Does Anyone Still Have Their iBook G4?

[ElDiabloConCaca]

The keys wearing off was a hotly-discussed issue when the iBook G4s were popular.

Some speculate that chemicals seem to wear the keys off faster than normal, and it was suggested to:

1) Not use lotions, creams or cleaners on your hands, as the chemicals in those products can accelerate the wear and tear of the ink on the keys. I think this was key in determining how long it took before the keys wore off -- lotions and creams being the worst offenders possible.
2) Wash your hands before using the computer -- natural human skin oil (compounded with dirt) accelerates the deterioration of the ink on the keys as well.
3) Clean your keyboard with only a damp, soft cloth; no cleaners or Windex allowed.

[Amie]

ElDiabloConCaca,

Thank you for your reply! I was using a lot of hand sanitizer and lotions, so maybe that's my culprit. I actually had thought of that possibility, but then I thought, "Nah, that wouldn't make that much of an impact." Maybe I was wrong. Ever since this keyboard replacement, I've been extra careful: I don't use lotions or hand sanitizers before using my iBook, and I always wash my hands before that first keystroke. I want this keyboard to last!

I do have one question, though: You mentioned only cleaning the keyboard with a "damp cloth." What about Nice 'n' Clean Anti-Static cleaning wipes? I've been using that product for years - on my LCD screen and my keyboard as well as the exterior of my laptop. This product is specifically designed to clean laptop screens and keyboards, so I'm assuming it's safe. What are your thoughts on this? An anti-static cloth dampened with water just doesn't cut it. I've used that before and it doesn't clean the keyboard properly nor get all the streaks off the screen.

[simbalala]

This may sound silly but I keep a bottle of talcum powder and a rag near my machine. My hands can get a bit sweaty and the touchpad is easier to use when my fingers don’t stick.

Also, I know that no one else ever eats when they’re at their keyboard but I do, a little talcum powder and a wipe with the towel helps me keep the keys cleaner. White keycaps are hard enough to keep clean anyway.

[Viro]

Originally Posted by simbalala

My hands can get a bit sweaty

Sweaty hands when using a laptop? Hmm. Do you wanna tell us why?

[nixgeek]

Originally Posted by Viro

Sweaty hands when using a laptop? Hmm. Do you wanna tell us why?

Maybe it's just really hot where he is.


...Fresh!....

[Amie]

Originally Posted by Viro

Sweaty hands when using a laptop? Hmm. Do you wanna tell us why?

LMAO!

Hmm ... I do believe that's a topic for a different kind of forum.

[pds]

My iBook is still churning away, now the property of my daughter. The letters aren't wearing off any more than they might - she touch-types at around 85 wpm.

The thing I do struggle with is the charger. We are on the third opening and resealing of the little no-longer-so-white box (it always shorts out at the same place, you know where). I don't know what I'd do if I couldn't get junker charger tails from Mr Apple here.

Last week my MacBook gave up at the same point, and I feel like the connector side is stressing out too.

I don't know, but I think these kinds of problems could give anyone sweaty palms

[Amie]

I've never had any problems with my charger - and I'm still using the original.