I hate IBM. (Update: Resolution?)

[Entity]

Ugh. So I've had a T40 for around a year, maybe a year and a half now. I've really liked it -- great laptop all around. Recently I started having problems with my wireless connection sporadically dying, and the laptop occasionally bluescreening. I tried everything -- updated drivers, software, etc. Reinstalled Windows (unrelated), problem still remains.

So I call tech support. I've got the 3yr warranty and send the laptop in.

Get a call from them a few days ago.

"Sir? We cannot fix the problem on your laptop due to user abuse."

"What?"

"The problem you are having is related to a system board malfunction. Your USB port is damaged on the computer, and we will need to replace the system board to fix this. The cost for this part will be $730."

Ugh. So apparently at some point in time, the USB port broke. The little black plastic bit which covers the metal prongs fell off, or was removed, or whatever. But that's the jist of it. So one of my USB ports doesn't work, but as a consequence, they won't do any repair on my system.

I've looked around for ways to fix the USB port myself but apparently it isn't easy, and requires system board work. I don't know. I'd just like to get the wireless problem taken care of (they did send me a new card which I put in, but it has the same problems).

Anyone ever run into a similar problem?

Rob

 

[RagingBITCH]

Wait - so the USB port is physically cracked/broken? Like the cover off of it? That's horsesh!t. I'd demand to talk to an upper level supervisor with IBM.

 

[Baked]

Bitch about it until you get a brand new notebook from them.

 

[Entity]

The USB port has a little plastic connector covering the metal prongs on the USB port. That little black piece is gone. That's all.

There is no damage to the laptop -- I've been incredibly good to it. :|

Rob

 

[rh71]

nvm, just, good luck.

 

[DaiShan]

They're crap is broken, a plastic cover on a usb port will not cause BSOD, end of story.

 

[DaveSimmons]

Ugh. So apparently at some point in time, the USB port broke. The little black plastic bit which covers the metal prongs fell off, or was removed, or whatever.

Wait, so this happened and you never realized it?

One day you jammed a cable in, a part went flying with a "crack!", and you didn't notice?

Or are you saying you got this used and have no idea whether the previous owner did abuse it or not?

 

[PunDogg]

yeah, get a level 2 and up tech support

Dogg

 

[DaWhim]

ebay it and get a new one. cheers

 

[Kaieye]

I would shove a PCMCIA/USB 2.0 adapter and use that. But the main question is, did you know that the USB port was busted?

 

[Entity]

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons

Ugh. So apparently at some point in time, the USB port broke. The little black plastic bit which covers the metal prongs fell off, or was removed, or whatever.

Wait, so this happened and you never realized it?

One day you jammed a cable in, a part went flying with a "crack!", and you didn't notice?

Or are you saying you got this used and have no idea whether the previous owner did abuse it or not?

It's not much of a crack. From what I've read, what happens occasionally is you put a mouse or other USB device in, and when you remove it, you can occasionally (again, I don't know the details) remove the plastic with it.

I didn't notice that it had happened whenever it happened. I'm the first owner of the laptop, so it certainly happened under my ownership.

The problem I'm having is that apparently there are system board issues and it will need to be replaced to fix the problems I'm having; however, since the USB port is damaged, they're claiming "user damage" for the laptop which invalidates my warranty.

I'll call on Monday and try to get it escalated. Either way, I'm not particularly happy.

 

[Codewiz]

Originally posted by: Entity

Originally posted by: DaveSimmons

Ugh. So apparently at some point in time, the USB port broke. The little black plastic bit which covers the metal prongs fell off, or was removed, or whatever.

Wait, so this happened and you never realized it?

One day you jammed a cable in, a part went flying with a "crack!", and you didn't notice?

Or are you saying you got this used and have no idea whether the previous owner did abuse it or not?

It's not much of a crack. From what I've read, what happens occasionally is you put a mouse or other USB device in, and when you remove it, you can occasionally (again, I don't know the details) remove the plastic with it.

I didn't notice that it had happened whenever it happened. I'm the first owner of the laptop, so it certainly happened under my ownership.

The problem I'm having is that apparently there are system board issues and it will need to be replaced to fix the problems I'm having; however, since the USB port is damaged, they're claiming "user damage" for the laptop which invalidates my warranty.

I'll call on Monday and try to get it escalated. Either way, I'm not particularly happy.

That is bull. The laptop doesn't work because of another problem. IBM is just looking for a way to get out of honoring their warranty. I would compain to the BBB if they refuse to help you out.

 

[omniviper]

same here. ibm tragically has a weird flaw with their system boards. in my t30, had it repalced twice during its warranty period. but for me, the pc would just crash out of nowehere, like permenently freeze.

talk to a higher up supervisor. dont be afraid to be demanding

 

[fbrdphreak]

They're just giving you the same runaround. Any tech support is going to try to take the cost effective route with their customers. I would just keep on 'em till they repair it. Now why you didn't get the accidental damage coverage w/the 3 year, I don't know But they'll fix it for you, just nail 'em to the wall

 

[HonkeyDonk]

wow so you're just taking it up the ass like that?

nice job...way to be a pushover.

 

[aux]

Check forum.thinkpads.com. The people there should be able to give you an advice on how to deal with this.

 

[AnyMal]

They're feeding you a pile of horsesh!t, don't budge. Talk to the supervisor. If that doesn't help, demand they put everything they told you in writing.

 

[Entity]

Originally posted by: fbrdphreak
They're just giving you the same runaround. Any tech support is going to try to take the cost effective route with their customers. I would just keep on 'em till they repair it. Now why you didn't get the accidental damage coverage w/the 3 year, I don't know But they'll fix it for you, just nail 'em to the wall

Yeah. Next laptop I get, I'm definitely getting full coverage. I was poor when I bought this one.

 

[Jynx980]

Do you use a wireless phone/cell phone? Take it closer the computer while pinging somthing and see if it affects it. If it does you may have to change frequencies. Worked for my friend anyways.

 

[rhino56]

i dont think the usb port would cause that. you could probably rip a usb port off a board and get it to boot still.

 

[cavemanmoron]

Sledgehammer is owner abuse.

wimpy made usb port sounds like hardware defect.

 

[PlatinumGold]

Entity, it does sound like a board level problem. can you see inside the broken usb port? are any of the connectors shorting against each other? that could cause the type of problems you are having. mb separate them and fill the port with Silicone.

 

[Entity]

On the phone with IBM now. Crossing fingers.

 

[Entity]

Originally posted by: PlatinumGold
Entity, it does sound like a board level problem. can you see inside the broken usb port? are any of the connectors shorting against each other? that could cause the type of problems you are having. mb separate them and fill the port with Silicone.

No shorts. No connectors touching. Just the black plastic thing missing. That's it.

Rob

 

[newbiepcuser]

Just keep at it with them on the phone, and speak to their supervisor, that person's supervisor, etc.

Does IBM even offer accidental coverage like Toshiba and Dell?