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I have that as part of my plan. In need of service but I don't want any stranger in my home. I don't want them at my office either. Do you think a fan replacement for an x201 could be done out on the patio or in my garage if I put a table there? Starbucks or a public library? Don't laugh or criticize as I'm serious. It entails disassembly and removal of the motherboard as the fan sits on the bottom so seems a bit complicated.

If you have used onsite service or replaced the fan yourself, I think you would be qualified to address this issue and advise me. Thanks in advance.

You can always ask, but he/she might refuse...
Or you might ask that service-person to give you the fan and beat it, and you DIY.
Replacing the fan in an X201 requires only a small Phillips #1 screwdriver, a replacement fan and some thermal paste.
The whole job should take less than 1/2 hour.

In a garage with a table and proper lighting - should be no problem.

RealBlackStuff wrote:You can always ask, but he/she might refuse...
Or you might ask that service-person to give you the fan and beat it, and you DIY.
Replacing the fan in an X201 requires only a small Phillips #1 screwdriver, a replacement fan and some thermal paste.
The whole job should take less than 1/2 hour.

This only takes less than 1/2 an hour? Seems complicated.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OvL5SAVHD4U

I have replaced the fan on both an X200 and an X200T and the X201 should be very similar. The first time took the longest at ~40 mins bc I took my time and I felt a cautious approach was best. In addition to what others have suggested- get some printing/copy paper and tape also. While you are dismantling it draw a picture of the area you are extracting the screws from, push the screws through the picture, and place a strip of tape over the screw so it does not fall out. Make sure you have the second laptop/tablet that has the HMM (Hardware Maintenance Manual) open for reference.

Remember not to put too much thermal compound on the top of the CPU as it will negate the heat transfer between CPU and fan assembly. I place a rice-grain sized dollop of Arctic Silver 5, spread it out very thin with a razor, and then place the fan assembly back on. Try not to move around the fan assembly at this point as you do not want to introduce air bubbles in the freshly applied thermal compound. Also keep in mind that it will take time for the fresh compound to settle for optimal heat transfer after you are done.

The first time you dismantle the X201 will take the longest as you it is unfamiliar. I found the second time I needed to get in (cleaning the fans) I felt more confident with the disassemble. Good luck

LemarAntwanJackson wrote: Do you thinIk a fan replacement for an x201 could be done out on the patio or in my garage if I put a table there? Starbucks or a public library?

Likely "yes" to patio/garage, definitely "no" for public library/Starbucks.

If you have used onsite service or replaced the fan yourself, I think you would be qualified to address this issue and advise me. Thanks in advance.

I've done both.

My experience with on-site service over the past decade has been nothing short of excellent, in two different states. Obviously, YMMV.

Swapping the fan is not a big deal, and you can do it yourself with some patience, small Philips screwdriver and an open HMM.

As for "strangers in the house"...what happens when you have a phone line/cable service/boiler out of order? Do you repair all of these by yourself since you don't want anyone within your quarters?

Techs who are sub-contracted by IBM to perform on-site service work on thousands of laptops in one year and are usually top-notch professionals, knowledgeable and courteous. I've met folks who have forgotten more than I'll ever know and that's not a type of compliment that I give often...

As previously stated, YMMV.