z61t system board corroded- how did THAT happen? **Pictures

[jmango]

hello all- (please excuse me in advance, im a total novice....)

I purchased my z61t (9442-89U) in aug 07 as a rush purchase (first thinkpad)- 3 year warranty, no thinkpad protection (i didnt know!!!). I extended the warranty for an additional year this past aug (it has proved quite useful).

A few weeks ago i noticed that the adapter would no longer reliably bring power to the computer- i had to wiggle the connector piece around to find the exact spot where power would get through and the charging light would turn on. Over time, it became more and more difficult to find the "sweet spot", and all that wiggling eventually caused the screw right below the connection point to fall out. I sent it in- and was told that the system board is corroded, and that they could replace it for $950, or send it back to me un-repaired. I had them take pictures of the damage (I would post them, but no idea how to host photos?! to my eyes the board just looks dusty- lol), and the laptop is now on its way back to me.

I was a bit upset- The techs insinuated that i spilled something on it- but I am always super careful- never a spill or drop!! They also suggested that it could be caused by humidity.....? (The day after it arrived- I left for uganda and stayed 10 months...) What causes corrosion? (just so i know for future reference) Am I right in assuming that although the system is running- it is a ticking time bomb?

I had planned to use this laptop until summer 2012 (3+1+1 year warranty) Is it worth it to source a system board? Where should I look, and how much should these items cost (and is a refurb safe?)? finances are super tight right now - over $300 and i may just get a used x series or similar and put my hard drive in it as a temporary solution until the end of the school year (HATE cheap feeling netbooks etc). My younger brother would be able to install the system board for me (he has upgraded my ram and hard drive- for this he would use "the manual") but perhaps this is a job for a pro? Would replacing the system board void the warranty in place?

thanks so much for your help, i am totally lost!

[Harryc]

You can PM me if you want to. I can host your pictures. I found a good replacement board for you at a reasonable price from a reputable seller - http://www.laptopaid.com/motherboards/i ... 42a66.html
OTOH, you may want to try just replacing the DC jack. It is a couple of dollar item on EBay.
http://cgi.ebay.com/New-IBM-THINKPAD-T6 ... 19be6f169e

[Harryc]

Here are your pics. My first impression is mold due to a moist climate. It is possible none of that is related to your power jack issue.

[RealBlackStuff]

That looks very much like weather-/climate-influence.
Laptops that were hit by "Katrina" looked almost identical.
If you have to work in such a moist environment, you'd be better off with a Panasonic Toughbook (or get a company-issued laptop, it's their problem then ).

[jmango]

Thank you so much for the comments thus far. Harryc, you have been an invaluable resource, I simply cannot thank you enough for your kindness!

I was also wondering if the problem that I sent the computer to the depot for was actually a power jack problem, and they just happened to come across the corrosion. I am waiting with baited breath to read the paperwork that comes back with the laptop, to see if a more detailed explanation of their thought process is given.

As of this moment, I plan to buy both the system board and the DC jack. I will call lenovo in the morning to make sure that replacing the system board myself will not cause any warranty issues down the line.

how awful is it that the laptop that I thought i was "babying' looks like i came through hurricane territory.......!! I was in Uganda for study abroad, and although I go back every 1.5 years or so, those are much shorter trips (though next time, I will try to contact the IBM service center in Kampala and see what their opinion is)

[billp117]

I would not invest any substantial effort, time, or money in this unit. The corrosion is also known as JUNGLE ROT. This is very typical in moist climates. During the Viet Nam war...the super reliable Motorola two way radios would be lucky to last six months. You need a Military grade specification for water and fog if you were to use a product in that scenario.

My recommendation is to find a used Z61t and keep your old unit for parts. My guess you can find something comparable for about $300. Just about any laptop will get Jungle Rot except for the Tough Book or similar ruggedized unit.

You also might consider checking out how to dehumidify and store the future laptop in a plastic water-tight enclosure. Even a pelican case would be of some help.

But for now...your unit is TOAST and will only get worse. If you replace the motherboard you still have other parts that have been damaged and you would need to reuse them...not a good idea. Perhaps just replace the DC connector as Harry recommended. eBay has some used units for $250-$350...Buy it Now.

Sorry…good luck

[lead_org]

Did you ever took the laptop to your oversea trips in equatorial regions?

[RealBlackStuff]

Read the first post.
He took it to Uganda...

[jmango]

Read the first post.
He took it to Uganda...

Im a she

Laptop arrived today. I expected to see some detailed documentation/summary of what they did/saw..........nada. Just a piece of paper with a check mark noting that it was sent back un-repaired b/c I did not authorize the billable work.

There is no more "wiggle" to the connector- but it also was not replaced- so even with manipulation of the power cord, I am not getting any power to the computer at all now. In addition, there is a piece of of the computer missing! There is a hole on the right corner of the machine just above the USB ports where no hole previously existed! I guess there was a cover or space saver there or something before? (there is one of those push in latches next to the hole) In any case, I am going to take a pic and send it to the head of my case at lenovo. sigh.....

In addiction to the dc jack piece, my bro suggested getting a docking station (since they can be had extremely cheaply- $30) to use as another way to get power to the machine- Im willing since its so inexpensive- thoughts? I think that will be the end of my investment in this machine, per advice.

[billp117]

As I said...replace the Z61t. Your unit unfortunating looks like a "SINK HOLE". The jungle rot is terminal.

That said...I would escalate your complaint about the poor reassembly of your laptop. Ask to speak to a manager.

I good used Z61t or T60/T61 will get you back in operation and will be rot free. I found that Uganda has humidity in the range up to 85%. When you take the ThinkPad into a cool room you will have a problem with condensation building up inside the unit.

The dock may or maynot make your ThinkPad operate. Again...just more money going into the hole. Bite the bullet and replace the unit. Getting any kind of warranty repair to make it run just will not happen with Lenovo. But, you can always try. Some people feel they can always repair a ThinkPad. It is up to you to know when to walk away.

Good luck...

[lead_org]

For these regions of the world where you are constantly outdoor and during the wet seasons, it is better that you get a Toughbook or any fully ruggedised laptop.

[jmango]

well, i called lenovo.....they want me to send the computer back to them for the missing pc card slot cover.....sigh.....so I'm waiting for a box. (its their money.......) right now the computer runs via battery.

my relatives in uganda are laughing at me from their macbook pros yet again.....(I had my thinkpad with me at a uni there- did not take it with me to the village/outside for long periods/anything like that)

Meanwhile, ive started looking at t series and x series machines as a temporary replacement (or maybe an older model carbon fiber/magnesium chassis vaio)- ideally id like to go smaller/lighter. The machines on the IBM certified pre-owned website look the most promising so far http://www-304.ibm.com/shop/americas/we ... &langId=-1 )....but thats a topic for another thread.....


thanks so much for your guidance everyone

[jmango]

Just a quick update

-after many phone calls back and forth, i got my computer back from lenovo (for the missing card slot cover thingy) and they apparently replaced the entire palm rest (incl touch pad and buttons) and the fingerprint reader......though I have no idea why. the new fingerprint reader is now larger than the old one as well. However, the space saver for that slot is still missing....instead, there is a "flap" there now, and its grey, not black. hmm. also, my new touchpad buttons are louder than my old ones

- I did end up getting a docking station, and its working as Id hoped. Just a temporary fix until I pick a new machine. My parents gifted laptop money to me for xmas, so I want to wait for the new sandybridge stuff if I can, and see how prices change. I may choose one that is compatible with this dock or go with something else entirely (14in thin/light- edge e420s, t400s.t410s, asus ul line, asus u line, fujitsu lifebook etc)

cheers