Letters on keyboards?

Ok... I have a slight problem going on at the moment with my laptop...

Some of my letters, such as the "e" and the "v" are worn out. (Comes from having to spell "EVIL" in reference to all of the mean old Dom/mes around here I bet! And for those of you who are sick and perverted... it is NOT because they are sticky! lol)

Anyhow, what has happened to the majority of the letters is the white bracket on the back has broken so they will not stay on the keypad. The computer is just over a year old and out of warranty so my question is; is there somewhere that I can buy the letters/brackets and just replace them myself? I use a Gateway and will call them about it but was hoping there might be some on line place somewhere that would be easier to deal with and to get the little part needed...

Anyone know???

*giggles* i dont have any idea what to do, other then press hard on your keyboard...or stop pressing so hard with one finger, while one hand typing giggles...

Hahaha. You don't bother with all that.

You can go to a Goodwill or a Salvation Army store and buy another keyboard for 2 bucks. Maybe get an extra if the other ever stops working.

Mine don't last very long since I tend to eat and drink at my computer. I have a stack of them in the closet that I get when ever quits working properly.

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Originally Posted by bthest

Hahaha. You don't bother with all that.

You can go to a Goodwill or a Salvation Army store and buy another keyboard for 2 bucks. Maybe get an extra if the other ever stops working.

Mine don't last very long since I tend to eat and drink at my computer. I have a stack of them in the closet that I get when ever quits working properly.

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But um... how do i hook it to the laptop?? since it is sort of like.. well... built in at the moment and i don't see a ... well, ya know... port or anything to connect it through!

It doesn't have a plug-in for a keyboard? Then never mind I guess.

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Originally Posted by bthest

It doesn't have a plug-in for a keyboard? Then never mind I guess.

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not unless i use a usb port

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bthest

Hahaha. You don't bother with all that.

You can go to a Goodwill or a Salvation Army store and buy another keyboard for 2 bucks. Maybe get an extra if the other ever stops working.

Mine don't last very long since I tend to eat and drink at my computer. I'm always buying out Goodwill's keyboards for replacements.

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With a laptop, that isn't very practical. If the laptop is used as a desktop (sits in one place with possibly other peripherals) that might be more of an option.

If you google 'gateway laptop keyboard replacement' you should be able to find a site that will sell you a new replacement keyboard. In my experience with laptop keyboards, they usually just have two brackets where they are attached to the laptop itself so it wouldn't be very hard to replace yourself.

As far as replacement keys themselves, I think you will be hard pressed to find someone (aside from perhaps ebay) that will sell you individual keys.

Hope that helped!

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Originally Posted by just_annie

not unless i use a usb port

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Unless you use it outside of the house a lot I think that would be the easiest solution. I never take mine outside the house (go figure) and I always use a standard keyboard for ease of replacement and comfort reasons and also to reduce wear and tear to the keys on the laptop.

You could try calling Gateway and asking them about your keyboard. a year seems a bit soon to be having that type of problem with a keyboard, though they might try to claim abnormal use they might just offer to replace it free for the goodwill factor. replacing the keyboard on a laptop is not a simple thing as it involves opening the case and disconnecting and reconnecting some wires. this should be done in a shop to prevent the danger of a static charge frying your motherboard.

I would recommend that you check with local geeks about this. They would probably be willing to do it for a nominal fee.

I know that I have more experience than the average user in computer issues and, while it does require unplugging a cable and plugging a new one in, it is no harder than plugging in a regular keyboard into the back of a desktop. If you don't feel comfortable doing it fine, but don't bring it into someplace like best buy, have a techno savvy friend do it for five bucks.

Not everyone has tech-savvy friends, hence the reason there are places like best buy and circuit city to fix these problems.

I'd call Gateway, Annie or take it into a computer shop and see what they can do about it, especially if you're not comfortable chaning out laptop keyboards or anything on your own. For a temporary fix, plug a regular keyboard into usb port. Sure it's no practical, but it'll work until a more permanent soloution can be found.

Sorry if I came off as a bit overbearing. I have more experience with macs and those just have two little clips holding the keyboard in. There is still a metal plate between you and the motherboard even with the keyboard out so the risk of static shock damaging the motherboard is minute at best. I still feel that to go to best buy would be a waste of money as they will probably charge you upwards of $100 for parts and labor when the part itself is around $50-60 and it will take them five minutes to replace.

Check the yellow papers in the phone directory (or the back pages in the daily), I'm sure you could find some computer shop or savvy service guy with his own workshop who would be able to replace the keys to a low cost.

The idea of using an external USB-wired keyboard to save the laptop keys seems sensible though, esp for indoor use.

If you find a way to fix it yourself, please let me know. The "ENTER" key popped of my P.O.S. laptop years ago and I never did get the damn thing fixed...

A lot of surplus stores collect and refurbish computers and should have plenty of excess parts that end up tossed or in a parts bin. I'd be willing to bet you can get plenty of spare keys. I guess it mostly depends on what style of bracket it has. Any key would work and a little paint or nail polish to remind you that the 'e' is on top and the 'v' is on the bottom row.

Likewise, as mentioned, the manufacturer can probably also send you some new keys to install... though my way is cheaper. Good luck annie,