WTT: T42 2378-FZU 1.7/1gb/40gb for older x series

[jeffbl]

I have a T42 with (I'm pretty sure) the BGA graphics chip issue - if it is on a flat surface, it frequently boots and runs fine, but if you pick it up, move it, etc. it gives ati2dvag errors (under XP Pro) and crashes. It currently has the stacked paper under the keyboard shim fix, but it is still not reliable when moved, although I haven't fiddled with it much at all. It has become worse over time, and now to get it to reliably boot into a GUI, I end up holding my finger down on the trackpad area where the paper shim is. Frankly, I don't have time to fiddle with it, so I want it gone to someone who can fix it or needs the parts. Obviously, it isn't under warranty, or I'd send it off to IBM.

It is a 2378-FZU:
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... yle=lenovo
9 cell battery (was originally 6 cell) I think the remaining capacity is around 41Wh - will get more accurate count tomorrow.
15" XGA 1024x768 screen with fine brightness
32MB ATI Radeon 7500 graphics
CDRW/DVD
1.7Ghz Centrino
1GB RAM
40GB 5400 HD
GBe LAN
b/g wifi
AC adapter in fine shape
XP Pro COA on bottom
Recovery disks

There are some pressure marks / distortions on the screen - I got this from someone else, and they definitely used it (see picture for the most prominent - there are two other small ones I couldn't even get pictures of). Everything works splendidly, except of course, the bluescreens/crashes due to the BGA issue. It is as described, but I won't warranty anything related to the motherboard - if it gets torqued in shipping and doesn't boot, you're on your own (although I'll definitely ship it well packed, so it won't be due to my packing...). Pictures were taken on 6/4/07 and show it running on my kitchen table - it has Ubuntu Linux installed right now - you can check the CNN date.

Pictures:
Finger holding down the trackpad area for boot/stability: http://jblum.com/tmp/finger.jpg
No finger - still running...but don't move it!: http://jblum.com/tmp/nofinger.jpg
Close up of screen: http://jblum.com/tmp/screen.jpg
Close up of smudge in screen - a little dark blotchiness: http://jblum.com/tmp/smudge.jpg
Top of laptop: http://jblum.com/tmp/top.jpg

Here's the thing - I would really like a little portable to use for internet/email/document creation, so would like to trade. I'm thinking an X24 with really nice specs in great working (even if not ideal cosmetic) shape, or an X3- machine. Any thoughts on what a fair trade would be? Anyone interested? If you're in the Washington DC area and want to do the trade in person, that is ideal. For the right machine/configuration (nice x3-, x4-), I might be willing to kick in some cash as well. At minimum, I need to able to run XP Pro well, have Wifi, boot off a USB DVD drive (for easy OS installation), last a couple hours on the included battery, come with an AC adapter, and have a good bright screen. A docking station would be great. All offers entertained!

[jeffbl]

I did a refresh on the battery, and it actually dropped significantly - last time I do that! The current read is 33.84Wh. I'm going to try and install Ubuntu server (command line) since it seems stable until it tries to do graphics, so it might end up being a very low power server.

Also, I have 100% positive feedback (71) on ebay under userid jeffbl. Am still looking for a trade - let me know if you're interested. Or if you want to buy it, make me an offer, and I'll look at ebay for an x series.

[Harryc]

This is a very easy repair. For $185 shipped you have a working T42. 30 day warranty. You can sell your old bottom on EBay as non-working.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Motherboard-System- ... dZViewItem

[jeffbl]

Still available for trade - the bottom sections Harryc mentions above look pretty good... Anyone interested?

[underclocker]

This is a very easy repair. For $185 shipped you have a working T42. 30 day warranty. You can sell your old bottom on EBay as non-working.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Motherboard-System- ... dZViewItem

Actually, that was for a 14" T4x machine, so it would not have worked for this one. I hope the person that picked it up realized that!

However, motherboards can be had for approx. $200.

[jeffbl]

Didn't catch that - my other Thinkpad is a 14" T42p, so I even knew that the bases would be different sizes.

[compnerd4]

http://cgi.ebay.com/IBM-Thinkpad-T40-T4 ... dZViewItem
Would this one work???

i have a X30 im looking to trade for a t4x!

[jeffbl]

I'm actually having trouble determining whether it would work - if you're interested, I would contact the seller directly to be absolutely sure. Go ahead and PM me your X30 information if you decide you're interested in a possible trade...

I finally got a chance to put command line Ubuntu on the T42 using the alternate CD, and it appears to be rock-solid - boots fine, and continues to run fine even when I pick up/move the machine.

[ajkula66]

YGPM