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[bhr]

Have replaced my keyboard sometime ago with the marvelous instructions:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Installing-a-USB-Keyboard-into-an-OLPC-XO-Laptop-/
My original olpc keyboard is in fine condition, all keys work.  Judging from the plethora of posts concerning bad keyboards, someone out there in the cosmos desperately needs my old one.  To the first person I hear from at [email protected] that is willing to send 3 bucks to offset postage, I will be glad to mail it. -- Bruce

[pgf]

how do you like the results?  i have one of the mini-usb keyboards, in case i decide to do it.  i must say, i'm tempted, but i also wish the replacement had two shift keys.  :-)

the guy who did the original had trouble with plastic bulging -- did you find a way to make that work better?

paul

[ashtond33]

bhr: did you use the same exact keyboard?

[bhr]

As regards the results, indeed I am well pleased.  The keyboard has a good feel and even with my large hands I can touch type.  The lack of shift key is annoying at times, yes, but we learn to compensate.  I used the exact same keyboard as I was concerned about the close space tolerances.  Bulging was not a problem.  Just be careful to shave everything down as much as possible as recommended.  I will say the project is not for the faint of heart.  There is some serious metal work to do and it is tough steel.  I don't have a Dremel so I drilled the four corners of the cutout up to 1/2" hole then used a pointed end hacksaw to complete the job.  The biggest problem was the small ribbon lead that connects to the lcd screen for lights (I believe).  It has an impossible connector with a tiny plastic insert that wedges in to hold it.  Never could get it back so I wedged it in with a plastic strip cut from a plastic container then added a glop of Goop to insure it stayed in place.  Goop is the trade name for an all purpose contact adhesive and sealer, but it is removable in case I have to undo the connection sometime.  If you're comfortable completely disassembling and reassembling the olpc, capable of dressing and soldering some pretty tiny wires, and doing a bit of nasty metal work, then I would highly recommend the project.

[pgf]

thanks for the followup.  i'm going to put off the surgery as long as possible, but i think it's inevitable.  as you say, i think i could get used to just about any key arrangement as long as the keys are reachable.  but some of the XO's keys are just unhittable.

hopefully i can pass on my (working) XO keyboard as you have done -- or, at least, as i hope you have done.  that's a very nice offer.  ;-)
paul

[mattd]

I think I'll be doing the conversion as well. Probably about 4 days after I use the XO as a frisbee when my keyboard frustration reaches the boiling point.

Very good to hear someone else had the install go well and the new keyboard is more pleasant to use.

[Torokun]

i get scared just looking at your dyi pics.

brrr.....

[Atilla]

Great work, I have to say.

From one point of view, I really don't feel *right* seing someone dissecting the OLPC that way just yet. I mean - I just got mine. It still mostly has this adorable impression of pure awesomeness, packed in a tiny white-and-green package to me.

But on the other hand, I think any modification, software reconfiguration or, in fact, any trick - ranging from a simple config change to hardcore dev-key-related voodoo magic - is good for the tiny green box of magic.

Even if I do like the keys rubbery and small - part of the original feeling and concept of the machine - congratualtions on your new keyboard, I think you've done some awesome work.

[LesleyT]

Is this still available?

I accidentally tore the cover off my sticky control key.

Right now, my XO is dead, but if the gurus here can revive it, I wouldn't mind repairing my keyboard.

[CanadaDry]

Lesley--you've been out of the loop a while.  Did you know that you can now get replacement keyboards at ilovemyxo.com or xoexplosion.com?

[LesleyT]

Out of the loop for a loooooooooooonnnnnnnnnggggggggg time.

Now if I fix my XO, I'll be in business!