Laptop return for repair

[Samuraius]

My laptop has had some motherboard level problems for a while now, I've had it sent off to have a look at it, and they came back confirming this, saying it's definitely in need of a serious repair.

So I was wondering what the procedures, costs, time frames, etc, are for send-off repairs.

Any details are appreciated, and I can give model numbers, chassis numbers, etc when asked.

Thanks in advance.

[Mike]

Hi Samuraius

Our out of warranty inspection / repair service works along these lines:

There is an initial inspection charge of £37 including VAT (this is not paid up front). We inspect the notebook for you and advise on what precisely is wrong and how much it will cost to repair and how long it will take.
If you are happy for us to go ahead and repair the notebook for you we waive the inspection fee (i.e. you do not pay it) and you only pay the cost for repair (after it is complete).
If you decide not to go ahead with the suggested repair then you need to pay the £37 inspection fee.
The turn around time for us to inspection at Novatech can vary depending on the problem(s) being reported, but normally it takes 3 to 5 working days at most. Repair times can vary greatly depending on what needs to be repaired - we advise how long it will take after inspecting the notebook.

We do not inspect and/or repair novatech & PCs that were not purchased from us.

I hope the above helps, but if you need further details please post below :)

[Samuraius]

Thanks once again Mike, I believe you helped me last time :)

I'm having the same problem as before, I've just been using another laptop up 'til now, but now I want to see if I can do something about it now I've come into some money.

As you know my problem, and given the fact that it's motherboard-level, do you think it's going to be one of those "we can replace your motherboard for £150+ if you like, other than that it's scrap" jobs?

Also, will I only be given a repair price AFTER it's done? As in, will I have no choice to pay it after I've said to go ahead and repair?
Or are ALL details given BEFORE repair?

Thanks again for the quick reply

[Mike]

Was it this problem: http://forum.novatech.co.uk/showthread.php?t=11984 ?
If so then tbh it may well require a replacement motherboard. The only way to say for sure is to have it inspected.

We quote for the repair before undertaking the repair itself otherwise it would be very unfair on you. So you will know how much you are going to pay *before* anything is done (i.e. no surprise bills).

[Samuraius]

That's the one.

Okay, so, say if my laptop cost me ~£300 a year ago, and if I do need a new motherboard, could you say what kind of prices we'd be looking at?

Also, I can't find the make of my motherboard atm, since I can't get onto it, so I can't, say, shop around for myself, and find a replacement.

I know they say the motherboard is the majority of the laptop, but I really don't wanna be paying £200 - £300 for repairs...

[Mike]

That's the one.

Okay, so, say if my laptop cost me ~£300 a year ago, and if I do need a new motherboard, could you say what kind of prices we'd be looking at?

Also, I can't find the make of my motherboard atm, since I can't get onto it, so I can't, say, shop around for myself, and find a replacement.

I know they say the motherboard is the majority of the laptop, but I really don't wanna be paying £200 - £300 for repairs...

Motherboards can be very expensive indeed when it comes to notebooks - mostly because of the low power consumption requirements and that most devices have to be onboard. So you may well be looking at £150+ for the board *if* the board is faulty.The board itself is normally refered to by itself chassis number or chipset. In this case if you wish to find a board for the notebook elsewhere for price comparison purposes then try a google search with the make and model and the word 'motherboard'.

Is this unit an X15GS? I.e. Can you confirm that the chassis model on the underside listed as a M761SU?

[Samuraius]

Yes those details are correct.

[midnightray]

Currently in the same situation with Novatech regarding my brothers laptop, which also requires a replacement motherboard....

http://www.berr.gov.uk/whatwedo/consumers/fact-sheets/page38311.html

For up to six years after purchase (five years from discovery in Scotland) purchasers can demand damages (which a court would equate to the cost of a repair or replacement).

Although,

In general, the onus is on all purchasers to prove the goods did not conform to contract (e.g. was inherently faulty) and should have reasonably lasted until this point in time (i.e. perishable goods do not last for six years).

I would argue a laptop should last more than the 1 year "warranty" Novatech suggest, I would be expecting 3-4 years out of my Novatech laptop. Heck my old Dell P3 is still going.

Sorry to barge in on this thread, but its narks me that consumers are misinformed and expected to suffer the "oh its out of warranty" rubbish. So if I bought the most expensive Novatech laptop for say £6k, after a year its tough luck? No. that would simply be unfair on consumers. Please at least inform people of the sales of goods act!

[Mike]

Hi midnighttray

The information above in this thread was provided because Samuraius requested it and at the time I assumed it was out of warranty given he asked for costs etc.
I did originally generated a return number (within warranty) for this notebook in the above posted link - i.e. the previously posted thread about this notebook.
So he already has a returns number. The only thing we need to know is if the unit has been physically damaged as this is not covered by the warranty and also to review the dates of when it was purchased.

[Samuraius]

Well since I've had it sent off already, to a private repair place, and had it back saying it's a motherboard level repair so they can't do it, I assume it's voided my warranty as it's been opened up.

This is why I'm assuming that I'm going to have to pay for repairs (and probably a replacement motherboard), and that it won't be covered.

So, what details do you need?
I'd rather start a new claim, provide details again, and not complicate things by bringing up old claims.

Is that possible?

[Mike]

It totally depends on the unit - some are whole units that have been brought in to us and so the warranty is invalidated by breaking the manufacturer seals. Most however can be opened to a degree.
The warranty is definately voided if you have broken anything/caused damage inside - but if your notebook is of the latter type and damage has not been done then the warranty is intact if within the warranty dates etc.
With regard to information I've got the old return number from the above thread so when I get in to work tomorrow I can check on the details and if the notebook is considered within warranty we'll be happy to inspect the notebook and go from there. If it is considered out of warranty I can speak to my manager and see what can be done cost wise etc (although this is still subject to inspect to see what the extact problems are and what is causing them).

[Samuraius]

That's excellent Mike, more than I could've asked for.

Thanks for everything so far, and I eagerly await your reply.

[Samuraius]

Any advances yet at all mate?

[Mike]

Sorry for the delay: I've PM'd you.