We got word on the repair. Because they never called us, we just dropped in while in the area, which means I didn't have your guys' awesome info with me. So, I don't know if the recommendation and quote was for a SSD or replacement of existing type. (Prices Canadian.)
$80 to back everything up, just in case
$50 to diagnose
+back up drive, taxes, etc
Dx: hard drive is failing intermittently
Recommendation: Replace hard drive, should be good to go
Hard drive: Another $130
Other option is to pay $80 to have everything wiped, put back to original, and sell for $400.
Primarily because I hate having five gadgets to take care of, and I don't think he needs three, I'd rather get rid of it. Pitched to kid that if he wants a computer primarily for playing a specific version of Minecraft on it at home, he would need to pay for the hard drive.
So, we're landing at:
1. I paid the first $160ish.
2. If he wants to keep it, he pays the next $130.
3. If we sell it for $400, he keeps the money and can use it for his long list of other wants.
4. He says he would want to buy another computer, which start at $500ish here, in which case it seems best to go with #2.
Your smart people thoughts?