Bluetooth keyboard mechanical design error?

[Gaston1980]

Hello,
I've got a bluetooth apple keyboard (the Dutch alu small version).
Using rechargeable batteries I sometimes have to replace them.
When I do replace the batt. the keyboard won't work, no green led comes up.
also tried the caps-lock to check, but this also won't light-up.
So, Thinking it was the batteries, tried some new ones, and they work.
At this time I thought also the problems would be the batteries, but it wasn't.

I've change the batteries a few times this year, and sometimes the keyboard worked, and sometime it didn't. Until a few days after warranty (23-dec-08) it stopt working.
I've tried changing batteries over and over again.
I've checked the voltage of the batteries, and they where fine.
The store told me, no warranty, buy a new one.
So first I wan't to know what the problem is, so I disassembled the keyboard and made a few pictures so you would also know how to.
The problem is: The power of the batteries never reaches the circuit-board.
I can disassemble a few things, but I can't get out the main-problem part.
I think it's the springy thing in the batterie compartment, which does not give through the + voltage, the - was okay (checked with resistanse measuring).

I've read a few problems with this keyboard..... What should I do next?
The keyboard costed 80,- Euro's...
I would like to change it for an usb version as I don't trust the bluetooth's anymore because of this (I found) mechanical error in design.

Pictures:
http://picasaweb.google.nl/gaston.bougie/AppleBluetoothKeyboard
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=8735070�

 

[Gaston1980]

part 2

An update about the broken keyboard.
I called the Dutch Aple store helpdesk phone number. The person was very friendly, asked me about some products that I owned and tried to solve it via the normal procedures and asked for an exeption.
But like normal procedures: The keyboard was 15 months young, so 3 month over warranty
They did not took the exeption for a keyboard of 80,- euros.
I told them I was happy with a cabled keyboard (half cheaper for apple, and because I don't trust the bluetooth inside wiring).
It would cost apple almost nothing for a wired keyboard.
In a few years I bought a mac-pro, and 2 macbooks, I thought they would help me out over a few euro's.

Next step:
The friendly person tried to call Customer Relations Ireland, but they were close at the moment I'll have to call back tomorrow.

Backup step:
Cut open the alu part which blocks my way of repairing the keyboard.
Will take some time, but the fix will cost a few drops of soldering stuff.

At least this approach boosts the trust in online shopping
via the apple store I must say. Now, let's hope they can help me out.

 

[Gaston1980]

Solved

A latest update about the alu bluetooth keyboard:
Apple called me back the next monday, and with very good news.
They replaced my keyboard.
As I've told them, I don't want a bluetooth anymore, I received a cabled one.
This service from Apple does make a difference between all the webshops.
I'm happy again.
Thank you Apple!