would start producing keyboards with engraved letters instead of screen-printed ones, really...

the problem with engraving is thatthe letters would be depressed in thekeys. the problem i am having now, is thatthe space bar works only some of the time. its rather annoying as the main thing i am oging todowith it is type papers. i only got it a few days ago, and got a straight up lemon, and thisisalreadymy second machine. iamstarting to questhing the quality of these mac products. my ipod is all scratched up even though i keep it in a custom case. GRRRR. sorry i rant.

but yeah my space bar isnot really working to good.

[Abit667]

Does apple want the old keyboard back if they send you a new one?

[skalie]

Originally posted by vvedge:
My letters dissapearing are:

A-S--LE

hmmm... what could I be typing so much..

ASL?

[fhoubi]

Lucky you all... My ibook 2002 lost already 2 keys, they just broke off. They are now bridged with cellular tape, as the keyboard is not covered by AppleCare... Damn.

[mgl]

I've never had this problem with either of my iBooks (most recent iBook G4 800, 12") or any other Mac, but my Toshiba at work is really bad for this.

Is everybody who is having this problem using the latest generation iBook?

[Ji Eun]

Originally posted by mgl:
I've never had this problem with either of my iBooks (most recent iBook G4 800, 12") or any other Mac, but my Toshiba at work is really bad for this.

Is everybody who is having this problem using the latest generation iBook?

same model as you here

[exiva]

my A and S keys are wearing off. thanks for posting this, atleast i know its covered. i thought they would consider this something cosmetic.. ill be sending my iBook to applecare once my iMac comes and ill immediately be purchasing a iSkin for the keyboard

[tooki]

Originally posted by Abit667:
Does apple want the old keyboard back if they send you a new one?

Yes, Apple will keep the old keyboard. They won't send it to you, generally, but to a repair center who will do the replacement.

tooki

[darcybaston]

Mine's a 14" G4 from November 03. Keys flaking away include:

S, C, and .

[jamil5454]

I guess you could always try using a fine-tip brush and some black paint and do it yourself...

[webcookie]

I have an iBook G4 that I've had since November 2003 and all of the letters are fine; and I use this thing constantly. I've even used Dirtex to clean the keys and everything is fine. My only problem is the damned stains where my wrists go.

[darcybaston]

Get a white rubber eraser like you would use with a pencil, and those wrist stains are history!

[webcookie]

Originally posted by darcybaston:
Get a white rubber eraser like you would use with a pencil, and those wrist stains are history!

Yes, that's what I've been doing. It doesn't look perfect, but it's better than brownish stains.

[Eriamjh]

Originally posted by vvedge:
My letters dissapearing are:

A-S--LE

hmmm... what could I be typing so much..

Ass Lease?

[audvidsvs]

G4 iBook "S" key lettering vanished?!?
It is the only one

[Ji Eun]

lmfao, keyboard letters are doing it again, have an appointment to send this sucker back on thursday. IF it hadn't been covered under warranty last time and apple charged me $250 for a new keyboard i'd be pretty pissed off now, but since they replaced it for free last time maybe they'll do it again this time... hopefully with one whose characters don't disappear in such a short time. un-freakin-believable. either way though, they've got some serious problems with these ibook keyboards.

[darcybaston]

I'm two months into keyboard #2. So far so good. Warranty's gone now though.

[Ji Eun]

^_^ on keyboard number 3 as of today :O
unbelievable, isn't it.

[KianD]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Ji Eun:
IF it hadn't been covered under warranty last time and apple charged me $250 for a new keyboard[/QUOTE

WHAT!!

A laptop keyboard is worth a tenner. At most. Websites that just ooze overpricededness have them for around 70 quid. From here, the replacement looks like it'd take around 5 minutes max, so they can't be charging 200 quid for that.

This site looks pricy, but has the entire board for a hundred dollars. http://www.powerbookmedic.com/G4_iBo...w-p-16595.html

Also sells individual keycaps for 9 dollars a key for a US layout...

If Apple are charging you $250 its show they still don't understand the meaning of the words "Customer Care"

[Gamoe]

Originally posted by the_snitch:
Buy one of those clear rubber keyboard covers iskin make.
There called the protouch PB (i think). www.iskin.com

Would using a cover prevent this? After all, the key is still making contact with the cover. Couldn't it possibly rub off that way?

[T. Diddy]

Originally posted by Gabriel Morales:
Would using a cover prevent this? After all, the key is still making contact with the cover. Couldn't it possibly rub off that way?

no, it's not sandpaper, but made out of silicone, very soft and pliable. you might be thinking of those cheaper plastic-like shields, the ProTouch PB is not like that.

[Super Nova]

Originally posted by the_snitch:
Buy one of those clear rubber keyboard covers iskin make.
There called the protouch PB (i think). www.iskin.com

seems like using a condom to me.....

SuperNova

[Gamoe]

Originally posted by T. Diddy:
no, it's not sandpaper, but made out of silicone, very soft and pliable. you might be thinking of those cheaper plastic-like shields, the ProTouch PB is not like that.

Well, fingers aren't sandpaper either... Sure you don't work for iSkin?...

