dijsss
Level 1 (5 points)
Notebooks

Q: PowerBook sensitive key

Hello,

 

The T key on my PowerBook G4 12" is extremely sensitive, I started noticing it when the PowerBook would boot into Target Disk mode every time I tried to boot. I removed the key and the problem disappeared. I now have the T key half on the keyboard. How do I get the key to be less sensitive? Could there be some dust under the keyboard or something? How can I fix this? The keyboard looks kinda ugly right now

 

Thanks in advance,

 

Dijs

PowerBook, Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Jul 25, 2016 2:34 PM

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dijsss

Q: PowerBook sensitive key

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  • Helpful answers

  • by K Shaffer,

    K Shaffer K Shaffer Jul 26, 2016 12:01 PM in response to dijsss
    Level 6 (14,194 points)
    Desktops
    Jul 26, 2016 12:01 PM in response to dijsss

    You may have to look into a repair guide where available to consider

    replacement of the entire keyboard; if the parts are not to be found

    or are not user-replaceable in the keyboard assembly you have now.

     

    powerbookmedic is one of several that sometimes have many parts.

    welovemacs - another. if you know the part number, wegenermedia.

     

    12" - 076-0982 - for Model A1010 or A1104 

     

    The above two sets of numbers are from powerbookmedic parts page

    for an aluminum G4 12-inch model. Says -- "Product Not In Stock"

    http://www.powerbookmedic.com/parts/

     

    There are a few web pages (left online) that show the key cap, spring

    assembly and other layers of parts in the actual keyboard. Some are

    not user serviceable, while others can be swapped carefully.

     

    Funny thing, I have a last model 1.5GHz 12-inch aluminum PowerBook G4

    sitting here; seems to need repairs to the logic board. Was given to me.

    While it can boot, screen works, keys work; DC-inboard bad, DVD works.

    Goes to white screen and/or kernel panic (last time I looked, a few yrs ago)

     

    Maybe BDAqua or another vintage contributor may see your inquiry & reply.

  • by Allan Jones,

    Allan Jones Allan Jones Jul 26, 2016 6:18 PM in response to dijsss
    Level 7 (34,985 points)
    iPad
    Jul 26, 2016 6:18 PM in response to dijsss

    Here is a keyboard removal guide like K Shaffer suggests:

     

    https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/PowerBook+G4+Aluminum+12-Inch+1-1.5+GHz+Keyboard+Re placement/542

     

    Although the link I posted is for the newer 12-inch models, the instructions for the earlier models appear the same.

     

    Often, weirdness in one key can appear in nearby keys. Are the 5, 6, R, Y, F, H, and G keys behaving normally?