[nathanaaron02]

I was just noticing an ad on the Applenova forums page that stated "Keep your Powerbook keyboard and trackpad from putting marks on your screen" by purchasing this cover for your keypad/trackpad.

Is this REALLY a big deal? Is this a good idea? How in the world would it mark up your screen? It doesn't move? I realize when you close the laptop they touch, but... thoughts?

[Brad]

Huh? Where did you see this? We don't have any ads on AppleNova.

As for the item in question, these pads were only necessary for the old titanium PowerBooks because when closed the screen actually pressed against the keyboard. Over time, the dirt and oil residues that your fingers leave on the keys would transfer to the screen and leave marks.

The current aluminum PowerBooks have a thin gap so this isn't a problem any more.

[Track_40]

I bought one for my new (as yet unarrived) PB15.
It was cheap - like $20.

I guess the oils from your finger tips stay on the keyboard, and eventually transfer the imprint of they keys onto the screen. Since the sceen isn't recessed (like an IBM Thinkpad), the keys actually touch the screen when it's closed.

edit: sorry, Brad responded just before I did.

[Brad]

Track_40, you may have just wasted your money. It's a good thing that it was cheap. As I mentioned above, this isn't a problem with the current line of PowerBooks. My 12" PB has never once shown a trace from the keyboard.

[Paul]

Not a "problem", but it is still convenient to have one for cleaning the screen from time to time... This thread has a link or two to some good ones.

It is also worthwhile to note that ANY device that you buy to do this is going to be overpriced. Just hop on over to any tailor and buy a nice small patch of suitable material. Even the most fancy stuff shouldn't cost more then $5 for a square foot.

[murbot]

I would consider grabbing one of these with my next PowerBook purchase.



Keep the gribblies out. That means nacho crumbs for me, and ejaculate for most of the teenage members here.

[nathanaaron02]

Thanks Brad! I know, I started looking for it again, and was like "Where did the ads go!?!?" It must have been on the ThinkSecret site, which is how I jump over to here. Thanks!

"...and ejaculate for most of the teenage members here." - Hey, don't discriminate! Man, this had me laughing!

[Track_40]

Originally Posted by Brad Track_40, you may have just wasted your money. It's a good thing that it was cheap. As I mentioned above, this isn't a problem with the current line of PowerBooks. My 12" PB has never once shown a trace from the keyboard.

If $20 winds up being a waste for it's intended purpose, so be it. After spending almost $8000 on Apple hardware/software this past week, $20 is a fart in the wind.

At least I can use it to clean the screen with.

[chucker]

Speaking of which, is there some sort of transparency to protect a PowerBook screen (while maintaining a decent amount of brightness)?

[nathanaaron02]

At any rate, I was reading about how the "original" Powerbooks had the screen problems with oils from the keyboard, etc. making it onto the screen, causing marks. Were/are these marks permanent, or they can just be cleaned off; it's more a hassle than a permanent thing? I know this is apparently not a problem now, just curious...

[Brad]

It's just a hassle. Yes, they can be cleaned and they are not permanent.