T42 With mobo problems - is it worth it?

[sparta.rising]

I've got a chance to purchase a T42 (not sure of exact specs) with a motherboard problem. The old flex crack from holding it with one hand. Supposedly it will turn on, but its flaky. He wants $100. What do you think? This would be to repair and resell or part out. (Possibly to give to my parents)

[Johan]

What is the M/T (model/type) of the particular T42 that you're being offered (e.g. 2373-N1G)? Also, has it been upgraded in any way - such as e.g. larger/faster harddrive, more RAM etc. - and what's its cosmetic condition, incl. keyboard? Is it looking nice, running cool (when running...) etc.? Furthermore, how's the LCD, nice and crisp or heavily scratched and with many and deep pressure marks?? Is it out-of-warranty? Does it come with an alive battery (or is this of less importance)? Would it suit your parents needs, if being fixed? [I would absolutely guess so, of course unless they are playing the newest, powerful computer-games?]

Considering that there are shops on eBay offering GPU repair for from as little as $50 and upwards, I'd say give it a second thought - of course depending on the issues asked of above.

Let's have a bit more information!

Johan

[Harryc]

Agree with Johan 100%. Depends entirely on the condition of the machine and it's current specs.

[sparta.rising]

I don't know any more specs, going to see it tonight, was just wondering what people's general opinion are.

[underclocker]

Certainly, a complete, GPU problem T42 is worth $100. Just verify the condition of all the parts. Just to get to $100, figure $30 for a 40gb 5400rpm hard drive, $25 for a 1.7GHz Dothan CPU, $20 for 512MB RAM, $25 for a G wifi adapter. Then there are quite a few parts still left; battery, ac adapter, optical drive, fan, LCD, etc.

jamiphar will fix it for $150, if you send it in complete, or $100 if you removed the mobo.

[sparta.rising]

Well, I pulled the trigger. Below is a little summary, if you care, if not, feel freeto skip this...

It is a low end T42 however. PM 1.5GHz CPU, 512MB RAM, ATI 7500, 14.1" XGA, DVD-ROM/CD-RW, 40GB 5400RPM HDD. Cosmetically its pretty good. The LCD has a bright spot smack dab in the center and the same keyboard scuffs that most T4X LCDs have (including mine). There were some paint marks on the palmrest, but a little iso-alcohol made the entire thing look new. The battery only has about 19kWhr left, but it came with an extra that I haven't tested yet. (and my extra got stolen by the defunct batteryrefill.com)

BUT it was working when I got there, and picking it up and using it while holding it one hand (waiter style, not flexing) I couldn't get it to freeze. He said putting pressure on the right side palm rest (but thats the hard drive?) caused it to freeze up... but I'm typing this post using it on my lap as we speak. I have gotten it to fail... but I wasn't paying attention so I don't know what did it. I can't seem to intentionally get it to fail... So I think I'll leave it be, pass it to the parents, and if they complain, further diagnose to confirm its a GPU problem and get it refluxed (or just order a new motherboard from Brad).

It does have a Thai keyboard... and my T43 is sitting over there with a China... but I've gotten used to my China keyboard...

[sparta.rising]

Minor update, I got it to freeze (accidently when I reached over to type on my T43) by putting pressure on the very lower corner of the left side. So that probably caused flex and made the GPU contacts to disconnect.

(Time to reformat... he factory restored but I'm anal retentive and prefer starting from OEM).