T30 system board dead...again.

[angry_monkey]

Hi,

I'm looking for suggestions/hints on possibly reviving my dead T30. I basically feel like I got a lemon here and was wondering if anyone can possibly advise on how to navigate the ibm support chain/language to use on obtaining extended service? I've searched board and seen mention of an ECA and even the suggestion that I might qualify for a replacement? As my 3 year warranty expired in like May '05 and I have power on/no POST/no beep codes I'm not sure how to prove to a combative/reluctant IBM tech that they should replace my board a fourth time.


Some background:

-2366-61U 1.6Ghz

-purchase 5/02 and has had the system board replaced under warranty no less than 3 times. First replacement it would power on but wouldn't POST, no beep codes. Second replacement was due to the second SO-DIMM slot not recognizing additonal memory. Third replacement was for power on, no POST, no beep codes.

-I don't travel a whole lot and when I do the T30 was transported in a Pelican case. I take care of my kit. Some discussion with an non-IBM shop revealed a long history of problems with these systems. Refurbished system board looks like it will cost ~$280 installed.

-I was told unofficially that there was an extended warranty on these system boards and the lower cost boards/replacement services I see floating around on ebay for the T30s is evidence of this. I was told it might be possible to get direct service on this issue from IBM if I could prove it was a faulty system board.

It's a little frustrating when there is nothing wrong w/ the rest of the components...not even a single dead/stuck pixel. I'm not interested in spending even the $~280 for a replacement board because I have absolutely no reason to believe this replacement will fare any better than the previous 3 replacements. It would however be nice to get a bit more use out of this laptop while I collect the funds to purchase a proper replacement.

Thanks

[angry_monkey]

fyi - ibm informs me that ECA 003 expired 12/31/05.