[Ji Eun]

i'd rather have a keyboard that didn't need replacing after 3 or 4 months than yet another doodad. if i were working on a boat i may get the iskin, but otherwise no thank you.

[Marc Wolfgram]

We're on Keyboard four on my wife's G4 800MHz iBook... I've no gotten to the point where every 70-80 days I take it back to our local Apple Store and ask when Apple is really going to fix the problem - then off to the repair depot and two days later it's back with a new Keyboard... I just have to keep it in the 90 day "repeat repair" cycle, but at the quick rate that letters wear off the keyboard, that is not a large problem. The only inconvienence is that I lose my Pismo for a couple days so my wife is not "disconnected" while her's is in the shop. This is a major problem.

Has ANYONE confirmed if the ice G3 iBook keyboard will work on the G4 iBook?
-- Marc

[mgl]

I posted waaay back in this thread that I'd never had this problem with my iBook G3 or iBook G4. It is starting to happen to my iBook G4 800, and I've only owned it half as long.

I use my iBook about as much as one possibly can, but I've only worn half of the letters off of a couple of keys. I do think the new keyboard is not as well built as the old G3 one, but I'm not sure why you're having such worse luck than me.

My main problem is the trackpad. I never had this with my G3, but the trackpad quickly became slick and often jumps the pointer around. I've cleaned it and cleaned it, and reset it when necessary, but it's a useless trackpad compared to the G3 one.

I've been needing to take the iBook G4 in for repairs for a year but I can't bear to be without it for a couple of weeks. But I have 3 problems now so I'll be doing it soon. I want the trackpad replaced, I want the battery replaced (it's down to 45 mins), and I want the screen fixed (flickers between bright and dim sometimes).

[EmmEff]

I'm glad to hear that Apple is replacing keyboards under warranty. Many of the keys on my iBook G4 1GHz have worn (nearly) off. I suspect it's cheaper for Apple to replace a few keyboards than it is to have it reengineered.

[GSixZero]

Some people's body chemistry is such that it weakens the paint off the keys just enough that typing can knock the paint off. I've seen a woman go through a keyboard every couple months. She had 4 keyboards in the first year. I'm guessing it was a combination of slightly acid sweat and long fingernails. Eventually Apple replaced it again and told her it was the last time. We gave her 10% off one of those silicon covers.

[EmmEff]

Sounds like a plausible reason for the wear, but I've never worn a keyboard on any other PC I've ever used... I've got a keyboard here right now that's 8+ years old. It's dirty as hell, but none of the keycaps are worn off.

If Apple is not going to fix the problem, they should at least do warranty replacements so long as it's a customer concern. Let's be fair, it's probably a $5 part (plus labour, of course).

[jezebele]

Yikes This isnt like live journal where I can delete the whole thing and click submit and it deletes the post. Well sorry I wrote the post 2 times. I said I was covered under apple plus and I meant to say Not covered under it. (WOOOOps) sorry. ~ Jez

I had my laptop not even a month and the keys started to disappear on my g4ibook. Being under warranty I took the laptop in and had 3 keys replaced. My N key was the worst of all keys on the keyboard it pretty much started disappearing the first week I had the computer. To make a long story short. The mac store replaced them without any fees. I am not sure if they even documented they were replaced. Not long after having this done it started again.

Today I took my laptop in under the year warranty and on the Apple Plus policy. The person who was behind the counter said he could not replace the keys since my computer isnt new and the key problem is considered a natural wear and tear issue. I started welling up because I was then told that it would cost about 70 dollars to replace all my keys. I asked the man "do you have engraved keys for this keyboard?" he says no. I asked him if he could suggest any thing I can do to protect my keys that I have remaining? he said "No again." So I left disappointed.

I had a windows based laptop for a year before the keys started to disappear. That I consider natural wear. But when my computer is new and not even 5 months old. I become disgruntled with the idea of corporation re capitalizing on an already newly purchased item. The person behind the counter told me if I call Mac they would charge me 49.95 an hour if I wanted to talk to a rep. "Wow" I have six keys needing replacement I purchase my computer in March.

I obtained information on areas to get keys. They are on the average $8 each. There are protective covers for the keyboard.

I am on a search for the "rub off letters you can find at stationary stores" They come on a clear film and you rub them onto the hard surface you work with and they stick. They look like the letters that are on the keys. I figure pay 8 bucks for a flat of letters and then pay the 20 dollars for the keyboard cover. Thats my solution to the problem. Much better than a sharpee marker.

The Keys: http://www.powerbookmedic.com/White-...p-p-16601.html

The Cover:http://www.iskin.com/protouch_PB1.html

[jezebele]

I had my laptop not even a month and the keys started to disappear on my g4ibook. Being under warranty I took the laptop in and had 3 keys replaced. My N key was the worst of all keys on the keyboard it pretty much started disappearing the first week I had the computer. To make a long story short. The mac store replaced them without any fees. I am not sure if they even documented they were replaced. Not long after having this done it started again.

