whats the color of your keyboard.

[Rose]

A funny thing.

When i received my T43p, i noticed that the G key was more glossy than all the other keys, and that the H key was more matte than all the other keys. I didnt give a darn at first, but then decided to test the grade of service at IBM

So I called in (in Sweden) , explained the problem, got a nono, filed a complaint. All in all this took about 5 minutes. Despite he turned me down he was kind and polite.

Couple of hours later an other guy called regarding my complaint, explained the problem again, told him what I payed for the machine and he agreed.

A new keyboard was delivered with courier. Everything worked smoothly.

Now to the ting.
Also this keyboard has a key that is more glossy than the rest of them. This time it is the B key. At least this time I don’t have any matte key.

Is there anyone else that has noticed this variation on their keyboards?

[icantux]

picky



Mine are glossy from use! LOL!

[davidspalding]

(scratches head) Your only complaint is that some key's finish is different than others? No other anomalies noted?

I'm surprised you got a replacement. I suppose if it was "worn down," and the letter was faded, you could suspect that the keyboard is not new, but otherwise ... you got a free keyboard imho. Lucky you.

[Kyocera]

I think I would be more concerned if it was the f and j keys and the r, these keys are used way more than the g and h. Is the a key alright?:roll:

[davidspalding]

Look for peanut butter or jam smudges on the space bar, too. Oreo cookie crumbs under the TrackPoint buttons.

[Rose]

(scratches head) Your only complaint is that some key's finish is different than others? No other anomalies noted?

I'm surprised you got a replacement. I suppose if it was "worn down," and the letter was faded, you could suspect that the keyboard is not new, but otherwise ... you got a free keyboard imho. Lucky you.

IMHO, I don’t think asking for an exchange keyboard due to colour mismatch is any lesser reason compared to where the keyboard is being manufactured (NMB vs Apls vs Chichony). Besides, the system cost about 4900$ here in Sweden so it feels pretty entitled to ask for a replacement due to an obvious esthetical defect. Its like buying a new Volvo for 50.000$ and getting different materials on your left leather seat compared to your right one.

[davidspalding]

I think we're talking apples, oranges and grapes here. I THOUGHT that the complaint was that one key was "more glossy" then others, not a differnt color, or material. Perhaps I misunderstood?

i noticed that the G key was more glossy than all the other keys, and that the H key was more matte than all the other keys. I didnt give a darn at first, but then decided to test the grade of service at IBM ...

As for the NMB vs. ALPS vs. Chicony, there are some who contend that the Chinese keyboards have measurably inferior tactile feedback. Thats not a visual aesthetic, that's a real functionality issue. Your mileage will vary, regardless of the seating material.

[Jmmmmm]

Why don't you just pop the B off your old keyboard and stick it on the new one? Switching a key only takes like 15 seconds.

[Rose]

I think we're talking apples, oranges and grapes here. I THOUGHT that the complaint was that one key was "more glossy" then others, not a differnt color, or material. Perhaps I misunderstood?

i noticed that the G key was more glossy than all the other keys, and that the H key was more matte than all the other keys. I didnt give a darn at first, but then decided to test the grade of service at IBM ...

As for the NMB vs. ALPS vs. Chicony, there are some who contend that the Chinese keyboards have measurably inferior tactile feedback. Thats not a visual aesthetic, that's a real functionality issue. Your mileage will vary, regardless of the seating material.

No, apparently i wasnt clear enough. The keyboard was brand new out of the box and the variations is a result of different casting and/or different plastic compound used among the G, the H key compared to the rest of the keys.

[o1001010]

jesus, how long did it took you to pick a wife?

[petroleum]

So Rose,

Have you called in to IBM and reported the ThinkPad stolen, In Sweden of course?
Since thieves are stupid they will probably call in and ask for support which they don't get if it is reported stolen. Otherwise some lucky guy get your old machine for like £500

So a good word is don't leave your machine unatended i.e always with you and not in a locked car...

[Rose]

So Rose,

Have you called in to IBM and reported the ThinkPad stolen, In Sweden of course?
Since thieves are stupid they will probably call in and ask for support which they don't get if it is reported stolen. Otherwise some lucky guy get your old machine for like £500

So a good word is don't leave your machine unatended i.e always with you and not in a locked car...

Yes its reported stolen at IBM.
It was stolen at my work in my locked office during working hours.

[davidspalding]

I must've missed something ... the machine was stolen?

Not that this helps, but I just orderd a Mini-dock for work (company provided T41, but not a lock or dock), and am using my keyed Kensington lock, ordered a combo lock for my own use. I went with the Mini-dock partly because it has 4 USB ports, not two, and a key lock device (the Port Replicator II locks the eject key when you insert a Kensington lock, so almost the same thing). This way my TP *and* my personal dock that I provide myself are secured, at all times.

My point is, the locks are something like US$30 depending on where you order (Amazon sells them), and worth it. Yes, some dweeb will tell us that they are not theft-proof, someone with huge cable cutters can snip them (blah blah blah, ad infinitum), but getting the lock off the TP is another matter. It's a strong deterrant, and worth twice the cost in my book. It's an investment in peace of mind. YMMV.