R60e Help

[ZaZ]

I bought this R60e to use as a Linux Box, but I think it's safe to say things haven't worked out as planned. The machine I got on eBay seems in pretty decent shape. It said it was wifi ready, but didn't have the mini-pci slot. I might have sent it back, but in the meantime I bought a new IPS screen, hard drive, some memory and a wifi card for it. To send everything thing back would have been a PITA. The seller as compensation for lacking the pci slot sent me a brand new battery and PCMCIA wifi card. I figured that seemed fair and I'd make the best of it.

I got the IPS screen I bought. The screen worked, but it had dark spots in the corners, which I didn't realize until I installed Windows on it a few days later. The seller Thinkpadplus graciously offered to replace the screen at no cost to myself. When I pulled it apart to send back the original screen I broke a clip on each of the keyboard bezel and the palm rest. They don't sit right now. It's not bad, but still.

I got the new LCD three or so weeks ago. I've been waiting to put I back together until I got some screws which hold the LCD to the frame, which I lost. I should also mention I bought a T2400 CPU from baraider, mainly to get speedstep. I got it while I was awaiting the screen replacement, but when I went to put it back together last week, I noticed there was some bent pins. It did not fit in the socket. I bent them back, but it won't boot. It does boot with the old Celeron. I sent a PM to baraider, but I've not heard from them. I don't think they've been back since they sold me the CPU.

So finally yesterday I get screws to secure then LCD. I hooked up the LCD only to notice it appears to have a small scratch and several dead/stuck pixels. The screen has been sitting in the box since I got it. It also will not will produce an image on the screen. It does however work using an external screen, which leads me to believe there's something wrong with the screen. The first IPS worked fine and I hooked up the original XGA. It works too. It's been two months since I bought it. I doubt I'd have any recourse with Paypal. Perhaps Thinkpadplus would take care of me if I contacted them, but honestly, my luck with this thing hasn't been real great and I'd just like to be rid of this thing. It's been taking up my kitchen table for a few months. So what's my best course of action here? Sell it for parts and take my loss or something else I've not considered. Sorry for the book. Thanks for any help.

[RealBlackStuff]

Buy only from reputable sellers, and always be able to test your purchases upon arrival.
If they accept returns at all, most people will only give you like 7 days for returning an item.
Finally, build an extension to your house for a workshop for laptops.
Kitchen tables are notoriously bad for such work!

[dr_st]

Finally, build an extension to your house for a workshop for laptops.

This is better than everything I've seen in the "you know you're an addict" thread!

[underclocker]

Finally, build an extension to your house for a workshop for laptops.

You win! That's the best idea I've read on the Internet.

Many people build garages for their cars, so why not? Certainly, the value of only a handful of ThinkPads can equal one car. If you've done it, please post pictures. A dedicated ThinkPad shop, great idea.

Regarding the R60e, since you are at wit's end, I'd say dump (sell it, but with full disclosure) the whole thing as long as it's in working order. When you're ready, pick up a nice 15" T60p. It'll soon be behind you. The build that workshop!

[ZaZ]

I don't know that I'm at my wits end, but the whole thing's been one problem after another. I bought the screen from Thinkpadplus on eBay. From what I've gathered from other users here, they're a pretty reputable seller. They did replace the original screen I bought at no cost. I suppose I'll contact them and see what they've got to say about it. The whole things been one setback after another. The fact I couldn't get to everything right away, who can really, probably didn't help. I hardly think a workshop is warranted given the amount of work I do. My kitchen table works quite well thank you very much. Thanks for the replies.

[ajkula66]

Even if thinkpadplus (which is a very decent outfit overall in my experience) replaces your screen, you've got quite a few issues remaining on the table...no pun intended...

I'm with underclocker here, get rid of the darn thing... there's some bad energy between the two of you...

There will always be another project when you're up for it...

My $0.02 only...

[ZaZ]

You're probably right, but I'm going to wait to see what TPP has to say about. If I can get a good screen I can get close to what I put into it. If I sell it now, I'll take a big hit value. For that reason I think it's worth it to wait. I'll see what they've got to say and go from there.

[ZaZ]

I'm going to wait to see what TPP has to say about.

It seems Thinkpad Plus doesn't have much to say as they're not responding to emails or answering the phone. Since they've got items for sale on eBay right now, it seems unlikely they're not checking their email. Before I sell this thing anyone know I can if I can fix either the screen or the CPU?

The CPU came with bent pins and would not fit in the socket. I bent them back so it fits, but I get nothing when it I power it on. If I pop the Celeron back in it boots normally to an external screen. The R60e was sold with the Core Duo. I would think it should work.

As for the screen with the Celeron in place the screen lights up, but I get no image on the screen. I can Fn+F7 to an external. The old screen works as the did original IPS I got from TPP. The obvious answer is the screen is broke, but perhaps there's something I missed or something else I could do to get it to work. Thanks for any help.

[emeraldgirl08]

Fred. Just a shot in the dark but what BIOS version do you have? The BIOS versions seem to include a lot of new features in each new version.

BIOS Versions.

I know that for some Thinkpads a BIOS update is required for major hardware changes.

[Harryc]

Generally speaking you can't 'fix' a CPU with conventional equipment or tools, so that is a trash bin item. The LCD is also a loss unless Thinkpadplus has a guarantee and you have not exceeded the time limit. If you have, that is also a trash bin item. If the LCD lights but does not produce an image there is noting you can physically fix. It is either not compatible with the machine, is defective, or is not programmed. Have you tried pulling the EDID and comparing it to a Thinkpad with that LCD? If you describe that model number LCD, someone might have used it in a R or T60.