How much can u take apart a t42 without losing warranty?

[Sci-Clone]

Im just curious, the subject says it all

[red_dragon]

i'd like to know this also...what parts can you change and upgrade without voiding things?

[GomJabbar]

My first answer is the battery and the optical drive.

But because I wasn't sure you would appreciate my humor, I have some more in-depth information. In This Page, look in the far right column. There is a number 1, number 2, or a letter N. These mean:

Note: Field Replacement Units (FRU) that are identified in the CRU column by 1 or 2 are Customer Replaceable Units.

***** Each FRU is available for all types or model, unless specific types or models are specified.
***** A CRU (Customer Replaceable Units) is identified 1 or 2 in the CRU ID column. 1 means that the part is a Tier 1 CRU; 2 means that the part is a Tier 2 CRU. An N in the CRU ID column means that the part is not a CRU.
----------* Tier 1 CRU:
-------------+ No tools required.
-------------+ A coin or a thumb screw is acceptable.
-------------+ Minimal technical expertise is required.
-------------+ Minimal problem determination is required-less than 5 minutes.
----------* Tier 2 CRU:
-------------+ Up to 4 screws or fasteners have to be removed.
-------------+ Some technical experience is required.
-------------+ IBM Support Center assistance may be used.
-------------+ Problem determination can be done by customer, either on site or with IBM Support Center assistance.

[jdhurst]

That is a tough question. If you know what you are doing, have thermal compound at your fingertips, the screw kit with covers (just in case), you could take the machine apart completely. So long as you can reassemble it properly (and they can be reassembled properly), then your warranty is intact. It takes a lot of skill to do what I just said, so use caution.

I have taken my T41 apart enough to replace the CPU. Since this voids warranty, I spoke with the dealer, and they said: Keep the old CPU and put it back in if you need motherboard service and your warranty will be fine. It was back subsequently for a case repair (warranty) and I had no problems.

Caution: I deal with an IBM Gold Partner in Greater Toronto, and have done for twenty years, so we deal with each other on a friendly, professional and respectful relationship. Not everyone has such a vendor.

... JD Hurst

[Sci-Clone]

Ok so I originally started this thread. I was lucky enough to have the pleasure to completly desassemble the laptop. Well, I did not take appart the LCD screen, I took it out, but not appart. Every single screw on the laptop (not counting the ones on the LCD) were removed. It is glorious in there. Im a computer engineer so I love these things. I put all of it back together and had it serviced yesterday under warranty. I do not encourage this kind of behavior and Im not proud of it but desperate times required desperate actions.
Must say though... it is a beautiful piece of engineering. If u r gonna do it, ENJOY! But be careful

[egibbs]

I put all of it back together and had it serviced yesterday under warranty.

I have to wonder - was the servicing required as a result of your vivisection or in spite of it...

I've had my T20 apart many times, starting with a coffee spill a week after I got it. Haven't done the T42p yet because there has been no reason, but I wouldn't hesitate. You are right, they are very nicely engineered pieces of machinery and very pleasing to work with.

Ed Gibbs