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    Sony Vaio - Backlit Keyboard

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by Likey, Nov 28, 2008.

  1. Likey

    Likey Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hi guys,

    Is there any way to modify your Sony Vaio to have a backlit keyboard? I currently own a TZ and there's a possibility that I'll get a Z series but really want it to have a backlit keyboard.

    If not, I may have to purchase one of those USB light things.

    Thanks,
    Likey
     
    Likey, Nov 28, 2008
    #1
  2. the_1

    the_1 Notebook Evangelist

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    I don't think it can be done and even if you can it would cost too much. If you really need a backlit keyboard try getting another laptop.
     
    the_1, Nov 28, 2008
    #2
  3. b|lly

    b|lly Notebook Deity

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    I am sure it can be done, some tech guy in the neighbour could do it. All he needs to do is install tiny LEDs inside the keyboard. But..since Z serie keys are not "see throw" the light would only be there to light the rest..so i dont know.
     
    b|lly, Nov 28, 2008
    #3
  4. Likey

    Likey Notebook Enthusiast

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    Which laptops have backlit keyboards by the way?
     
    Likey, Nov 28, 2008
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  5. pkja1

    pkja1 Notebook Consultant

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    the macs and the alienware laptops as far as i know
     
    pkja1, Nov 28, 2008
    #5
  6. jim_0068

    jim_0068 Notebook Consultant

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    HP has one the new 13"
     
    jim_0068, Nov 28, 2008
    #6
  7. Rahul

    Rahul Notebook Prophet

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    Rahul, Nov 28, 2008
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  8. dampfnudel

    dampfnudel Notebook Evangelist

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    The Dell Studio M1340 will have a back-lit keyboard, but you probably would have to wait until early next year for it. At the moment, we still don't have all of the details on the Z's first refresh and the possibility of a back-lit keyboard.
     
    dampfnudel, Nov 28, 2008
    #8
  9. DetlevCM

    DetlevCM Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    You could buy a little plug in USB light - I'm sure I've seen that before.
    Don't ask me how well they work - but it should be OK, in the dark my screen will light up my keyboard...
     
    DetlevCM, Nov 28, 2008
    #9
  10. InfyMcGirk

    InfyMcGirk while(!(succeed=try()));

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    The USB light option might be more power efficient that lighting each individual key anyway... I know the ThinkLight on Thinkpads uses less power than backlit keyboards (or rather, I read it in a review somewhere). ;)
     
    InfyMcGirk, Nov 28, 2008
    #10
  11. b|lly

    b|lly Notebook Deity

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    I cant imagine anybody going over to macbook, HP, alienware or dell because of backlit, rather than use a power machine like vaio Z serie.
     
    b|lly, Nov 28, 2008
    #11
  12. AlaskaGrown

    AlaskaGrown Notebook Consultant

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    The Dell business 13.3" notebook has backlit keyboard option, too. (e4300)
     
    AlaskaGrown, Nov 28, 2008
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  13. zendar

    zendar Notebook Consultant

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    Huge deal for me. Waiting for Sony to do it, and do it right (chiclet, white led, no bleed, ambient sensing with physical on/off override switch)
     
    zendar, Nov 29, 2008
    #13
  14. phoebusvh

    phoebusvh Notebook Consultant

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    lol, I would love to have the backlit keyboard too. However, I'm sure there wll be people turning it off to save battery.
     
    phoebusvh, Nov 29, 2008
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  15. jim_0068

    jim_0068 Notebook Consultant

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    personally i don't see the point, if you are a touch typist it shouldn't matter.
     
    jim_0068, Nov 30, 2008
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  16. DetlevCM

    DetlevCM Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    There you go, "if you are a touch typist".

    Anyway - even if you aren't and use your laptop a lot you learn where to find keys.

    I suspect this debate can go on for ever - but the energy consumption would be a significant point I'd say.
     
    DetlevCM, Nov 30, 2008
    #16
  17. Melody

    Melody How's It Made Addict

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    Well if there was one, I'd prefer to have an on/off feature(which isn't a pain in the butt to access lol :p so a switch or something would work) as the battery consumption would be noticeable.

    I guess it's mostly a gimmick because technically it isn't a required feature and typing in the dark isn't really good for you anyways lol :p
     
    Melody, Nov 30, 2008
    #17
  18. TZ300

    TZ300 Notebook Evangelist

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    Sony is in collusion with big businesses who want to keep their staff in the dark :D
     
    TZ300, Nov 30, 2008
    #18
  19. PortaJunkie

    PortaJunkie Notebook Geek

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    I have to say -- I would never criticize anyone else's requirements for a new notebook, because I have many of my own (must have touchpad, must have big shift keys, must be touch-typable for me, etc.)...But a backlit screen being a deal-killer -- I just couldn't see that.

    Of course, I would certainly consider having a feature like that (which can be toggled on and off) a positive...
     
    PortaJunkie, Nov 30, 2008
    #19