That’s right, ENGLISH KEYBOARD! Woo Hoo! For those that haven’t been following along, I bought the CF version of the 505 which does not come with an english keyboard. After getting the service manual and removing all the screws I couldn’t figure out how to take the notebook apart. Several local computer shops and Best Buy refused to attempt to swap the keyboard. Finally I found a CompUSA that was willing to try.
I brought the notebook in at 9am this morning. The tech looked at the notebook and I explained how far I got, gave him the manual and the screw driver, and wished him luck. The labor rate was a flat $140. He said he was very interested in trying this because it was such a unique notebook and it was a challenge.
At 1:30 (after not hearing back from them) I went to see what was happening with my notebook. Sure enough the swap was completed. He said he will never work on another x505 again and the price I paid for the swap was a bargain, he worked the entire time on my machine. I told him I doubt anyone else would bring a 505 in to this specific CompUSA so he shouldn’t worry too much, lol. Long story short, he said the casing needs to be pryed open from the outside and the front (by the mouse) has a lip and if I tried to pull it I would have snapped the casing. He said, in his 45 years of computer repair he’s never worked on a harder device. He said there are hidden snaps throughout the casing.
Unfortunately I did not get to see the inside of the device, and from how hard he explained it is to get inside, I don’t plan on going in myself anytime soon.
I am so happy with the keyboard (although I got used to hitting oddly placed keys so I am hitting wrong keys now) it was worth all the money and trouble.
Total cost hovered around $300-350.
You don’t need to point out my insanity, I am well aware of it, lol.
You payed 350 $ to change to an english keyboard and it made you really happy .. Sounds ok to me. I would not trust CompUSA or any other retailer with my machine, especially if i had an X505.
Yeah, it was pricey…but at least it was done without damaging your system and that’s worth the price alone. Too bad you didn’t have a 40GB 1.8” drive handy to throw in there while you were at it. Of course, based on your needs, it’s not necessary…but since when do gadget freaks like us factor that in? :wink:
Also, good to know that you actually found a knowledgeable and careful tech guy who didn’t end up damaging the system.
[quote author=“jso902”]45years of computer experience?
holy cow! was he a retired engineer?
ENIAC was finished in 1945, and is quickly approaching its 60th anniversary. 1960 was about when COBOL was developed and the PDP-1 was released, so it’s well within the realm of possibility. I know that my father, who’s a mathematician, was working with punch-card based computers in the late 60’s while he was going to school.
[quote author=“jso902”]it was just odd because i expected someone that’s known computer/hardware/language for 45 years to be somewhere but compUSA heeh :oops:
It’s probably a lot more interesting and challenging for him…than being a “greeter” at Walmart or Costco. :wink:
[quote author=“gr00vy0ne”][quote author=“jso902”]it was just odd because i expected someone that’s known computer/hardware/language for 45 years to be somewhere but compUSA heeh :oops:
It’s probably a lot more interesting and challenging for him…than being a “greeter” at Walmart or Costco. :wink:
Not a bad job for a retired or semi-retired computer junkie. Discounts and first dibs on open box, freght damage and closeouts. Occasional gifts or offers from manufacturers. Better pay than most retiree jobs.
Yeah, he was really old. I’d imagine in his late 60s. I sized him up a bit before handing over my device, he talked the talk.
I assume he retired and for whatever reason he wants to occupy his time playing with computers. I could see myself doing this after I retire, i’ve always wanted to do PC Repair/Support but never thought it paid enough, by the time I retire, I won’t care.
It turns out he did break a small part (he pointed it out to me) its a clip that is easily replaced…so I’m not too worried, I know he did his best. If they would have damaged the unit I would have most likely had to sue because I doubt they would just hand over $3K, they couldn’t easily replace it as its not a US item, and I would not have accepted a non-CF 505 as a replacement.
All in all it worked out well, expensive in the long run, but it all came together. I would have never figured out about the hidden clips and the lip so I would have done more damage then it cost to pay to do the swap.
Erik
EDIT: the part he broke (small clip) is $30 from Sony Spare Parts :shock: So, i’m not sure if i’ll live with the tiny crack or replace the part…most likely replace, but it’s not an emergency, I can do it whenever I guess.
[quote author=“jso902”]i’m betting you wont’ be able to wait for more than a month hahahahah
i think sony’ll be sending you a spare part very soon
the guy sounds like quite the honest guy. i know a lot of repair guys that’ll try to slip a minor “oops” under the table
Yeah, he said he was really sorry, he pulled it the wrong way. He repaired it with crazy glue, its hard to notice, I might not have seen it if he didn’t say anything…but as I said he pointed it out. I tried to tip him, but he wouldnt take it…for some reason nobody in MI seems to take tips…odd.
[quote author=“gr00vy0ne”][quote author=“jso902”]it was just odd because i expected someone that’s known computer/hardware/language for 45 years to be somewhere but compUSA heeh :oops:
It’s probably a lot more interesting and challenging for him…than being a “greeter” at Walmart or Costco. :wink:
Yeah…don’t be too quick to judge the old farts of the world. :D
I’ve been working with personal computers since the Osborne/Kaypro and CP/M days. I was only a year old when ENIAC was born, but I did have the opportunity to work on punch card systems before the PC. I’m working every day building and maintaining my company’s Intranet and continue to enjoy it. When I hit 60, I became a believer in the old adage that you’re only as old as you feel.
[quote author=“Tom In Arizona”][quote author=“gr00vy0ne”][quote author=“jso902”]it was just odd because i expected someone that’s known computer/hardware/language for 45 years to be somewhere but compUSA heeh :oops:
It’s probably a lot more interesting and challenging for him…than being a “greeter” at Walmart or Costco. :wink:
Yeah…don’t be too quick to judge the old farts of the world. :D
I’ve been working with personal computers since the Osborne/Kaypro and CP/M days. I was only a year old when ENIAC was born, but I did have the opportunity to work on punch card systems before the PC. I’m working every day building and maintaining my company’s Intranet and continue to enjoy it. When I hit 60, I became a believer in the old adage that you’re only as old as you feel.
Tom
Sorry, I didn’t mean to offend anyone with the ‘really old, late 60’s’ comment. Being 23 everyone over 35 is really old IMO.
I think when it comes to computer experience, the older you are the better…I know growing up Pre-Windows allows me to figure out certain computer problems better then if my experience started with Windows.
[quote author=“dbs”][quote author=“gr00vy0ne”][quote author=“jso902”]it was just odd because i expected someone that’s known computer/hardware/language for 45 years to be somewhere but compUSA heeh :oops:
It’s probably a lot more interesting and challenging for him…than being a “greeter” at Walmart or Costco. :wink:
Not a bad job for a retired or semi-retired computer junkie. Discounts and first dibs on open box, freght damage and closeouts. Occasional gifts or offers from manufacturers. Better pay than most retiree jobs.
Thats why I’m gonna go work at BestBuy.. show those idiots how to do things without damaging the system more than it was (ie: no DRILLING the hard drive out like w/ my HP :evil: ) and I like the possibility of first dibs of open box things… and just for some extra cash and another little discount… im gonna work at Starbucks, the lady said the employee discount would cover my 2-3 extra shots
[quote author=“tifosiv122”]I tried to tip him, but he wouldnt take it…for some reason nobody in MI seems to take tips…odd.
