[Leaplist] Laptop Hardware Advice

[Bruce Metcalf]

Todd Davenport wrote:

> OK, I have two laptops that I've bought in the last two years, both
> on sale and for cheap. A Dell Inspiron 1100 and a Gateway MX series.
> ... The Dell needs a new hard drive and the Gateway's power socket is
> hosed (I've had it re-soldered twice by a tech but it keeps breaking 
> again).
>
> I'm exited because if I can fix the two broken laptops I can have 
> more Linux boxen and start doing neat things on my home lan....


> The Dell with the broken hard drive, I've been using Xubuntu
> LiveCD.... unfortunately, while I'm a software geek I don't know much
> about laptop hardware....
> 
> Can anyone out there give me a pointer to the correct hdd to buy?

A quick google gives me:

20G:
http://www.comptick.com/vtd-5100hd-20.html

40G:
http://stores.channeladvisor.com/computer-memory-electronics/items/item.aspx?itemid=1022460

80G:
http://stores.channeladvisor.com/computer-memory-electronics/items/item.aspx?itemid=1021402

120G:
http://stores.channeladvisor.com/computer-memory-electronics/items/item.aspx?itemid=1592582

160G:
http://stores.channeladvisor.com/computer-memory-electronics/items/item.aspx?itemid=1896902

I've no experience with these firms, they just showed up as the cheapest 
price before shipping. Even the last of these is under $90. Should give 
you a start, anyway.


> As for the Gateway, I'm clueless. I spent a lot of money for Captial
> Computers in Casselberry to solder the dang socket and it still
> doesn't work...I'm guessing its bricked unless anyone has another
> idea?

Two ideas:

1. Have it re-soldered using silver solder. It's a lot stronger than 
lead solder. You'll need somebody who knows his stuff though, as it has 
a higher melting point and damage to the PWB is harder to avoid. And 
yeah, if I can find my silver solder, I'd be willing to give it a try at 
the next Installfest--let me know if I need to look.

2. Once resoldered, attach the connector to the PWB with a blob of epoxy 
putty. This will take the strain off the soldered connection (but it 
puts the strain on the PWB instead, so this may lead to worse trouble.

Bruce