Calling all laptop computer techs

UPDATE:
We ended up buying another HP, but this time, we got a four year extended warranty. I hope we don't have to test how well the warranty works out, but we have it just in case.

Aaron got the HP Pavillion 2170 with 4 GB RAM, 500 GB hard disk, and 17.3" monitor. Per your suggestions, we also bought a cooling pad for it to sit on.

I spoke to a buddy yesterday that said he has a guy that fixes his laptops "really cheap". Our school district's IT manager said a motherboard for this dead laptop should cost about $100. So, maybe I'll be able to get this old dog up and running again with not much investment and keep it for myself - I really need a faster one than the old Compaq desktop I currently use.

We'll let you know how this new HP holds up. Thanks for all the input.

Jerry