Computer hardware help?

[contradictacat.livejournal.com]

I've finally decided to get my laptop fixed, so who can you recommend for fixing a almost 6-year-old laptop (IBM T40) with a 'fan error'? I've heard good things about Microcenter...any corroborating stories? Any other suggestions? Thanks!

T-accessible is nice, but not 100% necessary (as in Microcenter is a little far, but not impossible).

Comments

[ron_newman]

I tagged this entry. Check earlier posts with this tag.

[wallacestreet.livejournal.com]

It will certainly be easier and cheaper to buy a gently used laptop in working condition than to have an old one, particularly a 6-year-old one repaired. Try craigslist (but watch out for stolen laptops).

Same advice

[nvidia99999.livejournal.com]

With labor and parts, it'll be at least $300 to fix the old one, depending on what's wrong with it.

[i-custard.livejournal.com]

Microcenter is great for repairs or buying a new one. I can't tell you about prices, but they were so helpful when I had to buy a new one with very little money after my 6 year old one died.

That said, I have something for you to try, just bear with me. I never had a 'fan error' message on mine, but with my old laptop it decided not to turn on one day. I spent alot of time just looking at it trying to figure out what was wrong. I noticed that there was a ton of dust in the fan on the side. I blew into it to get the dust out, pressed the on button, and the thing turned on! If I had ever doubted the 'blow on your electronics if they stop working thing', I don't doubt it any longer. Try it!

[i-custard.livejournal.com]

Also, I know this may be obvious but it didn't occur to me at my last job until I was telling a coworker about my broken laptop. If you work in an office with IT support, they may look at your computer for free to tell you what is wrong with it.

[jamiesquared.livejournal.com]

I just did that. My moms computer got a terrible virus and we almost lost all the photos. I took the hard drive into work and the IT people got all the images for me.

[prunesnprisms.livejournal.com]

a 6 year old t40? Good luck.

[ronhaha108.livejournal.com]

I work for IBM, unfortunately not the division that does thinkpads (that's over in china now anyway -- lenovo) anyway, I can tell you every t40 and t42 that me and my co-workers have had have seen this issue, of course, being IBM we send them into be fixed it's free the good thing is that they turn it around in a day or so (and that is pretty standard). I would call IBM's hardware support to get an estimate, I don't believe it would be as expensive as you'd think.

[m00n.livejournal.com]

Have you physically verified that there is a problem with the fan? I.e. can you hear or see the fan spinning when the machine is turned on?

If so, if you'd be willing to buy the part (probably you would have to call IBM and get them to ship it to you or find the part number and search for it online) I would be willing to do the actual repair for you.

I actually used to be one of those people at CompUSA that fixed computers and take it from me: I wouldn't bring my own machine there. The technicians themselves are fairly knowledgeable people and generally do know how to fix whatever's wrong with your machine, but the reward-for-work systems these stores use generally encourages sloppy work since the emphasis is *entirely* on how many machines you turn around in a given period of time, rather than on overall customer satisfaction.

[masswich.livejournal.com]

I had heard bad things about Microcenter (not corroborated but enough to worry me) and I took my computer to Blue Angel (I think that's the name) in the Harvard Vanguard building. Its kind of a strange looking place, sharing a store with a cell phone store and lots of signs and old software hanging around. The person who does the repairs there is a little bit of an odd duck who sometimes talks a bit too much (I think his name is Peter.) It took a long time to fix the computer but I'll give him credit - the price was good and then he helped me out for free when I needed some drivers reinstalled after I reinstalled Windows XP.

So in brief, if you have some time and are willing to deal with eccentricity, I think its worth a try.

Angeltronics

[lizzyclean.livejournal.com]

Actually, they are called Angeltronics. And the guy's name is indeed Peter.
And yes, he can be an odd duck because he has Asperger's (he told me) and can take awhile to fix your computer. On the other hand, I've brought my computer there about 5 times and a few of the times the repairs were very speedy. My tactic was to politely call him every day and check up on it.
Anyway, he always does a good job for a very fair price. I spilled wine on my laptop once and Microcenter told me to just buy a new computer. Peter scoffed at that and fixed my computer for only $200. AND threw in some security software, etc. He also recently fixed my fan.
My roommate and another friend have also successfully had computers repaired by him before. So, aside from the occasional oddness, I recommend him highly.
Oh yeah, and he'll diagnose the problem for free and give you a quote so you can decide before you leave it with him.
Good luck!

I'm Peter @ Angeltronic

[nvidia99999.livejournal.com]

I talk too much? Thank you very much, I'll remember this next time you come over with your laptop! :)








PS. I'm joking, of course.