EmiloJ

Q: Keyboard Issues With G4 Powerbook

Can anyone help me please, I am pretty new to MAC and I know nothing about how MACs work thou I am a windows microsoft engineer for 10 years. Question is that I resently got a G4 powerbook last week just to get my head around the MAC OSX and then at a later date upgrade to someone newer. Anyways, when installing the OSX I was unable to use the keyboard to name my volume once I formatted it to MAC.

 

Now after reading a few online manuals, I was able to take the top off and made sure that the keyboard was attached to the logic board. Now I have been hearing that the Powerbook should come with lighted keyboard...YES/NO

 

Also if some of the keys work but not all...what could be the issue. I know this is a stupid question being an engineer but could it be the whole board or could it be some keys. The person I got it off said that the keyboard was working...but saying that I only have his word for it.

 

Please HELP....

 

 

EmiloJ

PowerBook, Mac OS X (10.5.4)

Posted on Sep 21, 2012 8:42 AM

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Q: Keyboard Issues With G4 Powerbook

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  • by Knucklesmac,

    Knucklesmac Knucklesmac Sep 21, 2012 8:58 AM in response to EmiloJ
    Level 4 (2,225 points)
    Sep 21, 2012 8:58 AM in response to EmiloJ

    Hello and welcome to the Apple Support Community

     

    When you say the keyboard lights up, I think your referring to the ambient light sensor back lit keyboard. Some models have this and others don't.

    It will only light up when the environment light level becomes low. (darken room) You can test this by holding your palm over the speakers on either side of the keyboard. From this I assume you have the 15" or 17" Alu model from 2003? If this model does have a back lit keyboard you would also see the two brightness keys on F3 and F4 This function will only operate when you have logged into Mac OS X.

     

    If a few of your keys are not working, try resetting the PMU, here is a link to help
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1431

     

    If that doesn't help and these keys don't work, then try replacing the keyboard. Replacing the keyboard would require you to replace the whole top cover (palm rest) with the tracker pad.

     

    Best of luck

  • by EmiloJ,

    EmiloJ EmiloJ Sep 21, 2012 9:17 AM in response to Knucklesmac
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Sep 21, 2012 9:17 AM in response to Knucklesmac

    Thanks Knucklesmac,

     

    I'll try that when I get home...

  • by EmiloJ,

    EmiloJ EmiloJ Sep 21, 2012 9:24 AM in response to Knucklesmac
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Sep 21, 2012 9:24 AM in response to Knucklesmac

    Hey Knucklesmac,

     

    is it possible to use an external keyboard on installation of OSX and then get a new keyboard if needs be?

     

     

    thanks

     

     

    EmiloJ

  • by Knucklesmac,

    Knucklesmac Knucklesmac Sep 21, 2012 11:44 AM in response to EmiloJ
    Level 4 (2,225 points)
    Sep 21, 2012 11:44 AM in response to EmiloJ

    Hello Emiloj

     

    Yes you can use a USB keyboard, either a Apple USB keyboard or a PC keyboard.

    Don't require any configuration, just 'Plug and Play'

     

    Best of luck