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    Backlit keyboard retrofit?

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by zenpharaohs, Nov 25, 2008.

  1. zenpharaohs

    zenpharaohs Notebook Evangelist

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    I would really like a backlit keyboard now that the ThinkLights are so dim they are practically useless.

    Any way to retrofit a backlit keyboard to a T61 or T400?
     
  2. talin

    talin Notebook Prophet

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    I don't believe it's really possible.
     
  3. jaredy

    jaredy Notebook Virtuoso

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    That would be ridiculously complex. I take it you do not have the engineering capabilities, else you wouldn't be asking in the first place ;).
     
  4. zerosource

    zerosource Notebook Deity

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    If you done post the SS too plz. =D
     
  5. pacmandelight

    pacmandelight Notebook Deity

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    Just wait until Lenovo creates one. ;)
     
  6. elfroggo

    elfroggo Notebook Evangelist

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    I'd guess that a majority of people are able to touch type so typing in complete darkness is still doable. Have you tried using a laptop in the dark? Usually the screen itself provides enough light to see the keys.
     
  7. Lew

    Lew Notebook Deity

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    Just curious... it really doesn't take a lot of light to see the keyboard. What is the reason people need to use a laptop in near total darkness? Why can't they turn on a light?
     
  8. jonlumpkin

    jonlumpkin NBR Transmogrifier

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    I use my laptop in the dark all the time. This includes sitting on airplanes at night, watching TV in a dark room while web surfing, reading an e-book, watching a movie in bed, etc. You might find the Lenovo blog on "Typing in the Dark" an interesting read.

    I was always satisfied by the output of the Thinklight. It provided enough light for me to see the keys, and I could usually even get a glance at a piece of paper as well. It was also useful because you could drop the display brightness (conserve battery and reduce damage to your eyes) and still see the keys.

    Unfortunately, my new x200 Tablet does not have a Thinklight (not possible because of the flat/rotating display) and I have had to adapt. Thankfully the keyboard layout on my x200 Tablet is identical (except Windows/Context menu keys) to my T40 and I could touch type that very well.

    Backlit keys would be kind of nice, but I think that it might undermine the structural integrity of ThinkPad keyboards. A ton of people got upset at the minor flex in the T400/T500 with the new design, so I doubt Lenovo will be putting out a backlit keyboard anytime soon.
     
  9. Jmmmmm

    Jmmmmm Notebook Consultant

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    The keyboard is a major selling point of the thinkpad laptops, i'm surprised you would want to get rid of it.

    You could get one of those little USB keyboard lights... would something like
    this be bright enough for you?