new 17" MBP report...keyboard question

[refulgentis]

I'm a first-time Mac user, and I just got my MBP this Friday. It works beautifully, and I couldn't be happier. XP works great, dual booting is easy and quick, and it's a million times faster than the old 500 mhz iBook I used to tool around with. There were a few issues with getting Intel compatible software (especially Cisco VPN, my university IT help department was useless), but through Google I was able to find solutions for everything.

My only problem is: The spacebar keeps making a really annoying squeaking sound every time I press it! I really don't want to have to drive to the Apple Store for such a little issue, especially since it's ~45 minutes each way and with gas prices these days...but I also don't want to ruin my keyboard. If I "remove" the key, will I be able to get it back on? I know it works on my old iBook keyboard and PC keyboards, but I don't want to screw over my new $3000 baby.

Thanks for any help, and feel free to ask questions about the MBP.

 

[imacintel]

I'm a first-time Mac user, and I just got my MBP this Friday. It works beautifully, and I couldn't be happier. XP works great, dual booting is easy and quick, and it's a million times faster than the old 500 mhz iBook I used to tool around with. There were a few issues with getting Intel compatible software (especially Cisco VPN, my university IT help department was useless), but through Google I was able to find solutions for everything.

My only problem is: The spacebar keeps making a really annoying squeaking sound every time I press it! I really don't want to have to drive to the Apple Store for such a little issue, especially since it's ~45 minutes each way and with gas prices these days...but I also don't want to ruin my keyboard. If I "remove" the key, will I be able to get it back on? I know it works on my old iBook keyboard and PC keyboards, but I don't want to screw over my new $3000 baby.

Thanks for any help, and feel free to ask questions about the MBP.

I think you will be ok on this. You can take the key out, it isnt wired into the machine. It is perfectly fine and won't screw up your brand new machine.

BTW,
Congrats on your macbookpro! It sounds like yours isn't one with a bad screen, heet or whine.

 

[Peyton]

I'm a first-time Mac user, and I just got my MBP this Friday. It works beautifully, and I couldn't be happier. XP works great, dual booting is easy and quick, and it's a million times faster than the old 500 mhz iBook I used to tool around with. There were a few issues with getting Intel compatible software (especially Cisco VPN, my university IT help department was useless), but through Google I was able to find solutions for everything.

My only problem is: The spacebar keeps making a really annoying squeaking sound every time I press it! I really don't want to have to drive to the Apple Store for such a little issue, especially since it's ~45 minutes each way and with gas prices these days...but I also don't want to ruin my keyboard. If I "remove" the key, will I be able to get it back on? I know it works on my old iBook keyboard and PC keyboards, but I don't want to screw over my new $3000 baby.

Thanks for any help, and feel free to ask questions about the MBP.

I don't know if it voids the warranty or not if you work on this yourself, but I know from an old shift key problem, the mechanism is VERY small underthere, and unless you have the right (Very small) tools, I suggest not doing anything about it except apple store. The thing is, there is a plastic part that has holes in it, with the key's metal part that goes through. The holes are very small and I'd imagine its easy to break.

Just cautionary advice, don't do it

 

[randykato]

If you happen to be near an Apple Store, take it to the genius bar. I had a similar problem and the guy just took it in the back, popped the key off, reseated it, and the problem was solved in about 5 minutes. That way, you won't risk breaking anything.