Just bought a T42 - advice on warranty screen replacement?

[hobbes]

I just picked up a T42 of off eBay (yay!). I've been using my old 600x for the past year since I had to return my beloved T40 to my previous employer, and I was ready for an upgrade. Here's what I got for $650 plus shipping:

T42 (2378-FVU)
Pentium M 1.7GHz, 14.1" SXGA+, 768MB RAM, 40GB HD, 64 MB Radeon 9600, CD-RW/DVD, Intel 802.11b/g

It also included these extra accessories:

Spare 6-cell battery, 9-cell battery, 2 extra AC adapters, AC/DC auto/airline adapter, Ultrabay HDD adapter, Port Replicator II.

Also the on-site service warranty is good until Nov. 2007.

So I think I did pretty well for my $690 shipped.


The only downside is that the screen has the dreaded red-tint problem (I knew about it prior to the purchase). Otherwise it is in perfect condition. I've already contacted IBM and they said they will send a technician out to replace the LCD, inverter and cable assembly under warranty. The cable assembly is backordered so I have to wait a week or so for it to come in first.

Is there anything I should be on the lookout for or specifically request for this service visit? I gather that screens sourced from different vendors can vary in quality. Is there any specific replacement part I can request, or do I just get the roll of the dice? Is there any specific things to be on the lookout for when the technician is here?

Thanks!

[christopher_wolf]

Hobbes, I think you did much better than just "good" in that deal.

I would make sure that the tech powers it on before he leaves and you get to try it out some (open/close, etc) in front of the tech. It might also be good to ask some specifics of the panel and note that everything that came out of place went back into their respective places afterwards.

[hobbes]

Thanks Christopher. I'll make sure I run it through it's paces before he leaves.

As for the specific replacement screen I get, do I have it correct that some screens are better than others depending on manufacturer? Are there different part numbers for different manufacturers, or do I just get what I get? I'm just wondering if I should request a specific part number before the technician comes out.

Thanks.

[underclocker]

Congrats on a very nice deal and machine.

My advice is don't let them replace what is not needed! If only the inverter is required, only replace that!

The spare parts he brings, like the LCD, may just be a recertified used one, there is no need to completely disassemble your machine for that swap. Too much risk, unless you need it.

Also, watch the guy. If your watching and he gouges the plastic somewhere, it will be easier to get a replacement.

Good luck. Don't be too paranoid about service, just watch closely.

[Antioch]

Here's my current, ongoing experience with getting my red-LCD replaced on my T42. I need to add a new post to update what happened on round 2 IBM tech support (not good).

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... highlight=

Good luck to you.

[Antioch]

Yea. Im on the phone with a tech guy for IBM trying to take care of the issues the repair man created.

He said that if a tech comes onsite and you're looking over his shoulder, or even pointing out issues with the repair AFTER he's finished, it's considered a "bad work environement" and he will leave - and that customers are NOT allowed to do that.

I think thats a load of bull, and I'm rather fed up with IBM tech support. This is my 3rd call to fix issues they've created.

So I'd just like to say, good luck and be careful. Don't be too firm with the repair man or you might have to make a second call.

But the isses people said about making sure he isn't too foreceful on the plastic is very true. I recieved my unit back from the repair depot with mangled plastic before.

[hobbes]

Here's my current, ongoing experience with getting my red-LCD replaced on my T42. I need to add a new post to update what happened on round 2 IBM tech support (not good).

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... highlight=

Good luck to you.

Yeah, I read that thread. I feel for you man.

Luckily I have on-site service and didn't have to send it in, although I did have a few issues. I mentioned them here:

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=31965

[hobbes]

While I was talking to the Support guy today about my service tech issues, I went ahead and requested another keyboard for my T42. I wasn't pleased at all with the keyboard on this machine, and when the tech had it open yesterday I peeked at the part number and saw it was the old chinese keyboard that they don't even use anymore. In addition to the crappy feel and sound of this keyboard, I was having a problem with the trackpoint buttons, which were creaky. Plus the left button was mushy and didn't always register a button press.

So I specifically requested the Thai keyboard (and part #) and was told that is what I would get. In fact he said they had about 1400 of them in stock.

So once they re-assemble my screen and I install the new keyboard I should be one happy camper.

[hobbes]

So I specifically requested the Thai keyboard (and part #) and was told that is what I would get. In fact he said they had about 1400 of them in stock.

My new keyboard arrived but it was the chinese model from the T43. I called to ask about it and they said that they had none of the Thai keyboard in stock. So the original support guy must have been looking at the wrong item. Pretty annoying as I requested the part number specifically and that is the part we were discussing.

This new keyboard definitely does feel better than the original crappy one on my T42, so it will be an improvement. But it still seems to have the same thinner baseplate as the original.

The package also included a return-shipping label, not that I mind sending the crappy one back.

[ZoneMan]

Hobbes,

In most cases you cannot request a specific part unless you get a really good tech on the phone and or you know the part number.

The tech that takes your call pulls up your machine and orders parts based on what part numbers originally shipped with your machine. They pull the part number off the list and drop it in to a inventory application. If the part is in stock then they use that part. For the tech to know what other parts are compatible it takes a bit more knowledge and research and more work. If the part is not in stock then the inventory system usually gives a substitute part or a new part number.

In some cases there are different parts listed by different manufacturers and they all will work, but it can confusing to the tech the way that its listed and setup.

Thats why I say you can sometimes choose a manufacturer if you get a really good tech. They will know what is and what is not compatible because they are familiar with more systems and can easily match parts to a model. The newer computers are easy to find parts for but as you go back to older systems it gets harder and harder to determine whats compatible.

Same thing on the keyboard, they do usually have 2 and its pulled off the shipping detail so that is the first thing they look at. If its not in stock then they use the sub which is the alternate or the other brand. Usually they are not both in stock at the same time.


Zone