Replacing keyboard and warranty

Quick question here. I'd like to know if replacing the keyboard on a HP notebook with a better one (such as one with a pointstick) will void the warranty? The keyboard replacement seems easy enough since the keyboard can be unplugged easily.
I'm guessing HP won't be able to tell I've messed with it unless they find out that "Hey, you're supposed to have an inferior keyboard, not this one".

 

I'm pretty sure that it would void the warranty.

Keyboards aren't really supposed to be user-replaceable.

 

I believe the only items that are "user replaceable" are the HDD and RAM, but I could be wrong. The safest approach is not to do it. Next would be to contact HP and ask. If HP says it's OK, make sure you get it in writing, although that may not help either. Someone recently posted a complaint about HP not honoring his valid extended warranty and he replaced nothing.

My advice is if you care about the warranty and can live without the keyboard, forget it. Last thing you need is to give HP a reason for not fixing your notebook.

 

Will it be any different if I get an HP authorised service agent to perform the swap?
I should be concerned because I have an extended warranty with my equipment too.

 

If its an HP supported part, they might

However, I don't think HP supports anything other than what they use in their systems.

 

What do you mean by "HP supported part"? I can order the keyboard part from HP's official parts supplier, and they did confirm that the part is compatible. However, calling up HP's overseas tech support is a completely different story. I can call up 3 times and get 3 different answers.

Ok, whoops, I may have not made it clear. If you followed the other thread of mine, I purchased the nx8420, which comes with everything the nc8430 has, but without the serial port and the point stick keyboard/touchpad combo (warranty can be upgraded to match). I don't need the serial port (but it too can be ordered from my local HP parts supplier), but I'm interested in upgrading the keyboard. The HP parts store shows that the nx8420/nc8430/nw8440 share similar components, with differences only relating to configuration options.

I save $600 (not sure if this is significant enough?) by getting the nx with a better processor and bigger hdd over the nc, which is what I believe to be a very special case (the nc8430 is completely overpriced because it's quite a niche product in this side of the world). The keyboard/touchpad part would only cost me $180 to purchase. Without student benefits, the nc8430 would cost $1200 more here.

I don't really mind switching back the keyboard if I have to send it back for repairs, but is there any way for HP to even tell if I have made the swap?

 

Chrixx,

On "supported parts"... Yes models may share similar components, with differences only relating to configuration options.

And yes you saved $600, but using a part from another model "may" be considered a un-supported part because your model was not shipped with that part.

Most mfg's aren't cool with you saving money, adding in a part that the unit didn't ship with.... They want you to buy the higher spec'd machine to begin with as they make more profit off the machine, and there's less headache on SUPPORT issues, ordering parts for that unit later on. Say you were to mod the unit (upgrade) to parts that the unit did not ship with, and you sell it, next person needs support, or service.... Really screws them up when for example the tech types in the model number /serial number, orders the parts, and the parts turn out to be the type of parts the unit shipped with... and the customers upon getting the unit back was expecting the upgraded parts.

One way around that is to have a offical service center to the "upgrades", so that info can be entered into the records.


Is HP that "picky"?... don't know... just laying out the reasons mfg's aren't cool with the end user changing things around.


If it was me, I'd install the keyboard myself. Put the old keyboard in a box, and then when I sell the unit give the new owner the old keyboard, ,make him aware that the unit has been upgraded to a non-standard component.

If I sent the unit in for "repair", unless I had the keyboard swapped out by a "offical" HP service center and it was documented as same, I'd remove the keyboard if unit is sent in for repair... 1: So they don't void your warranty, and 2: So that you retain the upgraded keyboard.

Is there a way to tell if the keyboard has been swapped? There may be but I doubt it would become a issue.

.

 

One important thing to consider - the trackpoint has a cable that attaches to the trackpoint circuitry. If your system board has this connector and circuitry, great. If not, you need to replace the motherboard as well. You can download the NC8430 maintenance manual from the hp site, and it will show you where this connector is. It is a small connector located next to the keyboard connector (5-22 of the english manual). Since the manual only lists a single system board p/n, you might be in luck.

Wayne

 

I have checked and they are supposed to be identical. In fact, this has been performed before:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=50902

 

Place to check part numbers. Note on some models I've looked at they have a de-featured, and full featured board showing two boards for the same machine.

Have not looked up the model in question though...

HP PartSurfer

http://www.partsurfer.hp.com/cgi-bin/spi/main

.

 

Warrenty will be voided

 

I'm thinking also changing the keyboard, but on nc8430 to a different language.
Warranty is my concern too, but aren't you supposed to be able to remove the keyboard yourself for memory installation? Except the cables ofcourse. It would seem difficult to see that the cables have been unplugged. Or do they have somekind of seals? I think the keyboard doesnt.

For so easy operation I would not want to pay 100$ for the service.

Chrixx had any success on this?