R61i Motherboard Issue

[jhrBanker]

I'm fairly certain I need a new motherboard for my R61i (8932-A17, SN# L3-C1841), so I've spend the last few hours calling IBM/Lenovo to try to buy the part. What a nightmare! I called 10 different phone numbers and spoke with 10 different individuals, and noone could help me because the machine is out of warranty. To order the part (877-719-0841) they need an FRU#. They told me to call 800-426-7834 to get the FRU#, and then call them back. However, when I called, they told me they couldn't give me the FRU# because the machine is out of warranty. I've got to go to paid support just to get the part number that they require to order the part! Unbelievable.

I purchased my first computer from IBM (IBM XT), and have been a loyal customer since the late 1980's. They always had a reputation for building an excellent machine and providing excellent support. Those days are gone. The monitor went on my T61, now the motherboard on my R61i. I guess it's time to move on. Some friends have had excellent experiences with Toshiba, so I guess it's time to make the move myself.

[Harryc]

Product: ThinkPad R61i 8932-A17 [change]
Operating system: All [change]

Original description: Based on 8932-9WU: T5250(1.5GHz), 2GB RAM, 160GB 5400rpm HD, 15.4in 1280x800, Intel X3100, CDRW/DVDRW, Intel 802.11abg wireless, Modem, 1Gb Ethernet, UltraNav, Secure chip, Fingerprint reader, 4c Li-Ion, WinVista Business 32

The systemboard FRU# is 42W7825

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-68171

[richk]

My notes say I have one in stock, but my notes are not always right. I am out of town until next weekend. If you can wait that long, pm me over the weekend. I will certainly give you a better price than IBM.

[jhrBanker]

HarryC: Thanks for the info. Muchly appreciated.

RickK: At this point I'm so disappointed and frustrated with IBM/Lenovo I'm not sure I even want to bother fixing it, or that's it's worth it. I might just sell it for parts and be done with it. However, if you've got a motherboard let me know how much you need for it, and then I'll decide.

Thanks

[thePCxp]

I purchased my first computer from IBM (IBM XT), and have been a loyal customer since the late 1980's. They always had a reputation for building an excellent machine and providing excellent support. Those days are gone. The monitor went on my T61, now the motherboard on my R61i. I guess it's time to move on. Some friends have had excellent experiences with Toshiba, so I guess it's time to make the move myself.

You'll have better luck with Lenovo than you will with Toshiba. I'm sorry that this had to happen to you but you can't give up just because of this. This is not Lenovo's fault (It's probably their suppliers). Things just happen. I suggest that you either get a new motherboard here in the forums, or get a newer ThinkPad. They still have excellent computers and support. Those days are not gone (you should really read the Lenovo Blogs).

It just upsets me to see stuff like this, which is why I'm saying this. I had enough of this kind of stuff.

[underclocker]

Lenovo support issues aside, you're better off buying it via a forum member or eBay. It shouldn't be more than $100 used. Direct from Lenovo is probably more than the entire machine was new. Your best bet is probably to sell the R61i for parts then buy another complete working machine. If you buy another R61 or T61, you can probably just pop in your hard drive and update a few drivers.