Hi, I'm thinking about buying a second hand Compaq Evo N1020v notebook, there's only one problem, aparently the motherboard needs to be replaced (it has been checked by a technician). Someone told me that notebook motherboards can not under any circumstances be replaced. Is this true? or can I just take it to computing store and have them replace it? is it possible to have a technician replace the motherboard? Thanks a lot. Michael.

"Someone told me that notebook motherboards can not under any circumstances be replaced. Is this true?" Absolutely not true, they can be replaced. taking it to a computer store is probably not the best option for this type of work, it is best left to a certified tech who has done this before. Now, something you should know, a procedure like this is going to cost some decent money ( A Sony Vaio board is notorious for costing nearly what the whole notbook cost to begin with). You need to ask yourself if having this done is worth the notbook in the first place. What I mean is, if you are going to pay 4 or 5 hundred for the unit, you may not want to shell out an extra 300 or more for the new board and all labor charges involved.

Um, I guess I failed at trying to spell notebook :-)

Yes, I would highly reccommend to take it to a certified tech and have him do it for you. You should never take a chance like that. groups.yahoo.com/group/simplycomputers2

I checked out this computer, pretty nice setup. I also did some research and it looks like if you had Compaq themselves do it, the price for the board+labor would be in the 500 dollar range. It could be more, it could be less, so see what a local qualified tech would do it for.

Thanks everyone for the notes. I think I'll buy it, and yeah, the store in my town is a "leading edge" store and it has qualified technicians, so I'll take it there and have them fix it for me. Thanks again everyone!

I take apart laptops for the fun of it. Compaq laptops are some of the simplest to take apart. If you take it to a store make sure you speak to the tech that is gonna take it apart and ask him how long he has been doing it. Laptops are easy to work on but you gotta have one hell of a memory as to where does this and that go and where did I take that screw from. KTTD Life is not fair, people lie and making it is not easy in this world.