Replacing 2370 keyboard?

Well, 2 keys on my keyboard have gone belly up, and no longer function. I was wondering, how hard/easy it is to replace the keyboard? Any place online have them in stock? I searched google and found a lot of junky sites that didn't have them in stock.

Anyone have experience with Averatec RMA service? I purchased the 2370 in November 2006, so it's still under the 1 yr warranty.

Thanks.
(refugee from averatecforums.com)

 

If your 2370 is under warranty, I wouldn't even try a DIY repair; you will void all future warranty service.

Averatec's RMA turnaround seems to be a mixed bag. If they have the parts on hand, it's quick. If they don't it can drag on ... and on ... and on.

 

So I upgraded my RAM a few months back...I seem to remember having to break a "warranty void if broken" sticker to get to the screw that releases the RAM door. So, will Averatec say oops, you voided your warranty because you broke the little sticker?

If so, I'd say most of us have a voided warranty.

 

A number of members over in the Unofficial Averatec Forum contacted Averatec support, and reported that adding RAM does not void the warranty, even if you disturbed the sticker.

 

Hey there,

First replacing your keyboard is easy. Now is it easy for Everyone IMHO Yes. If you can plug a printer a keyboard and a mouse in your computer, then you should be able to do this. If your are paranoid about every thing involves a laptop then look somewhere else. You said you upgraded your RAM yourself so you Pass the first test. Second, will you void your warranty I am not entirely sure as far as I know replacing you Keyboard does NOT require taking out any screws, scroll down and you will understand.

First search E-bay for an Averatec 2260 keyboard, I was not able to find any 2370 I think because it’s newer. Here is where I got mine:
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Averatec-22...ryZ31568QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

This is what I got


Side by side with the old one


Second, Using a flathead screwdriver press slightly on the marked points, what you are doing is unlocking the keyboard from its location, you have six spots to do that, all which are on the upper part of the keyboard. Press in the direction of the arrows.


Then slightly lift the top of the keyboard then give it a small tug/slight pull upward. That will make it completely loose, the only thing attached to it is the flat cable PCB(printed circuit board).Flip it over and you will see this.


The PCB is attached to the board with a small black latch; again with a small tweezers pull it slightly downward. Now you can pull the flat cable out, and your keyboard is completely unattached to your laptop. Just reverse the steps for putting the new one in there and you’re done. Make sure to snap those small latches on the keyboard back you will here a click when you do so.



Again pull it slightly down in the direction of the arrows.


Now the PCB cable is released.


The reason I ended doing this myself is when I asked Averatec support about the problem, I was told it would take 2-3 weeks. I am not sure if I was going to be charged for shipping, but still 2-3 weeks is too much. Now about the warranty, I can’t see how they can figure out that you have changed your keyboard since the whole process doesn’t involve disassembling the laptop. Just note that the model number of the 2260 keyboard is slightly different then the 2370 ohh and also the colors are different DUH. What I ended up doing was taking out each key out of the new one and add it to the old one, and vice versa.

To replace the keys all you do is look at the back of the keyboard and with a small toll (toothpick I guess) push number 1 and 2, then the whole key with the spring will come off when you put it back make sure that number 3 is on first then give it a slight push and you will here a click, if you don’t hear it click just try it again, just be careful and you will be fine. I would recommend testing it on a small key like the Fn key, and be careful when you are doing it for the bigger keys such as Space bar and shift, but the above method should work fine.


Yeah it’s tedious but if you like silver on black then keep it that way.


If this sounds like too much hassle and you don't mind waiting for 2 weeks for Averatec then do it through them, Let us know what you ended up doing. Good luck.

 

I would just like to add to this marvelous thread that for the 2300 at least there is a hidden screw under the back panel. It's located right in the middle of the back and upper right corner when the panel is removed. Sorry no pictures right now but if there's someone wanting to see some I'll be glad to take one and post it.

 

Brandon1867 - where is the "hidden" screw that you referred to? Is it under the large removable panel that allows access to the memory?

ALSO, I have an Averatec 2370 HM1E (2300 series), my local repair shop can't find a keyboard for this specific model. Does anyone know if the 2300 or 2370 keyboard is the same as the "2370 HM1E" model?

thanks everyone

 

Open the user accessible bottom panel. Remove the screws securing the wi-fi module -the one with the (typically) black and grey wire clipped to the module. You do not have to undo any wires.

The screw in the bottom of the module well is approximately in the center of the keyboard, and in fact secures the keyboard to the 2370. After removing this screw you can depress the 4 tabs visible at the top edge of the keyboard to lift the top edge toward the palm rest.

I'm pretty sure you can handle it from there.

It shouldn't take more than a few minutes to swap out a keyboard module. However, this is a pretty pricey component. If you don't travel with the notebook, you might want to consider an external USB keyboard and mouse.

 

Thanks - will try it as soon as my new keyboard arrives. AVERATEC sales told me to get it from "www.fremontek.com" and they sell the keyboard for only $45 + $8.86 shipping. From their website:

For Parts Related Inquiries, please refer to: Phone: 510-824-6722 (Parts Sale Inquiry.​

Fremontek (in Fremont, Ca) has a large selection of Averatec keyboards from $45 - $55 tops.

Thanks again
been Averarated again

 

Thanks Serenity Consulting & Brandon1867 - I'm now typing on my new keyboard.

NOTE - the "hidden" screw on the 2370 HM1E was not under the WiFi module, but on the right edge of the frame under the access panel UNDER the black and grey wires. It was simply a matter of moving the wires out of the way to expose the hidden screw.

My keyboard from Fremontek arrived in just a couple of days (45 + 8.97 shipping).

thanks again for everyone's help! So glad to have a working keyboard again.

NOW, is there a way of remapping the Fn and Ctrl keys so that they are in the "normal" positions?

No longer so "Badly Averated"

 

http://www.randyrants.com/sharpkeys/

(freeware) I used it and removed it, but not because it didn't work as advertised. I wanted to create an ACPI 'Sleep' key where none existed on an external keyboard. I found another way to meet my goal, and didn't need the software for anything else. Should work great for swapping keys as you indicate.