So many parts, too few ideas. DeadLaptop Filter

December 3, 2007 10:40 PM

What do do with all these laptop parts? Knight Rider, perhaps?

So, my laptop (Toshiba M45-S359) bit the dust two weeks ago. It seems to be the motherboard, per my *ahem* extensive testing. So, I found one on Ebay which I thought might have a good motherboard, but nope, now I have two broken Toshiba M45-S359s.

What should I do with them? Any ideas for a replacement motherboard that isn't $389 if I don't have to meet the requirements to keep it in the factory case?

I want to build a mobile PC to put in my car and I figured I could use most of the leftovers from these two to build something. OS would be Linux (Debian or Ubuntu) and applications could include, but not be limited to: gpsd, kismet, gpsdrive, some kind of mp3 player, etc.

Parts:
- Intel Pentium 4 @ 2GHz
- 1.5 GB RAM
- 100GB 7200RPM Hard Drive
- Intel 2200BG Wireless Card
- 15.4" LCD Monitor

posted by cdmwebs to computers & internet (3 comments total)

Hmm... you really need a working motherboard to tie all the parts together. Have you completely given up on finding a replacement motherboard via eBay? Seems like there are lots of laptops going for tens-of-dollars with cracked screens and such.

You could possibly find some barebones laptop and transfer the hardrive and ram into it... but you'd have to pay special attention to its specs, etc.

Otherwise I'd just sell the working parts on eBay and try and recoup some of your investment.

The specs are a little to nice to hack into a laptop picture frame...
posted by wfrgms at 11:03 PM on December 3, 2007

The laptop part most likely to need replacement is the display. Sell them on ebay, noting the working display.
posted by theora55 at 8:42 AM on December 4, 2007

I guess I'm coming upon this question a bit late - but have you tried Erecycler?

I got a new laptop mobo for my old gateway 600YG2 there. Nearly dirt cheap. Maybe 30 bucks?

Awesome site. They're in Dallas, just off of I-635 in East Dallas.
posted by jimmyhutch at 1:45 PM on December 27, 2007