Broken Key On Laptop

[sbk]

My K key does work but is clearly broken. It was very sticky and not working so I pulled it off assuming it was something inside. I've done this before with a good result so was surprised when it wouldn't go back on. Perhaps it was already starting to go and pulling it off was the final straw, no idea.

But, now it works, but not easily and needs to be replaced. Not sure if its the little mechanism or the key itself. I plan on hitting the Acer service center (Panthip has one I think) when I get to Bangkok. But the computer guy in town said nobody will have a replacement K key and I will need to get the whole thing replaced.

Can this really be true? and how much would that run?

[webfact]

You should avoid using the Pantip Service Center.

Here's a link listing Service Centers in Thailand. Its on the bottom of the page.

http://www.acer.com/worldwide/support/itw_location.htm#4

Call to this office and ask if they can fix it "one key only"

Rama III – Thailand (Head Office)

Acer Service Center

924/2 Acer House, Rama III Road

Bangpongpang, Yanawa, Bangkok

10120, Thailand

Tel: 66-2-685-4300

Fax: 66-2-685-4377

Good Luck

Edited April 22, 2009 by webfact

[sbk]

Whys that webfact?

And wow, that is really far from where I will be staying!

[webfact]

Whys that webfact?

And wow, that is really far from where I will be staying!

myself I have BAD experiences with Acer Pantip and trust other users on this board can confirm my recommendation not to use it.

If you want be sure you get done what you want you should call the head office first. Thats what I can recommend.

Office xyz may have the key available... office xxx not! The global answer "replace the entire keyboard or replace a single key"

can only be answered by their Head Office. Thats my opinion in dealing with them for a few years.

Edited April 22, 2009 by webfact

[eek]

Sbk, Ive gone through similar with my laptop (broken L key, but totally broken), I tried different places for advice.

If your laptop can be replaced with a generic keyboard (meaning you dont need a specific model/brand), the cost should be pretty low. Its simply a case of refitting the new keyboard into the housing and connecting it up.

Im really not sure if your one key can be fixed. I believe its normal to just replace the whole keyboard if the key needs replacing. Particularly if the spring mechanism at the base of the key is completely kaput. (This was also the case with my brothers laptop which had a faulty key).

[sbk]

What did that run eek?

Also, the laptop is no longer under warranty so it doesn't really matter if its an Acer service center just so long as the darn thing gets fixed. Is there a better alternative to repair/replace in the Siam Square/Suk area?

Bet you didn't know how many words have a K in them!

[Gary A]

Use a remote keyboard is the cheapest and easiest option.

[antony77]

Whys that webfact?

And wow, that is really far from where I will be staying!

myself I have BAD experiences with Acer Pantip and trust other users on this board can confirm my recommendation not to use it.

If you want be sure you get done what you want you should call the head office first. Thats what I can recommend.

Office xyz may have the key available... office xxx not! The global answer "replace the entire keyboard or replace a single key"

can only be answered by their Head Office. Thats my opinion in dealing with them for a few years.

I think that you will have to replace the whole key board at about Bt1500-2000

[eek]

Use a remote keyboard is the cheapest and easiest option.

Thats what i do. But thats only because my blasted laptop is a widescreen Sony Vaio, and no generic keyboard can fit it. So..I would have to pay pretty big money for a new keyboard to be imported in.

If the generic fitted, i would have gone with that. Im pretty sure I was quoted lower than the amount antony mentioned though. I believe was under 1000baht...but to be honest Im not 100% sure.

Im luckier than you sbk though, for if i need to use my laptop keyboard I use a capital i to create my L key when typing (but normally just use my usb keyboard). A "K" isnt one that can be substituted.

We have a great computer repair place in CM, that would give you an honest decent quote and they give the cheapest alternatives, but doesnt help you out much your end. Sorry.

Btw..not that its really useful per say, but in case you dont know, there is an on-screen keyboard in your computer (windows). Start>all programes>Accessories>Accessibility>On-Screen Keyboard.

[sbk]

You gave me an idea, eek. So, laptop went off to our local computer guru (Baan computer in Ban Tai) who had a spare k key and the spring mechanism, whipped it out and replaced it --took about 15 minutes not including the drive time there and back.

I guess I didn't even think that he could have spare parts

Cheers, and its so nice to have my k back

[webfact]

You gave me an idea, eek. So, laptop went off to our local computer guru (Baan computer in Ban Tai) who had a spare k key and the spring mechanism, whipped it out and replaced it --took about 15 minutes not including the drive time there and back.

I guess I didn't even think that he could have spare parts

Cheers, and its so nice to have my k back

I know its off topic... but it reminds me on a story which took place at the White House when Clinton left office.

On each and every keyboard left behind for his successors administration the key W was missing...