How to Find Repair Parts for Your IBM ThinkPad

Although no longer manufactured by IBM, the ThinkPad is still considered the workhorse of the laptop world. Many users also feel they are the most user friendly, especially when it comes to replacing a malfunctioning part. Fortunately for ThinkPad users, the new owner Lenovo is still maintaining drivers, manuals and other information for all ThinkPads on their website.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer w/Internet Access
• Part Number of the needed part

1. Visit Lenovo.com and confirm you are searching for the correct part. You may have to download the service manual for your particular ThinkPad.

2. Begin your search by looking on eBay or other auction sites for the part you need. Make a note of auction number and price if you find the correct part.

3. Register and log into the ThinkPads.com Community Support forum. Users there are almost fanatical about their ThinkPads, own many, and have parts they are willing to sell. Post a request on their Market Place forum.

4. Check the price at Lenovo or one of their designated third party vendors. This may be your only option if you can’t find the part elsewhere.

5. Compare all prices and make your purchase accordingly.

Tips & Warnings

• If your laptop is still under warranty, call Lenovo to see if the part is covered. Take pictures, if possible, of every step as you take apart your laptop for repair. This will help insure you put everything back in the right place. Many ThinkPad owners own one or more non-working laptops of the same model that they use. This gives almost immediate parts for repairs. Non-working laptops can be picked up very reasonably on eBay.

Resources

• Lenovo
• ThinkPads Support Community Forums