[Thinkpad] T40 hardware problems (memory socket?)

Dear Thinkpad users,

I am posting to this list in search for a useful lead regarding my
problem, because I was told that this problem has been previously
discussed in this list. Unfortunately I did not see a way to search
the list archives so I apologize in advance if I am wasting everyone's
time with something I could have lookup up otherwise.

I have the T40-freezing problem described at
http://help.lockergnome.com/general/IBM-T40-freezing-ftopict50602.html
-- where it is mentioned that there is a common memory socket issue
with T40 causing these problems, and that this problem can be repaired
(and is allegedly repaired at no cost by IBM service). My machine is
4+ years old and no longer covered by warranty. I have exhausted my
own troubleshooting / disassembling / cleaning mileage and took the
thing to the local dealer/service provider.

Unfortunately I don't live in California any more so I took it to an
Athens, Greece, dealer. They had never heard of the memory socket
problem and diagnosed my machine with a bad motherboard and bad memory
modules (which sounds about right, if the socket explanation is
correct). The problem is that all they can "offer" is to replace both
the motherboard and the memory modules, with new parts, for a total
"repair" cost of 600 euro (that's about a thousand dollars). In other
words, it's a death warrant.

So, I wonder if I can find more information about this "bad socket
connection" problem; if it is something that I can help the local IBM
service provider learn about and repair; if it a known not-uncommon
manufacturing defect of T40 which has caused concern at IBM/Lenovo;
even if it is something I can fix myself with a thin soldering iron
and fine motor coordination; if there is some central office somewhere
where I can write to and explain that my new laptop will not be a
thinkpad if it I am forced to buy one prematurely under these
circumstances? Or perhaps if there are any better ideas at all?

I bought IBM for the quality and I find it disappointing for my
machine to die like that on me -- my 1997 Toshiba Tecra has suffered
through way more use and abuse still works fine (notwithstanding
reasonable keyboard wear and tear). Thank you very much in advance for
any help you may be able to offer, pointers to previous problem
reports, solutions, contacts to users or IBM/Lenovo representatives,
whatever.

Athanassios Protopapas
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Received on Sun Nov 18 09:26:14 2007