IBM Laptop Keyboards – How to replace the keyboard on the IBM T60
As you use your ThinkPad T60, it is not uncommon to eventually experience problems with your keyboard. As with any laptop or desktop computer, the keyboard experiences heavy wear and tear, and eventually may lose some or all function as a result. However, this does not mean you need an entirely new machine, as long as you know what you’re doing.
First, before removing or touching any hardware components in your machine, always disable the power. Remove the AC adapter from both wall and laptop, and remove the battery as well. If there are any peripherals attached to your machine, remove them as well. Then, if you were recently using the machine, leave it alone until it is completely cool before you begin disassembly. Now, with the machine upside down, carefully remove the screws attached to both the keyboard and the palm rest.
Flip the machine back right side up and open the computer. Push on both sides of the palm rest until the middle comes up slightly, detach its connector, and pull away from the monitor to remove the palm rest completely. Next, lift the keyboard up slightly until you can see its connector. Remove the connector and you have successfully removed your keyboard.
After you have consulted with your manual, manufacturer, or have gotten a part number form the keyboard itself, you should be able to purchase a replacement keyboard for your machine. Once you have it, you will basically reverse the removal process. Find the connector beneath your keyboard and reattach it to your machine, then set the keyboard into the appropriate recess. Reattach the connector for your palm rest, snap it back into place over the keyboard, and secure.
Once that it complete, close the laptop and flip it upside down. Reinsert and secure tightly the screws for both keyboard and palm rest. Reinsert your battery and reattach your AC adapter, then power on your machine. Your computer should resume function with no problem.
Sony VGP-BPL5A Laptop Battery Review
The Sony VGP-BPL5A laptop battery is a large capacity battery compatible with the Sony VAIO TX Series of notebook computers. These nine cell lithium ion batteries last an estimated 1.5 times longer than the standard VAIO batteries, without adding very significant weight to your machine at only 1.2 pounds. This product retails direct from Sony at $239.99, and there are many suppliers with compatible versions of this battery at a fraction of that price.
According to Sony’s website, standard batteries for the VAIO TX series last between four and ten hours, whereas this battery has a life of between 6 and 15 hours, depending on usage. According to user reviews, after a year of continuous use, this battery still retains approximately 6 hours of life when used for text editing.
Being a lithium ion battery, this component is useable directly after charging to 100%, without the need for any additional charging or multiple charge and discharge cycles. If using this battery as a standby, it should be charge to 40% and stored in a cool, dry place to retain full function. Also, check the battery every few weeks if not in use, charging it up to 40% as necessary.
Lithium ion batteries also function best with only partial discharge cycles, meaning that whenever possible, you should recharge the battery before it completely runs out. A lithium ion battery will typically last for between three hundred and five hundred charge/discharge cycles, or two to three years. This can be extended by storing the battery at a diminished charge (again, 40% is the magic number for lithium ion batteries), and at cooler temperatures (15 degrees Celsius is ideal). If using this battery as your main power source, this does not mean the battery will die in two to three years, rather it means that after two to three years, the charge capacity of this component will begin to deteriorate.
Overall, this battery is a great replacement for the standard VAIO TX Series battery, offering greater battery life at a very competitive price. Taking proper care of this component will grant it a long and stable life as well, lasting as long as the laptop itself will.
Understanding the Different Types of Disk Labeling Technology and How They Work
If you’re tired of trying to make creative and artistic DVDs with the drawer full of markers next to your desk, you may want to look into products such as LightScribe or LabelFlash. With the right equipment, you can actually use your CD-ROM drive to burn images and text with incredible accuracy right onto the DVD itself, creating a professional quality disc right at home.
