Hi guys, A friend of mine has a Dell Inspiron laptop that's on the fritz - it types odd things like "M" when you hit enter, backspacing when you hit "n", not typing the letter "y" at all...yikes! The "u" key came off some time ago so I'm thinking that's probably the culprit. Any suggestions on where/who to go to in Cancun for repair? Thanks! Kim
I know who on Isla Mujeres, not Cancun. But it sounds like you need a new keyboard. If it is a US Dell, there are very expensive rebuilt keyboards techs near buy from Mexico City. I have an extra Dell Inspiron 1300 that I won't need since I'm going back to the states for a visit in June if this would help. Someon, come up with the techs in Cancun so we can see!
Laptop keyboards ( and some regular ones) get that way when there is moisture under the keys, causing a short. Its the same thing you see when any sort of electronic keypad gets wet. (ie:cell phones) Sometimes simply allowing it to dry thoroughly will restore normal operation, other times a replacement is needed... if a softdrink or anything with sugar as been spilled in it you'll need a new one almost every time... look online for instructions on removing the keyboard (its usually not difficult, just a few screws and clips) and order a replacement on ebay, they normally run around $100 new and half that used in the US, expect to pay more here. (& used is a roll of the dice) If its an older laptop its probably best to just get a small external for typing until a new laptop is purchased. Good Luck
A number of my friends here happily use these guys: Computer Doctor 998-883-9988 998-884-2901 SM2-A, Calle Naranja #20, Cancun Owner: Salvador Baron Salvador email: sonny.bmedina[at]gmail[dot]com
Agustin R. Reynoso V. Dr. Chip SA de CV Cel. (998)228-7874 drchip@drchip.com.mx (Speaks English & does on site installs/repairs)
There is a laptop specific repair shop in the Superama/Sam's Club shopping center, next to Tapioca City (I'm not kidding). LAPTOWN 998 882-1733 www.laptown.com Blvd. Luis Donaldo Colosio SMZ 310 MZA 1 Centro Comercial Pabellón Cumbres, Local 13 Cancún, Quintana Roo. cancun@laptown.com Tel. (998) 882 1733 I looked at keyboards on MercadoLibre and they seem to settle into the 30 to 60 dollar range, which is highway robbery compared to US prices. But you have to make allowances for the "We're not in Kansas anymore" situation we find ourselves. Nevertheless, at those prices you might want to call Dell here in Mexico at 01-800-111-3355. If you're Spanish challeneged, just start speaking in English. Their service people are bi-lingual and very helpful I had a situation with one of my son's laptops. He was in Kabul, where Dell has no representation. Using Skype with my right hand and an online chat session with a Dell tech with my left hand, we were able to fix the problem. That's what I call service.
OEM keyboards on eBay run about 10 to 20 USD. I don't know about direct from Dell. Since I didn't know the model number, here's a generic search on Inspiron KBs. dell inspiron keyboard, Computers Networking, Cell Phones PDAs items. Great deals on eBay!
Hey guys, thanks for your responses - my friend's computer is working normally again, but the info is great for future reference!
Mixz1.. we'll maybe they are less expensive now.. when I last looked for one for an hp pavilion they were a lot higher than your prices....
Oh yeah. Prices have really come down. Around 15 USD for a Pavilion. hp pavilion keyboard, Computers Networking, Cameras Photo items. Great deals on eBay! Being a ThinkPad guy for years, I'm always looking out for TP keyboards because they use 3 vendors and one of them is superior to the other two. Since the KB that comes with the computer is luck of the draw, I've gone to the aftermarket to get the KB I prefer. ThinkPad KBs are probably the moxt expensive, and they top out at 30 USD. In the current market, where you can get a perfectly servicable Compaq, Lenovo, HP or Dell for less than 500 USD, the manufacturers can no longer stick it to you by charging 1/5 the price of the machine for a keyboard.
