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    T61 15.4" NMB Keyboard P/N Part Number Change

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by thinkblink, Jul 12, 2007.

  1. thinkblink

    thinkblink Notebook Enthusiast

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    I just received my ThinkPad T61 which came with an ALPS keyboard (P/N 43T3177). It was DOA with a stuck comma key. I called Customer Service to get a new keyboard and requested the NMB keyboard (which I have have on my previous TPs). He was initially not able to find it with the P/N number that I pulled off from the Hardware Maintenance Manual online (P/N 42T3109). It turns out that this was a misprint and the correct part number is 42T3209. Just an FYI.

    I'll post back with feedback on the keyboard comparison once I receive it next week.
     
    thinkblink, Jul 12, 2007
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  2. PhilD

    PhilD Notebook Enthusiast

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    42T3209 is ALPS. I'm holding one right now. Easy to identify as it has the angled plastic spring things (from lower left to upper right under key) as opposed to the little plastic pedestals that NMB uses. The ALPS is superior to NMB in my opinion.
     
    PhilD, Jul 12, 2007
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  3. acaurora

    acaurora Notebook Deity NBR Reviewer

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    NMB actually is supposed to be better than ALPS, at least when referring to T60 keyboards. However it is always relative and to each their own, everyone types differently and likes different preferences. I have the NMB keyboard on my T60... and I like it. I actually use 3 different keyboards every day, and they're all ones I love -
    Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000
    Logitech Ultra X (very flat full size keyboard with short-pitch keys, awesome)
    The NMB Keyboard on my T60

    I remember having a mac mini long ago and buying the Apple wired keyboard - god that thing was wayyy too squishy...
     
    acaurora, Jul 12, 2007
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  4. thinkblink

    thinkblink Notebook Enthusiast

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    I guess I should have known better, the lenovo rep doesn't know what he was talking about. Regardless, I have the NMB keyboard in hand :) and the P/N is 42T3109. I do see the blue colored pegs under the keys.

    As for the feel of the keys, I definitely like it better than the ALPS that shipped with my laptop originally. I feel the keys are slightly mushier, quieter, and have a slight springy feedback. But it is definitely not as good as the NMB keyboards I have on my t41 and t30 machines :mad: .
     
    thinkblink, Jul 19, 2007
    #4