itsjustme From United States of America, joined Apr 2004, 2765 posts, RR: 11 Posted (9 months 3 weeks 22 hours ago) and read 1689 times:
I am looking for a laptop (non Apple product) that has a back lit keyboard. I know they exist but I am curious if anyone has one and if you would recommend it. I'm looking for something with a decent sized HD and RAM (500gb or so and at least 4gb RAM) and an average sized screen (14"). And, I'd like to keep the cost under $700. I don't know if that's realistic or not. Anyone? Thanks in advance.
ajd1992 From UK - England, joined Jul 2006, 2645 posts, RR: 6 Reply 1, posted (9 months 3 weeks 17 hours ago) and read 1637 times:
I'll be honest, I've never seen a laptop that isn't Apple with one. You can get keyboards (for a desktop) that are backlit but I don't know how much they cost.
aloges From Germany, joined Jan 2006, 8357 posts, RR: 47 Reply 2, posted (9 months 3 weeks 16 hours ago) and read 1608 times:
I think Lenovo offers some laptops with backlit keyboards, but their website is such a horrible mess that I can't say with any certainty which models those are. Take a look at the Y480 and Y580, maybe you'll have better luck than I did.
Apart from that, you could of course run Windows on a MacBook Pro, a used one might fit right into your budget and the older models are much easier to modify anyway. Your hardware requirements indicate that you don't need the latest and greatest machine, so buying used might be your best option whatever you choose.
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CXfirst From Norway, joined Jan 2007, 2697 posts, RR: 1 Reply 4, posted (9 months 3 weeks 15 hours ago) and read 1580 times:
Many laptops have backlit keyboards.
Mine has one, its the Toshiba Z835-00G Portege (Ultrabook).
I do like it, however, it isn't something that would be a deciding factor for me, just an added benefit.
As for $700 range, I don't know what would be best, although, I do tend to recommend ultrabooks. Lighter, often better battery life, quieter, faster start up. Only a few drawbacks, small hard drive (I bought a 1TB portable hard drive, and even if I bring that with me, the total weight is less than ordinary laptops), and of course price, but they're getting better in value every day it seems.
ajd1992 From UK - England, joined Jul 2006, 2645 posts, RR: 6 Reply 7, posted (9 months 3 weeks 8 hours ago) and read 1454 times:
Quoting Dreadnought (Reply 3): I have a 2 year old Dell Latitude that has a backlit keyboard. It's been around a good while.
That would explain it then, I have had.... "questionable dealings" with Dell I don't even consider their laptops now because of it but you learn something new every day!
johnkrist From Sweden, joined Jan 2005, 1340 posts, RR: 5 Reply 10, posted (9 months 2 weeks 5 days 22 hours ago) and read 1265 times:
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Most laptop manufacturers offer backlit keyboards, some models as standard, and some as an upgrade. $700 might be on the low side if you want a backlit. My Dell precision and HP Elitebook both got backlit keyboards. I would never buy a laptop without it, but I work a lot on trains and planes, and I do like my office dark
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Longhornmaniac From United States of America, joined Jun 2005, 3094 posts, RR: 48 Reply 11, posted (9 months 2 weeks 5 days 22 hours ago) and read 1261 times:
itsjustme From United States of America, joined Apr 2004, 2765 posts, RR: 11 Reply 12, posted (9 months 1 week 5 days 14 hours ago) and read 1033 times:
Thanks to all who responded. I looked at each of the suggestions and have decided to hold off until my current laptop truly needs replacing. At the end of the day, I just can't rationalize spending several hundred bucks on a new machine just to have a backlit keyboard. Will continue to use a USB lamp. Thanks again for your input.
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From United States of America, joined Apr 2004, 2765 posts, 
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I don't even consider their laptops now because of it but you learn something new every day! 
From Sweden, joined Jan 2005, 1340 posts, 
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