Unconfirmed: Classic keyboard might be available

Read it from a Chinese forum (http://forum.51nb.com/thread-1227405-1-1.html) that classic 7-row keyboard might be an option for new ThinkPads (T430, T530, W530, X230, etc.).

It was said ETA was Mid-August 2012. Not sure if it'll be provided as CTO or accessory only.

 

Interesting...
First thread about possibility to do after market swap of 6 row keyboard to 7 row keyboard and now this
It would be really good to have option to choose between backlit keyboard(6 row) and classic 7 row keyboard with all the special keys like page back/forth for some.
Dont know what my preference will be, backlit keyboard seems nicely implemented, then again, couple of more keys on 7 row keyboard are rather important too.
I guess it depends on software used and usage patterns.
Its not that Im buying new X/T/W laptop this year, maybe next year/2014 when they have those uber-fullhd 2000x1000 something screens in all of their laptops and thin as ultrabooks with battery life that current X2x0/Txx series(non S) have BUT knowing that there might be bigger choice from the same company is important to many

 

Very interesting. Given that the keyboards fit, and that they'll have the old keyboard in production for a while anyway, I think it makes sense to offer it as an option.

You'll never make some people happy though. I can guarantee you'll find people who will even by complaining about this, saying 'I bought a Sandy Bridge model just because the old keyboard is going away'.

There's no question for me--I'd want the new keyboard.

 

Cool. If and when they become available, I'll like to swap out the island keyboard for a classic keyboard on my T430s.

 

I´ll believe that when I am seeing it. I think thats not really probable.

But even if they do this, I´d go for the new keyboard because I like the feel better. Layout is not important for me.

 

I suppose one will need to also swap the palmrest when swapping the keyboard. Ah, too much trouble: if and when they offer "classic" option (add $150 ), I might perhaps maybe consider.

 

Really? I thought the keyboard was simply held down by one screw... guess it's different on the T430s then.

 

That's why options are good!

 

It's not that difficult to swap the keyboard and palmrest.

Also, that's the only option for people who ALREADY purchased the laptop with chiclet keyboard.

I'd pull the trigger if the classic keyboard was an available option NOW.

 

Do the drain channels still align or will we have to shim that as well?