Upgrading powerbook keyboard

I

iceTrX

macrumors regular

Original poster

• Oct 28, 2004

• #1

Is it possible to upgrade to the powerbook keyboard with backlighting? Could I just drop it in and it will work or is there something else that is needed?

 

jackieonasses

macrumors 6502a

• Oct 28, 2004

• #2

i think that would be to much trouble/money for what it's worth..

 

I

iceTrX

macrumors regular

Original poster

• Oct 29, 2004

• #3

jackieonasses said:

i think that would be to much trouble/money for what it's worth..

Click to expand...

I was thinking the same thing but I think the backlight keyboard would be really cool, even though functionality wise I don't need it. I use the home keys and don't look at the keyboard. 😉

 

RBMaraman

macrumors 65816

• Oct 29, 2004

• #4

I'm almost positive that the backlit keyboard also makes use of a seperate power tansformer located within the PB. PB's without a backlit keyboard do not have this transformer, so you'd have to put one in, which means cracking open the case, voiding your warranty, and other unnecessary/dangerous/costly issues.

 

5300cs

macrumors 68000

• Oct 29, 2004

• #5

I've noticed though, that the keys on my Rev A 12" PB are transparent. If such a transformer were installed, I think it would work just fine.

No? 😕 (Voiding warrantee & all that aside.)

 

LeeTom

macrumors 68000

• Oct 29, 2004

• #6

I've taken my Powerbook apart to upgrade the hard drive, and there are two cables that I disconnected when I took out the keyboard. I assume that one was for the keyboard, and one for the backlighting. The only way for you to know if it'll work is to give it a shot. If your powerbook does have this extra connector for the backlighting, then it should work. But there is a chance they didn't include it, or left the ambient light sensor out.

Lee Tom