Repair T43 or pick up off lease T60 or T61?

[Lammo]

My beloved T43 (2687-DEU) has started the display blanking out routine. I understand from other threads that the backlight is likely going out (there is a bit of pinkish hue when first coming out of sleep state and I can see a faint image of the screen through the black). Checking around for a replacement display I happened on the possibility of picking up a lease return T60 or T61 for around $300 to $350. There are even some T43s for under $300 but I figure I might just be asking for the same display problem sooner than later. Any thoughts or suggestions will be appreciated.

[Neil]

Well...I have this compu8lsive disorder that make me spend way more time and money than it's worth repairing old ThinPads, so I would say, don't be like me, get a newer model (just avoid the T61 with NVIDIA® grahpics) and you'll be in much better shape going forward.

On the other hand, you can probably fix your T43 for about $20 in parts, if you are willing to go to a LOT (I mean a LOT) of trouble to replace the CCFL.

[ThinkPadophile]

If you're happy with your T43 apart from the screen problem, I'd replace your XGA screen with an SXGA. You can purchase the entire screen assembly — screen, back cover, hinges, cable, and inverter — over eBay for around $40.00, delivered (see here as an example). Swapping the entire screen assembly is a simple and quick procedure. It would be a nice upgrade and far cheaper than buying an off-lease computer. Besides, you might get a laptop that has problems, in which case it would cost you far more than you expect.

[Lammo]

Thanks for the eBay tip. I've checked into it but eBay can be difficult for me as I don't do PayPal (they don't respect my 2nd Amendment rights so I exercise my 1st Amendment right to not associate with them). If the seller will take an alternate payment form I'll be in back business soon. Thanks again.

Mark

[dr_st]

I don't do PayPal (they don't respect my 2nd Amendment rights...)

Uhm... what?

[Lammo]

Uhm... what?

Simple. Their policies are anti-gun and anti-gun owner.

QUOTE FROM PAYPAL'S WEBSITE:

PayPal Acceptable Use Policy
Prohibited Activities

You may not use the PayPal service for activities that:

1. violate any law, statute, ordinance or regulation
2. relate to sales of (a) narcotics, steroids, certain controlled substances or other products that present a risk to consumer safety, (b) drug paraphernalia, (c) items that encourage, promote, facilitate or instruct others to engage in illegal activity, (d) items that promote hate, violence, racial intolerance, or the financial exploitation of a crime, (e) items that are considered obscene, (f) items that infringe or violate any copyright, trademark, right of publicity or privacy or any other proprietary right under the laws of any jurisdiction, (g) certain sexually oriented materials or services, or (h) ammunition, firearms, or certain firearm parts or accessories, or (i) ,certain weapons or knives regulated under applicable law

END QUOTE

So, as far as they are concerned, firearms are no different from narcotics, criminal how-to books, pornography and a bunch of other stuff that is unlawful or immoral. The difference is, except in a few places that treat their citizens as subjects, firearms are completely legal. Just like anything else, firearms can be used for unlawful purposes. PayPal has chosen not to recognize firearms as a lawful and useful product. That is their right as a private company. It is also my right not to do any business with them because of it.

[dr_st]

Your choice whom to do business with is of course your own, but there is quite a big gap in my book between someone refusing to sell you specific items and you claiming that by doing so they somehow disrespect your right to own those items.

Many, if not most, products on their list that you quoted are far more harmless than firearms, and yet you choose to focus on the latter.

Apologies for the off-topic, your original statement struck me as odd, so I had to inquire. I looked up online a bit and see that the second amendment complaint against Paypal comes up now and then. Strikes me as silly to say the least, but to each his own. Also, I guess as a non-American, I cannot fully comprehend the importance Americans (or some of them) place specifically in the constitutional right to bear arms. Evidently it was important enough for them to dedicate a whole amendment to it!

[o2nexus]

Thanks for the eBay tip. I've checked into it but eBay can be difficult for me as I don't do PayPal (they don't respect my 2nd Amendment rights so I exercise my 1st Amendment right to not associate with them). If the seller will take an alternate payment form I'll be in back business soon. Thanks again.

Mark

a) PayPal is owned by ebay.

b) PayPal is not anti 2nd Amendment. Their policies have nothing to do with that. They are based on a wise business decision, nothing more or less. There is no way for them to regulate sales of various firearms and/or parts between jurisdictions. Laws vary at the country, state, county, and municipality level. Furthermore, laws change rather frequently. Its just not possible for them to open that can of worms. Nor would it be a wise business decision.

Enjoy eBay and PayPal, they are excellent tools for the consumer.

[RealBlackStuff]

And any self-respecting seller on eBay will probably accept a USPS Money Order if you ask them first.
It just takes a few extra days before it gets there.
I wouldn't try a Bankers' Check, as these are apparently easier to falsify than MOs.

[fafaforza]

[quote="Neil"](just avoid the T61 with NVIDIA® grahpics)[/quote]

Do you say that because of the hinge issue, or something else? Mine has been fine except for the LCD shell.

[dr_st]

The hinge issue is equally present on all T61s. The nVidia chips on the discrete graphics T61/T61p units belong to the infamous defective nVidia series-8 mobile GPUs, and as such have unusually high failure rates.

[Lammo]

And any self-respecting seller on eBay will probably accept a USPS Money Order if you ask them first.
It just takes a few extra days before it gets there.
I wouldn't try a Bankers' Check, as these are apparently easier to falsify than MOs.

So you would think but many won't. I had a heck of a time when I had to replace both broken Verizon USB modems (UM175s broke, replaced with USB 760s) and missed out on several good deals. Finally got it done but it was a pain. Any way, my new T41 LCD will be here on Monday, 03-07, purchased from the eBay seller above using a USPS money order.

PS - - anyone who really believes PayPal isn't anti-2ndA, I have some real nice ocean front property I will sell you, in Arizona.

[ajkula66]

Lammo wrote:

PS - - anyone who really believes PayPal isn't anti-2ndA, I have some real nice ocean front property I will sell you, in Arizona.

Nah...save that prime property for those who believe that PayPal offers any real protection to any of the parties involved in a transaction...