x301 question about keyboard

Hello,

I am thinking of buying an X301 but I am quite worried about some information I found doing some research other users complaining with keyboard flexing.
I am currently using a Vaio SZ4 with severe flexing, and I would love my laptop if it wasn't for that.

Any experiences about that? I heard about flexing around the ESC key, but other people say it is in other places. Anyone has contacted Lenovo for this issue and obtained a solution (keyboard replacement maybe)?

I would not like to repeat experience with keyboard flexing...

Thanks for your help!

 

Well the thinkpad flexing issues are very relative. Meaning flexing compared to what the completely rigid keyboards that use to be the benchmark on thinkpads.

That being said the flex is not horrendous on any of the modern thinkpads. There could be minor "flex" with ECS on your potential x301. My x200's keyboard bottoms out on the ECS key. If you press hard it will flex over the harddrive. The X series don't have as much of an issue since the chassis is smaller.

The x301 will not have a solid backing replacement like the T and R series (which can use the older t61 style keyboard).

 

Not being horrendous does not make me more confortable... I mean, mine is not horrendous (as in killing people when pressing certain keys --- I'm just kidding ) but it is still VERY annoying for certain keys, such as arrow keys and caps lock/tab, they do a strange clicking sound and bend a lot. Flex is not noticeable for the rest of the keys, but certainly, if you jump on the keyboard, it will flex.

Having said that, to better understand you: when people complain about flexing keyboards in x301 is it because they are not as perfect as before [unbendable even when hitting the keyboard with a hammer], or they complain because it is noticeable --even with just a very few keys-- when typing?

THANK YOU jaredy.

 

Most people say that the problem is really not noticeable in general typing - the flex is in comparison to the older T61, T60, and T4x keyboards.

Most do not notice the flex in T400 and T500s, and I would assume that there is even less flex in the X-series, because their chassis are more rigid with less "empty space" inside them.

 

The keyboard on the X301 is a perforated design, not sure whether there is a none perforated design (have never looked at the X300 keyboard). But if you feel there is lot of flexes, the best way to fix it, is actually to glue some thin felt pads or rubber pads under the places where it flexes, this is the best solution.... this will remove most of the annoying flexes that you complain about.

 

Yes, it looks like more people complains about T400 and even maybe X200S than for X301... although maybe this is because it does not sell as well.

What you say about the empty space, it makes sense. Although I am planning to get it without DVD drive, I hope this is not an added problem. But sure I am not paying $200 for something I won't use... TY!

If any X301 proud holder wants to comment on it it would be fantastic. Thanks everyone for the help!

 

Yes, I read about it too... is it easy to do? On the other hand, I am just planning to buy it, for other people with the laptop in mind, I am not complaining about these flexes... I am still unsure they will be there.

 

Basically it will flex if you make it flex. Whether it deters that much in normal typing...I highly doubt that. With regards to clicky sounds (from the keys). That depends on what brand keyboard you get (lenovo has 3 keyboard manufacturers). But even if you do get a clicky one it is a satisfying click with good feedback on the keyboard.

 

try it out first, i use X301 a lot at work during site visit..... i don't think the problem as bad as some people make it out to be, since x301 due to the thinness have more keyboard support than say a T400, R400, etc which has lot more empty spaces which can't support the keyboard.

Regarding the felt pad mod, it know how to use some glue and cut out some felt pad from felt cloth.... then i think you are covered...

 

LOL, I meant if it was difficult to remove the keyboard and doing the trick ;-) I will probably buy it, I am just in my last mile of thinking about it, maybe I'll wait until W7 comes out.

TY!

 

Taking the keyboard off any thinkpad is child's play.... the keyboard on thinkpads are Customer Replaceable unit.

Here is the X301 instruction manual, so check it out. It teaches you how to remove every parts from the laptop, this is also what the technician uses when servicing your laptop at the depot.

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/MIGR-70395.html

 

^^

wow is that true? i was really worried about replacing my kb but i didn't know its a customer replaceable.

I read around that the keyboards out on new models are now a new finish that prevents wear and grease and that stuff. Have you guys heard of this? So far my keyboard is holding up better than the x200 I had previously.

Back on topic. I am not so much OCD about keyboard flex but I know horrible flex when I feel it. I never gave any thought of flex with my own x301, so it is pretty unnoticeable to me.

 

You could just Watch the Movie!

 

Oh thanks for pointing the movies and the manual. I'll sure have a look when I need them, already bookmarked.

I don't know if I have OCD about it, but really, my laptop current status is really really annoying, it moves a lot for certain keys. On top of that, I think I am extra picky with keyboards...

 

Put it this way...even a "bad" thinkpad keyboard is a pleasure to type on compared to most any other laptop. Unless of course you like chicklet .

 

well... the old macbook pro 15" & 17" (and the powerbook before that) has got excellent keyboard, that i somewhat prefer more than thinkpad's, however, the mac does not have drain channel.

not sure what people are complaining abou the chicklet keyboard. i personally love them more than the older style keyboard.

the X300 that i have does not have any flex that i noticed. it is very very solid, even when i type when the notebook is on my lap.

 

The keyboard on the former MBP was nice and quiet too.

 

I don't like that the chicklet keyboard gets greased up like crazy and is not user replaceable.