Hey iFixit Community!

I am so happy that I found this website! It's amazing! lol. okay, down to business. I have a 2007 15" 2.16 ghz macbook pro that has been amazing, it has served me well for 2 1/2 years or so. but just about a month ago, the video card (i believe) stopped working. everything on the laptop work fine - the sound buttons, the light up keyboard, the caplock and numlock light. I took it to the apple store hoping that the video card was one of the ones nVidea had recalled but when the tech geek "tested" it, he said it wasn't one of the models (but in my head i don't see how they could test to see which card it was if it is shot). Anyhow, he gave me some tips (rather expensive ones), he said for me (oh btw, the top of the laptop where the apple logo is got dented the second day i got the computer) pay a 3rd party service to replace my aluminum casing then bring it back to apple, then they would send it out to their repair depot in the area for $310.

My question to you all is: Is there any other options available to me? btw, the third party may charge up to $175 just to replace the aluminum casing on the top of the computer. so... I am looking at a $485 bill.

Also, is it possible for me to do this on my own? At least replacing the aluminum casing?

Thanks so much!

[quote|bazookaa]Hey iFixit Community! I am so happy that I found this website! It's amazing! lol. okay, down to business. I have a 2007 15" 2.16 ghz macbook pro that has been amazing, it has served me well for 2 1/2 years or so. but just about a month ago, the video card (i believe) stopped working. everything on the laptop work fine - the sound buttons, the light up keyboard, the caplock and numlock light. I took it to the apple store hoping that the video card was one of the ones nVidea had recalled but when the tech geek "tested" it, he said it wasn't one of the models (but in my head i don't see how they could test to see which card it was if it is shot). Anyhow, he gave me some tips (rather expensive ones), he said for me (oh btw, the top of the laptop where the apple logo is got dented the second day i got the computer) pay a 3rd party service to replace my aluminum casing then bring it back to apple, then they would send it out to their repair depot in the area for $310. My question to you all is: Is there any other options available to me? btw, the third party may charge up to $175 just to replace the aluminum casing on the top of the computer. so... I am looking at a $485 bill. Also, is it possible for me to do this on my own? At least replacing the aluminum casing? Thanks so much![/quote]