IBM T40 Freezing

liger · Joined: Mar 19, 2008 Posts: 3

Hi, I have some problems with my IBM T40. It freezes randomly, at the most within a few minutes of starting. I think the problem is getting worse. Initially, it froze only when I picked it up or moved it a bit. But now, it even freezes right at the beginning. I think it is bad BGA solder on the motherboard with T40's design flaw. I heard that this problem can be solved via IBM EasyServe for free of charge, even out of warranty. Could any of you please tell me how to contact or use IBM EasyServe? Thanks in advance.

zlim · Joined: Mar 11, 2005 Posts: 2377

I think you need to google "Lenovo" because that is now what used to be IBM.

goretsky

Hello,

Contact information for Easy Serv can be found here on Lenovo's web site.

Regards,

Aryeh Goretsky

liger · Joined: Mar 19, 2008 Posts: 3

thanks a lot!!

isaacb · Joined: Jun 30, 2008 Posts: 2

Guys, I'm experiencing this freeze problem on my T40 as well. (It's 4+ years old. I bought this unit used from IBM 18 months ago.)

Unit does this always after I transport it. Need to pop the keyboard and tap the video chip and use external KB & mouse. Tested with external monitor and running audio and all conk out (audio runs a few seconds before quitting).

Called Lenovo, based on above information (thanks, Aryeh). Man on the phone said he know nothing of the deal, that laptops are not made to be moved around, that it's "worn out" and it will cost me $475.

What's a good way to approach Lenovo to get them to own up to this supposed free fix? If that fails are they known to take ill machines as trade-ins?

Thanks.

Isaac
New York City

drwho07 · Joined: Nov 29, 2007 Posts: 975 Location: Central FL, USA

goretsky

Hello,

I would suggest calling back and speaking to another support person; it sounds like you got someone who is not very knowledgeable. If they are not helpful, hang up and call back.

IBM (now Lenovo) notebooks are actually quite robust and run for years, and their support is generally considered excellent. A quick visit to NotebookReviews.Com or ThinkPads.Com (which is not owned by IBM or Lenovo) will reveal many messages along this line. Apple's notebooks are supposed to be solidly-built as well and have good support when an additional warranty is purchased.

As DrWho07 noted, though, a ruggedized or semi-ruggedized notebook such as those made by General Dynamics, Kontron or Panasonic is going to be even more reliable, however, they are going to be correspondingly more expensive (about 1.5-6x the cost of a normal notebook with the same specifications).

Regards,

Aryeh Goretsky

isaacb · Joined: Jun 30, 2008 Posts: 2

Thanks, Aryeh. In general, I'm impressed by IBM/Lenovo's reps' courtesy and competence. Considering the number of sites that either offer to fix these mobos or illustrate how do it yourself (i.e., the famous "heat gun reflow"), I wonder if Lenovo actually does post-warranty replacements free or reduced at this time.

As an update, made my second call to Lenovo today. Spoke a little firmer. Rep was friendly but not a lot more helpful. Said that there may have been a recall in the past, but it expired in 2006. Suggested that the T61 and X61 are nice machines, though not with Vista. Said that there's no one else I can speak with... Gave me a new quote, this time $575, and a part number to call the parts department if I want to do it myself. Called parts and the number he gaev me was superseded and the new mobo is $700+. May try again.

Thought to call the "certified used" desk and tell them "y'know, I'm considering buying one of your machines, but am having a bad experience with Lenovo over one of them right now..."

Again, anyone with recent successful experience, please share your secret.

Thanks.