minor keyboard issue with my v3000

I've had my V3000 (more accurately a V3020CA) for about 3 months now and it has been great. The only peeve I have is with the keyboard. I'm not sure if other owners are plagued by this problem, but my keyboard problems are the following:

1. It looks uneven when viewed from certain angles. It's not too bad, but I sometimes take a second look to see if the "wavyness" is getting worst.

2. My F4 button is busted. I'm quite sure I didn't bust the button myself because the defect would have been impossible for me to make. The defect basically is the F4 button can be dislodged and removed if pressure is applied from the bottom half of the button.

I didn't really notice these defects instantly when I initially got my notebook. I noticed the defects about 1 to 2 weeks after some normal use.

Anyway, my main dillemma now is should I utilize my warranty and try to get my keyboard replaced? I read on another thread by magicstasis ( http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=81375), who had a similar problem, that he had his replaced without much hassle. I don't know where he is located, but I live in Canada, so should I expect the same hassle limited service? Thanks for any info you guys and girls provide.

 

If the F4 can easily pop up, then this is some nasty defect, though as you pointed out, in no way fatal. Call HP and ask for a new keyboard or a new laptop.
I would personally take a new keyboard and replace it myself (it kinda voids the warranty if HP gets to know you did it but I don't see how this would happen) because in this way I would have two new, working keyboards. Keyboards do tend to wear down and get all shiny. Once this happens, you'll be able to put the other keyboard.

 

Those are some great advice. I do have some questions.

Does this apply to Canadians? And if I ask for a new laptop, what happens to the old one? Do I get to keep it (I'm assuming no, but it doesn't hurt to ask)? And if I ask for a new keyboard, are they going to send me the keyboard itself as it is, ready to install and are they sending to me for free? And finally, how easy is it to replace the keyboard myself? Sorry for all the questions.

 

You will surely not keep your current laptop if you send it in for repair/exchange. All I can say about the other questions is that keyboard replacement is not a big deal, even routine for some people who open their laptops every two months to clean the vents. HP provides very helpful guides on how to do this: here or here for all manuals

One further note, it all depends on your negotiating abilities when you call HP support and on your luck as different reps will react differently.

 

I notice this keyboard problem also. I can see the space bar key, the right side of it is higher than the left side. Very annoying. What could i do?
What even worse is the imprint finish. I can see the imprint finish looks like not perfect or defect. It's like dented on some areas but this only can see with certain angle + the light from LCD. But this also very annoying to me. Are these problem common when come to HP or Compaq Laptop?
Maybe the V3000 user here can share some experience.

Thanks.

 

hahaa burn that peice of garbage
jks..

 

Its possible they might just send you a new f4 key instead of replacing the keyboard

 

Its possible they might just send the OP a new f4 key instead of replacing the keyboard

If dealing directly with a service center they may have such on hand, but more than likely dealing with HP directly the whole keyboard would be replaced.

Most of the time mfg's only list assemblies (i.e the whole keyboard) to reduce the number of parts stocked. Another consideration is if they were to ship a key, the part that retains the key on the keyboard might be broken.... Same could be said for any assembly of parts, so to make things simple they only ship complete assemblies.

The able being said worth calling them to ask....

Since the Op says his keyboard is wavy and it bugs him replacing just key isn't going to do much to fix that.

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RE: I've had my V3000 (more accurately a V3020CA) for about 3 months now and it has been great. The only peeve I have is with the keyboard.

Does this apply to Canadians? And if I ask for a new laptop, what happens to the old one? Do I get to keep it (I'm assuming no, but it doesn't hurt to ask)?

* * * * * * *

Lets see... unit is only 3 months old, minor problem with the keyboard....

If Hp was to send a brand-spanking new laptop, can I keep the old laptop as well?

Answer is NO....

I would assume the above is a typo? that you're asking if HP was to send you the keyboard, if you could keep it...

No-one is going to send you a spanking brand new laptop on a unit that is only three months old, and allow you to keep both units. (I'm amazed that anyone would even think such...)

On a unit that's three months old, they are going to repair it... and more than likely require you to send it into one of their service centers.

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