Should I have my T41p (MoBo/GPU) fixed for $190?

[Jozef]

First of all, hello everyone. I've been reading this forum for couple of years now and finally decided to join.

I have gone through one R51 (1836-Q6U) and one T41p (2374-GGU), both of which died on me within weeks. Both ThinkPads developed the infamous MoBo/GPU problem, with the R51 also acquiring a hefty number of colorful vertical lines on its screen. So now I am ThinkPadless - a new, very unpleasant situation, and absolutely unacceptable.

Anyway, I've got an offer to get the T41p fixed for roughly $190. It is a local business so no time and money would be wasted on shipping. I know there is that whole re-flow technique but I don't have the tools and, to be quite honest, don't feel confident enough to try it on my own.

I see two options:
1. Shell out $190 and solve the problem.
Good&Bad: I keep my ThinkPad, with all its good and bad sides (at least I know them). On the other hand, its MoBo died once so who's to say it won't do it again and very soon?
2. Sell the T41p in its current state and get something else. I would go after a T42 or more probably a T43. It would have to be a 14.1'' with SXGA+ and in the $500-ish range.
Good&Bad: Buying used laptops is a tricky business. Receiving a ThinkPad with issues I wasn't told about is one of my nightmares, especially now that I don't have a single working ThinkPad. On the other hand, I may get a nice machine and putting my hands on a T43 would feel great (it's the only ThinkPad I never even touched).

Suggestions? Thanks.

(I thought about going new and getting a T400 but I wasn't sold on it, at least not at that price)

[karim_ps]

hi there
i think the cost of the re-flow is too expansive for an untrusted action ,why don't you buy a motherboard for the same price (or may be less) from the forum market-place or eBay that would be better (in my opinion)

Forum Market-Place

eBay (T41 Motherboards search)

[zdriver]

I would pass on the repair at that price level...
Consider buying a complete thinkpad from a trusted forum member in the marketplace, or possibly just the motherboard.
There is a T41p in the marketplace now @ $279 and open to offers.
Also an excellent T43 with close to T43p specs around $400 offered by syedj. You could sell or part out yours to recover some cash.

[xyz]

Much better to buy a new system or even just the board than get the reflow done, its overpriced, taking into account what systems are worth now..

[Jozef]

Alright, thanks for your replies. If anyone has anything to add, please do. I will give it another thought with your replies in mind and decide what to do. syedj's T43 does sound interesting so I will take it into consideration, if it's still available.

A quick question: are T42 and T41p compatible when it comes to the most important parts? I will check on the internet but, with all the ThinkPad buffs here, I expect people to be able to say it without thinking for a second; so it would be nice to be sure.
I am asking because if they were compatible I could get a T42 and have spare parts from my T41p. I feel I won't be that lucky though..

[zdriver]

The T42 and T41 models share the same components, only when you change screen sizes do some parts change. Even the T43 can utilize most of your T41p parts, not the ram & cpu though, it has a faster bus speed.

[RealBlackStuff]

There's a much cheaper reflow option: Superior Reball.
Some of our forum members have used them and they are very happy.
They now charge $60.- incl. return shipping.

Superior Reball now also advertises on eBay under the username laptopdudes:
http://cgi.ebay.com/IBM-ThinkPad-Mother ... 0278508658

See also these threads:
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... ior+reball
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... ior+reball

[sparta.rising]

Instead of looking at a used T43 in the mid-500's, I'd suggest a new (or refurbished) T61 from the Lenovo outlet... they can be had in the mid-500's.

http://stores.channeladvisor.com/Lenovo ... kPad%20T61

[zdriver]

Correct me if I am wrong, but won't Lenovo Outlet add the tax rate where it is shipped.... This would make the final price approach $650 .... A long way from the $400 T43 he was considering.

[Jozef]

That's right zdriver.
Anyway, it's either my T41p for $190, a T43, which costs less than $600+, or a new laptop*. I am not really interested in anything in the middle.

* - as I said in my first post, I looked at T400 but decided against it.

[RealBlackStuff]

Did you see my post?
Superior Reball does the mobo for $60.- instead of your local rip-off-artist at $190.-!

[Jozef]

RealBlackStuff, I forgot to thank you for telling me that. Of course I saw your post. Obviously, I have concentrated on getting another ThinkPad so much that the problem with my current one just slipped out of my mind for a second.

[Jozef]

I don't know if I should have started another thread for this type of question. There are eBay threads on this forum, but it doesn't look like people post in/read them very often and my situation (ThinkPad-less ThinkPad addict) requires somewhat urgent measures.

I've been thinking about getting another T41p and keeping this one for parts - except for the GPU/MoBo problem everything else seems to be in order, plus it already has 2Gb of RAM and a decent screen...
I saw this auction on eBay
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 0272944271
from a Power Seller with 100% positive feedback and rating of 1246. That's the good part. What worries me a little bit is that they are selling more than 10 of these. I wonder how thoroughly these guys check their machines before putting them on eBay and claiming they are all in, I quote, "Great!" physical condition. But then again, their perfect rating should reassure me... or not?
The worst would be if I bought another machine only to realize it too had a problematic GPU.

If anyone has had any experience with this or similar sellers, fire away with your thoughts.

Thanks.

[RealBlackStuff]

These photos look like they could come straight from the refurbishing company.
The seller's feedback is impressive.
Personally I have not dealt with him, nor do I know anyone who did.
You'll still run the risk of another GPU failure with this unit.

He has some warranty:

Policies/Returns

The payment must be received within 5 days of the auction's close. Most orders ship the same business day or the next business day payment is received.

Units are 100% checked. HOW, IF ALL THE BOXES ARE TAPED UP? All boot (unless otherwise stated). We are not responsible for software issues.

All items are sold "As-Is".
All Sales Are Considered Final.
All laptops have a 30 Day DOA warranty except for the batteries. A Squaretrade warranty can be purchased after the auction for a great price!!MIGHT BE A GOOD IDEA
Returns are at our discretion If a product is DOA (Dead On Arrival) please e-mail or call us and describe the problem; we will help you. If it can not be fixed it must be sent back so we can fix it or replace it for you. Shipping is non refundable, however we will pay to ship it back to you even if there was nothing wrong with your product!! PLEASE do not take it upon your self to send something back without our approval. In the unlikely event we do not cary the product anymore or elect not to replace your item a refund will be issued.

I would still say, it's cheaper to repair yours.

[sparta.rising]

Repair would definitely give the best cost-benefit. If you are going with a T4x series, you are risking the GPU issue, except for the T43, which has its own issue. The major T43 issues are heat and 2010 error for non-IBM hdds.

zdriver, how much is your sales tax?!

[zdriver]

9.9% and going up....
The liberals that run this state have never seen a tax increase they do not like.

[goofyGAguy]

The liberals that run this state have never seen a tax increase they do not like.

Miss Gregoire only has your best interest at heart.