catatonic t43

[sendai]

My T43 is completely unresponsive. Won't turn on, no lights, no fan, nothing. I tested the charger and it is working fine. Any guesses on what the problem is?

If it's the motherboard, where is the best place to buy a replacement?

[sjthinkpader]

Try a different SODIMM first. Remove every plugin devices such as battery, DVD drive, CDC etc and see if it boots.

[Mr. Cloud]

You can also check the contacts in the power connector to see if it's making contact. Jiggle the power plug a bit - is it very loose?

[sendai]

Thanks to both of you for the advice. I jiggled the power cable, but no dice. In any case, it fits snuggly and appears to be making good contact.

I ended up taking it to a local IBM-authorized repair place. They looked at it for $25 and determined (by swapping parts) that it was the motherboard. I guess these are my options:

1. The local place will replace the motherboard for about $375, including labor.

2. I can buy a refurb mobo and replace it myself. That will probably cost about $200.

3. Someone on this forum offered to replace the mobo for a price that is in between the above prices.

4. I can punt and buy another laptop (either new or used).