Fixing stuff, myself included…
Switched lcd screen on one of the Thinkpads, only to discover that it has a jack problem as well. Taking apart laptops is not for the squeamish; you practically have to take it all apart to get to the input jack. Attempting entire dismantle after reading that some of the Thinkpads have wired, rather than soldered adapter jacks, and it may be possible to simply tighten a screw to fix the problem. Trying to remove the front bezel, and one damn screw, which of course is down a one inch hole has a burred head (my bad). Don’t know if I can get the sucker out, without resorting to extreme measures. Now you know why they charge $75 to fix a jack problem.
You knew it was going to be a bear; why did you do it?
I’ve got nothing to lose; these laptops were rescued from the dump remember. It’s a learning experience, but that damn screw is a roadblock at the moment. My next plan of attack involves taking the partially disassembled laptop to my local Hamden hardware store and begging for mercy.
Is there anything else you want to bitch about?
Yes, security screws.
What about them?
The idea of security screws just seems like a ploy to sell security bits! How secure is it really, if all I have to do is go to the electronics store, or buy the bit online? Only one step up from priority hardware. Irritating and costly for the consumer.