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    Dell M4400 backlit keyboard retrofit?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by wfor1pilot, Jul 31, 2012.

  1. wfor1pilot

    wfor1pilot Newbie

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    I recently purchased a M4400 for my daughter; love the machine but, would like to retro fit it w/ the "backlit" keyboard. I can find them on *bay for $20 ish. Does anyone know if it is possible to retrofit this keyboard in to one that didn't originally come w/ it? Thanks in advance, -Davis
     
    wfor1pilot, Jul 31, 2012
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  2. Nick

    Nick Professor Carnista

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    Since the M4400 had the option for a backlit keyboard, it has the proper power port on the motherboard.


    Sent from my HTC VLE_U using Tapatalk 2
     
    Nick, Aug 1, 2012
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  3. Krane

    Krane Notebook Prophet

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    I was watching a video on this just the other day. Its as simple as removing the pop out edge strip from around the keyboard and 4 or 5 screws. Connect the power ribbon to the laptop and you're good to go.

    P.S. Your daughter needs a m4400? What does she do?
     
    Krane, Aug 1, 2012
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  4. wfor1pilot

    wfor1pilot Newbie

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    Thanks for the quick reply. I've had a few M1710 "charger ports" go south on me and replaced them w/ M90 boards but, they lack the "plug" for the XPS back panel plug for the lights. You can retro-fit the fans and speakers but, the lights on the back panel just don't work w/ them.
    I had suspected the M4400 came w/ the plug for the "backlit" keyboard but; needed a 2nd opinion. Thanks (a bunch), Davis
     
    wfor1pilot, Aug 1, 2012
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  5. wfor1pilot

    wfor1pilot Newbie

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    Just school work but, her Inspiron 6000 just isn't up to the task (she also plays SIMs on it) anymore.
    A link to the video your talking about would be Great ! -Davis
     
    wfor1pilot, Aug 1, 2012
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  6. Krane

    Krane Notebook Prophet

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    Krane, Aug 1, 2012
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  7. wfor1pilot

    wfor1pilot Newbie

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    wfor1pilot, Aug 1, 2012
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  8. wfor1pilot

    wfor1pilot Newbie

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    Think that reply better answered my question. The posted video link is for a very basic keyboard exchange. If I had to re-phrase my question I'd ask: Does the "non-backlit" M4400 have the port for the "backlit" keyboard (which would allow me to "retro-fit" a backlit keyboard)? Thanks again all, -Davis
     
    wfor1pilot, Aug 3, 2012
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  9. wfor1pilot

    wfor1pilot Newbie

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    After watching this I'm tempted to make a video replacing a M1730 Backlit keyboard. On the 1730 you have to get the cables seated and on the bottom of the keyboard itself is a slotted tab w/ connections that has to line up just right or 1/2 of the keys won't work ! :wideeyed:
     
    wfor1pilot, Aug 3, 2012
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  10. Krane

    Krane Notebook Prophet

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    A Jedi Master are you now?

    [​IMG]
     
    Krane, Aug 3, 2012
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  11. wfor1pilot

    wfor1pilot Newbie

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    A Notebook master I am. New to the forum you say: soon my brilliance you’ll see (replaced the video card in my girlfriends M1710 in fifteen minutes last night I did)! Well versed in the specifics of the M4400 not was I. Learned from your forum I have ! :notworthy:
     
    wfor1pilot, Aug 4, 2012
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