Thinkpad T420 Keyboard and Bezel flex issues

The T420 has a solid reputation and legacy, but it looks like I got a Lemon. I have had this unit repaired by EasyServe, but key issues, such as Keyboard flexing, plastics fit and finish, and general workmanship still are far below standard. Hopefully your System isn't as poorly put together as mine.

Update - Machine Was Replaced with a New Unit by Lenovo recently.

Recorded (rather hastily) on a HTC ADR6350.

• Category

  Science & Technology

[suryamp12]

I got the same bump. wth lenovo?

[dxps26]

The entire laptop was replaced by Lenovo at no cost to me, after this video was made - no issues now :)

[CXD9615GB]

My girlfriend's T420 has no problems. Hope you get this fixed dude. Got the X61s myself, bit weary of the newer Thinkpads..

[dxps26]

thankfully, the machine has been replaced with a new unit after all by Lenovo.

[medeiom]

ThinkPads especially the T420 is an outstanding piece of equipment. Unfortunately, you received some bad defects. Have you tried disputing with your credit card company? American Express stands by their customer's purchases and would refund the full amount. Then they would take that money from the merchant (Lenovo) until a reasonable resolution.

[dxps26]

Lenovo finally latched on to the situation and replaced the machine AFTER botching up repairs for a second time. It was a frustrating experience, but things worked out in the end, and they upgraded my Warranty to On-Site.

[Jacky Lo]

I got this issue for my T420s too

however, it is no longer a brand new unit, how can this issue be solved :( ?

[Jisoo Chang]

I am going to help with two of your problems.

1. Keyboard: take the keyboard apart from the laptop and flat the keyboard. The keyboard gets bent very easily because they are very thin.

2. Palm rest: when you take the keyboard out, you will see two screws above the trackpad on each right and left corner. Unscrew them, wrap the screw with tiny amount of tape and screw back. The issue is that the screw doesn't hold the palm rest even though they are all the way in.

[Gumblert]

i replying to my own post to correct a typographical error, the slight flex on the palmrest is not enough to warrant a return of the machine.

[Gumblert]

I got my T420 this week and i have absolutely no flex anywhere except slight flex on the left palmrest area but enough to warrant a return.

I also got a stuck pixel (red) on the bottom left corner of the panel but not annoying enough to return.

The mouse buttons that align to the trackpad are mushy and untacticle, unlike my x200's and external thinkpad keyboard, but not enough of any annoyance for return.

Overall the machine is solid but not perfect.

[dtashley]

Comment 3/3:

I think I will do all my own Lenovo maintenance, in general. After seeing what you went through, I'm more comfortable fixing it myself. I actually inspect things, follow torque specs, use a bit of care, etc.

I'm glad Lenovo made it right for you, though, in the end.

[dtashley]

Comment 2/3:

Your conjecture about missing screws and so on is interesting. I have a torque screwdriver, and I discovered that the screws on the bottom of the machine were torqued at the factory to far below the 0.181 N-m spec. It makes me wonder if any fasteners are missing.

I'm tempted to take the machine apart and see what is causing the palmrest bulge/flex, but since the machine is working fine I'll leave it alone for now.

(Running out of characters again.)

[dtashley]

Thank goodness for YouTube, so you can document the problem!

I have the same flex in the palm rest just below the left side of the space bar, and below the "Windows" key. However, I don't have any of your other problems. My laptop keyboard is fully usable (only the palm rest is affected), and I won't mess with it unless something fails.

(I will continue this in a separate comment--I'm running out of characters.)

[suryamp12]

damn, my warranty is running out and they're like its either user inflicted or accidental damage, both of which aren't covered in your warranty. My only regret is that I didn't buy the accidental coverage. I'm buying the new X series this fall or later. I'm glad that you got a good experience. I looks like I'm one of the few that got screwed by not purchasing the right warranty.