R501VM-S4142H (N56) Backlit Keyboard on R501VZ-S4387H (N56) ???

hey guys

i just joined simply because of the inconvenience that asus has caused which I think is a bit silly and wanna find out a way around it.

I recently bought the Asus R501VZ-S4387H (N56) which came with GT650 video and 16GB Ram but had no backlit keyboard. apparently backlit keyboard came out on earlier models such as S4142H model which is now discontinued and had lower specs like GT630 video.

Now since these models are physically identical as far as components and chassis concerns, I like to know if I buy the backlit keyboard out of a 4142H model can I install and plug to the 4387H model and remove the standard keyboard?

Standard keyboard only has one main ribbon cable but the backlit version has that exact same one plus a narroer goldish cable which I assume is for the backlit.

What I like to know is that does the mainboard in the 4387H has the extra plug on board for the backlit or asus completely redesigned the board and removed the plug? (which was a dumb move by asus now that other brands even very cheap and low models are releasing backlit keyboards on their notebooks and asus stopped using it in the N56 models)...how retarded!!!

I am a computer technician and had many clients and have many friends with laptops and none of them ever used the standard bluetooth that comes with the notebooks but a backlit keyboard which can be on or off is a great thing and should be standard on all notebooks now a days. obviously apple knew something and were smart but other manufacturers are simply dumb since it doesnt cost much for the backlit and the keyboard prices if you check online are roughly around the same price so why not use it and attract more buyers? what do these ceos think I dont know!!!

has anyone ever installed the backlit keyboard on the N56 models that did not originally come with one?

appreciate some quick responses so that I could buy them both and have them ready before I go to work offshore for a long time as I dont have a laptop now and need this model cause its stylish and i want it but with backlit keyboard and same high specs especially the GT650 accelerator on it.

thanks

 

I own a R501VZ-S4387H (16gb ram, GT 650m 4gb, 1tb hdd) and it came with a backlit keyboard. I purchased mine about a month ago. I'm in Australia.

 

gooday mate, well a month ago is very recent, where di you buy from and how much did you pay if you dont mind me asking/

I bought an exact model a week ago from and ebay shop and had to return it because it did not come with neither blueray nor backlit keyboard and according to asus this model was never released with backlit keyboard so you must have been lucky?

please let me know as I am very interested in that model.

 

+ 1 .

I have the same model, and it comes with a backlit keyboard. My understanding is that this model R501VZ-S4387H (N56) has both the Blueray + Backlit kb.

Did the retailer send you the correct model ?

.

 

Sounds like you (bobbycf) didn't actually receive the S4387H, as mine came with the blu-ray and backlit keyboard.

I bought mine from my local MSY store for $1299. I've checked their web site, and it appears as though there is only one store in Australia which has any remaining stock - in Mitcham, Victoria. It's advertised in the gaming section of this pdf for $1199- http://msy.com.au/Parts/notebook.pdf

As for Asus' claim about the keyboard... all I can say is that many sites advertise it as being backlit. For example, this link says "Keyboard: Illuminated Chiclet keboard (with num keypad)". - ASUS R501VZ-S4387H - Intel I7-3630QM, 15.6" FHD, 16GB, 1T, Blu-ray Combo, GT650M, Win 8 64-bit, 2YR: ASUS Notebooks Buy Asus Laptop Cheap Buy Asus Notebook Cheap
However, they are out of stock there.

I noticed this store says the model is still in stock - Digitalstar.com.au - ASUS R501VZ-S4387H i7 16GB 1TB GT650 15.6" FHD W8 Notebook - Online Shopping for Computer Deals
I've never bought from them or heard of them, though, and they don't mention if the kb is backlit.

Hope you find what you're looking for. I'm very happy with mine. I've installed the Samsung Pro 256GB SSD to speed it up.

 

thanks for the info. i did check MSY online and they only sell them in VIC and they are possibly the backlit type ones since you got one with backlit.

I did get the 4387H as far as I remember from onlinecomputer.com.au but it did not have a backlit although the photo in their website adv did indicate it is a backlit one but nothing mentioned in description so I returned it for full refund and they immediately refunded once they received the laptop back and they even paid for postage back so I was happy with their fast service after all.

I might be tempted to buy the asus vx7 lamborghini instead if i cannot fond S4387H with backlit keyboard.

i might go to MSY and see if they can transfer to adelaide store and I go pick it up, I guess they probably wont but i'll double check...hard decision between this one and the vx7 lamborghini...

 

Hey, Did you get the keyboard out of your laptop? I tried to take it apart but the keyboard appears to be held in by a bracket with plastic rivets so I couldn't get it out.

Am I missing something??

 

hey mate, keyboard itself is not removable. its part of the frame and trackpad all one piece although trackpad is removable but keyboard molded to the frame. so you have to order the keyboard with frame through your local authorized asus dealer.

I did order it and it cost me $150 AUD but then again when i installed it it wasnt working due to driver issues/motherboard issues so i ended up breaking the ribbon cable so took it back to asus they fixed the motherboard (replaced with a new one) as the mainboard shortly after new backlit keyboard died one day, justs didnt turn on at all. then i couldnt be bothered buying another backlit keyboard for $150 AUD but at least now the buttons indicate that the driver is there and functional just dont have backlit as its ribbon is broken...oh well fk asus for their retarded ideas to release some with backlit and some not....my next notebook won't be an ASUS no more...screw them...all they care about is use people to buy their product and get them richer but screw us and never care what ppl want and they just like to do it their way. that goes in general with all corporations.