t42 problem

[rayman]

Thanks to you guys for my previous question on what was wrong with my t42 (my motherboard was flexed too much if you missed that post). So now, I need to move on from here. It's not under warranty and I definitely don't want to send it back to IBM and have them charge me $495 for it just to break a few months from now again (it's a two year old laptop anyway).

My laptop runs still (I am on it as I am typing now). It's just that if i move it or touch it weird, it'll freeze. Would it be cost-effective to buy a new motherboard and put it in myself, or should I just buy a used laptop, leaving me with no clue what to do with this one. I know these are all pretty stupid questions, but I was hoping someone on here would happen to know a price range for it/complexity of changing the motherboard.

thanks all in advance

[crazyfrog]

Get the FPU no. of the motherboard in hand, and try to find a replacement on ebay. I believe it will cost much less than $495 from IBM.

If you don't have confidence in handling the swap, try to sell your T42 as faulty and buy another one.

[underclocker]

Exactly as crazyfrog said.

Replacing the system board is detailed work, but many of us have done if before...successfully. The IBM Hardware Maintenance Manual steps you through removal and replacement of every screw.

However, you could sell it on this board for about $200-$300 less than a working unit is worth, for someone else to fix.

You could then buy new or eBay or IBM Certified Used, even - http://geobay.com/de19be (these come with a limited warranty).