I cannot find the answer to this anywhere. On my aluminum keybpard, my USB plug separated from the wire sheath and is hanging on by the inside wiring. I want to know if I can replace this entire wire myself (open the keyboard) or if it is even worth it when a new keyboard is $50.
Thanks.
This: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000ACOBG/ $59
I prefer it over the newer models. Better spacing and larger layout. They last forever and the placement of the USB cable in back should avoid any crimp or snag.
Thanks for the reply. Don't like that keyboard - too bulky (I can get a new aluminum for less). This is for a portable kit I do remote work on and the aluminum fits nicely into my backpack with the macbook pro and all my other gear. Thanks anyway.
Just that Amazon has that plus 3-4 other models (I have hands good for palming a basketball and cannot use tiny kb types)
What you might want is a BT keyboard for instance that folds in two, such as used with tablets.
An Air or iPad 3 maybe for what you do.
No...I do VFX / Compositing / Rotoscoping / Video Editing...I need the MPB 17" screen and full size keyboard. This aluminum keyboard is PERFECT FOR ME...has been for years...it's just the wire finally separated from the plug (computer end) and I either want to replace the wire, or replace the keyboard with the same thing - period. Not a different keyboard. Not a different computer solution.
Thanks anyway.
With used keyboards so cheap, and internal cords and parts so very hard to find, there are few who are repairing keyboards or offering the parts. A used one that has been treated well is probably your best bet.
If you are adventurous, you could buy a used keyboard with a different problem -- say, missing keycaps -- and harvest the needed parts from that one (or the reverse).
And the others listed on Amazon?
Buy an USB extender cable (not necessarily one from the Apple store, you can get them cheaper elsewhere) and cut the end off both cables several inches from the end and splice the new connector to it. You'll probably need to use a multimeter to make sure you get the pin out correct because the color coding may be different on the wires. Add some shrink wrap to cover the repair.
Message was edited by: Martin Pace
These keyboards are apparently glued together and aren't really meant to be disassembled.
http://41j.com/blog/2011/09/mac-aluminium-keyboard-disassembly/
Thank you Martin. THIS is the answer I needed to know. I am as green as they come...not cheap. Buying a new keyboard is not the problem...I would have rather recycled mine with a new wire.
Grant, also...thanks for that - great idea...buying a cheap old used one with missing keys and use the ones from mine. Brilliant. I may just go that rout. RECYCLE EVERYBODY!!!
Thank you all guys for your help.
Fixing frayed USB plug wire on Aluminum Keyboard...