Today I took my laptop in under the year warranty and not on the Apple Plus policy. The person who was behind the counter said he could not replace the keys since my computer isnt new and the key problem is considered a natural wear and tear issue. I started welling up because I was then told that it would cost about 70 dollars to replace all my keys. I asked the man "do you have engraved keys for this keyboard?" he says no. I asked him if he could suggest any thing I can do to protect my keys that I have remaining? he said "No again." So I left disappointed.

I had a windows based laptop for a year before the keys started to disappear. That I consider natural wear. But when my computer is new and not even 5 months old. I become disgruntled with the idea of corporation re capitalizing on an already newly purchased item. The person behind the counter told me if I call Mac they would charge me 49.95 an hour if I wanted to talk to a rep. "Wow" I have six keys needing replacement I purchase my computer in March.

I obtained information on areas to get keys. They are on the average $8 each. There are protective covers for the keyboard.

I am on a search for the "rub off letters you can find at stationary stores" They come on a clear film and you rub them onto the hard surface you work with and they stick. They look like the letters that are on the keys. I figure pay 8 bucks for a flat of letters and then pay the 20 dollars for the keyboard cover. Thats my solution to the problem. Much better than a sharpee marker.

The Keys: http://www.powerbookmedic.com/White-...p-p-16601.html

The Cover:http://www.iskin.com/protouch_PB1.html

[darcybaston]

I'm on keyboard #2. The first one lasted almost a year before ink started to flake away, and the second one just a few months. The S is completely gone again. Being a touch typist for about 15 years I don't care if all the keys fade to nothingness, but it is a silly problem.

I had an Amiga 1200 which I typed on constantly for 7 years, and no key's ink ever faded, flaked nor chipped. My parents used their 1986 clacking monster for about 15 years and neither did it show any wear. So there's definitely a quality issue with laptop keyboards, iBooks especially.

It's as if the ink isn't protected. It just sits there exposed. When I used to rub a finger tip gently accross keys on other keyboards, the surface always felt uniform, as if there was a sealant/glaze over it. On the Amiga it was visible, a shiny layer in the shape of the characters being protected. On the iBook, you can feel raised ink. Try the letter D especially. They're just asking to disappear.

How many Powerbooks have lost key ink? If the iBook key inking solution is this flaky...oh that's good...they shouldn't make them this way anymore.

[mpancha]

i use the iskin, just got it recently. I have a few issues with it that I posted in a thread in the Peripherals forum. But overall it does the job great. Within 3 days I could see a layer of dust, hair, and fingerprints that would have made it to the keyboard, and in the keyboard, had I not had the iSkin.

http://forums.macnn.com/showthread.php?t=265966 <-- my mini review on the iSkin.

[kayzee]

Just want to say thanks for this helpful thread. I got my second iBook the end of April 2005. Within a week the R E N were going and completely gone in another week

I never had this problem with my first iBook until it was about 4 years old. After another week several more letters were gone, so I assumed it was covered under applecare and called the dealer in my area who handles this.

He replaced it - no mentioned of $$ or limits. Just that my nails were too long and I was scraping the paint off the keys. Said I had shorter nails now than I did with the old iBook so what's different? He said they silk screen them on instead - whatever - and they don't wear as well

Says a court reporter client goes through about 8 keyboards a year.


Same song and dance about the nails with replacing the second keyboard - says he replaced it two times -- no more - that's my limit-- not really covered and he replaced it only to be nice, and that any more keyboards, apple would want the iBook back, then likely disallow my claim of faulty keyboards as nothing wrong with it.

I figured not a lot of women use Macs and didn't think guys would have a 'long nails' issue, and I would be a lone voice in the wilderness -- so unless this forum is the largest concentration of female Mac users in the world, the disappearing keys have nothing to do with my slightly longer nails.

Dealer has suggested the skin or the letters, so I will pursue the links posted above -- thanks!

and I thought I might also be having stckiy space bar issues but it's sporadic-- yet it's oddly reassuring to have someone else mention this.

kayzee





then in July the letters on the second keyboard started going but I held

[Marc Wolfgram]

I just got back from a no joy attempt to get keyboard #6 from Apple through my local Apple Store Genius Bar. The keyboard is 88 days old on my wife's out of warranty 12" iBook G4. Keys missing legends are: E R T I O S D F H L & N.

Our full story is at: Faulty iBook G4 Keyboard

I have been using Apple products wit Apple Keyboards since 1983... Never have I had a problem like this. I'm pro 100% pro Apple, but they're making a mistake in how they are handling this issue.

The keyboard design is faulty. The "normal wear and tear" excuse is nothing more than Apple dropping the ball.

-- Marc

[AppLe_SnaP]

Hi...

I too have problems with my keyboard...and ive only just gotten my iBook for 2 months!!!

anyhow...what im more concerned about are oil or shiny marks on the keyboard...especially my spacebar...where there is this shine across it. what's worse is that there is also this shine on my trackpad...which is giving the trackpad a weird feel and motion isnt that smooth...

i was wondering if anyone has this problem...and how have they dealt with it? i've tried cleaning products...though none seem to be able to lift this shine-oil bit off...

i used to have brownish stains of where i place my wrist...though i solved that with an eraser...but the same magic wont work on these 'shines'...

help someone please??? I want my 'nice' and smooth trackpad back...since i love using it!!!

=]