Possible to remove a laptop keyboard for use as external? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Radio Monk33 · 04-17-2008, 07:13 PM

Hey guys, I have an old laptop ready for the scrap heap...and I was thinking about disassembling it for parts/fun as it has just about no value.

I was wondering if I could remove the inset laptop keyboard and put it on some sort of housing to use as a USB keyboard? I do like the feel of the keys and would help me in the recycling.

Also, on a related note..anything else that I might be able to re-use?

This is the POS in question. Screen works if I can remove it and use it for something else. Too bad the HD is only 20 gigs.
http://www.toshiba.ca/web/product.gr...23&product=874

Willravel · 04-17-2008, 07:17 PM

Have you started taking it apart yet?

Radio Monk33 · 04-17-2008, 08:08 PM

Nope, not yet. Why?

Cynthetiq · 04-17-2008, 08:18 PM

turn it into a photoframe

http://www.grynx.com/projects/laptop...-wall-walltop/

http://www.popsci.com/diy/article/20...al-photo-frame

biznatch · 04-18-2008, 10:28 AM

Yeah, the most useful thing in there wouldn probably be the screen... and it could have some different uses. I'm not too sure without looking it up, but as Cyn said, a photo frame, maybe even a portable TV? like one of those monitors that go in cars? I don't think the rest of the part's will get you much, even the processor is a bit slow..
As for the keyboard, it'd be pretty tough, IMO.

yotta · 04-29-2008, 06:49 PM

It is possible to hook the keyboard up to another computer via USB. How is the question. If the keyboard just uses PS/2 to talk to the laptop, then you just need to figure out which wires are which PS/2 pin and hook it up to an adapter. Otherwise, you'll have to figure out what protocol it does speak, and probably use a microcontroller to connect it to USB. The latter requires circuitry and programming knowledge.

04-17-2008, 07:13 PM	#1 (permalink)
Radio Monk33 Psycho	Possible to remove a laptop keyboard for use as external? Hey guys, I have an old laptop ready for the scrap heap...and I was thinking about disassembling it for parts/fun as it has just about no value. I was wondering if I could remove the inset laptop keyboard and put it on some sort of housing to use as a USB keyboard? I do like the feel of the keys and would help me in the recycling. Also, on a related note..anything else that I might be able to re-use? This is the POS in question. Screen works if I can remove it and use it for something else. Too bad the HD is only 20 gigs. http://www.toshiba.ca/web/product.gr...23&product=874 __________________ "Punk rock had this cool, political personal message. It was a bit more cerebral than just stupid cock rock, you know" -Kurt Cobain

04-17-2008, 08:08 PM	#3 (permalink)
Radio Monk33 Psycho	Nope, not yet. Why? __________________ "Punk rock had this cool, political personal message. It was a bit more cerebral than just stupid cock rock, you know" -Kurt Cobain

04-17-2008, 08:18 PM	#4 (permalink)
Cynthetiq Tilted Cat Head Administrator Location: Manhattan, NY	turn it into a photoframe http://www.grynx.com/projects/laptop...-wall-walltop/ http://www.popsci.com/diy/article/20...al-photo-frame __________________ I don't care if you are black, white, purple, green, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, hippie, cop, bum, admin, user, English, Irish, French, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, indian, cowboy, tall, short, fat, skinny, emo, punk, mod, rocker, straight, gay, lesbian, jock, nerd, geek, Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent, driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist, either you're an asshole or you're not. What's the best nation in the world? DO-NATION!

04-18-2008, 10:28 AM	#5 (permalink)
biznatch Junkie Location: France	Yeah, the most useful thing in there wouldn probably be the screen... and it could have some different uses. I'm not too sure without looking it up, but as Cyn said, a photo frame, maybe even a portable TV? like one of those monitors that go in cars? I don't think the rest of the part's will get you much, even the processor is a bit slow.. As for the keyboard, it'd be pretty tough, IMO. __________________ Check it out: The Open Source/Freeware/Gratis Software Thread

04-29-2008, 06:49 PM	#6 (permalink)
yotta Irresponsible	It is possible to hook the keyboard up to another computer via USB. How is the question. If the keyboard just uses PS/2 to talk to the laptop, then you just need to figure out which wires are which PS/2 pin and hook it up to an adapter. Otherwise, you'll have to figure out what protocol it does speak, and probably use a microcontroller to connect it to USB. The latter requires circuitry and programming knowledge. __________________ I am Jack's signature.

04-17-2008, 07:17 PM	#2 (permalink)
Willravel ... a sort of licensed troubleshooter.	Have you started taking it apart yet?