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[Roger in France]

Some of the keys on my keypad are becoming illegible, particularly the most frequently used keys "E", "A", "S" and "R". This is on a Dell Keyboard.

Before I start corresponding with Dell (always a tad complicated as although I live in France I use a UK keyboard!) I wondered if anybody has any keys they don't want? I would pay reasonable cost and postage.

After all they were worn out rendering honourable service to Mayhem!

I don't want to start using white paint, which is the alternative.

Roger in France.

[pobolycwm]

laptop or desk top ????

laptop keyboard spares are regularly up for sale on flea-bay
same as dell keyboards

[barryfoote]

Well Roger, I am surprised at you...... .

Buy a new keyboard.........Less than 10 euros for a cheap one or go and do what I just did, bought a new cordless keyboard and nmouse set for 44 euros. A cracking piece of kit it is too..

Barry

[Marks Model Bits]

Well we now know what Rogers' favourite, most used word is hehehe

Mark.

[tigertiger]

If it is a laptop, you are better off using a laptop stand (a bit like a book stand) to get the screen at a good height, and plug in an external keyboard and mouse.

[Martin (Admin)]

Or...

http://www.keyboardco.com/keyboard_details.asp?PRODUCT=421
 http://www.keyboardco.com/keyboard_list.asp

http://www.emptech.info/product_details.php?ID=92

http://www.myglowkeys.com/

http://www.keyconnection.com/eStore/accessories.aspx

[Roger in France]

Thanks for the suggestions and offers.

I really do not see the point of replacing the whole keyboard when all I need is the tiny little pads which just pull off and push on. Also, delivery of a whole keyboard to France would be expensive.

Roger in France

[barriew]

I don't want to start using white paint, which is the alternative.

Roger in France.

So your keyboard is Dell Black? Would beige be acceptable? I might have a spare keyboard in the loft, but it will be beige.

Barrie

[Seaspray]

Hi  Roger   

Can't you just stick letters on to the keys then a coat of protective clear varnish your bound to have some old letters from models around  the work shed.

Seaspray

[Colin Bishop]

I've had this problem too. These days most keyboards have the letters silk screened on instead of moulded through like seaside rock. Apparently this is OK for touch typists but those of us who use the two fingered hunt and peck method impose too much wear on the most commonly used keys (Nice one there Mark  ).

I have used BECC letters with a coat of varnish to make a repair but they do have to be renewed fairly frequently as they wear off too. I did eventually replace my keyboard but before using the new one I gave all the keys a coat of Ronseal polyurethane varnish (no, not by spraying!  ). There are now signs that this is beginning to flake off in places so it doesn't look as if there is a permanent solution except to learn touch typing.

Colin

[Roger in France]

I think the true answer is "Voice Recognition Software"! No touching the keypad at all. I have the software but it is...

1. Memory hungry
2. Very sensitive too my wife yelling up the stairs
3. Hilarious in what it understands
4. Time demanding as I spend ages correcting what it "heard" me dictate.

However, I have to say it is amazing in its performance and learns as it goes along. In the days when I used to write legal articles it soon became familiar with Latin tags and lawyer-speak!

Thanks folk, looks like I have solved the problem with help from various Mayhemmers.

Roger in France

[Hagar]

Do you have a Dremmel?

Etch the letters over with a fine engraving tip and then rub with paint so it filles the etched out bits.

You build boats so you must have quite a stedy hand Rog.

[Roger in France]

IanM,

Yes, I thought of that....but when I tried it I got some very funny Web Sites!

Roger in France

[polobeer]

We use a MacBook Pro laptop which has translucent built in characters in the keyboard (these light up progressively when light conditions are low). Sorry I know this doesn't help much Roger! It's just to show how tough and reliable these computers are. The Mac laptop is worth its weight in gold (because they are expensive, but for a reason); we've accidentally dropped it on to a hard floor, crushed it in a heavy door by mistake, which has distorted the metal casing a bit, and still the machine works perfectly! We needed a computer like this for our work. Thoroughly recommended. Hope you sort out your problem Roger...

Simon 

[Proteus]

This May help, not that expensive..bit late I know but I only spotted it last night

http://www.laptopkeyboards.org/keyboard-dell-keyboard-c-130_132.html?sort=20a&zenid=f4bfa46f3a40610213d18ca50b4adfff



Proteus

[Roger in France]

Thanks,

Problem solved by another generous Mayhem Member.

Roger in France