Gateway Parts

Laptop Keyboard troubles?!?

In October 2006, my mum and dad bought me a new laptop as my dad wanted the one I already had. It is a Gateway MX8716b and was bought from Tesco. It was exclusive to Tesco and the 17 inch screen and memory is exactly the right amount for me. However, I had the laptop for 7 months before it had to be sent to Germany under warranty as the 'O' key had broken off and would not reattach. It came back after 3 days and was ok but on Friday, the 'P' key came off and a very small piece of the retainer has broken off. I don't want to tell my dad that it is broken because I am worried about how he will react. I am fed up with the problems now and I am seriously considering just leaving the laptop and buying a PC. I read some reviews on the internet about the laptop and many have commented on the keyboard. (http://www.iwr.co.uk/personal-computer-world/hardware/2196391/review-gateway-mx8716b-notebook). Would I be better to show my dad these reviews? I am worried about what he will say. Also, would it be worth the money to replace the keyboard? Thanks in advance for the help

Public Comments

1. yes seems a shame to get rid of a decent laptop just becuase of the keyboard, i'd look on eBay for another dirt cheap, then maybe purchase an external keyboard anyway, much better for your wrists. laptop keyboards are a bit flimsy in any case.
2. Being that this problem did occur before with your laptop, why would your dad be mad if it happens again. This isn't your fault, it is just bad manufacturing of the keyboard. Tell your dad and share the review so he'll know it is a common problem. He'll eventually find out if he asks to use the laptop and might not be any happier then. Also, 2 years with a laptop is average these days. Even if the button didn't break off, I am sure the hardware itself is already getting outdated. So lesson learn, best that your next laptop not be a Gateway.