The screen on my laptop went black and would not work. The only way I could get it to work was by plugging it in to an external screen. I took it in to have an estimate done. The place says they will diagnose the problem for free, and fix it, if what they do doesnt fix it, then you dont have to pay.
They called us and said the problem was a piece on the motherboard that needed to be replaced. They call us the next day said when they did that it enabled the screen to come on, but only for a minute before it would shut off again. Said it looks like liquid got into the motherboard and fried a switch there that turns the screen on and the only way to fix that is to buy a new motherboard. They said its not worth the money and want us to trade it in for one of their laptops. They said motherboard would cost $500 and then there would be $90 installation fee.
My laptop is not even 3 years old, its a HP Pavilion.
Is this a scam? Do they just want my laptop?
2007-08-10 13:42:27 · 13 answers · asked by Kg 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Laptops & Notebooks
Thank you for all of your help. I did some research on the motherboard. How do I know its the correct one? I typed in model number and everything but Im not sure?
2007-08-10 14:15:37 · update #1
computers that have 3 years on them, things happen............
2007-08-10 13:45:49 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 1⤋
If it works with an external monitor plugged in, I'd just use it like that until you want to buy a new laptop. Unlike desktops, laptops aren't as easy to fix. If it did get wet, it's very odd that this is the only problem (what are the chances that the liquid only hit that tiny area on the motherboard where switch is located). They don't want your laptop (what good is it to them, it's just trash), they do want to sell you a motherboard though. On the other hand, you can't get a new laptop for $590.
I'd also confirm that you didn't accidently hit the button that switches the video from your laptop screen to an external monitor. That's an easy mistake to make and it looks like the screen is blank when in reality, the video has been redirected to this other screen. Usually ths is a function button on the top row of your keyboard. You usually have to hit a combination of Fn + key to change where the video is displayed.
2007-08-10 13:52:22 · answer #2 · answered by Deborah S 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's not a scam. Motherboards are pretty much the biggest and most expensive part of any computer. If you're just going to replace that, you might as well get a brand new computer. They have new and better things coming out faster and cheaper than ever before. I would look into what laptops they have to offer, compare the specifications (how fast, powerful) it is and decide on whether you would like your OLD computer back or a better new one.
2007-08-10 13:47:24 · answer #3 · answered by Cosmodot 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How old is the computer exactly? You might be able to get it replaced for free under warranty.
if not...
It's quite possible that what they're saying is true. Laptops generally have everything attached directly to the motherboard in order to save on space, which is why they might say that the whole motherboard needs to be replaced in order to fix your LCD issue.
I would just get a second opinon, and if the second repair shop says the same thing, then I would just go ahead and take it back to the first repair shop to trade in and get a new computer.
2007-08-10 13:52:52 · answer #4 · answered by ilikewhiterice002 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you don't remember spilling liquid on the computer, then it might be a scam. It's hard to say given the information you gave in your post. Computers depreciate in value quickly, so they're probably giving you the straight goods on how worthwhile it is to replace the computer's motherboard.
2007-08-10 13:47:33 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hello; There's obviously something wrong with your notebook, but there's not a Pavillion laptop motherboard out there that costs $500, by itself!; unless you've got yourself a $3000 notebook! Go tell them a PC Tech told you that; and since your in need of a second opinion, take it somewhere else... also tell them dirtbags, if you do need to buy another PC, it won't be from them... and tell them you'll tell as many people as you can, about this, so they won't buy from the lying/thieving bastards either!
I hope you get if figured out... btw; stay away from Geek Squad too! If you'd like to find someone who'll be happy to help, bring it to someone who's reputable in your community... if you've got no money, bring it to your local college's IT class (A+ Hardware/OS classes) I bet there'd be some genuine students there who'll be happy to help you out, and they'd relish the opportunity to show off their stuff to the rest of the class.. under instructor guidance, of course! I say all this, assuming your warranty is out of date; always check with the mfg to begin with.
Sincerely;
Marcos
2007-08-10 14:10:40 · answer #6 · answered by Mark MacIver 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
good mother boards cost about $100, close on labor though. question is, is it a basket case now that they took it apart. for 600 you can get a new one at wal-mart or best buy, not great but new. the mother board also has to work in an hp or you will have to reinstall windows from a disk.
2007-08-10 13:48:29 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why would they just want your Laptop, Do yourself a favor, Get a DELL, there 10 times the computer, HP is a Printer Manufacture, not a Computer Manufacture.
They just happen to get in the computer buisness with the 100s of others and most of them build junk with 2nd rate parts to start with.
I don't mean to sound brash, but it just so happens they are Facts.
Don
2007-08-10 13:49:58 · answer #8 · answered by Don M 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
no they just want your laptop, motherboards are expensive but not that much, what mainly makes a computer expensive is the processer, the motherboard is at least 200 dollar
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/Category/category_tlc.asp?CatId=13&SRCCODE=WEBGOOMOTH&CMP=KNC-GOOGL
but be careful you gotta find which motherboard is compatible with your processor, amd or intel
also if they give you a good deal, like a laptop with at least a 80gb hdd, 1gb of ram, 1gb processer, then its a good deal, but you choose and see what is the best solution!!!!!!
good luck!!!!!!
2007-08-10 13:50:38 · answer #9 · answered by Picturethis26 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sounds like a scam to me the same thing happened to me under warranty and it was a just a $10 part in the screen itself
2007-08-10 14:56:41 · answer #10 · answered by dnsouth01 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2016-10-14 22:17:14 · answer #11 · answered by simpkins 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