Well this was clearly above and beyond my scope.
I shopped around, and found the best deal at staples, since the $70 diagnosis fee is credited towards any service performed.
Sure enough, the harddrive needs replaced, and the operating system needs re-installed.
They will try as well and recover data.
Cost is $250...but if you credit the diagnosis...is is $180.
They told me they highly recommend I replace the motherboard, as that would be like getting a new PC, and would definitely guarentee it functioning.
That cost if I did that would be an additional $110...bringing it to $360 or less diagnosis $290.
I figured this was a "come on" to get me to pay more, I just want it running for the next 1-2 years, and said no.
Questions:
1) Does this sound like I got a fair price, and does the diagnosis+work seem reasonable?
2) Do you think I should have gone for the motherboard, or was my call correct?
-I figure I save money, and if I need a motherboard, I can always get that done later, why do it now if I might not require it, plus I thought it was more trying to squeeze cash out of me.
3) What do you guys think of staples? They were MUCH more reasonable than BestBuy Geeksquad and SunMicroSystems.
They have a 180 guarentee anywho.
