M17X R2 keyboard, whats the part number ? Are they easy to replace ?

Basically ive bought an M17X R2 from the US and i live in the UK so i want to replace the keyboard with a UK spec keyboard, i just need the part number so i make sure i get the right version. I presume the part number is the same on them all but you just state which country layout you need.

While i'm here, is it fairly easy to change a keyboard over ? Once its changed is it just a case of going into the keyboard layout in windows and selecting the country you want ?

 

I do not know the part number of the uk keyboard, but I can answer your other question.

It is rather difficult to reach the keyboard, because the hindge cover is a real pain to remove. Chances are that you might break the hindge cover, it is very sensitive, and is very difficult to remove imo. You need a thin tool to pry and you might break the small plastic hooks underneath

 

Wow, Totally! ignore the guy above me It is extremely simple to take off the hinge cover and to replace the keyboard just remove a total of 7 screws(2 for the hinge cover an 5 for the keyboard) To remove the hinge cover just remove the two screws at the rear of the laptop from the bottom after removing the back panel, and tilt your screen all the way back then pry it up( i use a small flathead but it can scratch the plastic) watch for the clip around the area to the left of the power button, then undo the 5 tiny screws that hold the keyboard on and lift up and out as there are little tabs at the bottom of the keyboard. undo the two clips and replace. Then repeat the steps in reverse just make sure you get the keyboard cables in completely or you will notice one or more regions of lighting are dimmer re-seating the cables will fix this. Just take your time and don't force anything.

not sure about the UK part number. I tried searching for it couldn't find anything.

the part number for the US keyboard is DP/N/SKU:
8WK6F

 

Now the guy who should be ignored is the guy above me.
Watching the teardown vid makes things look easy, but it is actually much harder than that. The hindge cover is the hardest to remove, and the easiest to break http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m17x/487914-m17x-r1-r2-safety-mods.html . There is your proof.

 

As long as your patient and gentle, changing the keyboard should cause you no problems at all. Yes, the strip with the touch capacative buttons can be a bit fiddly to get off but time an patience is a virtue - it aint hard!

What about this one Stig.......

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-DELL-ALIE...rComponents_KeyboardsMice&hash=item2a0ffe5c2b

Listing states the part number 7M2GV for UK M17x, but there is a few on flea-bay UK so you might wanna investigate.....and yeah, ive just typed in "keyboard layout" in the start menu and hit enter....seems like you can just change your location to UK once you get your US system and obvioulsy, afteryou have installed your UK keyboard.

Job Done....go down the pub and have a few pints....!

 

Stevie has a the correct point of view there. It is fiddly, but you will be ok if you take your time.

The part in bold in this quote is totally wrong

 

Thanks for the feedback

What i'll probably do is to wait for the M17X to arrive from the US, i'll see if i can set up a shortcut on a key that i don't use so i can have a £ sign within easy reach, the @ could get confusing as well on a US keyboardl as thats in a totally different place.

I'll see how it goes, if its niggling away a bit i'll just change it as it doesn't sound too difficult.

Thanks for the ebay link stevie

 

I removed the hinge, pretty easy to do. Start with the right side, and use a plastic prying tool.

 

Buddy I have done this countless times. So when you say that it is extremely difficult that is just simply not true. Please do not assume That I am somehow completely ignorant compared to you. It is I repeat EXTREMELY easy to remove the hinge cover and keyboard I can do it in 5 minutes tops and i have not broken any clips and have done this countless times. Maybe you should read my first post again as I said if you take your time and don't force anything you will be ok right before the smiley face

http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m17x/543475-monitor-seems-bit-loose.html#post7004719

 

Dude, it is not THAT easy. I broke MY hindge cover when I was going to clean out dust. The small hook near the edge broke while prying! Very easy eh?

 

Yah, it really is very easy sorry about your issue, but to call it extremely hard is a false statement. Like I said if you are careful and don't force things(which you obviously where not) you will not break anything!

So honestly, lets just agree to disagree, @ OP link i provided shows how easy it is to remove the hinge cover and Keyboard.

 

Yes, no point in fighting. You have your opinion, I have mine. Whoever is right or wrong is up to each individual to decide.

Some people find it extremely easy to do, and others like myself finds it a hell to remove that panel.

 

I got an idea.....why not leave the soddin' thing off or loose so next time, its not hard or easy to remove LOL ....obvioulsy i AM joking.....

 

lol Stevie that is jokes.