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    Z61t (or Z61m) keyboard question

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by suspensif, Jul 25, 2006.

  1. suspensif

    suspensif Notebook Enthusiast NBR Reviewer

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    I am debating between buying a Toshiba tecra model (A6 or M5), an Asus Aj8m, or Thinkpad Z61t.

    One of my unfortunate criteria for picking a machine is a QUIET keyboard.

    I wonder if someone could tell me whether the Z61t has as loud a keyboard as Z60t did (I purchased that model a few months ago, and returned it. I had other issues, but the keyboard was so noisy that I decided to look for other brands. Now that Lenovo came up with an updated model, I wonder if anything has changed with the keyboard.)

    THANKS!!

    ~Suspensif
     
    suspensif, Jul 25, 2006
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  2. jterp7

    jterp7 Notebook Deity

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    asus keyboards (w3j) have the crisp feel of thinkpads..but a bit less noisy..i am comparing to a t43 that i have btw
     
    jterp7, Jul 25, 2006
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  3. suspensif

    suspensif Notebook Enthusiast NBR Reviewer

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    thanks!

    Thinkpads would be just PERFECTest if only ... quieter. Darn. May have to get a Toshiba, after all. The only problem with Asus seems to be warranty (I need international coverage, and that hasn't got great reviews...)
     
    suspensif, Jul 25, 2006
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  4. AGNI

    AGNI Notebook Geek NBR Reviewer

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    z61t keyboard is LOUD.
     
    AGNI, Jul 25, 2006
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  5. Jmmmmm

    Jmmmmm Notebook Consultant

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    There are three different keyboard manufacturers for thinkpads, so it depends on whose keyboard you get. Some are louder than others. My NMB keyboard does make a slight clicking noise, not sure if it's too loud for you. The keyboards can be easily exchanged, though.
     
    Jmmmmm, Jul 25, 2006
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  6. ZaZ

    ZaZ Super Model Super Moderator

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    I think my Alps is very quiet, but I rarely notice such things.
     
    ZaZ, Jul 26, 2006
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  7. AGNI

    AGNI Notebook Geek NBR Reviewer

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    Can I get a ALPS for my z61t ???
    How do I exchange it
     
    AGNI, Jul 26, 2006
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  8. suspensif

    suspensif Notebook Enthusiast NBR Reviewer

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    The customer service / technical reps at Thinkpad don't seem to give out consistent information.
    Just before I returned my Z60t, one of the people I spoke to told me that I could ship it for repair, and that they could also put a quiet keyboard. I decided to return it, then, because the repair time would take me over the possible return/refund period. After that, I never found another rep who even knew anything of quiet keyboards at Thinkpad, and they all were saying that all their keyboards are standard.

    I spoke to both sales people and technical reps (Atlanta, GA : I must say, you have to get to an upper level technical support before they even know what they're talking about).

    Are the ALPS keyboards a third-party hardware?
    Is it third-party made specifically to fit Thinkpads?

    Thanks!

    ~Suspensif
     
    suspensif, Jul 26, 2006
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  9. suspensif

    suspensif Notebook Enthusiast NBR Reviewer

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    In the end, I decided to buy HP nc6400 -- has similar specs to the Z61t, and the keyboards are reputed to be quiet. If you're interested, look for my review of the model in the HP forum within next weeks.

    Thanks to everyone for your responses.

    ~Suspensif
     
    suspensif, Jul 31, 2006
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