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    Backlit keyboard on 17R

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by maag himself, Sep 24, 2011.

  1. maag himself

    maag himself Newbie

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    Hi,

    I bought an Inspiron 17R (N7110), and I've been pretty happy with it for the most part. The one and only complaint I have about this system was the lack of a backlit keyboard. I didn't realize how useful they are until I actually used a computer with one.

    So, Instead of returning/exchanging a computer that I'm otherwise happy with, I'm looking into replacement keyboards. From what I've read online, the computer doesn't have an option for an illuminated keyboard... But I see that the XPS 17 (L702X) shares a very similar (or maybe even identical?) keyboard and comes with the factory option of a backlit keyboard.

    According to parts-people.com, the non illuminated version of the XPS 17 keyboard is a direct swap into my 17R.

    Non illuminated keyboard:
    Keyboard for Dell XPS 17 (L702X) / Inspiron N7110 Laptop Keyboard - 454RX - Non-Backlit - Grade A


    My question is does anyone know if the backlit version of the same XPS 17 keyboard will fit my 17R? Will the ribbon cable(s) be different? Or should this work? Anyone with experience please let me know.. thanks!

    Backlit keyboard:
    Keyboard for Dell XPS 17 (L702X) Laptop Keyboard with Backlight - 2WCP0 - Grade A
     
    maag himself, Sep 24, 2011
    #1
  2. Tsunade_Hime

    Tsunade_Hime such bacon. wow

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    I think the physical keyboard will fit but the XPS backlit keyboard has an extra ZIF connector for the backlight which the 17R does not, so not likely it will work.
     
    Tsunade_Hime, Sep 24, 2011
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  3. maag himself

    maag himself Newbie

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    Lame. So it's either buy another laptop... or be left in the dark? Thanks man
     
    maag himself, Sep 24, 2011
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  4. maag himself

    maag himself Newbie

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    But check this out:

    Dell Inspiron 17R N7110 Backlit UK keyboard | eBay

    I wasn't able to find a US version though. I can't imagine that the 17R's sold to the UK have different internals.. Would it be worth it to open it up and check to see if it has the extra ZIF connector behind the keyboard?
     
    maag himself, Sep 25, 2011
    #4
  5. SA Spurs1

    SA Spurs1 Notebook Consultant

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    SA Spurs1, Sep 25, 2011
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  6. Sam_A_1992

    Sam_A_1992 Notebook Evangelist

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    The xps 17 backlit keyboard does have two connectors as Tsunade pointed out so it looks like a no for your question. But their may be others that will work but idk.
     
    Sam_A_1992, Sep 26, 2011
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