[smabs]

Pls help! i have an old model of the iBM thinkpad (X31) and was wondering if anyone can suggest where i can get a new HDD (its going "crazy"!!!), Memory & Battery at cheap prices (perhaps) for them. I understand there are many computer stores around in HK so anyone who have tried some shops and find them reliable, opinions would be much appreciated!

Thank you....................

[discobay]

There are three shops in the WCC dealing in second-hand notebooks. Some have accessories too. There are a couple of other shops that sell just chargers, batteries and maybe other stuff too.

[MrMoo]

The HDD can be picked up anywhere, it should be a standard 2.5" unit. The memory and battery might be bespoke so you need specific parts. First have a look on the top floor of the Golden Computer Centre, they have some repair shops, then try the second hand market which is one block away (away from the MTR station).

Do you have the restore CD's from IBM? They can try to repair the HDD for you, or try to copy to a new one.

[discobay]

The X31 uses a hidden recovery partition for a full system recovery.

[after_e1even]

Yes it does but, don't you have a Windows XP installation disk?

If you don't...you are in HK...the land of bootlegged software ...I am sure you can buy the disk somewhere cheap.

**Please note...I am not condoning piracy**

If I was in HK right now I would offer to teach you how to do it. It's really easy...just press "Next..Next..Next"

[MrMoo]

Originally Posted by after_e1even

...I am sure you can buy the disk somewhere cheap.

Since July or so last year all the pirate shops closed down, partly because of government crackdown, partly because its incredibly easy to download and every local computer magazine has detailed steps of how to do it.

[MaxWonga]

I am not sure how old that model is, but don’t spend too much fixing it up as you can buy a decent note book with guarantee software etc for under 7k, oh and they do sell that pirate software in 298.............walked past the shops only last week

[discobay]

MaxWonga is right. Current models are cheaper and faster with warranties to boot. Why bother with resurrecting an old model with possibly second-hand parts that will likely give up a few months down the line?

[PhilE]

My X31 battery is on its final legs - I shopped around the Wan Chai centres and got quotes for a genuine IBM new battery of between 750 and 900 HKD. You should be able to get 3rd party spares for less, but I don't know how good they are.

The new X60s looks very nice (http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=2701), except they changed the power adapter size We have 3 IBM power adapters in the flat as the wife has a T-model thinkpad too. Why did they have to go and do that?

In these days of heightened environmental awareness/concern, why is no one screaming at the electronics manufacturers to standardise on power components? Or am I missing the point?

[discobay]

Sony do the same and change their power adaptors regularly. Coincidentally, I have an X31 too Phil. Mine keeps about an hour or two of its charge when used constantly. Do you think it needs replacing and if I get a new one how long will it last?