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    Question on upgrading M17 keyboard

    Discussion in 'Alienware' started by Dan09, Sep 14, 2009.

  1. Dan09

    Dan09 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi everyone! I was just wondering how I would go about adding additional LED strips to the keyboard of my M17 laptop to make the backlit keys brighter than they are currently (the lighting now kinda sucks).

    I am going to be ordering a replacement keyboard soon due to a "T" key that decided to break off not too long ago. I was wondering if I could possibly take the LED's off the old keyboard and put them on the new one to brighten things up a bit? Any idea on how in the world I would go about doing this (assuming it can be done)? I can just imagine me trying to do this... :

    *fiddling with wiring*
    BZZZZTTTT!!!!
    *boom*
    Me : "Ouch....! Dang!"
    *fingers gone/on fire*

    Also, BOOOO to having to replace an entire keyboard just because of a tiny broken key retainer. I'm still under warranty and according to AW support guy i won't cos anything, but trying to replace this keyboard with as little know-how as I have is seriously gonnna suck. :( Oh well!

    UPDATE!!!

    hey guys, I found a dude on ebay that sells individual replacement keys, an alternative to replacing an entire keyboard. I haven't found a M17 key but he DOES have some Alienware keys for sale. Anyways, here is the link :

    http://cgi.ebay.com/Alienware-Area5...6QQcmdZViewItemQQssPageNameZRSS:B:SRCH:US:105

    Thanks again!
     
    Dan09, Sep 14, 2009
    #1
  2. Dan09

    Dan09 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Also, one more quick question :

    If the 4850's become an upgrade option for previous M17 owners can anyone guesstimate about how much that upgrade would cost? What should be done with the 3870's that are being replaced? Is it worth trying to sell them?

    Thanks once again!
     
    Dan09, Sep 15, 2009
    #2
  3. EviLCorsaiR

    EviLCorsaiR Asura

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    They've offered them as an upgrade before (the 4850s) but despite them offering them twice, only one person has actually recieved them before they cancelled them all. They were about £325, I think.

    As for going about the keyboard, I'm not sure.
     
    EviLCorsaiR, Sep 15, 2009
    #3
  4. The_Moo™

    The_Moo™ Here we go again.....

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    you may have to put more power runnign to the keyboard but i supposed it might work
     
    The_Moo™, Sep 15, 2009
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  5. Dan09

    Dan09 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I know this is getting a but technical, but would diverting power to the extra LED's be a major task? How would it be done?
     
    Dan09, Sep 15, 2009
    #5
  6. The_Moo™

    The_Moo™ Here we go again.....

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    USB would be the easiest place
     
    The_Moo™, Sep 15, 2009
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  7. tonytoff

    tonytoff Notebook Deity

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    About the keyboard.

    A few years ago I accidentally pulled off my delete key on a HP Pavilion and they also said I must replace the whole keyboard as well and I should send it back to them.
    So decided to just use the insurance I had to fix the problem and those guys(PC-world)just changed the button itself.
    I dont know why some say you have to change the whole keyboard as I suspect they are all different.

    good luck with it.
     
    tonytoff, Sep 15, 2009
    #7
  8. lordqarlyn

    lordqarlyn Global Biz Consultant

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    You could put them up for sell. Someone is bound to need a replacement and you might get some extra money for them....
     
    lordqarlyn, Sep 15, 2009
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  9. Dan09

    Dan09 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Thanks for the ideas! Does anyone know how to divert power to the extra LED's? That sounds pretty intense!
     
    Dan09, Sep 17, 2009
    #9
  10. granyte

    granyte ATI+AMD -> DAAMIT

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    don't know how precisely but i remember seeing some where an article on how to modd a laptop and it used power from the usb to power some thing if i find it back i'll tel ya


    but i was thinking about doing somthing in the same way but to make my alien head change color
     
    granyte, Sep 17, 2009
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  11. Dan09

    Dan09 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Appreciate it! Hit me up if you manage to find the article, I won't be getting the replacment keyboard for another week anyway, so no rush :) .
     
    Dan09, Sep 17, 2009
    #11