[Leaplist] Laptop Hardware Advice

[Hank Lambert]

I solved the solder issue with an old Toshiba the same way. I had it 
soldered twice. After the second solder job, I used epoxy, and as far as 
I know, it is still as strong as ever. I personally believe both laptops 
are worth saving, especially for Linux.

Bruce Metcalf wrote:
> 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
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