For some time, my brother has had some problems with his laptop computer. The video graphics driver “do-hickey” is messed up, rendering the computer basically useless. He’s been looking for places where he might be able to fix it, or possibly a place where he could buy a new motherboard for it. I know it is a Sony Vaio, but I don’t know the model number off the top of my head. Next time I speak with him, I’ll be sure to get it. Any help is appreciated. Thanks. 
If the driver is messed up, then you shouldn’t need to get any new hardware. Drivers are software and can be downloaded for free from most company’s websites. What I don’t understand, though, is why the computer is “basically useless.” A video driver going bad will not render the computer inoperable, it’ll just be a very low-quality picture. If the computer does not show any picture at all, you should take it to a technician.
The whole video-adapter thing (a small square thing on the motherboard) is no good. I had already tried getting him some updated drivers and such. The computer doesn’t even turn on anymore. It’s at a technicians, on standby. My brother wants to see if there are any other “wallet-friendly” options out there. I think the technician would charge my brother (looking on invoice) an arm, a leg, 3 fingers, and his first-born child. 
The basic problem with laptops is the inability to easily upgrade, change, add or replace parts. Also, if the laptop is under warranty, then you will need to pay for that replacement (even if that part isn’t under warranty) because it is likely that the act of not having a “licensed” (or whatever) technician work on it might void the remaining warranty.
So, you might try looking for a cheaper technician, but if the entire video card isn’t working, then you are stuck getting it replaced with someone who knows what they are doing.
Now, if it was a desktop, I’d tell you to find a cheap video card open 'er up and change away…
Computers are evil!
They will leed to the downfall of civilisation!
Have you seen the crazy look in kids eyes after they have been playing ‘pacman’ or ‘space invaders’? CRAZY,LOST.
Throw the laptop away, free yourself.
So says connor sittin in an internet cafe, sorry cant help ya.
Try turnin it off and then back on again! Usually works with modern stuff.
I take it you have tried connecting to an external monitor. That would narrow the problem down to the graphics card and not the screen. You say it won’t even turn on anymore. If that is the case, it may be totally fried and not worth saving. Used laptops can be had for a decent price and I see advertised specials on new ones every week at every major store. Sony’s still go for a premium.
Yeppers, I’ve tried hooking it up to another monitor. About the fried-ness, try explaining that to my brother. 
What about the warrenty???
This is why I have a IBM thinkpad!!
All my colleagues in the Software house agree with me:
These here computer things? They’ll never catch on.