Got to keep free fixed laptop, has broken keyboard. - Hardware & Software

For those that read H&S quite a lot, I got a nice old Sony Vaio laptop from my neighbour after fixing it, she had took it to a few repair people years ago and they couldn't fix it for her. I opened the bottom and placed the RAM back into its slot, after it had dislodged when her daughter dropped the laptop. Anyhooow, the H and up arrow key are missing, The dome on the up arrow key is perfectly fine, however the H key is missing its little resistive strip inside the key, rendering it completely useless. [IMG]http://puu.sh/6cJX[/IMG] Can I just replace the keys and domes individualy, or is this a buy a whole new keyboard job. Finding a keyboard on ebay is a bitch, they have every single other part for this model other than the keyboard.

You'd have to get a new keyboard.

Oh well, will just keep an eye out for one then. Thanks.

Use it for experimentation or parts.

usb keyboard

I broke one of my laptop's keys, and I got a new key from [url=http://www.replacementlaptopkeys.com/sony_laptop_key.html]this[/url] website, it worked completely fine.

[QUOTE=poopiecrap;32515364]usb keyboard[/QUOTE] It's what I've been using but I would like to have it in perfect condition again. [editline]28th September 2011[/editline] It's only a 1.8Ghz single core, but it's still a nice computer. [editline]28th September 2011[/editline] I've taken another look, none of the replacement keys I can buy will get a replacement resistive plate for inside the dome, a new keyboard it is, and that's £36 for a new english one.

[url]http://www.replacementlaptopkeys.com/servlet/the-6947/SONY-Vaio-Replacement-Laptop/Detail[/url] Replacement clip and dome.

[QUOTE=Man Without Hat;32520511][url]http://www.replacementlaptopkeys.com/servlet/the-6947/SONY-Vaio-Replacement-Laptop/Detail[/url] Replacement clip and dome.[/QUOTE] That's just it, I can't remove the damaged dome from this keyboard without doing some serious damage, I think it's all one rubber dome built into the keyboard, I can't just pull an individual one off.

As i said, new keyboard.

I'll get my new RAM first, then a new keyboard... [editline]28th September 2011[/editline] £40 for a new keyboard posted is ridiculous for such an old computer. I can replace my Amiga 1200's keyboard for £15 :v:

[QUOTE=Fatal-Error;32520914]I'll get my new RAM first, then a new keyboard... [editline]28th September 2011[/editline] £40 for a new keyboard posted is ridiculous for such an old computer. I can replace my Amiga 1200's keyboard for £15 :v:[/QUOTE]Its a laptop part. Especially one that isn't made anymore. What do you expect?

Cheapness v:v:v

The domes can come out, I replaced one on my Vaio before.

[QUOTE=Protocol7;32521432]The domes can come out, I replaced one on my Vaio before.[/QUOTE] Should I carefully just peel it off the board with a thin knife or something?

IIRC they're held on by little stubs that they hook around or something. You should be able to just wiggle it off.

I'll take a look at that when I get home, thanks!

I've removed domes (and clips) from my laptop before. It's a Dell XPS Studio, not a Vaio, but I assume the basic principle is the same. You could probably find a primitive guide on how to replace your key on google or something.

Worst comes to worst dab some glue on the new rubber cup and the pressure from the key and adhesive nature of the glue will do the job.

Where are you looking at replacement parts? £40 is pretty steep, are you looking at eBay?

[QUOTE=Fatal-Error;32520852]That's just it, I can't remove the damaged dome from this keyboard without doing some serious damage, I think it's all one rubber dome built into the keyboard, I can't just pull an individual one off.[/QUOTE] Take a utility knife/razor blade, and run it around the rubber ring, then pull the rest off with tweezers. take wire cutters to the edge of the clip, and then remove the whole assembly. But a new key, install it (takes like three seconds) and you're done.

[QUOTE=Mr. Smartass;32530909]Take a utility knife/razor blade, and run it around the rubber ring, then pull the rest off with tweezers. take wire cutters to the edge of the clip, and then remove the whole assembly. But a new key, install it (takes like three seconds) and you're done.[/QUOTE] I've already removed the dome with a craft knife, I will just order the replacement keys soon, they apparently come with a new dome. [editline]29th September 2011[/editline] [QUOTE=benjgvps;32528309]Where are you looking at replacement parts? £40 is pretty steep, are you looking at eBay?[/QUOTE] I was just browsing around a few sites looking at prices and they ranged from £30 to £60