Laptop hardware component & upgrades: Worth it to replace motherboard on HP Pavilion laptop?
Worth it to replace motherboard on HP Pavilion laptop?
by bigelowbkm - 3/20/09 8:24 AMHi, everyone--I need some advice, and I'm hoping you'll find the time to answer my question. I purchased an HP Pavilion dv9005us in January of 2007. My two-year warranty expired two-and-a-half months ago. I used the Pavilion mainly for freelance editing assignments, online research, general Internet surfing, e-mail, and minimal photo storage. A few days ago, I went to turn on my laptop and it wouldn't power up. I even purchased a new power cord, thinking there might be a short in the old one. Still no luck. The only light that comes on is the blue light at the tip of the power cord adapter. None of the lights on the keyboard go on, and nothing happens on the screen. On the advice of a well-meaning acquaintance, I tried a little experiment: I unplugged the box, took the battery out, and held down the power button for two minutes. After returning the battery and reinserting the cord, the Pavilion still wouldn't turn on. Please note that the machine is out of warranty. HP says the motherboard must be replaced and it will cost $298 plus tax. Do you think it's worth fixing, or should I put the $300 toward a new laptop? Thanks in advance for any assistance! 
All best--Barbara
My friends had their dv6000 series fail in warranty.
by R. Proffitt
- 3/20/09 9:09 AM
In reply to: Worth it to replace motherboard on HP Pavilion laptop? by bigelowbkm
And the new motherboard was put it. It's well past its year warranty and no sign of trouble.
It's simple economics. You do the math, make the choices about warranty and the sad truth is that repairs can reach stratospheric heights. But you are at the breaking point of an accepted decision point which is FIFTY PERCENT OF NEW.
Here's where I've made another discovery. DISPOSAL COSTS can be daunting so call HP and see if they'll take back the old and supply a new without incurring shipping or disposal fees.
Just wondering. Will you get a longer warranty next time?
And we truly rent these things. You seem to be revealing your rent was 50 a month.
Bob
Please clarify response to HP Pavilion motherboard qx
by bigelowbkm - 3/20/09 10:42 AM In reply to: My friends had their dv6000 series fail in warranty. by R. Proffitt
Hi,
Thanks for responding. I need to back up and ask a few questions. I had a two-year warranty, not just one year. Do you think a longer warranty agreement would have been a wiser choice? And regarding your comment that "you are at the breaking point of an accepted decision point which is 50% of new," does that mean the $300 charge to fix the HP is about half of the cost of a comparable new laptop? I'm weighing my options and looking for advice on whether it's worth it to invest that much money in a 27-month-old laptop (used, on average, 40 hours per week). What's the expected lifespan for a device like this used as I've described?
At two years your rent was 30 or less a month.
by R. Proffitt - 3/20/09 10:52 AM
In reply to: Please clarify response to HP Pavilion motherboard qx by bigelowbkm
But that's the issue and decision we need to make. That warranty sometimes doesn't pay off, sometimes it does. Let's skip to today, the situation and another item you may have to replace that pushes you well into over the 50 percent mark.
The battery is likely a shadow of itself. So toss that in and you should be shopping for a new laptop.
At that much use, the keyboard is likely to show some signs. Let's say I think it's time to go shopping.
"What's the expected lifespan for a device like this used as I've described?"
Two to three years. There is a hard limit of 5 built into the design but you only get there under ideal conditions.
Bob
Re: HP Pavilion replacement
by bigelowbkm - 3/20/09 11:05 AM In reply to: At two years your rent was 30 or less a month. by R. Proffitt
Okay, thanks. Now I need to do some serious research on a possible replacement--not another HP--in the neighborhood of $500-$600. I've been looking at Acer, Asus, and Lenovo. If you have any recommendations, do let me know.
Thanks again!
Barbara
Why change names?
by R. Proffitt - 3/20/09 12:38 PM
In reply to: Re: HP Pavilion replacement by bigelowbkm
In that price range they all get about the same "rent." That is, you can find your story on any name. I'm typing on a HP dv6910us that I paid 550 for and at 2 years I know to start shopping.
Even desktops don't fair well as you have a failed fan, CD/DVD drive and more.
