Hi Rory,
If you've added RAM to a duo you've already pretty much know how to replace
the keyboard. It's very easy. Once the three screws on the back are out
lift up the keyboard and then release it from the two little clips holding
the ribbon cables in. There are little peg-like things on each side of
each cable that need to be pulled back a bit (away from you as you face the
duo in normal position) to release it (it's easier to do than describe; if
it still isn't making sense I can take some pictures of my duo and post
them online). Then the keyboard is out and you put the new one in, making
sure the ribbon cables are nice and straight. Really a 10 minute job
maximum.
I can't help you get on in the UK but they are about $50-60 here brand new
(Powerbookguy.com, a well-regarded vendor has Revision F (the nicest,
latest model) for about $60), so even with shipping you're much better off.
It is pretty easy to pull off duo keycaps, and they often get stuff stuck
in there that can make them misfunction. There are just some plastic
sheets with traces on them that pushing the key engages, so if there is
something in there making permanent contact (it could be far from the key
as the traces extend, of course, all the way down the ribbon cable) it
makes the key act as though it's always on. I had a duo which thought the
option key was always on, which makes for lots of Macintosh fun, I can tell
you. For instance all typing is pretty much in Greek.
The capslock is a little switch though, so if it's gone I don't know that
you can replace just it. You might be able to disable it completely, but
that would be a desperation measure that would likely ruin it for sure; but
hey, if it's ruined anyway. . .
Duo keyboards are their worst feature, I have to say.
Mark
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
At 8:14 PM +0100 8/25/1999, Rory C-L wrote:
>My mother-in-law, for whom I bought a Duo 280, has been experiencing a problem
>with her keyboard. The caps lock button will not disengage (the light is
>permanently on) and she can only type in CAPS.
>
>The problem occurred intermittently for about 2 months, but now it seems as
>though caps lock is here to stay!
>
>We've called a second-hand Mac dealer in London, who said that there is no way
>to fix the keyboard, and that a completely new keyboard unit is needed. As
>he is
>charging �65 for the keyboard and �35 for labour, I wondered if anyone could
>advise me if there is a better, cheaper way of solving the problem. I've
>installed RAM in the Duo with no problem, so I'm not (too) scared about
>opening
>the machine up.
>
>1) Is it possible for me to repair the 'stuck' caps lock key?
>2) How difficult is it to install a new keyboard? How does one do it?
>3) Is it possible to find new Duo keyboards? (Preferably, but not
> necessarily, in the U.K.)
>4) Is it possible to find decent second-hand machines?
>
>Thanks for any help
>Rory
>
>--
>Rory Campbell-Lange + The Campbell-Lange Workshop + London + 0171 5805902
>
>
>
>----------
>Duo/2400 List, The friendliest place on the Net!
>A listserv for users and fans of Mac subportables.
>FAQ at <http://www.themacintoshguy.com/lists/DuoListFAQ.shtml>
>Be sure to visit Mac2400! <http://www.sineware.com/mac2400>
>
> Dr. Bott LLC | Get a LapBottom with new �GRIPPIER� gripper pads!
> | http://www.drbott.com/prod/lapbot.html $23.00
>
>Midwest Mac Parts <http://www.midwestmac.com> | After-market parts
>for Macs. Fix your ticking dock for $59 w/ trade-in of PS. 888-356-1104
>
>PowerBook Guy is | Click here!
>Everything PowerBook! | http://www.powerbookguy.com
>
>
----------
Duo/2400 List, The friendliest place on the Net!
A listserv for users and fans of Mac subportables.
FAQ at <http://www.themacintoshguy.com/lists/DuoListFAQ.shtml>
Be sure to visit Mac2400! <http://www.sineware.com/mac2400>
Dr. Bott LLC | Get a LapBottom with new �GRIPPIER� gripper pads!
| http://www.drbott.com/prod/lapbot.html $23.00
Midwest Mac Parts <http://www.midwestmac.com> | After-market parts
for Macs. Fix your ticking dock for $59 w/ trade-in of PS. 888-356-1104
PowerBook Guy is | Click here!
Everything PowerBook! | http://www.powerbookguy.com
