I recently had problems with my Sony Vaio VGN-AR61ZU, the screen remains blank on power up and I hear 2 short beeps followed by a long one. This as I have come to know is a video problem.
I did some research on the web and found out that most likely it is poor soldering connections between the motherboard and the nvidia graphics card (a known issue). Overheating the laptop (not advisable) allows the system to boot and I can use it normally from then on, sometimes it even boots the next day... eventually it does again give me the no-screen of death(? nsod).
So I send the laptop for repair and get a quote (not itemised with nearly enough detail) back from the centre saying it needs to replace the motherboard and I will need to fork out nearly 1/3 the cost of the laptop. I don't intend to pay that much for what I believe (I am an electronics engineer - so I'm not completely ignorant of the workings of computers) is a simple resolder of the graphics card.
If I take this to a local or not so local repair centre and they resolder the joint what is the point of having a "Sony" repair centre that can't solve simple problems and whose only solution is to replace the whole motherboard. From reading the the forum this is their standard solution for everything. I already forked out to have this shipped to the Repair Centre (which was not cheap).
If Sony want repeat custom for their products they better get their after care service in order. I for one will not be purchasing any new sony equipment if this is the level of service I can expect. If anyone can passs me details of a reputable repair shop in the UK that I can get quotes from I would very much appreciate that.
Regards
MB
