Re:Thin yet Repairable Devices: HP Proves They Exist
by _emacsomancer_ on Thursday June 27, 2019 @04:16AM
(#20292596)
The newer ThinkPads seem much less user-servicable than the older models though. I hope Lenovo returns to a user-servicability>thinness approach at some point.
Re:Thin yet Repairable Devices: HP Proves They Exist
by nine_k on Thursday June 27, 2019 @08:33AM
(#20293814)
It's not newer vs older. It's slick hipster-looking mac-like all-soldered X series vs thicker corporate all-serviceable bricks of T series. (I greatly prefer the latter, of course.)
Re:Thin yet Repairable Devices: HP Proves They Exist
by _emacsomancer_ on Thursday June 27, 2019 @04:55PM
(#20298640)
My understanding is that the newer X- and T- are still less serviceable than earlier models in the same line.
Re:Thin yet Repairable Devices: HP Proves They Exist
by abdullahkhalids on Thursday June 27, 2019 @08:21AM
(#20293748)
I don't know how much more servicable the older models were, but the newer models come with an instruction manual that explains how to replace most of the parts. Unfortunately, the screen is not included in this list. But Youtube has you covered there. My only complaint after repairing my own thinkpad is that the body material is a bit flimpsy and the clips will break after being opened several times.
Re:Thin yet Repairable Devices: HP Proves They Exist
by rvense on Thursday June 27, 2019 @03:48AM
(#20292472)
How about the keyboard though? I have an X270 and last I looked replacing the keyboard involved a complete disassembly, including a heat source to loosen some glue.
Re:Thin yet Repairable Devices: HP Proves They Exist
by abdullahkhalids on Thursday June 27, 2019 @08:24AM
(#20293766)
The T470's keyboard can be replaced without even opening the backcover. You just unloosen two screw and detach two clips on the back and the keyboard comes off easily.
The other day I upgraded the NVMe drive, which involved unscrewing 5 screws on the back cover (they don't remove completely, so you can't lose them), pulling it off, then removing the screw securing the drive in place, pulling out the drive, then doing the same in reverse to put it back together. I didn't even need any fancy head, just a standard Philips screwdriver is fine.
If any parts break it's easy to get replacements and perform the work (Lenovo provide lists of part numbers and instructions). Oh and the modification I did will not affect my on-site warranty in any way.
I admire Apple for some of their work, but it just seems like they are shooting themselves in the foot with the lack of repairability and overpriced hardware. I used to be a die hard Apple fan, but the hardware they have released in the last few years has just put me off - now I don't own any Apple products.