Are you unhappy with the keyboard on Lenovo Thinkpad T400? I was until I did this

I took delivery of a Lenovo Thinkpad T400 last week.  I am very pleased with the system.  The size is just perfect for me, it has switchable graphics (ATI Radeon or Intel Integrated), Windows 7 64-bit, Touchpoint, very snappy, and it has a great looking screen.  But one thing I did not like is the keyboard.  It's buckled in some areas, moves around too much when you type, and a few of the keys are not flat.  For example the B button below the TrackPoint was obviously slanted to the right.  Thinkpads have always been known for their great keyboards, but this one was far from great. 

I did some reasearch on this topic.  There are a lot of people talking about keyboard issues on Thinkpads.  I'll save you some reasearch and sum things up.  It appears that:

• A number of models (like my T400) ship with a keyboard that is not that great.  It's lighter, has a plastic coating on the bottom, and is very flexible.  This is part number 42T4034.

• If you call Lenovo support about this issue you will likely be sent a replacement keyboard that is a different part number, 42T3209.  This is an older keyboard that was originally for the T60 T61 R60 and R61.  It is a slightly heavier and firmer keyboard that does not flex nearly as much as the original keyboard.  It does not have the plastic coating on the bottom.  This seems to be a higher quality (less cheaply made) keyboard. 

Replacing the keyboard is a simple matter and the result is a much better (in my opinion) input experience.  Well worth the phone call and the few minutes to swap the keyboard. 

One thing you may notice (as I did) is that the original keyboard has really great feeling buttons just below the keyboard.  The ones you typically use with your thumb if you are a TrackPoint device.  Very smooth and quiet and need very little effort to use.  Very ergonomic in my opinion.  These buttons on the new "older" keyboard aren't as smooth and have a little more of a mechanical feel to them.  This probably won't bother most people.  It's still better than the trackpad buttons on many other notebooks. 

See the full gallery on posterous

Posted via email from ken5m1th

Always use the front entrance when going to a restaurant, I'll tell you why

I recently went to a fast-food restaurant with family. We entered
using the side door. On our way out the front door I noticed a nice
yellow sign attached. The sign described (in great detail) some
health code violations that were found at this facility during their
last inspection. [Hand over mouth for a few seconds]

Boy I wish I saw that sign earlier. Apparently, restaurants are not
required to post this signage on all entrances. Lesson learned:
Always enter using the main entrance of a restaurant or at least check
the front door for signs of signs.

Posted via email from ken5m1th

Think these snow tires will help?

Got my snow tires in the trunk. I have rear wheel drive I figure the extra weight should help with traction.

Posted via email from ken5m1th

The truth about notebook encryption - according to XKCD

Posted via email from ken5m1th