macbook pro top case options?

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Level 1

8 points

macbook pro top case options?

hello

I have been spending some time digging to find that I have a model of macbook pro that is a unibody model (2011 - 13") I wanted to know if anyone has replaced a keyboard with this design and how difficult did you find it to be? was it ever an option to replace the keyboard by itself? Some of the videos sound intimidating.

Also, did anyone consider or are you using a usb keyboard in place of your built in?

I have to remember to hit the option key all of the time to avoid safe boot with the caps lock stuck on - when I do that everything works great.

any help would be greatly appreciated

MacBook Pro, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.5)

Posted on Aug 29, 2015 9:07 AM

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Answer 1

Aug 29, 2015 9:41 AM in response to sbmop

'What is available as a used part' depends completely on 'what can be removed easily from a salvaged MacBook'. Any extra time it takes to separate the different parts much be justified by the increase in value of the separate components.

There is no market for the top cover (less keyboard) as a component, and very little for the trackpad, so the entire top cover, with trackpad and keyboard intact, becomes the field-replaceable unit.

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Answer 2

Aug 29, 2015 11:50 AM in response to sbmop

Not an option to replace keyboard itself. Top case and keyboard replacement requires everything to come out no matter what, and put back in place.

I suspect if you have never done it you may end up with an extra screw or two. Hardest part is getting the last hinge back in place.

DIY

If PowerbookMedic is out of your part shop Amazon for the same part from PowerbookMedic.

http://www.powerbookmedic.com/

http://www.dvwarehouse.com/

http://www.macpartsonline.com/

http://www.ifixit.com/

I used the Apple wireless Keyboard and Magic trackpad before I was able to order the parts.

Not for the light of heart, but if you replace HDD and upgrade your RAM then you are heading in the right direction. Watch as many videos as you can.

If in doubt:

Genius reservation http://www.apple.com/retail/geniusbar/

on-line https://getsupport.apple.com/GetproductgroupList.action

check warranty https://selfsolve.apple.com/agreementWarrantyDynamic.do

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Answer 3

sbmop Author

Level 1

8 points

Aug 29, 2015 12:23 PM in response to leroydouglas

thanks- I have been watching a few and it seems like something you could do if you had a nice clean space with some bins for screws and such - it just looks like it would require patience and time - I just worry that a part that costs that much - I would hate to mess it up and still have to take it somewhere and have it fixed again. I think the one quote I received was in the 250 -275 range. This is one reason I was looking for some other options - at least for now.

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