Repair A190 or junk it?

Hi all
I would appreciate comments about whether or not I should junk my A190.
Fan started to get loud and finally no image on the screen.
I can hear the hard drive and DVD drives spin up. The power on and hard drive lights are on. The wifi light is on. Other than that no other life can be detected.
I am thinking the video card is bad.
I am willing to spend $200 or so on repair.
Do you guys think this is doable? and where should I send for repair? Sony?
Right now a new laptop is out.
I appreciate all comments.
Thanks
Off

 

I think Sony charge at least $250 for repair and that doesn't include the cost of shipping. They charged $276 just to repair a loose PCMCIA slot and this was in 2004.

 

What GPU does it have?

 

The A190 is 5 years old. I believe it has a 1.9 mobile processor. Very nice 17 inch screen. I hope it's not the motherboard.

 

Copy and paste off Sony's site

If your unit is no longer covered by any warranty (or extended service plan), then we will ship you an empty box. Simply follow the instructions in the box to send your computer into the Sony repair center. You will be charged $20 for shipping and handling (this covers all freight charges). After we receive your unit, we’ll diagnose your computer and let you know what type of repair is needed (see repair type and applicable charges to the left; most repairs are either $169.99 or $279.99). If you decide not to have the unit repaired, we will ship your computer back to you. The charge will be $99.99 (for the diagnostic fee) plus the original $20 shipping and handling fee, for a total of $119.99.

Minor Repair: $279.99*
Includes replacement or repair of your
hard drive, any CD or DVD drive,
or memory.

Major Repair: $499.99-$699.99*
For all units with motherboard,
LCD, or Blu-ray Disc™ Drive problems.

My A190 looks to be a major repair.
TOO EXPENSIVE FOR ME!
Anyone know of other reasonable repair shops?

 

For $499.99 you can get a new notebook that will be much better.

I wouldn't throw money at this thing. maybe take it apart and try to DIY.
Or sell it for parts.

 

I agree new=cheaper+faster. But I would still like to give repair a shot.
Looking for repair shops now.
Anyone know of any that are reasonable?

 

Just to let you guys know on ebay there is a guy repairing in California.
He's got 330+ positive feedbacks. Cost looks to be ~$250.
Wish me luck.