My laptop's backspace key has been not quite right for a few days and this morning it completely came off and pressing it back into place wouldn't work... the hinge part underneat is kinda broken. After a lot of manipulating and following online directions, I've got it *kind of* back on, but it's REALLY loose and it's kind of annoying to have to make sure I'm pressing dead centre to make it work properly... any other suggestions?? Would using a bit of glue be a terrible idea?

Yes. Don't use glue on a laptop keyboard. It would be easier to take it somewhere to get it replaced. The part is not expensive.

Yeah I phoned the computer repair place near my house and they said they'd most likely have to replace the whole keyboard because they probably wouldn't have a match for just one key (which is okay because there's a couple of other keys that are a bit loose but don't bother me as much 'cause I hardly use them) but they said $100-$150 for that.

Like when your left turn indicator doesn't work, you can still make a left by executing three right hand turns.

In a bind, you could highlight and click delete(cut). A little extra work, but it accomplishes the same end result.

Edit (PS: Is this the same lappie your brother fixed the power cord on?)

Yeah there are still ways to delete text, it's just a little annoying when I'm on a roll typing and hit it without thinking.

No, it's not the same laptop... the one with the problematic backspace key is my newer one that I use full time. The other one was an old one that I just needed to get into to get some files.

It shouldn't cost anywhere near that much...even with labor!

Sometimes the key is just for to look nice as they say over in a 'stan somewhere, Have you tried just pressing on the contact point without the key in place? There often is a mambrane that will keep you from contacting circuitry. If no membrane, don't try. But if there is, you may get by just pushing the contact point without the key.

I have sparse knowledge of OS language but mightn't it be possible to redesignate one of your F keys to perform backspace functioning? And aren't there keypad software programs that'd allow you to have the on screen keyboard act as you want it, allowing some other key to do backspace. Sorry, that last bit may not be too helpful, but when in 'stan, do as the 'stanners do.

Buy an USB Keyboard?

I don't think any workaround is the answer ..not a long-term one anyway. A USB keyboard might be the best bet until you can get the computer's own keyboard repaired or replaced. Shop around to see who offers the best price for the job.

Yeah the repair shop mentioned a usb keyboard and since I pretty much just use the computer at home I suppose that would be fine.. and I'll take a look online for a cheap replacement and see if I can't someone to do the replacing for me, rather than a more expensive repair shop.

Thanks for the suggestions guys!

I do know how to replace laptop keyboards (I repaired laptops at one time), but it'd be a bit difficult to get your laptop to Dallas!