What to do with my dead lappy...
 

I have a dell inspiron 4100. I bought it when I was gainfully employed almost exactly three years ago, a P3-900.

I woke up yesterday morning to a computer that wouldn't turn on. I pulled out the battery so it was just on ac:
bad: I was hit by that sickening smell of ozone and burnt electronics.
worse: the smell wasn't coming from the battery
even worse: it was coming from the computer internals proper.

Perhaps I have a masochism streak I didn't know about, but I phoned Dell tech support and sales to confirm my fears:
bad: yes. my mobo is toast.
worse: no. I have been off warranty for two years.
even worse: $765.27 for a replacement (more then for a brand new 700m board)
even more worse?: thats for a refurbished item that comes with a whopping 30 days warranty.
worst: could very well be the processor too.

I took it apart this morning; I can't find a giant black scorch mark from arcing high voltage or anything exciting like that. The 'hot/burnt' smell seems to be focused around the pcmcia slots, which is on the oppsite side from the chip.

I have just returned from my local computer shop with a 2.5" to IDE cable, and am in the process of recovering my data onto this old desktop, which was my largest concern.

Other points:

• I'm a student on a limited budget. I expected this laptop to last me when I made the decision to go back to school.
• http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...e=STRK:MEWA:IT although it seems risky even for ebay
• I have a fully funcitonal screen, HD, modular cdrw, floppy, battery, 2x128 SD, wireless card and router (B) that I no longer have a use for.
• I did use this computer on a regular basis for and at school, (MAPLE/matlab, excel and word, misd DEs)
• I also used it (and will need a laptop) if and when I continue to run my small business in the summer. (Access, quickbooks)

So what would you do in my position? I was already anticipating the Christmas crunch before this added cost. I do have work lined up over the break, but that money was intended to make life easier until April, not to go towards a new (to me) laptop. Should I just cut my losses and try to get a couple bucks parting it out?

I say try for the motherboard on ebay. If it's DOA, you can probably return it. If not, ebay will refund you (or at least help you get your money back). The seller has a good positive feedback, so it's probably on the level.

Parting out that laptop isn't going to offset the cost of a new laptop very much., and a P3 900 is still a decent system.

I guess I'm concerned about getting an ebay mobo; I don't know for sure if my processor is toast as well. I could spend the money on the board, then need to spend more money on the processor. I could think the mobo is DOA because I have a fried processor.

edit- now that I'm looking at it, a replacement 900-1000mHz p3-m is relativly minor

Cut your losses and just throw it out.

part out the parts you know are good on ebay... and try to find a deal on another one somewhere...

Take it one step further. Blow it up or smash the hell out of it!

I sold my laptop that had a fried mobo last year around this time for I believe 300 bucks. I say part the sucker out get as much as you can and try to find a laptop on sale some place.

you can probably get a good price for your memory from ebay.

this company sells some dell mobo's at good prices, but only show one on the site now, but worth keeping and eye on or calling

http://www.dsiwholesalers.com/category.cfm?cat=7

if you do decide to part out the lappy, i suggest holding onto the screen and finding a controller card for that model. with that you could at least build yourself a nice cheap flatpanel. otherwise at least concider replacing the motherboard, remember to document where all the little screws came from. when i took apart my laptop, the only way i was able to put it back together again was by laying a peice of paper over all the components and making circles where all the screw holes were. then just tape the screws to the peice of paper over your circles. you can't go wrong.

either way, good luck

Thanks for all the input.

I decided to part it out. I just couldn't bring myself to invest in a three year old laptop that may also need a new processor. Considering my needs (and the increased access to computers at the school I've obligated myself to for at least 2.5 more years), I can get by without a laptop.

If I part out everything I should have an ok start on a faster desktop too. Add some potential Christmas cash and I may be good to go.

as someone who works for dell... mobo are very easy to replace. your cpu is probably good.