LightScribe and LabelFlash are similar, but different in a few key ways. Both technologies require a special optical disc drive, special software, and special discs. While that may sound daunting at first, you may want to double check your machine as chances are good if you have a newer drive, it comes equipped with one of these technologies already. The reason these use such specialized equipment comes down to lasers and chemistry. The software tells the drive how exactly to move the laser in coordination with the disc, which on its label side has a non-toxic chemical compound that reacts to the laser by changing pigment, thus “etching” the desired design into your disc.
LightScribe is more common in the United States than LabelFlash, though LabelFlash is growing. LightScribe discs are available in all CD and DVD formats, and as of recently come in a variety of colors. LightScribe CDs cost about $0.30 while DVDs cost about $0.60 apiece.
LabelFlash actually predates LightScribe technology, being the revival of the old DiscT@2 (pronounced Disc Tattoo) from Yamaha and Fujifilm. At the time, it was used to etch designs actually on the data side of discs, in the unused space of smaller discs. This didn’t catch on, as people had to burn less data to their discs to use it, and it wasn’t very practical. LabelFlash combines that old ability to burn images in the empty space of discs with the technology of LightScribe, but flipped on its head. LabelFlash discs are all blue, and the chemical compound on their label side actually turns lighter under laser light, making their designs monochromatic negative space depictions with incredible crispness and depth. Unfortunately, they only work with specialized DVDs, no CDs, and they cost about $1.50 apiece.
When choosing between the two technologies, it really comes down to what is available to you in your area. If you have your choice of the two, then it largely becomes a matter of taste. LightScribe is more versatile, with more colors and supported formats, as well as cheaper to supply; LabelFlash is crisper and slightly faster, but at greater cost to you.
Common Problems associated with a bad Printer Fuser
The fuser on your laser printer is essential to the function of your entire machine. After the laser and toner set your printed image onto paper, the final step is a run through the highly heated fuser to bond and set the toner to the page, creating the finished product that you pull out of the tray. However, fusers are also prone to far more wear and tear than any other part of the printer because of all the heat and pressure they create.
The easiest way to tell if you have a defective or malfunctioning fuser is a simple paper test. When you process a print job, take out the finished page and test the printed text or image. Toner is actually a fine carbon polymer powder that is magnetically attracted to the page. When a page with this powder on it runs through the rollers of the fuser, the high heat and pressure melt and fuse the toner to the page fast enough that it doesn’t burn the paper.
If a fuser is malfunctioning, you may see streaking, double imaging, or smudges. Streaking and double imaging are due to toner sticking to the rollers of the fuser, either smudging it in transit causing streaks, or continuing to rotate and reapplying the toner like a stamp effect, causing a double image. You should note however, that a toner cartridge and a few other things could also cause toner streaking on a page.
When you print a page, rub your finger over a section of print. If it smudges, or came out smudged in the first place, your fuser may not be completely melting and setting the toner properly. Problems such as these can be a result of worn gears, electrical component malfunction, worn or broken rollers, or a host of other reasons.
Laser Printer Consumables Replacement
Laser printers are often the most efficient and cost effective printing solution on the market, especially compared to consumer products like InkJet printers. One downside of laser printers, however, is that they often require replacing more consumables than other technologies. Most of these consumables are relatively inexpensive and easy to replace, however. Let us take a look at some of the most common consumables that need to be replaced on a laser printer.
Toner
The most obvious consumable on any laser printer is the toner cartridge. The replacement interval for laser toner cartridges can vary greatly between models. Personal laser printers have cartridges with page yields of around 1,000 pages, meaning they must be replaced more often, while high-volume printers designed for heavy office use may not need replacing for months. Nearly every printer has a status indicator which can show toner levels, and most alert users when the toner cartridge needs to be replaced. This is controlled by the printer via either counting pages or monitoring the level of toner actually left inside the cartridge.
Drum
The imaging drum transfers the toner from the cartridge to the paper, and is a very important component. In general, imaging drums last about 3 to 4 times as long as the toner cartridge, which means that it will need to be replaced every 3rd or 4th time the user replaces the cartridge. Most printers will indicate to the user when the drum needs to be replaced. Some HP printers incorporate the drum into the toner cartridge itself, meaning users do not need to replace it separately.
