[Technology] Laptop Question: Regarding professional repairs

[lizfu]

I have a Toshiba Satellite A215, which has been my one and only laptop for the last five years. It's been a great laptop with only a minor BIOS problem early on that I was able to resolve quickly thanks for a patch. However, as my baby is getting up there in laptop years, her parts will start giving out, but I love her enough to drop money on the repairs instead of ditching her for a new model.

Her CPU fan has started making a wheezing noise every now and then. If I prop her up, the noise goes away, but I'm afraid of what this may indicate. I've already looked around at parts - they're fairly inexpensive - as well as guides for disassembling a Toshiba Satellite A215. The most I got out of these guides was, "HAHAHAHA! No. Unless you're experienced in the mysterious art of Toshiba laptop repair, take it to a professional."

So, my question: Should I take my baby to the Geek Squad? Will they even repair a laptop that's well out of warranty? How are their prices for repairs?

Comments

[amiry]

My old laptop was a Toshiba, but the only problem it really had was an extremely crappy battery life (it was also a hand-me-down from my mom). It sounds like it might be something to do with the fan..?

If it should come down to getting a replacement, I have heard that Acers are amazing for being such cheap computers, and that is coming from several computer geeks that I know. :)