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    Question about the L702x Keyboard...

    Discussion in 'Dell XPS and Studio XPS' started by Valkyrist, Oct 17, 2011.

  1. Valkyrist

    Valkyrist Newbie

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    Okay, so I bought the Dell XPS 17 (L702x) a couple of weeks ago, and I really like it. I bought it off eBay (for only $900), but the problem is that the keyboard has some weird symbols on it (Swedish I think) and some of the keys don't correspond correctly with their symbol. It's not that big of a problem, but I would just as soon replace it with the proper model. I found a replacement keyboard, here: http://www.mcccomputers.com/shop/87...s1-aegm7u00110-no-back-lit-8589638075915.html

    The only possible snag is that it's the L701x keyboard model. The L701x keyboard looks like this: http://www.bitdynasty.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/dell-xps-17-review-photo-2.jpg, while the L702x keyboard looks like this: http://www.notebookcheck.net/uploads/tx_nbc2/dellXPS17_1.jpg

    As you can see, the L702x keyboard is different because it has the Chiclet style key setup which I'm not a fan of. This is another reason why I would prefer to replace my keyboard with the L701x, rather than an L702x. Anyway, to cut a long story short, I'd like to know if I can order the L701x keyboard replacement mentioned above, and install it in my L702x laptop? I'd rather not order the thing and find out that it doesn't fit once I've opened up my computer. On a related note, does anyone know where I can find some guides, or video tutorials on how to replace a keyboard for the Dell XPS 17? Thanks! :D
     
    Valkyrist, Oct 17, 2011
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  2. mpalandr

    mpalandr Notebook Consultant

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    Replacing the keyboard is fairly easy, the L702x service manual available at the Dell web site describes it step by step. One screw to remove the memory cover, one screw to remove the DVD player, three screws to release the palm rest, then the palm rest pops off.

    The keyboard is not secured by screws, just held in place with the palm rest. The four screw tabs at the top of the keyboard pic you provided made me wonder if it would fit, so I checked ebay and found several pix. Looks like the L702x keyboard does not have the screw tabs. Worse, the ribbon connector is different.

    I had never had a chiclet keyboard before I got the L702x, and had heard some negatives. Took me almost no time to get used to it. Now I go back and forth between the L702x and a full size Avant Stellar on my desktop with ease. If I were faced with your decision, I'd get a backlit L702x specific model. Once you go backlit, you'll never go back. Several are available on ebay for about $10 more than the one in pic link you sent when you add the postage.
     
    mpalandr, Oct 18, 2011
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