needap

Hi,

My problem is more 'Mech Support' than 'Tech Support', so apologies to anyone who is particularly bored by this problem / feels that they were lured here on false pretences.

I have a Sony Vaio VGN-N21E laptop which is not, I suspect, under warranty. Thirty minutes ago, an object fell onto the keyboard from a low shelf, displacing the 'p' key.

The small, X-shaped, bracket-like fitting below the key has broken, but the key face and the suction cup are completely intact. Two of the fitting's tiny, fraction-of-a-millimetre plastic rods have snapped, the ones that allow the key face to clip into the keyboard. I have them, but they can't be reattached with superglue. If I had a replacement fitting, I could clip it in quite easily.

So, my questions are -

1. What is this X-like thing called, and where (if anywhere) can I buy one?
2. If anyone has had experience with Sony before - are Sony likely to send me a replacement X-thing, or will they insist on an expensive case replacement?
3. Are there any good mechanical solutions to the problem? I'm sure that this situation is fairly common, but I can't seem to find any information.

Will be eagerly awaiting any response, thanks for reading -

NeedaP

BCCOMP

Replace the Key Board, unless you will not use the "p" key. But you have VISTA, do you have any type of warranty? How long ago was this purchased and did you pay for an extended warranty?

needap

Hi, thanks for replying. I think that the whole laptop keyboard will be quite expensive to replace - especially considering the simplicity of the problem - and I'm looking for other solutions.

Warranty is slightly complicated - I never exactly 'bought' this computer, it's a replacement given to my by my insurance company. I never paid for any kind of warranty, and there was no warranty paperwork, as far as I could see, in the box.

kodi

Contact Sony support and see what they advise you to do, post back with their reply

needap

That's the best idea, I think. Thanks, I'll pursue the more drastic solutions in the morning.

needap

Hi,

Problem solved. Thanks for your interest in this thread, especially to BCCOMP and kodi - I posted here before calling Vaio tech support, anticipating expensive, lengthy, and unnecessary repairs.

The Vaio guy will be sending me a new clip and new key within the next two weeks, free of charge - despite the fact that this isn't covered by the warranty. Result!

In retrospect, then, it was pretty daft of me to post - apologies, if I've wasted anyone's time.

J

BCCOMP

No time wasted, you did get a salution to your problem. Glad you got a fix.

Bill