Man I wish I knew about this website...... RE: T30 Memory

[ConchyJoe]

I just bought an T30 2366-68U on ebay. I got a pretty good deal on it until I went to stick another SODIMM in it.

Now the guy won't take it back, saying the chip, a Kingston chip, is not certified and voided the 30 day warranty he gave me.

Forget the fact that the problem is heavily documented.

Other than that, it is a sweet little laptop. I have had better luck with IBM over the years than any other brand.

I escalated the issue with ebay, referencing the posts here about the problem. Hopefully I will get my money back.

And then I will check this great website before I buy another one used.

here is a link to my problem documentation:

http://www.conchyjoe.com/at.htm

Thanks Bill! Great site.

[joecolerulz]

so you bought the chip on ebay? i recently bought a t30 aswell diff model to yours its a 2367 but so far so good , reliable etc thats all i want and IBM is well known and has a great rep thats why i chose it. Im sure you will enjoy the only thing with the t30s the heat issue therefore i elevate it and have a noteboook cooler if you have heating problems invest in a notebook cooler mate.

[tfflivemb2]

Trying to add ram to it SHOULDN'T void ANY warranty, as it is a user replaceable item...as long as you still have the original ram stick that it came with.

[ConchyJoe]

Trying to add ram to it SHOULDN'T void ANY warranty, as it is a user replaceable item...as long as you still have the original ram stick that it came with.

Yep I agree it is almost like he KNEW it was defective, so if I tried to return it for that reason, they could hide behind that. My hope is ebay will be the voice of reason.

[tfflivemb2]

Well, if eBay and/or PayPal don't help you out, then keep in mind that all is not lost....

The T30 originally max'd out at 1gb of ram, but due to BIOS updates, it can now handle 2gb of ram....SO, you can now place a 1gb stick in the first slot, and still have the original limit on the T30. 1GB isn't too shabby.

[ConchyJoe]

it can now handle 2gb of ram

You're joking, right? I looked all through the bios update info and did not find anything on that. I would happily do that. I put the current bios and embedded controller bios on it anyway.

I just don't want to buy a 1GB and it not work.....cost as much as the laptop.

Thanks for the help.

[Purcy]

I just don't want to buy a 1GB and it not work.....cost as much as the laptop.

Not always - you can find some good buys on e-bay:

sealed in package Kingston 1GB DDR2 RAM, Buy It Now for $66.90, Item number: 220091538999

EDIT: whoops, didn't see it was desktop RAM, but you can still find good prices for laptop RAM

[ConchyJoe]

Purcy,

Thanks for the heads up. I know I can, I am just kinda down on ebay right now. I really feel this guy is ripping me off. I don't want to do anything until ebay resolves the issue. If they don't, I will simply mount a campaign against him.

Thanks again.

[chug1473]

If you are good in soldering stuff, you can easily fix this memory slot problem by re-touching the first 10 pins (the side that close to the corner of the notebook) of the problem slot. You'll need a very fine tip to do that, and be careful don't heat it too much. Obviously make sure you can get refund first before trying it. Good luck.

[ConchyJoe]

If you are good in soldering stuff, you can easily fix this memory slot problem by re-touching the first 10 pins (the side that close to the corner of the notebook) of the problem slot. You'll need a very fine tip to do that, and be careful don't heat it too much. Obviously make sure you can get refund first before trying it. Good luck.

Thanks for this info Chug. After reading some of the posts, I thought about that.

The latest is he has offered to have me send it back and repair/replace the motherboard.

I don't know if I can even trust him after the way he has treated me.

What do you guys think?

Thanks again for your help and comments.

[danage]

you cannot use the proposed 1gb ddr2 memory module.

what kind of feedback does the seller have?

[ConchyJoe]

you cannot use the proposed 1gb ddr2 memory module.
what kind of feedback does the seller have?

Danage, I never did see where it supported 1GB modules, just what someone here said.

He is 97.5 and almost 3000 feedbacks.

[ronbo613]

I had the same problem with my T30. If the computer is under warranty and you can get the system board replaced, that would be the best way to go.
What do you have to lose? If he fixes it, then it's smooth sailing. If he burns you twice, there will be no question about his integrity and you should go after him.

[danage]

you can use 1gb modules, as long as it's ddr (1). sorry for the confusing statement.

speaking from experience, if your first slot is already broken, the second might get the problem soon as well. i would try and have it exchanged.

[Ex IBM Dude]

If you get it replaced simply get the update ie new memory cover and raiser clip that goes in the hdd cover .

After replacing board u need that update or you will always get the second mem slot issue with this machine (t3x)

Dont blame whoever sold u the laptop !!

blame IBM for dodgy design and not suppling update and or replacing your machine

Gl

Mike

Ps any 1 help with getting a t21 inverter in Aus swap for anyting i have .....