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    want to switch xps m1530 keyboard with vostro's

    Discussion in 'Dell XPS and Studio XPS' started by rflcptr, Sep 24, 2008.

  1. rflcptr

    rflcptr Notebook Consultant

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    I'm just wondering which specific Vostro model's keyboard will be completely compatible connection-wise. Thanks a ton!
     
  2. Hep!

    Hep! sees beauty in everything

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    Vostro 1400/1500.
     
  3. rflcptr

    rflcptr Notebook Consultant

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    thank you! :D
     
  4. Hep!

    Hep! sees beauty in everything

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    No problem. I did the same thing on my old Inspiron 1520.
     
  5. rflcptr

    rflcptr Notebook Consultant

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    do you know how much Dell would charge for the part, or did you use a different vendor such as parts-people?
     
  6. mystery905

    mystery905 Notebook Deity

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    I got mine off-ebay for $22 including shipping to Canada.
     
  7. Hep!

    Hep! sees beauty in everything

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    I have a friend who works at dell and my inspiron's keyboard needed to be replaced anyway, so I just asked him to have them send me a Vostro keyboard not an Inspiron keyboard as replacement.

    But if he was unable to, I was going to get it off ebay. Like Mystery said, it's like 22 bucks on ebay shipped, Dell is going to want like 75.
     
  8. hwa1201

    hwa1201 Notebook Evangelist

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    my xps1530 keyboard feels kinda uresponsive so what if my laptop is still in warranty?
    if i call dell up, will they send me a new keyboard part for free or
    do i have to pay for it?

    Also, is vostro 1400/1500 keyboard different from xps1530 one?
    or is it just a same type keyboard with black color?
     
  9. basskiddanny

    basskiddanny Notebook Evangelist

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    The other day my 1530 keyboard seemed unresponsive but its been fine since. Only did it once for some reason. Sort of didn't register some key presses but it wasn't specific keys it was just doing it randomly. I tested each key slowly and individually and they all worked with only a small regular amount of pressure.

    Dunno what was going on but sounds the same as the problem you had/are having hwa??
     
  10. hwa1201

    hwa1201 Notebook Evangelist

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    yea, i dont get problem if i type slow,
    but if i type fast, some keys (as u mentioned, random keys) dont get
    registered and that gets really annoying when it happens frequently.

    so I was wondering if vostro keyboard part is just same as xps m1530 one.
    awww how i miss my 4 yr old fujitsu keyboard, it was way better then xps1530 one :(

    EDIT: just contacted dell tech support and they are going to send me a new keyboard.
    Hope i dont get any problem with the new one but satisfied with dell tech support :D
     
  11. basskiddanny

    basskiddanny Notebook Evangelist

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    Out of interest did you get the problem when running on battery power only? Or does/did it happen on AC power as well?
     
  12. Hep!

    Hep! sees beauty in everything

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    The Vostro and Inspiron/XPS keyboards are all the same, just different colors.
    And no, if you're under warranty, you do not have to pay. They're unlikely to do the deal I got though and get it free.
     
  13. hwa1201

    hwa1201 Notebook Evangelist

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    I've been getting the problem while running on battery and on a/c.
    But hey since I'm under warranty, why not just request for replacement,
    so I called them up, and yea it is free of charge.

    Thx, Hep! for answering the question about the vostro keyboards
     
  14. tenderidol

    tenderidol Notebook Evangelist

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    Having recently replaced my XPS m1330 and my friend's XPS m1530 silver keyboards with a black one (part# JM629), I can say with 100% certainty that the Vostro and XPS keyboards are NOT the same. The black keyboard has a more rigid back, while the silver keyboard is just flimsy. In addition, the key response is much different (i.e., better) with the black keyboard. If you feel like your keyboard is too flimsy or just not responsive, just try the black JM629 keyboard. You'll see the difference immediately!

     
  15. mystery905

    mystery905 Notebook Deity

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    +1

    I originally did the swap for cosmetic reasons, but after doing so, I realized the feel was superior.
     
  16. tenderidol

    tenderidol Notebook Evangelist

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    It should also be noted that the replacement black keyboard will be less prone to the famous "bulging" of the silver keyboard caused by the carelessly routed cables underneath, since the back of the keyboard is rigid and more sturdy.
     
  17. str355

    str355 Notebook Enthusiast

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    exactly the same for me when i swapped mine over a while back :)
     
  18. oleg106

    oleg106 Notebook Enthusiast

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    Can someone post a pic of 1330 or 1530 with the black keyboard? I am thinking to replace as well and want to see how it looks. thanks
     
  19. mystery905

    mystery905 Notebook Deity

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    See my avatar.
     
  20. millermagic

    millermagic Rockin the pinktop

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    Interestingly enough, a black keyboard on inspiron 1520 doesn't look that great.

    The old(er) silver keyboards aren't the best keyboards by any means. The silver keyboard that came on my inspiron 1420 made in June of 2008 is MUCH better than the silver one on my 1520 made August of 2007.

    The black vostro keyboards have better response.
     
  21. diegosaenz

    diegosaenz Notebook Enthusiast

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    Now how hard is it to switch it? I just dont get used to the OEM keyboard on my m1530 so I'm really considering switching.
     
  22. slowdown117

    slowdown117 Notebook Consultant

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    I want to thank the posters who have actually done this and shared this information with us. It seems that it's unanimous that people don't like the silver keyboard. I myself wanted to ditch mine on day 1 and called Dell. They don't apparently care to do a simple keyboard swap and please the customer that just shelled out $1200.

    I did like most of you and ordered the JM629 off of E-bay. All I had was a guess that it would work, after carefully studying them. You guys have provided the answer. I'm stoked about the fact that it's just a simple swapout.

    It makes the M1330 and M1530 look more 'wicked' and ready to kick *ss. They still look sexy but just have more of an edge with that black keyboard. And as already stated, I also agree that the Vostro keyboard is more firm and the keys feel different than the silver keys.

    Can't wait till it gets here. Awsome!