can I have backlit keyboard please?

Question

Hello,

I have my xps l501x, and I live in Poland.

When I ordered my laptop a couple monts ago, there was no option for backlit keyboard, actually It is still not an option.

I've spoke on chat with online assistant and the woman told me that I can not order laptop keyboards separately -

but I can order a new xps l502x with illuminated keyboard (I have no idea what was here purpose on telling me that, to make me buy another laptop?).

I want the backlit keyboard really bad! Is there anything I can do? I've heard it can be ordered with no problem in US, but the site says they don't ship overseas :(.

Any suggestions guys?

Sincerely,

Michael.

ejn63 · Answer

You can try EBay or a parts site that ships internationally.

Ciebiada · Answer

Yea, but can't find anything yet.

Y1ppy · Answer

Hey mate,

I too have been regularly trawling the net searching for a backlit keyboard for my L501X.

It is rare, but i have managed to find it available twice on ebay. The first time i took to long to decide, and before i knew it someone had purchased using buy now.

There is one available now but it's pricey at US81.00. Go for it if you want it badly enough. :) For now the price is too steep for me.

http://cgi.ebay.com/DELL-XPS-15-14-L401X-backlit-keyboard-0KMP3-/330550833036?pt=UK_Computing_LaptopAccess_RL&hash=item4cf65d6f8c#ht_1778wt_1140

noangelnoangel · Answer

hi there

when you bought your laptop - did you order it from the states? or did you buy in poland?
cause i too dont live in the US and i know that many things that are popular there dont arrive at the same time overseas. (i have the same problem...)

Ciebiada · Answer

Thanks man, I'm glad there are people who care to post :).

The price is too high for me too, but I'm on something else, I will soon try if some older keyboards work with this laptop.

I've found almost identical one:

http://img17.allegroimg.pl/photos/oryginal/15/36/85/36/1536853692

http://malot.pl/allegro/allegro_photo/klawiatury/DELL_1450_BLACK_BACKLIT/2.jpg

It's backlit keyboard from dell studio 1450, or at least that's what auction says.

Y1ppy · Answer

Hey man,

That looks identical to l501x keyboard.

The installation instructions are here:

<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>

The only thing i didn't see in your pic was the keyboard backlight connector, which is shown in the installation instructions.

They didn't offer the backlit keyboard here in New Zealand either. It's annoying the extent we have to go to to have this feature.

Good luck, and let me know how you get on using the 1450 keyboard :)

Ciebiada · Answer

The backlit connector is on the bottom, a ginger tape.

I've disassembled this laptop many times, and luckily accessing the keyboard is fairly easy,

also that's why im saying keyboards are identical.

The sole difference is the key next to F12, it should be trackpad on/off switch, but is optical drive eject button instead.

I presume that that laptop had "slot optical drive" and touchpad switch somewhere on the palm rest.

I hope for success, and will try it within weeks (1-3), because I don't want to order it and then send it back in case of failure,

the guy from the auction is in a city I visit quite often so I will pay him a visit.

Y1ppy · Answer

Guys - I've managed to install the backlit keyboard myself

Bought the keyboard by calling up Dell parts department. It wasn't cheap at NZD92.00. But i'm sick of trawling the internet and will use the backlighting a lot in dark conditions.

I ordered it on a Friday, and arrived here in New Zealand from Singapore on Monday! Very impressed with the quick delivery.

As for the installation itself, this is the first time I've ever taken apart a laptop.

The install is straight forward if you take the following into consideration:

Follow the instructions as set out below.

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/xpsl501x/en/sm/palmrest.htm#wp1044787

If taking apart a laptop for the first time make sure you are in the right frame of mind.
Don't rush things and don't be impatient. Think about each step you are taking
Read the instructions and familiarise yourself with the process first.

I was nervous as this was my first time doing anything like this. But if you take the approach above then you should have no problems.

Also, 1 philips screw driver was all i need to remove the top cover and the keyboard.

As soon as i installed the keyboard, and switched on the laptop, the new keyboard lighted up, so it was detected straight away once connected.

The feel of the backlit keyboard is very different to the non-baclit keyboard. The keys on the non backlt keyboard feels loose and clicky. The backlit keyboard on the other hand feels spongy and tight.

All in all, mission accomplished and my XPS 15 is now complete :)

Good luck to all who attempts this as you can definately do it yourself.

Ciebiada · Answer

Okay guys.

Like I said before, I've made it.

I've bought backlit keyboard from studio 1450 and replaced it with no problem. I've opened this laptop many times though, so the first time could be troublesome, but online manual is all you need.

Anyway, backlit works like a charm.Even the sole key that is different (eject instead of touchpad on/off) works like it should (controling the touchpad).

Keyboard isn't dark gray, but black instead. I'm not yet sure if I like that, I don't care. Also it has that nice mat finish instead of more polished surface original keyboard had.

Ciebiada · Answer

here it is:

http://www.papatek.com/dell-keyboard/42565.html

I've bought it from some Polish retailer for around 44$ not the cheapest, but it was available in the place I currently was and I could try it on before buying.

Cheers.

Y1ppy · Answer

Hey mate

glad to hear you had success upgrading to a backlit keyboard as well.

We both got what we want through different means. Just goes to show, if you want it bad enough we can all achieve what we want :)

Now that the 2nd generation (l501x2) of XPS is out, i guess most people wont find much use for this post, as the backlit keyboard is now available as an upgrade option when you purchase on Dell.

Anyway thanks for the update and all the best.

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can I have backlit keyboard please?

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