Laptop Repair

[wump]

Hi, I got a 4 year old laptop that doesn't work too well anymore. It's a Toshiba M200 and apparently there is some problems with some chipset that makes it burn out after 2-3 years. This leads to voltage problems and makes it shut down without warning all the time.

Now I read on several support forums that this can be fixed for around 2000-2500 Baht, but only if they don't change the complete motherboard.

Now my question is, where will I more likely not be ripped off? If I go to the proper Toshiba place in Phuket town will they try to say that fixing is too expensive just to persuade me into buying a new one?

And if I go to the repair shops in Big C will they likely know specific problems with certain models or will they be likely to not have a clue and want to change the whole motherboard instead of just a chip?

I know I have to go to find out, but please offer your thoughts. I know it's not too new but when compared to what is available at the moment it is still fairly okay. Only need it as a second PC to browse the web and watch streams.

Thanks for your opinions.

Edited May 9, 2012 by MaikB84

[Ping]

Try downstairs at the main Big C. Several BMs (including myself) have had satisfactory repair jobs there at a fair price. It's the one west-most on the lowest floor (forgotten its name, but someone will chip in). However, yep, 4 years old - not worth repairing - boat anchor. And you spend your money for the repair and then something else packs up...

[wump]

well 2000 Baht wouldn't hurt even if it lasted for only a year. Everything else is fine... HDD, screen, RAM etc usually don't break too quickly.

I know several manufacturers deliberately put in some weaknesses when the products could in fact last longer. If you fix these bottlenecks I think you could use laptops for at least five years. If I buy a new one now it pretty much has the same specs (if I get a cheap one). But okay, that's off topic.

I had been asking around where I could fix my new laptop's keyboard (broken key on laptop) and everyone was referring me to the proper Acer shop instead of Big C downstairs.

Can anyone recommend a good shop down there? I think I once walked around there and asked who can just clean the laptop inside (they do get fairly dusty and heat up, that's when they start to break), most didn't want to do it and the other ones charged upwards of 1000 Baht for what can be done in under an hour. Got myself a cooling pad for that price.

Edited May 9, 2012 by MaikB84

[badgerbailey]

Amorn electric in Big C downstairs are the only people capable of what you are asking, they have a repair centre right against the back wall of their shop. Everyone else in Big C will as you say try to replace the motherboard at a massive cost. Amorn is cheap and they try to repare rather than replace.

[LivinginKata]

yes Amorn is the place for any sort of electronic repairs. But you will not get repaired while you wait. They are far too busy. Repair prices are very fair.

[wump]

Thanks for the help guys, I will try them.

[seaeagle]

Worth nipping down to one of Woody's Sandwich Shop computer club meetings.

Some people there who can point you in the direction of 'club members' who could help with your problem.

[wump]

I guess these meetings are on a Sunday? Will be leaving Phuket on Tuesday morning so it'd be probably a bit of a rush. Thanks for the tip though.

[SeanPhuket]

there's also the kiosk/booth (not shop) down at big c. walk through the phone booths and it is the larger size kiosk at the end with no signage above just chest height counters and lots of chips, cases etc. on the center left side.

they did a great job with my mac which was roughly 4 years at the time! fair price, nice people too.

[dmitryspb]

I had very bad experince with repair shop at ground floor of Big C.. I don't remember the name of shop, but it connects with book store aside. My 4 y.o. Acer was not switched ON without any reason. Repair' guy (speaking utmost contemptuously) asked for 3.000 baht with any bargaining. He "repaired" it and returned me after 1 hour with reciept in Thai "...... IC ....".

But it failed again next day. I returned there and asked to settle again - <deleted>? Repair guy wanted 3.000 baht more, but I insisted and he asked to "go around for 15 min". I went away and noted he just SHAKED by laptop! That's all - no repair, just shake it. I would give him "a good lesson" at home for such pretty work, but we are mostly strangers here and no way to claim..

PS I'll be in Phuket in 3 weeks again and won't be lazy to put shop' name here.

Edited May 12, 2012 by dmitryspb

[SeanPhuket]

I had very bad experince with repair shop at ground floor of Big C.. I don't remember the name of shop, but it connects with book store aside. My 4 y.o. Acer was not switched ON without any reason. Repair' guy (speaking utmost contemptuously) asked for 3.000 baht with any bargaining. He "repaired" it and returned me after 1 hour with reciept in Thai "...... IC ....".

But it failed again next day. I returned there and asked to settle again - <deleted>? Repair guy wanted 3.000 baht more, but I insisted and he asked to "go around for 15 min". I went away and noted he just SHAKED by laptop! That's all - no repair, just shake it. I would give him "a good lesson" at home for such pretty work, but we are mostly strangers here and no way to claim..

PS I'll be in Phuket in 3 weeks again and won't be lazy to put shop' name here.

Yea, I know the shop. My recommendation above is a different place and this young couple where I go are way to educated to do such a stupid thing.

[dmitryspb]

See my negative experience above: their name is "Banana IT".

[David006]

have the feeling I replied to a similar thread already....however.

There is an excellent repair shop almost opposite the turning for the now old bus station in Phuket town