It is extremely hard to repair a Laptop. Here is why:
Graphics, Sound, Network port, USB port and other peripherals are integrated into the motherboard. The number of integrated ports, accessories are related to the price your pay for the Laptop. You can not change the size of the screen either. By luck a port is provided to hook an external Screen if you wish. Most laptop are now coming with touch pad, which takes the place of the mouse. This pad is both loved and hated. It does do away with the mouse. The problem is that is can be touched by accident when you are typing. This creates a lot of four letter words that I can not say here. Again by luck Laptops do allow you to connect a PS2 mouse to a provided port. If this were not the case there would be a lot of Laptops in the junk.
What can I repair?
Not much. The Hard drive can be replaced as can be the RAM chips. Anything that is on the Motherboard will cost you a lot of money to replace. Actual repair is normally not possible. I treat software problem as repair items also. In fact most Computer repair is associated to software which includes the operating system. If you want to order a Motherboard and replace it yourself you can. However!!! you will need a lot of time and patience. The screws that hold it together are very small and some Laptops need special tools to take them apart. Due to the fact they are plastic it is possible you could break something. I do not recommend doing this. You can normally have it sent to the manufacturer and they will replace it. Cost may be high however. It may be cheaper to buy an entirely new Computer.
Who should own one?
This does depend on what you want to use it for. I feel you should only own one if your work depends on it. If you travel and need it for business this may be a good choice for you. If you want to free yourself from being tied down to one room or you want to multi-task by watching TV or doing some other activity it can be a good choice. You will need wireless capability to do that.
What about cost?
Laptops have finally come down in price and are affordable for most people. You can get some for around $500 especially on a sale. BUT! REMEMBER! REMEMBER! REMEMBER! There is normally no software on it. OK! there are some trial programs and maybe some small insignificant ones. Now you know why they are so cheap. Even the virus program is usually a trial program. (60 days on the average). You MUST buy programs for these computers or you will not be able to do anything. Obviously you must have Virus and Spy-ware protection. Buy the best you can afford.
I hope this gives you an idea of the pluses and minuses about repairing and buying a laptop.
