Want an 8200 keyboard on your 8000? Directions inside.

​I took apart my friend's 8200 because of a possible video cable problem, and while the keyboard was out, I decided to experiment. ​

​Here's my previous keyboard work:​

​I have taken out my 8000 keyboard numerous times due to the trackpoint flipping out, for which I devised a shim solution under the right arrows (index card stock). I didn't like the way the arrows bounced. After that, I then wanted the keyboard a bit tighter, so I rimmed the keyboard seat area with scotch tape. Slice the tape longways, and it should be flush (horizontally, not vertically.. Unless you want your keyboard to look pregnant...) against the taller side. Now, the keyboard is pretty stiff, with much less bounce than before. ​

​I noticed that the 8200 keyboard seems much nicer, infact, similar to IBM keyboards with the nice textured surface, quiet plastic keyparts and also nice rubber membrane rebound stuffs. My 8000 keyboard has metal keyparts and no rebound stuffs. Don't get me wrong here, I'm not whining, I'm just putting the facts I've noticed. Solutions, not problems people. I took the 8200 keyboard and transplanted it in, the connector was not quite going. I'm thinking, well maybe my fat fingers (they aren't as small as they were when I was 15) aren't fitting... Move it around. No joy. Look in the connector, TADA! Dell is evolving! They have put a keyed structure in it along with something that looks like it would keep some tension on it. (Remember the, press really hard over the connector, and your keyboard works again advice?) Wow this is great, but how do I make it fit on my 8000?​

​After staring at the connectors for a minute or so, it turns out they have a pair of small plastic latches on either side. Ka-ching. So I go to work with my little eyeglass screwdriver. Pry up the edges VERY NICELY, the parts are small and will explode if any sort of real strength is used. Use a finger nail to simultaneously pry up the flat top center piece. This center wedge part squishes the ribbon cables against the outside contacts. Lever the other side in the same fashion so they come out. Note the center piece does not come out, so don't try to rip it out, it has a latch to hold the two bits together. The ribbon cables should come out easily. I then got the connector off my 8000 keyboard and put it on the 8200 keyboard. Success! It worked like a charm. The only strange thing I noticed was the trackpoint did not appear to work, however, that may be related to my next tidbit of advice:​

​PLEASE NOTE THE ORIENTATION OF THE RIBBON CABLES!​

​The cable contacts must face TOWARDS THE CONTACTS INSIDE THE CONNECTOR! If it doesn't work at first, its probably that the orientation is just wrong. Perhaps you should test it without screwing the keyboard down so if you screw up its not another 5 mins or whatever to get it back off. Experiment a little, it should work. If not, Ebay it and go about your normal uninteresting life. ​

​I really enjoyed the feel of the 8200 keyboard, compared to my replacement 8000 keyboard, which worked better than the old one (as in, the old one didn't work correctly ​​), but still left me sorta like, well jeez how could this be better?​

​Also note, this idea is merely a suggestion. If you manage to set your neighbor's dog on fire, or somehow create a dimensional portal to an alternate universe of creatures that enjoy using humans as hand lotion, lets agree to say the blame lies on you. ​

​Have fun! I don't have the part number for the keyboard on me, but if I find it at my desk at work, I'll let you guys know.​

​Message Edited by Spoonage49 on 11-06-2003 09:14 AM​