Can I replace the keyboard on a Powerbook with a iBook keyboard?

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

cntli - 11 Mar 2006 21:40 GMT

Hi group!

I'm hoping you can assist me in helping my grandmother.

She currently has a G4 Powerbook with a black keyboard. The keyboard
works great, but it is hard for her to see the keys with her vision
going bad.

She would prefer to have a white keyboard, such as those on the
iBooks.

If I purchase a used iBook white keyboard, does anyone know if the
keyboard replacement would be possible?

I'd hate for this to be an expensive experiment if someone else
already knows.

Many thanks in advance!
-cntli

Reply to this Message

Grandpa - 11 Mar 2006 22:02 GMT

> Hi group!
>
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
> Many thanks in advance!
> -cntli

Since I own both, the short answer is: No, it won't work. Nor will
attempting to replace the keytops work either.

Thinking about your grandmother's "problem," I would suggest an external
usb keyboard. They are cheap, full size, and "easier" to use for old
arthritic fingers.

Signature

Grandpa - SAHD for 6 - Keeper of the Perpetual Kindergarten

What is that dripping from my fingers?
Why it looks like time.

Reply to this Message

cntli - 18 Mar 2006 05:25 GMT

Well, as a follow up I wanted to say this:

I purchased a used iBook keyboard and gave this attempted fix a try.

The connectors fit properly and the laptop booted and worked
correctly. However, there WAS a problem...

The laptop ribbon wasn't long enough to allow me to seat the keyboard
into the laptop.

Ergo, even thought it COULD function with the other keyboard, the
keyboard doesn't fit into the Powerbook case.

Hope this helps someone else!
-cntli

>Hi group!
>
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
>Many thanks in advance!
>-cntli

Reply to this Message

Mac Forum / General / Portable Macs / March 2006

Can I replace the keyboard on a Powerbook with a iBook keyboard?