XPS 17 Backlit keyboard?

I've just got my XPS 17 for a few days, and I'm loving it except... it doesn't have a backlit keyboard! I checked back and found out the UK version doesn't offer it anyway, even if I'm willing to pay extra for it.
Do anyone know whether I can install a backlit keyboard on my XPS 17 (L701X)? If so, how can I do it? Many thanks

One more thing.... Am I an idiot for buying this XPS 17 when the Sandy-bridge version seems to be very close to its release? I'm too tempted by the 750 pounds price-tag (and my former Fujitsu is damaged so I needed a replacement)...

 

Unfortunately there aren't any OEM resellers for the backlit keyboards yet, you can try to call up Dell and see if you can buy it directly from them.

 

@ Fausto777, I have just received my XPS L701X 840qm, 4gb ram, Nividia 445M, Bluray. I'm very happy with it however If i had known the new Sandy Bridge models were coming so soon before ordering i would have waited. Hopefully they come with Back lit Keyboard and a better 1080p screen as the one that ships with XPS 17 is average at best. The viewing angel is hopeless, I'm now looking at replacing with higher end screen myself when i can get around to it. The keyboard is very nice to use but again hopeless in low light if you're not a touch typer like me. So my advice would be to wait a little longer and see what they come out with in the next range.

 

I don't get how people can't type in dark without backlit keyboard. The light from the screen is more than enough for me to see everything on the keyboard. Backlit keyboard is more for the cool look imo.

Back on topic, Dell US doesn't sell the backlit keyboard separately, but last time I chatted with them online, they told me they could send me a refurbished one from their outlet(I didn't opt it with my system and later I wanted it). Though I didn't take it since I don't really like a refurbished piece in my brand new machine, so I didn't ask any further.

So if you really want it, you could give it a shot. As for how to change it, you can refer to this video. I'm assuming a backlit keyboard shouldn't be too much different from a regular one.

 

I've got it already and well past the return time, so point of no return for me really. I'm ok with the screen, perhaps that's because I've never had a 1080p one... and my previous notebook is damaged and i need one urgently, that's why. Too bad dell uk wouldn't offer us backlit keyboard, I called to ask today and they said it's no go. oh well...

The main problem is that I have to dim my screen most of the time in dark, and that wouldn't help looking at the keyboard. Do you know if Dell US would ship to UK? I'm 100% sure dell uk are not bothered at all. And also, wouldn't that have cost some software problem, as my current XPS does not support backlit keyboard at all?
Still, thanks for the info!

 

No idea if Dell US would ship it to the UK / Europe, however changing one is perfectly possible:

Here

Major issue is not bending the back plates in any shape or form.

I suspect that once the 702x is launched, then Dell UK / Eur will have the spare parts listed and upgrades for the 701x might be possible. e.g. Once 1080p screens / backlit keyboards are shipping for the 702x, we might get those options.

We won't know until April / June time though.