Fuser
The fusing assembly, or fuser, is a user-replaceable part, but users may find that it is beyond the normal scope of consumable replacement and seek the services of a printer repair center. In general, the fuser only needs to be replaced every 50,000-100,000 pages.
If properly maintained, laser printers can offer many years of smooth operation. That is why it is important to understand the different consumables and their replacement intervals. Your user manual is your best source of information on your specific model and its consumables and maintenance requirements. You can also use the manufacturer’s website for information on the required intervals on consumable replacement.
How To Replace Ram In Laptop – How To Increase Ram In Laptop
In today’s rapidly changing society, the need for interchangeable parts is growing increasingly more popular. Replacement RAM for a laptop can be a great way of increasing the speed of the laptop in its entirety. Speed is not the only reason for changing out the laptop RAM (Random Access Memory). It can also be the solution to a number of troubleshooting problems that may occur with your personal computer.
Most laptops have a single-screw door that can be opened for easy access to the RAM, and simple spring-loaders that hold the unit in place. Slowly press each side of the spring-loader’s release, and carefully extract the RAM, making sure that the RAM will not pop up into the air, and damage other parts inside the laptop.
Next, take the replacement RAM and line it up with the slots, but also while checking to see if it is being placed in properly (most are slotted to ensure proper placement). This can be checked by looking at the other RAM modules that are currently installed and follow the direction that the old RAM faces.
The notches on many laptops are located differently, and they also prevent the installation of older RAM modules, that require a higher voltage, from being placed into the slot. As with all computer parts, always handle the RAM by the edges, and never touch the gold contacts. The oils from your fingers can degrade the connection and cause a failure within the module. The next step requires seating the memory module by pressing down, firmly, with your thumbs on both ends of the module to confirm a safe and strong hold on the RAM.
Finally, after successfully placing the RAM into the slot, the only step left is to replace the door and screw it into place again. To verify the attempted RAM upgrade was successfully installed right-click on “My Computer” and select “Properties”. Under the selection of “Computer,” your expanded RAM size should be listed.
How To Replace And Change A Laptop Motherboard – How To Repair Laptop Motherboards
Even if it is your first time ever replacing a laptop motherboard , it is still a fairly simple task. As with any piece of electrical equipment the very first step that should be taken is to consult the instruction manual throughout the entire process, and also, be sure that the laptop power cable is disconnected and the battery is removed. Another important precaution, besides making sure that the laptop is closed, is to discharge any static electricity that you have accumulated by touching a grounded metal surface.
Now that you can proceed with the motherboard replacement, remove the screws that hold the optical drive and hard drive in place, and set them aside in a safe place. Through the detailed instructions inside the manual, take off the memory access cover that is located on the motherboard. Remove the memory chips with the release clips then disconnect the antenna from the wireless card (if you have wireless connectivity). If a wireless card is present release the clips and take that out as well.
One of the most important steps that must not be forgotten is the removal of the processor. You do not get one with the new motherboard and it is vital that it is placed onto the new motherboard before installation. Now that the deconstruction process is finished, using the proper sized screwdriver, remove the screws that hold motherboard down from the bottom of the laptop. Keep all the tiny screws in a secure spot and mind the LCD screen attachments for necessary removal if the instruction manual demands so.
How To Replace A Laptop Hard Drive – Replacement Of Laptop Hard Drives
Need more laptop hard drive space? Change your laptops hard drive on your own. One of the easiest and most cost efficient changes that can be made to your laptop is the hard drive. After making sure that the battery is removed and the power cable is unattached, the completion of your hard drive swap is already close to being over and there are only a few simple steps left in the process.
