[sn00py]

I have a 7230 and would like to have the numbered keys stand out from the rest, as with 7290 model.

Is there a place where I could get the keyboard or is there a different solution to this?

thank you

[VidGameKing]

Isn't the physical size, and shape of the buttons different on the 7290 than on the older models? I know the buttons on the 7280 are physically smaller around than the ones on the 7290.

[finch]

Correct, you'll need a housing as well as the 7290 are different in shape and size then the 7280.

Originally Posted by VidGameKing

Isn't the physical size, and shape of the buttons different on the 7290 than on the older models? I know the buttons on the 7280 are physically smaller around than the ones on the 7290.

[sn00py]

So the only solution would be to draw lines over the numeric buttons? :D

I'm seriouosly considering it.

[VidGameKing]

What you could do, is: remove your keyboard, and give it to a friend who is REALLY REALLY REALLY talented at air-brushing and have him/her put highlights on those buttons. If the guy/gal was good, I imagine it would look pretty snazzy!

Or you could use a "sharpie" marker and do it yourself. But I think the ink would wear away and you'd have to constantly be touching it up. That and the ink in a permanent marker might corrode the plastic sufface of the button and decresse the life of those buttons.

Or, you could "aquire" a busted/broken 7290 and simply exchange the faceplate and keyboard all together! I'm pretty sure that would work. But it may not be the most cost-effective sollution. And you'd end up with a half black, half blue unit, and that would look pretty tacky. You could use the black battery cover and that would make it look more "custom" but still it may not look very nice.

[sn00py]

i used a sharpie after my last post. it looks tacky enough now.

i'm gonna start looking for the busted 7290 now... haha

[sn00py]

I found this link to get housing for BBs:

http://www.promobility.net/html/blackberryparts.shtml

but before I go any further, I want to know if the 7290 housing is compatible with the 7230.

Anybody know?

[VidGameKing]

$63 bucks to change out the keypad! well, I guess it's still cheaper than getting a whole new 7290! I wonder if you can find a broken 7290 at that price?

The 7230 housing is the same on a 7280 right? I've got some 7280s here at work, I can check and see if it would work.

[VidGameKing]

Originally Posted by sn00py

i used a sharpie after my last post. it looks tacky enough now.

Aheam! "told-you-so!!" well, anyways, got pics? I'd like to see the job you did!

[sn00py]

Voila!

[stu28bu]

Why don't use try something like Automotive Touch Up Paint. Usually the stuff they have at Autozone even has a Pen-like tip on one end. Do a couple of coats and you might even get a tactile feel to the buttons.

[sn00py]

hey, that doesn't sound like a bad idea.

by the way, the sharpie will wear off very soon. the mess I made is already fading with a few uses.

[VidGameKing]

that actually look pretty cool!