Reconditioned LCD? Returned & Ordered New!

[andyk]

Does anyone know if it's normal to get a Reconditioned LCD?

My 2378-FVU came with a stuck pixel and a dead pixel. After one week I decided I needed to get the LCD replaced. The service person scratched the cover when he was trying to remove the stickers. Then he tried to pull the LCD bezel WITHOUT removing the screws, so the little plastic hinges broke. It got better. He then broke the Bluetooth antenna (he was just trying to pull things apart by BRUTE FORCE!). I am not making any of these up.

So I asked him to stop and have somebody else do this tomorrow. The LCD that was going to go into my computer was left with me. I just looked and found it was Reconditioned.

Is it normal to get a replacement like this? The label says "Reconditioned / Renovated for IBM Corporation". Both the original and replacement are Samsung.

I am thinking about just getting the whole thing exchanged for a new one. Or wait for the second person to put things back together (with a reconditioned LCD and who knows if something else got broken)? What would you do?

Thanks.

[Skywing]

see how that one works and how he acts when he installs that stuff, if its still unacceptable, call IBM and explain the situation to them and demand reimbursment

[G-Man]

If it was my TP, the service guy would definitely get some serious [censored] kicks. I can't even understand how he can work there. It possible that he just ordered a new screen, kept it himself, and gave you a reconditioned one. G-Man's conspiracy theory... Definitely make some phone calls.

Regards,
G-Man

[Greg Gebhardt]

I opened up a brand new desktop and there was a sticker on the mother board that it was reconditioned.

It is look like new nad have the full warranty. This is how things are done.

[admsteiner]

First, if you had the computer less than 30 days you could call IBM and return it. If I had a stuck and or dead pixel within the 30 days I would return it and ask for a new one.

If the service guy did that to my laptop I'd throw a fit. Not only would I tell IBM, and not only would I send the laptop back to be replaced, but since it's within the 30 days, you should not get any reconditioned parts.

Send it back and get a brand new one.
--Adam

[T23_Owner]

Had the same thing happen to me. I had a T23 go in for service and they screwed it up royally, twice. I complained and IBM replaced it with a brand new T42p. Eventually I was satisfied. You got to complain, don't take no for an answer and be polite. If they mess it up more than once you get a new machine, if they mess it up once and fix it the second time, then no new machine. All parts will be used. IBM does not fix machines wiht new parts or so it has been my experience.

[andyk]

Thanks Skywing, G-Man, Greg, admsteiner, and T23_Owner!

I just called 877-999-7115, 1 to return the laptop. Because there was an open service reference, I didn't have to pay return shipping. Likely because I added 3 year onsite warranty, my 2378-FVU couldn't be exchanged. The nice RMA person said it was OK to return the laptop in its taken-apart state. I then ordered another 2378-FVU and also called to cancel the onsite service tomorrow.

I decided not to try my luck with a second onsite service unless necessary (if it works I'd always wonder if something else got almost broken, if it does not work I'd get another 2378-FVU anyway).

I guess I will be out of the "ThinkPad T-series Club" for at least one week.

[admsteiner]

Did you have any customizations on the laptop (RAM, warranty, etc)? If so, they wouldnt be able to do an exchange. The 2378-FVU is a thinkpad express laptop, and when I almost returned mine (warranty issue which we fixed) they told me because it was customized (512mb ram) they'd have to do a return and repurchase...

--Adam

[andyk]

Adam, thanks for the clarification. I did add 3 year onsite warranty. Perhaps that's why. I have edited my previous post.

[admsteiner]

andyk,
Glad I could help. Let us know how the new one turns out. I love my 2378-FVU

--Adam

[andyk]

Just want to report that the 2378-FVU that I ordered on 7/28 has shipped already. I have noticed several differences:

UPS Weight: 4.30 Kgs (was 4.4 Kgs)

Battery: Sony (was Sanyo)

AC Adapter: Astec (was Delta)

The previous 2378-FVU that I ordered on 7/13 has this part "93P5571 0000000 14.1 INCH LCD DISPLAY ASSEMBLY:FLAT PANE", but it's not listed in the new 2378-FVU. Not sure what it is.

The rest of parts are the same (Samsung LCD and China keyboard).

[andyk]

Got the new 2378-FVU today.

Checked twice, couldn't find any dead or stuck pixel!!!

The new Sony battery seems to fit worse. Also, this one's full charge capacity is 48.16, whereas the Sanyo I had was 50.27. Battery is something minor that can be easily remedies later on if necessary.

I didn't really notice any keyboard flex with the previous laptop. Now I know what people have been talking about. But with just two small pieces of paper towel, the new keyboard is now probably more stable than the old

The previous AC adapter came with some cosmetic scratches, whereas the new one is very clean.

The left side of palmrest still flexes, but it seems to be less squeaky than the old.

I am very very happy with the new 2378-FVU. Thanks everyone!