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[Markie]

I spilled some water on my laptop some time ago and in a bid to dry it out i removed one key ( that wasnt working) subsequently realised that putting laptop keys back on isnt as easy as desktop pc keys  

So, 2 questions,

1. How easy for a car competent computer illiterate would it be to swap out the keyboard on a laptop.
2. Whats the significant difference between a "US" keyboard and a  "UK" keyboard ( apart from 70% dearer for uk keyboard..)

[korum]

well as someone whos fixes the things all day i can say it depends on the laptop, some are put together like the manufacturer doesnt want anyone to get into it, other are easy.

if its a newer laptop they usually have a removable peice of plastic running accross the top abvove the keyboard (usually held on by some screws underneath)

the only difference between the keyboards is that the US one will have the @ sign and the " sign swapped around.

if you tell me the make and model i might be able to find out how to get it appart (if its one we do) other wise take some pics of the top and bottom of the lappy and i will see if i can work it out  

[Markie]

Thanks for that - its a compaq Presario r4000 and missing a "s" key  

US keyboard £6.99 UK Keyboard £21.99

[korum]

ok yep thats one we used to sell.

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the arrow shows the plastic strip that needs to be removed

now remove all the screws from underneath that area and then get a thin peice of plastic to remove the strip (screwdrivers tend to ruin the plastic but can be done if very careful) the keyboard should be held down with 3 screws as i remember but these maybe underneath again but will have a little keyboard symble next to them ( sorry cant remeber off top of my head its been a little while since ive done one)
the keyboard should then lift forward and be connected with a plastic gate, be carefull these break off very easy.

as i said this is off the top of my head but when i go to work later i will grab one and double check and then post tomorrow morning

HTH

pete

[Markie]

Thanks Pete - your info is much appreciated mate  

[korum]

No worrys mate

if you get stuck let me know as ive just remembered one of my mates has a R4000 series and i can make you a little video showing how to do it.

[supermop]

I spilled some water on my laptop some time ago and in a bid to dry it out i removed one key ( that wasnt working) subsequently realised that putting laptop keys back on isnt as easy as desktop pc keys  

So, 2 questions,

1. How easy for a car competent computer illiterate would it be to swap out the keyboard on a laptop.
2. Whats the significant difference between a "US" keyboard and a  "UK" keyboard ( apart from 70% dearer for uk keyboard..)

1. Generally pretty easy. Some clip-on plastic, a couple of screws and a ribbon cable is about all that connects them to most laptops.

2. US keyboard has a substantially annoying amount of characters in a different place to a UK layout keyboard. You'd be better off not getting a US keyboard.