Recently the keyboard on my three-year-old Dell Latitude CPx (P3-650, 256MB, ATI Rage Mobility 8MB, 20GB, Red Hat 9) decided to stop working. Specifically the F6, 8, I, K, comma, Page Up, and Page Down keys stopped working. I've been using it with an external keyboard for a few days.

So after exchanging a few nasty emails with Dell Support, they are actually sending someone out to me to fix it. The tech called me earlier today and he is waiting for the replacement keyboard to show up.

Amazing, all the evil things I've heard about Dell support, and they're actually coming through for me. The only mysterious part is this: I have 28 days left in my extended service contract. Don't parts usually fail right AFTER the warranty expires?

Update 6/3 7:17 pm: The technician came by, swapped out my keyboard with a brand spanking new one, did it in about 10 minutes much to my surprise, and after he let me test it to make sure I was satisfied, off he went. Now my only problem is my keyboard looks new, but the rest of my laptop's outer shell doesn't.

Will someone please tell me what the appeal is of these blogs? Why do people feel the need to share their innermost thoughts and feelings with the whole world? Who reads blogs besides maybe their close friends or family? I don't get it. Update: I'm not anti-blog per se, I just really want to know what people see in them.