New 600M Keyboard

I had the same problem with my 600m which I received about a month ago.  I phoned Dell to get a replacement and the keyboard they sent me is quite a bit better, although still quite loud.  The first one rattled (like it had little tiny pebbles in each key) and the new one doesn't.  I think the one I have now has metal springs as opposed to plastic, and I think that makes a bit of a difference.

The actual problem with the keyboard comes from the fact that the keyboard doesn't completely rest on what's underneath--it sort of "floats" a bit above it.  Hence, the flexing and noise.  There are some user "fixes" out there--most involve removing the keyboard and putting tape or felt pads underneath in order to make it stiffer and more solid.  Some of these fixes can be found on this board.  The site www.notebookforums.com also has some fixes (click Dell General, then Modding Your Dell, and you'll find the link).  I'm not sure if any of these void the warranty so I haven't done them.

 

No worries about the questions--I'm no expert myself.  Anyway, I actually like my 600m quite a bit.  My only big complaint is the cheap keyboard.  I bought a Logitech cordless optical mouse and it's made a world of difference--no cramping my wrists trying to use the touchpad.  If you can, get one of those mini mice and use it, as they make using a notebook way more enjoyable.

I actually find the system pretty fast--I previously had a 5100 and a 300m.  This is way faster than both of them, probably because I have 640 MB of RAM on this one.  Other good things are the size and weight.  The 300m I had was way too small, while the 5100 was too heavy for my needs.  The 600m is just right.  Too bad about the keyboard.

My guess about the problems you're having with the speed of your system is that it's likely due to all the junk software Dell loads on new systems.  Remove any programs you don't need (AOL, Money, Encarta... whatever) then download a program like System Mechanic and run all of the cleanup and optimizing programs.  It helps quite a bit.  That website www.notebookforums.com also has lots of good tips on optimizing a Dell system.  Let me know if you find a fix for your keyboard.

 

I had two 600m's. One had a keboard that rattled and flexed in when typed on. The keyboard on the second 600m did not have the problem and was very sturdy. I took out the two keyboards and compare them. The sturdier keyboard had a nticably thicker and thus less flexible metal plate supporting it. The way to differentiate them is to look beneath the keyboard, they have different holes in the metal plate. Putting postcards, playing cards, or adheseve tapes beneath the keyboard does solve the problem. But before you do that, try flexing the metal plate to your liking.

How do I take the keyboard off? That seems scary. :smileyindifferent: (as you can tell i'm totally not computer savvy). I would love to make this keyboard more sturdy!

Takes a minute to take it out. Look here:

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins600m/en/sm/keyboard.htm#1111863

http://www.cag.lcs.mit.edu/~mtaylor/latitude/

http://216.239.39.104/search?q=cache:WkKpzRS-uWgJ:spiike.shadowdragon.net/keyboardfix.htm+dell+8600+keyboard+mod&hl=en

I flexed the metal plate on my keyboard and I'm satisfied.

Thank You!! I started to try taking the keyboard off but got scared that I was going to scratch everything so I stopped until I could find something plastic to pry it with. I will try again tomorrow. I have to say I was very scared when doing the very first step of prying the first plastic piece off, because it didn't seem like the left side want to come off. I am soooo scared that I will break this piece in half!!!:smileyindifferent:

Thank you sooooo much for posting the directions and the site with pictures that is such a great help!!!!

newbie,

I was nervous when taking the plastic piece of my 600m, too, but it's actually not so bad.  It seems like it's going to break, but it bends quite a bit.  Just be gentle.  Anyway, let us know if you manage to fix your keyboard.