If it's not one thing...

[elfs]

Lain, my laptop, just blew her backlight. Everything works, but the screen is hosed. I've orderded a new backlight; they cost about $35. But installing it is supposed to be a nightmare; the nylon screws have to be replaced, I have to get under the keyboard bezel to get at the connectors, and when all is said and done it has to be soldered into place.

In the meantime, my one best writing tool-- in truth, my only writing tool these days-- is gone.

Damn.

Comments

[nyssasemephit.livejournal.com]

If you need any help with that, lemme know... I have spent the last 4 weeks working on laptop after laptop, so ahve them on the mind, so to speak.

IBM Maintenance is easy

[(Anonymous)]

You've mentioned Lain is a ThinkPad before, if I remember... IBM is really nice about making the Hardware Maintenance Manuals available free on the web. They're Acrobat documents, and have detailed, step-by-step instructions for replacing every part that can be replaced in there.

...But you knew that already. Knowing you, Elf, I'm preaching to the choir here (so to speak).

Take heart... I've been inside the 770 and 600 series a lot -- mostly to remove dust build-up -- and it really is very straightforward and logical. Just have a small dish handy to store all the tiny screws, and make sure you keep the different length ones separate. (Some double sided tape helps, too)

Glad to hear the backlights aren't too expensive.

Re: IBM Maintenance is easy

[pixel39.livejournal.com]

Empty ice cube trays are *wonderful* for storing screws while you work on the machine.

Re: IBM Maintenance is easy

[(Anonymous)]

And if the ants can't sort the screws, be sure you have an inanimate carbon rod.