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Backlit keyboard

A

amyhre

macrumors member
Original poster
I'm looking at buying a PowerBook, possibly used. I'd like the backlit keyboard, but not sure that will be possible if I buy say a 1.33 GHz that hadn't been purchased with that option. I guess what I'm wondering is, if I get a PowerBook that doesn't have backlit, can I buy a backlit keyboard later on and install it or something?
 
The keyboards on iBooks are removable, but the keyboards on Powerbooks are not. I think that's why the keys on iBooks are a bit softer. So, I don't think you can get a backlit keyboard installed unless you call Apple, cancel your order, and order another Powerbook with the backlit keyboard as a built to order option.

Alex
 
Nawlins said:
The keyboards on iBooks are removable, but the keyboards on Powerbooks are not. I think that's why the keys on iBooks are a bit softer. So, I don't think you can get a backlit keyboard installed unless you call Apple, cancel your order, and order another Powerbook with the backlit keyboard as a built to order option.

Alex
Click to expand...


Actually you can remove the keyboard on the pbooks. You have to remove 2-4 F keys(which ones I forgot) they have screws under them. You unscrew them and off goes the keyboard. I will be back on which keys. But, you can not replace the keyboard with the backlit.

EDIT: You have to remove the F1,F2,F11, and F12 keys with a small flat head screw driver
 
quagmire said:
But, you can not replace the keyboard with the backlit.

EDIT: You have to remove the F1,F2,F11, and F12 keys with a small flat head screw driver
Click to expand...

Why not? Aren't the keyboards on all sizes identical?
 
If I am not completely mistaken the backlit Keyboard models use different top cases to accommodate the backlighting strips, the light sensors, etc...
 
quagmire said:
Actually you can remove the keyboard on the pbooks. You have to remove 2-4 F keys(which ones I forgot) they have screws under them. You unscrew them and off goes the keyboard. I will be back on which keys. But, you can not replace the keyboard with the backlit.

EDIT: You have to remove the F1,F2,F11, and F12 keys with a small flat head screw driver
Click to expand...

I didn't realize that was possible on the new PowerBooks. I thought all keyboard replacements had to go through Apple now. Although, users have posted that when their keyboard went bad they had to send the computer in to Apple, so maybe it still isn't considered a customer installable part, even though it sounds pretty easy to do (assuming you don't have backlights).
 
amyhre said:
I'm looking at buying a PowerBook, possibly used. I'd like the backlit keyboard, but not sure that will be possible if I buy say a 1.33 GHz that hadn't been purchased with that option. I guess what I'm wondering is, if I get a PowerBook that doesn't have backlit, can I buy a backlit keyboard later on and install it or something?
Click to expand...

it might be POSSIBLE to let apple install the backlit afterwards, but i suspect this would cost you a lot more than if you just purchased such a powerbook that already has it. so don't try to cut corners here.

i'd like to add that having owned titanium and aluminum powerbooks, i actually prefer the titanium keyboard in good light. it is a lot easier to read white letters from black background than dark grey letters from light grey background; it's all about contrast; however, nothing beats the backlit keyboard in a dark room - i just love it. and in dark room aluminum's keyboard is kind of useless without the backlight...

so... just put in the money to get the good keyboard. it's worth it.
 
if you really want to have a backlit keyboard... you can do it yourself. there's a site out there that shows how a guy added a 'backlit' keyboard to his iBook (or might have been a PB). i think that site was Apple Fritter, just search and ye should find it.
 
here's a kit to put a backlit keyboard on a tibook. it's not the same backlight and doesn't have the ambient light sensor but it is a backlight and it is for a keyboard
 
What if you had the parts

What about this? It's the actual part number of the backlit keyboard and this site sells it.

http://mac-pro.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=pbtikey15b&Category_Code=pp

Replacement Apple Keyboard for PowerBook G4 15" Aluminum- BackLit #922-6105

Quantity in Basket:none
Code: pbtikey15b
Price:$137.77
Shipping Weight: 1.50 pounds
Apple Replacement Keyboard for PowerBook G4 15" aluminum 1.25 Ghz.

Damaged keyboard? Give your PowerBook new life with a new set of keys. Genuine Apple. Part #922-6105. Part Number will not be listed on your keyboard.

For use with All PowerBook G4 15" Aluminum Backlite Models.
New. 6 Month Warranty.

---

So I'm just wondering, is it just a matter of the case being able to fit the backlit keyboard better? how much of a difference are we talking? And is it just a matter of putting the keyboard in, OR, is there other hardware requirements to getting the backlit keyboard to work.
 
its not worth 137 i dont get anypleasure out of mine at all.... i turn it off all the time.... when its dark its easier to see the keys with it off....if the keys were lit on the normal keyboard that were away from the monitor that would be coool....but not that great imho
 
AL-FAMOUS said:
its not worth 137 i dont get anypleasure out of mine at all.... i turn it off all the time.... when its dark its easier to see the keys with it off....if the keys were lit on the normal keyboard that were away from the monitor that would be coool....but not that great imho
Click to expand...

Off topic, but...love the new avatar, although I thought the old one was pretty cool, too. Gee, only another 300 or so posts and I can add my own...
 
criana said:
What about this? It's the actual part number of the backlit keyboard and this site sells it.

http://mac-pro.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=pbtikey15b&Category_Code=pp

Replacement Apple Keyboard for PowerBook G4 15" Aluminum- BackLit #922-6105

Quantity in Basket:none
Code: pbtikey15b
Price:$137.77
Shipping Weight: 1.50 pounds
Apple Replacement Keyboard for PowerBook G4 15" aluminum 1.25 Ghz.

Damaged keyboard? Give your PowerBook new life with a new set of keys. Genuine Apple. Part #922-6105. Part Number will not be listed on your keyboard.

For use with All PowerBook G4 15" Aluminum Backlite Models.
New. 6 Month Warranty.

---

So I'm just wondering, is it just a matter of the case being able to fit the backlit keyboard better? how much of a difference are we talking? And is it just a matter of putting the keyboard in, OR, is there other hardware requirements to getting the backlit keyboard to work.
Click to expand...

This appears to be a replacement part if you already have a backlit kb that is damaged.
I found this ugly link info on Apple Discussions:

http://www.pbparts.com/shop/a15kb.html

and

http://www.pbparts.com/shop/a15bpr.html

So, for a scant $400 you can switch out the kb for a backlit one 🙁
 
powermac666 said:
Off topic, but...love the new avatar, although I thought the old one was pretty cool, too. Gee, only another 300 or so posts and I can add my own...
Click to expand...

um gee, thanks 😱
 
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