Registered: Jan 2002
Location: South Dakota
Posts: 1

Replacement Parts?

OK, I'm sure this has never happened to anyone but as a teacher I like my students to check out the equipment I have. One item that is currently on the checkout list is a Handspring Prism. This so far has worked well BUT this past weekend a student returned the Prism and cradle and it seemed just a little strange. I opened the case and found that all the solder points were broken off and the battery case was cracked. It looked liked someone had tried to pry the cover off. I resoldered the connections but it still doesn't recharge when set in the cradle.
So here's my question: where or who can I turn to for some replacement parts? The screen is fine, so is the outer case. It just looks like I need a motherboard. Any help would be appreciated.
Thank you all in advance,
Cassie

Registered: Dec 1999
Location: Connecticut USA
Posts: 2682

Is that student going to get a passing grade???

Go to GetHighTech for replacement parts.

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God bless America, my home sweet home...

Registered: Mar 2001
Location: Nebraska- the Good life
Posts: 695

GetHighTech.com is indeed about the only place offering what you are looking for, but I am more interested in your loaner program.

My wife is a teacher, and I run the adaptive technology lab here at work, so I can relate to your situation. (And I'd be willing to bet that the cost for this repair is coming out of your pocket, and that the Prism is/was your personal property as well. My condolences!)

In the tech lab, we lend out devices of all types all the time. We often get them back in unusable conditions, and they often cannot be repaired. To reduce this, we have a few guidelines that you probably already thought of, but here they are for the common edification.

1. I generally seal the case with a 'do not tamper' sticker (which I printed up on the computer- it also has our lab name and contact info.) If the case is opened, the borrower has bought the device. In some cases, we even charge a deposit (sometimes a personal item) to guarantee this.

2. All borrowers are given a list of the rules that they agree to in writing and sign off. (Because most of my clients have legal guardians, the guardian gets a copy and has to agree to it as well.)

3. I 'bombproof' the device as best I can. In the case of a Deluxe (which we loan out), there is a Brando screen saver and a shock-resistant case of some type, depending on how it is to be carried or mounted. The Fellowes Bumper Suite and a Travel Hot-Sync Cable are pretty safe for most needs. The rules state that the device cannot leave the case. (I have been known to put a dollar bill between the device and case. If it comes missing, or is in a different position, I know this rule was broken. I may not say anything about it this time, but I note it towards future activities.)

Part of 'bombproofing' the Deluxe is a complete back-up, a good set of utility features, and making sure the stylus is 'burr-free'.

4. All the devices include a 'quick reference guide' of some type- usually modified from the manufacturer's books or FAQ's. This is redone as an easily photocopied handout and is given out along with a new copy of the rules with each checkout, and I go over them 'hands-on' as well.

Now- most of my clients have a head injury, so I have to take special precautions- but based on what my wife goes through and how my kids act, I am not sure there is a lot of difference between my clients and a typical young teen!

Registered: Nov 1999
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan USA
Posts: 790

quote:

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Originally posted by MarkEagle
Go to GetHighTech for replacement parts.

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Jeff