In many cases, the entire casing must be taken off to reach the hard drive, but in even more cases there is an easy access and a few screws holding the unit in place. If the cage-like bezel is attached to the hard drive after you remove the screws, then release the attached cables and remove the entire bezel from the shell-casing of the laptop (pay close attention to the stubs in the casing, keeping the cage in place).
After such a simple process, you can now unscrew the old hard drive from the bezel and screw the new one into place. The next step is to take is to slide the bezel back into place with careful attention to the connection between the pins of the laptop and those of the hard drive. Then, reconnect the previously disconnected data and spring connectors. Finally, you can screw the bezel casing back down and reconnect the lid.
After running your operating systems back up disc and following the prompts, the celebration can begin! You can now dispose of the old hard drive however you deem necessary, and test out your newly replaced hard drive. You will be astonished and proud of what you accomplished, and the minimal time it took to complete this mission.
How To Fix Laptop Screen – How To Replace Laptop LCD Screens
Has your laptop screen failed on you? Have you ever thought about replacing the screen yourself? When attempting to fix your own l aptop LCD screen there are some very basic precautions that must be taken. Without these preparations, further damage could be caused to your personal computer. This is also an important reason to remove the battery before initiating any other actions. Cracked screens, dead pixels, and entire sets of rows or columns missing are signs of a need for replacement. Just because you can’t see anything on the screen does not mean that your screen is broken. Testing it on an external monitor first is the best way to guarantee that you’re doing the right thing.
To take out the screws on the front of the screen, first remove the rubber or plastic screw guards that hide the screws from view. After removing the screws, carefully remove the casing and set it aside (keep the screws together and preferably with the front casing). The next step is very basic and applies to almost every LCD screen inside of a laptop. Each screen is held within bezel with a few screws holding it in place (normally 2). Remove the bezel with careful attention to hinges at the top and proceed to peel back the metallic foil that protects the device from external RF interference. Unscrew the screen from the case and be mindful of the power and video cables that come in through the hinges.
To remove the video and power cables check to see which form of technology is used to attach the wires (all being simple to pull and remove), and carefully detach the wires from their sources. Replacing the old screen with the new one is that simple and the last requirement to changing your screen is to re-attach the power and video cables after you have successfully screwed in and secured your LCD screen back into the bezel awhile during the process of carefully reattaching the front casing. After you have successfully reattached the power and video cables and snapped the casing back into place, you can screw the front casing back on and re-insert the screw guards onto the front of your LCD screen. Now, there is nothing to keep you from getting right back to work.
How To Fix A Laptop Battery – Change And Replace Laptop Batteries
The absolute simplest replacement to make on any laptop computer is that of the battery. In less than 5 steps you can change out your old, dying battery for a fresh and new one. Most laptops have a maximum of 2 steps that must be taken to release the battery from the casing. After removing the battery, it can be placed aside and disposed of in whatever eco-friendly way you wish. Finally, the last step to replacing a dead battery is to simply insert the new battery and secure it with whatever method is used by your laptop manufacturer.
Not every laptop battery dies and requires complete replacement. There have been many “homegrown” methods of reviving a dead battery and based on the type of battery that your laptop requires, different levels of success will be achieved. One method consists of wrapping your battery up tightly into several newspapers ensuring that it will not be able to make contact with any moisture throughout the process. The next step is to place the battery into a plastic bag and leave it in the freezer for a time period of 5-7 days.
After your battery has been frozen for the given time, let it thaw out completely at room temperature, occasionally checking it for signs of moisture and wiping it down with close attention to the contact points of the battery. It is extremely important that the battery stays dry throughout the entire procedure.
When you are absolutely sure that your battery is thawed, you can place it back into the computer. Connect the charger to the computer, and for no reason, whatsoever, should you turn the device on until you have complete confidence that your battery has been fully charged for at least 8 hours (most people choose to leave it charging over night). When the charging process is complete, your battery should be successfully charged and working like new. Who would have thought that salvaging your dead laptop battery could be so easy?
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