Thinkpads.com A31P Project - (Pic Warning)

[basketb]

For what it's worth, I think $250 is a fair price. In the beginning, I was contemplating offering $250 myself if there were no other takers. However, I couldn't convince myself that we really need another A31p.

[ajkula66]

Well, as of right now I need an A31p... Harry will be getting a PM in about 20 mins...

[RealBlackStuff]

Before this thread closes, allow me to ask a question about that T61.
From the (eBay-)description, all it needs is a new screen, a HD and an adapter.
Is that really a project, swapping out an LCD?

[Harryc]

First, we're far from closing this A31P project out. In fact we've just started on the second A31P. As far as the T61 LCD replacement, that may not seem like a (meaty) project to you or me as far as level of difficulty, but the reality is that most members might find that procedure meaningful and informative because frankly it is not something most folks would try on their own. We have seen many, many threads here where a member is looking for entire an LCD assembly. That is not always the most cost effective LCD repair, but is definitely the easiest. So, my humble opinion is that yes it is a good project candidate.

[underclocker]

It may not be the most difficult project, but it's certainly qualifies as one. I would guess that a very small majority of forum members have sourced and swapped a laptop LCD. It a good entry into the world ThinkPad projects.

There is also plenty to learn, including if buying a (this particular one, anyway) parts machine and fixing it yourself is economical. There may also be a lesson in there about how to identify a trustworthy eBay seller and how to read between the lines in an eBay ad - is the caddy and HDD cover included?

If it all works out, many people might be surprised to learn that you can find a $400 T61 with two years of warranty remaining. If it all works out...should be interesting.

[KristianJ]

Seconded on what Ed has said...this looks like a very promising project (and for some, a project may be as little as swapping keyboards - I can certainly say that for me, a LCD panel swap would be a bit of a challenge, since I've never performed one before).

[Harryc]

... learn that you can find a $400 T61 with two years of warranty remaining.

Beside the project/repair aspects of this idea, when I saw the price for this T61 that was my second thought. OMG, this will be a T61 with 2 years warranty for close to $400. I agree 100%...fun.

[Harryc]

Update on the donor A31P - Email from Superior Reball -

Hello Harry,

Unfortunately we can’t repair your IBM. The GPU has been epoxied down. We can’t remove, reball and replace the GPU because we can’t get it off due to the epoxy. We have seen this with other logic boards. This motherboard must have been reworked before by a repair shop or by IBM. We won’t even try working on a motherboard that has the GPU epoxied down. The pads on the motherboard, the PCB itself and the GPU would suffer damage if we tried to pry a glued GPU up during the reflow process. Sorry.
Dale

Returned - 2008/11/13
USPS Priority Mail (2-3 days)
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Edit: So for all practical purposes, this project has come to an end. Thanks to everyone for your individual contributions, it is appreciated. If anyone wants to buy an A31P shell with a bad systemboard and a pink LCD, send a PM.

[schen]

Maybe you could throw it on the Marketplace and/or eBay for parts, and put the proceeds into the "war-chest".

Thanks a lot for all your hard work on this. It's been educational and just fun to follow.

I'd certainly support making this Series of your's at least into a sticky!

[Harryc]

Thanks Stan. Actually we sold this non-working shell to forum member, and the proceeds went back to the original member who donated it. Your machine made it into the limelight and made the forum $250. Thanks so much for donating it.