Frustrating Macbook Pro: I mentioned before that two rows of keys aren't working on my MBP. Replacements are available for between $15

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I mentioned before that two rows of keys aren't working on my MBP. Replacements are available for between $15 - $20, but the machine must be totally disassembled to get to the keyboard. I ordered a wireless external keyboard that I'll use while I decide if I want to take it all apart. There are 51 tiny screws holding the keyboard in place, not counting several dozen other tiny screws that must be removed. Some are unique, so losing one would be a major problem. I've watched replacement videos on YouTube. Most are done in time-lapse fashion, but one that ran at regular speed took over an hour - and that's with a pro who repairs Apples all day long.

As it turns out, this is one of the best MBPs you can buy, according to Apple guru Luke Miani on YouTube. It ranks #4 out of the five best. It's a 2012 with Core i7, 8GB and I installed a 500GB SSD. I bought it from Apple in 2012 as a refurb.

SteveLoker Loc: Fort Worth, TX

Maybe send in to Apple or find a local Apple authorized canter? Some times paying for peace of mind IS worth the cost.

colt4x5 Loc: Central Connecticut

Check with Apple (Genius Bar, or call them up). The MBP keyboard weakness is a "known" problem in some models, and they have been replacing some of the keyboards free of charge because of that. (My Pro is still under Apple Care, but they told me they would have replaced my defective keyboard free even without it.)

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

Just pay to have it repaired if it is a computer you are happy with and the price is justified. Do you use it as a portable a lot? I use my MBP more as a desktop these days and have Bluetooth keyboard and mouse I use with it.

47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

colt4x5 wrote:

Check with Apple (Genius Bar, or call them up). The MBP keyboard weakness is a "known" problem in some models, and they have been replacing some of the keyboards free of charge because of that. (My Pro is still under Apple Care, but they told me they would have replaced my defective keyboard free even without it.)

👍👍👍

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

colt4x5 wrote:

Check with Apple (Genius Bar, or call them up). The MBP keyboard weakness is a "known" problem in some models, and they have been replacing some of the keyboards free of charge because of that. (My Pro is still under Apple Care, but they told me they would have replaced my defective keyboard free even without it.)

I have the better "scissor" keyboard. It was the "butterfly" that was introduced in about 2015 that had so many problems. From what I've seen online, having a replacement installed would cost well over $100. My external kbd is arriving tomorrow, and I'll keep thinking about replacing it myself some day.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

Definitely worth fixing. If you decide to take on the task, let me recommend one of those magnetic trays/dishes that mechanics use to hold small parts, and drop all the screws into it. Those Apple ultra small screws magically disappear and can never be found again.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

TriX wrote:

Definitely worth fixing. If you decide to take on the task, let me recommend one of those magnetic trays/dishes that mechanics use to hold small parts, and drop all the screws into it. Those Apple ultra small screws magically disappear and can never be found again.

I know all about things disappearing. It's almost magical how something that falls to the floor can totally disappear. While it would be nice to have a working keyboard, I suspect that if I take it all apart, the computer will never work again.

BobHartung Loc: Bettendorf, IA

jerryc41 wrote:

I mentioned before that two rows of keys aren't wo... (show quote)

All I can say is "penny wise, pound foolish".

Also, I have never seen anyone with so many self-generated hardware problems as you seem to have.

lenben Loc: Seattle

Apple in discontinuing the genius bar in most if not all of their stores.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

BobHartung wrote:

All I can say is "penny wise, pound foolish".

Also, I have never seen anyone with so many self-generated hardware problems as you seem to have.

It's not me; it's the house. I can't even keep plants growing in here.

cjc2 Loc: Hellertown PA

Jerry, you have such a complicated life. Best of luck.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

jerryc41 wrote:

I mentioned before that two rows of keys aren't wo... (show quote)

My twins have two of those. The ARE great machines, but Apple no longer supports them with parts or service, and parts from third parties are hard to find... mostly used.

Unless you use the thing on the road, plug in a generic keyboard and mouse and type away... or use a BlueTooth Keyboard and mouse.

Boris77

jerryc41 wrote:

I mentioned before that two rows of keys aren't wo... (show quote)

If you need a portable machine, you are screwed. Add a keyboard. Better recommendation is to get an iMac, although the later ones are stupidly designed. I replace a keyboard or mouse every few years; I have extras on hand so no more shopping involved. Everything is made to go obsolete/not be repaired. Boris

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Boris77 wrote:

If you need a portable machine, you are screwed. Add a keyboard. Better recommendation is to get an iMac, although the later ones are stupidly designed. I replace a keyboard or mouse every few years; I have extras on hand so no more shopping involved. Everything is made to go obsolete/not be repaired. Boris

I have an iMac from 2012, but it's not a workhorse - mainly for Internet and occasional Lightroom. I know what you mean about the keyboards. I have at least two, the short ones, that stopped working. I bought a wireless generic long one from Amazon, and I'll see how that works with the MBP.

Take a look at Luke Miani on YouTube. He does a lot of messing around with the Macbook Pro. In one I haven't watched yet, he takes 14 broken MBPs and attempts to get them running.