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    Upgrading... the keyboard?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by AmazingGracePlayer, Jul 24, 2007.

  1. AmazingGracePlayer

    AmazingGracePlayer Notebook Deity

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    Is there a way to upgrade my (yet to come) Dell Vostro 1500's keyboard so it has background lights? You know, lights in between the little cracks from key to key?

    Like this...

    [​IMG]
     
    AmazingGracePlayer, Jul 24, 2007
    #1
  2. usapatriot

    usapatriot Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Not unless you perform some sort of hack with led lights.
     
    usapatriot, Jul 24, 2007
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  3. coriolis

    coriolis Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Nope, there is simply not enough space under there.
     
    coriolis, Jul 24, 2007
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  4. zadillo

    zadillo Notebook Virtuoso

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    Wait, do you just want lights in between the cracks, or also for the characters on the keys to light up (like the MBP)?

    The latter I would imagine would be more difficult since you'd also need keys that would allow for the illumination to shine through the characters on the keys.

    Not sure about how difficult it would be to get the LED's themselves under the keyboard (and also gain control over them, like the MBP, which can also turn them on or off automatically depending on the ambient light in the room).
     
    zadillo, Jul 24, 2007
    #4
  5. AmazingGracePlayer

    AmazingGracePlayer Notebook Deity

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    Just the cracks is fine. Having the light shine through the letters is a plus, but not necessary.
     
    AmazingGracePlayer, Jul 24, 2007
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  6. zadillo

    zadillo Notebook Virtuoso

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    Hrmm, gotcha. Yeah, might be tough,

    Btw, is that your Fodera in your avatar? If so.... man, awesome bass.... :)

    -Zadillo
     
    zadillo, Jul 24, 2007
    #6
  7. baddogboxer

    baddogboxer Notebook Deity

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    I like the idea! With the characters even more, your on to somthing, does anyone do this? if so I hope they all start.
    sorry can't help. Good Luck!
     
    baddogboxer, Jul 24, 2007
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  8. coriolis

    coriolis Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    coriolis, Jul 24, 2007
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  9. baddogboxer

    baddogboxer Notebook Deity

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    coriolis looks like a work in progress, not as clean as I had hoped for. I guess diffusion of the light is one of the obstacles?

    Good link.
     
    baddogboxer, Jul 24, 2007
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  10. coriolis

    coriolis Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Nah, that article is a few years old, I did some research on it about 18 months back, the guy gave up after a few attempts.
     
    coriolis, Jul 24, 2007
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  11. baddogboxer

    baddogboxer Notebook Deity

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    Alright I'm an F'ing Idiot, you caught me! Now what? What I imagined was so much cooler!
     
    baddogboxer, Jul 24, 2007
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  12. coriolis

    coriolis Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    By no means am I saying to not try, I mean, I'd love to see it happen. However, there are too many variables that needs to be overcome and the size computability is really looking bad.

    However, whether it fails or succeeds, props to attempting it :)
     
    coriolis, Jul 24, 2007
    #12
  13. AmazingGracePlayer

    AmazingGracePlayer Notebook Deity

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    It sure is! :)

    I know no where near enough stuff to take my computer apart and then put it back together.
     
    AmazingGracePlayer, Jul 25, 2007
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  14. zadillo

    zadillo Notebook Virtuoso

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    Very nice - jealous doesn't even begin to describe my feelings toward you regarding that bass... :)
     
    zadillo, Jul 25, 2007
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  15. Circa69

    Circa69 Notebook Evangelist

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    I have yet to see a good DYI keyboard light. I hope you can do one :D

    If not I would recommend the moonlight mod - IF the objective is to light the keyb AND your monitor backlight is positioned where it will work.

    Check the DYI section of the Cosmetic Resources thread, link in sig.
     
    Circa69, Jul 25, 2007
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  16. Lil Mayz

    Lil Mayz Notebook Deity

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    heh...The end result was less than perfect.
     
    Lil Mayz, Jul 25, 2007
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  17. AmazingGracePlayer

    AmazingGracePlayer Notebook Deity

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    You don't think I really have one do you?... :D :D :D
    It's what I'm currently saving up for, but I'll get one within a few months if nothing goes wrong!
     
    AmazingGracePlayer, Jul 25, 2007
    #17
  18. zadillo

    zadillo Notebook Virtuoso

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    Ahh.... :)

    Well, enjoy it when you do get it!

    -Zadillo
     
    zadillo, Jul 25, 2007
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  19. yusky03

    yusky03 Notebook Consultant

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    yusky03, Jul 25, 2007
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  20. AmazingGracePlayer

    AmazingGracePlayer Notebook Deity

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    AmazingGracePlayer, Jul 25, 2007
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  21. Circa69

    Circa69 Notebook Evangelist

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    Saw those before. Still seems to be very unevenly lit to me. Maybe if the light was diffused a little more?

    I will add that to the DIY tho :) It is a great starting point for someone wanting to do this :D :D
     
    Circa69, Jul 25, 2007
    #21
  22. AmazingGracePlayer

    AmazingGracePlayer Notebook Deity

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    Yeah, the top 3 rows of the keyboard is well lit, but the bottom rows is not lit at all... But the blue lights in the Mac seem to be very well done.
     
    AmazingGracePlayer, Jul 25, 2007
    #22