Backlit Keyboard Mod?

**andyjoneski** · 12-06-2008, 09:36 AM

Ok so i have bought a new MacBook 2Ghz, and i didn't realise that it didn't come with a backlit keyboard, by the time i had been using it and had gotten used to it. (used to use the old macbook new one is so much better)

I can't return it (out of the 28 days return) is there a way to upgrade the keyboard so i can have it backlit without selling this on and buying a new one for £200 more !! .....

Could i take it to an apple fix it shop and see if they will upgrade or can i... do it my self??

cheers guys

**ALL DAY** · 12-06-2008, 04:36 PM

You can always see what Apple will do for you in terms of an upgrade, but it would be quite resource intensive to mod it. Apple most definitely would not help you there.

**Cody Overcash** · 12-07-2008, 01:23 PM

Try a couple Apple stores -- sometimes you get lucky.

As far as upgrading the keyboard to have a backlight I don't think there is any type of easy procedure around. The entire casing and mounting points etc etc etc has changed so you would have to practically buy the entire computer in components to make it happen

**andyjoneski** · 12-07-2008, 02:50 PM

ahhh right cheers guys !! I thought about going to apple because i haven't had it long, well its over 28 days now obviously !! hmm ok

**ALL DAY** · 12-07-2008, 07:14 PM

Still worth a try. And isn't the return period only 14 days without AppleCare?

**Alperovich** · 12-07-2008, 07:22 PM

i wouldn't mind having a backlit keyboard either.. There has to be a way to mod this, wasn't there a way to do it on the old macbooks??

**Chase817** · 12-14-2008, 09:08 PM

It would be so sweet to be able to to it on a WhiteBook!

**sziklassy** · 12-15-2008, 01:20 AM

The backlit keys are really the main reason I got my 2.4 (well that and the peppier processor)

Would be neat seeing a mod but as Cash said, it would probably cost more in parts to do this mod (and a possible voiding of any warranties) than to just sell the one you have and BUY the upper model. That and you get a 20% increase in processor speed, so it wouldn't be just money spent on the keyboard

**mikerlx** · 02-21-2009, 07:32 PM

I will be getting a white macbook but I enjoy my 17 powerbook and its backlit keyboard so i guess i have the best of both worlds

**JStraitiff** · 02-21-2009, 08:34 PM

it is impossible to type on a macbook black in the dark

i would love a backlit keyboard

**mikerlx** · 03-02-2009, 10:41 AM

I saw a guy on youtube do this mod and it was by using a macbook air assembly but he cautioned almost destroying his macbook in the process. I say just resell and upgrade to a backlit one unless your gifted in the tech department.

**benztech55amg** · 01-22-2010, 03:48 PM

While I definitely agree that upgrading a 2.0GHz Al MacBook with a backlit keyboard is usually not cost efficient, I find myself in a position to do so regardless.

My laptop has suffered a liquid spill, resulting in the click function on the trackpad not working and leaving the keys sticky. The computer itself runs fine, and I've been using a USB mouse in the meantime.

I'm about to order a new top case to get things back to normal and was wondering if the backlit model will work. I know the logic board has the plug for it (have already disassembled everything), but I was wondering about the software side of things. Anyone know if the OS picks this thing up automatically and allows for the dimming and ambient light functions?

I'm already going to be spending money on a case, and the unit is out of warranty (and in pieces on my desk) so in this case it really wouldn't be out of the question to try this in terms of cost. I would kind of hate to spend the extra for the backlight only to have the OS not allow it to function, though.

Any thoughts?

-Ant.

**kazzaf** · 02-10-2010, 12:22 AM

The backlight Keyboard will work.

see link
MacBook Unibody (Model No. A1278) Upper Case (Backlit) (661-4944) - iFixit

**Alperovich** · 02-11-2010, 10:27 PM

damn $300. any cost effective solutions?

**millermil121** · 05-25-2010, 09:19 PM

Still worth a try

**[email protected]** · 05-04-2011, 05:15 AM

yes. you can just stick on your keyboard fluorescent stickers and there is no need to do any mods.

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