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Does the Dell Latitude e 5540 have a backlit keyboard option for typing in the dark?
I am about to purchase the Dell Latitude e 5540 from a vendor in Ikeja. Because I work late into the night during power outages having a backlit keyboard is an absolute necessity for me. The vendor claims it does not have it. Did Dell manufacture this specific model with a backlit keyboard option and can I just buy a replacement backlit keyboard to swap into the laptop myself?
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3 days agoThe vendor is likely telling the truth about that specific unit but is misinformed about the model overall. The Dell Latitude e 5540 absolutely did have a backlit keyboard option from the factory. Because Latitude laptops are highly customizable for massive corporate orders some companies paid extra for the backlit keyboard while others saved money by ordering the standard non backlit version. The unit the vendor is selling simply happens to be the cheaper standard version. You can easily verify this by looking at the right arrow key or the F10 key; if it lacks the small blue or white illumination icon printed on it the keyboard is not backlit.
josh
3 days agoFortunately the Dell Latitude e 5540 is incredibly modular and you can easily upgrade it yourself. You can buy a genuine Dell backlit replacement keyboard for the E5540 from Computer Village or AliExpress for about 10,000 to 15,000 Naira. However before you buy the keyboard you MUST remove the current keyboard and inspect the motherboard. Lift the keyboard out and look near the main keyboard ribbon cable slot. You should see a secondary smaller connector slot labeled "BL" or "Backlight". Almost all E5540 motherboards have this slot even if they shipped with a standard keyboard. If the slot is there simply buy the backlit keyboard plug the main ribbon and the smaller backlight ribbon into the motherboard and you will have flawless typing in the dark.
josh
3 days agoI bought the exact same model and swapped the keyboard myself. It took 5 minutes. You just use a flathead screwdriver to pop off the plastic trim around the keyboard and unscrew four screws. Very easy DIY fix.
josh
3 days agoThe backlit keyboard on the Dell Latitudes is fantastic. It has four levels of brightness you can control by pressing Fn and the Right Arrow key. It is a lifesaver during night shifts when the generator goes off.
josh
3 days agoMake sure the replacement keyboard you buy is the US English layout. Some vendors sell UK or European layouts where the Enter key is shaped differently and the @ symbol is in the wrong place which is very annoying for typing.