based on the symptoms it sure does seem like a dead motherboard.
now it goes back to its owner, who will put it in the closet thinking that one day he will "get it fixed".....
thanks for your insights.
Patient: Hitachi M-1000/810 laptop
Alledged OS= Windows 98
Problem: won't boot. Nothing. no C prompt
AC good
Battery charged (or so the light says....)
New PRAM battery
removed and re-seated the RAM
Unit will "powerup", but that is all, no startup sound, no display. I get a...