The consumers have pressured the makers to deliver low cost machines over long life machines.
Bob
Not happy with help desk
by bigelowbkm - 3/21/09 8:20 AM In reply to: Why change names? by R. Proffitt
Hi again,
When I initially called the HP help desk about this problem, I was given the option of paying $50 for a tech support person to "talk me through" a limited number of possible fixes (I think I could ask 4 questions). I had already told the help guy that the machine wouldn't power up--how could he expect someone to "talk me through" anything? I didn't yell at him or get nasty, but I did tell him that his idea seemed like an inappropriate solution (translate as "a scam"). He just gave me a little giggle and moved on to the $300 motherboard suggestion. If this is the way HP does business, I don't want to buy another product from them.
All best--Barbara
Just so you know.
by R. Proffitt - 3/21/09 8:35 AM
In reply to: Not happy with help desk by bigelowbkm
For out of warranty calls, I can safely bet that every maker will be the same. I know what you are asking for but unless it's in warranty it's pay as you go. EVEN TO TALK ABOUT IT.
Those people cost money and if you are not in warranty then there is no cash to pay for them to talk to you.
Its a business. And business is going to sound cruel, mean, nasty so be sure you know that switching companies just because of this only results in a repeat with the next company.
I hope that you understand this without getting upset with me.
Bob
Just so you know
by bigelowbkm - 3/22/09 12:05 PM In reply to: Just so you know. by R. Proffitt
I'm not upset with you at all, Bob, and I thank you for your responses. What bothered me was that the help-desk person knew the $50 four-question deal would be a waste, yet he tried to sell it to me anyway. When I refused that course of action, he admitted to me that he knew it was the motherboard that needed replacing. If he knew that all along, why not just tell me from the start? It would have earned him and the company some future business.
All best--Barbara
ooouh ooouh!! I know this one.
by R. Proffitt - 3/22/09 12:13 PM
In reply to: Just so you know by bigelowbkm
"They are trained." And there are task masters that watch over them that they never deviate from "the script" or their training.
I will say that you do fair better at the Apple Genius Bar since it's one on one, face to face and people tend to treat people like people under those conditions. The nice thing about that setup is you set the tone of the encounter. If you are lucky and get a good person they apply themselves even if the situation is a bad one.
Bob
Maybe
by Renegade Knight - 3/23/09 11:43 AM In reply to: Just so you know by bigelowbkmThey don't know it's the mother board. The suspect based on expereince. It could be something else.
Changing Companies
by Renegade Knight - 3/23/09 11:47 AM In reply to: Re: HP Pavilion replacement by bigelowbkmHP hasn't done you wrong. Nobody else is going to do you any better as well. I've had better than average luck with HP support. Medium luck with their laptops. I'd not rule them out.
For the price the repair on your orginal laptop is fairly reasonable. I'd also consider the repair. Especially if the laptop is performing well for your needs.
If you do want to upgrade keep in mind a 500-600 laptop is a throw away machine. Expect 3 years and replace.
Went for the repair
by bigelowbkm - 3/31/09 4:53 PM In reply to: Changing Companies by Renegade KnightHP replaced the motherboard and the LCD bezel. Turnaround was fast. Just got it back via FedEx, and things seem to be fine. (I'm using it right now.) Thanks, everyone, for your advice. Barbara
easy
by korkom30 - 7/31/09 4:49 PM In reply to: Re: HP Pavilion replacement by bigelowbkmgo to hp website..there is a common problem going on on their products and they offer a free repair if you are qualified check it out
http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&product=3444107&lang=en&docname=c01087277#c01087277_identify
try this next time
by Kegtapper - 3/22/09 3:49 PM In reply to: Worth it to replace motherboard on HP Pavilion laptop? by bigelowbkmRemove the battery
hold the power button 30 sec
while still holding, insert the power supply
you will see the lights flicker (reading default info into flash ram)
then they will go out.
Release power button, then press and restart system.
This is one of things that happens when either CMOS settings are lost, or CMOS battery dies too soon. Or a host of other issues that happen with the HANN-STAR motherboards. BTW- they make them for Acer and Dell too!
So you may be changing brands, but getting different set of headaches.
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