Question about replacing Acer laptop's keyboard

Hi people,

I want to buy an Acer 8104WLMi notebook. There’s just one thing : I’m from Begium, and the cheapest I can find this notebook here is about 2.200-2.300 euro (=$2700- $2850). Now if I just pop over the border to Holland, I can find this notebook there for about 1.600 euro ($2000). This is only one hour driving, so not much of a problem.

Theres only one problem: in Holland, they use QWERTY keyboard layouts, in Belgium AZERTY. I’ve already looked into this and I can buy a replacement azerty keyboard for this notebook for about $40.

You can easily see where this is going : I want to buy this laptop in Holland, and then replace the keyboard myself. I can save about $800 that way, so I would think that’s worth the trouble.

Now, I’m not a complete newbie when it comes to PC’s. I’ve even assembled many, many desktop PC’s for my job. I’m not scared to do this and I can handle a screwdriver. I also know the do’s and don’t when it comes to building desktop PC’s.
BUT… I’ve never opened up a laptop before. So my question is rather obvious : is it difficult to replace this keyboard? Do I have to open up the entire laptop for this? If yes, how do I do this? Anything in particular I should keep in mind? And last but not least : will this void my warranty?

Thanks!!

 

I don't think you have to open up the entire laptop for this, but you will have to take off the plastic parts surrounding the keyboard. I don't know how difficult it is to replace the keyboard in that laptop, but from what I have done with my other laptops, it's not that difficult.

I'd call Acer and find out if you void the warranty by replacing the keyboard. Can't hurt! I don't think it would, considering that a lot of manufacturers just send out parts and you can do it yourself.

Yes, keep in mind that when you replace the keyboard, be careful with the ribbon that connects the keyboard to the motherboard. Break that, and, well, your keyboard is not going to work!

 

I know that mobo connectors can be very small and fiddly. The biggest problem I see however is getting the keyboard out really. I hope it's just a case of removing the plastics...

Worst case, I'm even willing to hand in the laptop at a certified Acer repair center, so they can do it for me. I doubt that'll void the warranty. But I'd like to try it myself first.

Thanks for your response!

 

hi there, I was replacing keyboard in 5024WLMi and it a question of 10minutes. Just remove the plastic piece above keyboard, few screws and pull out the connector (aware the lock) and you re done..

 

Yes, I'd assume it would be a pretty simple operation to replace the keyboard.

If there is a Best Buy or something like that in your area, you could ask them if they would do it.

 

Thanks guys! Much appreciated!

Cheers!

 

With my 303XMi removing the keyboard is extremely easy. There's one screw on the case bottom centered below keyboard to remove, then there's three tiny tabs at the keyboard's top edge that release by sliding with a ballpoint pen tip and it is free to lift out (carefully and slide slowly so the ribbon cable isn't detached).

Of course, shut down and pull battery first. Avoid static discharges. BTW, the 2nd RAM slot is below revealed metal plate under keyboard and that removes with 5 or 6 screws.

 

wldnt it be somewhat easyer to learn how to type on a qwerty key board