I bought an apple bluetooth keyboard (A1016) brand new and within a few months it went completely dead. It came time to replace the batteries and suddenly the LED light wouldn't go back on, so there's no power. The troubleshooting I've tried includes trying different types of AA batteries, hitting it with the palm of my hand and shaking it. I thought maybe there's a fuse so I removed the tiny allen screws and lifted the back off only to find a plate where a fuse would be if there was one, secured by three evil "Y"-shaped screws. I considered asking Steve Jobs if I could borrow his alien screwdriver and also tried needle-nosing them, but decided I just can't get in there. Nor can I peak underneath to see if there's a fuse to begin with.
The warranty ran out. I'm using this with my laptop so I don't get to replace the keyboard through Apple. Now I need a new extended keyboard (because I've been borrowing a reliable USB one) and it's silly to spend the money when I'm supposed to be the proud owner of perfectly new-ish over-priced one. Any ideas what I might have done to cause this or how to fix it?
If you can, I'd like to see a picture of the alien technology (I want to believe.)
i think that the battery on my ibool was held together by the same type of screws. i don't remember how i got them out. i think maybe a torx fit in there.
the controller board works, but some keys don't (I think it's a trace lead that is broken in the key sheet) Anyways, $10+S/H (i will pick the cheapest within a reasonable time) and it's yours!
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.1887 has a triwing screwdriver for opening Nintendo hardware, it sounds like the same screw. It is 95¢ with free shipping, so this should be a good price. I bought one a few days ago and just got it.
Triwings are also common on cellphones, so a cell repair retailer might also sell some.
I just used a very small flathead jeweler's screwdriver and put it in it, and turned it carefully. Was able to get them out easily
didn't even harm the screws!