Display problems and the rest... Help

Question

When using the 'smaller' graphics card, the screen goes mostly black with horizontal strips of random colours. The only option is to perform a 'hard reset'. This happens 2-3 times a day (3 -4 hours usage).
I haven't had any issues like this when using the 'hardcore' graphics card.
That's the graphics issue... now the rest.
EVERY time i start the thing up, the machine will reset itself within 10-20 seconds and then boot up fine.
Sometimes it starts all the way... and then... restarts itself (happened once).
What should i do? I bought from a reseller... and they are useless... Surely it's covered under warranty? No applecare... but then i should be protected under manu warranty.
I've migrated from my older 17" macbook pro and that took 4 hours! i really dont want to go through that again.
Will the applestore allow me to change the HDD?
What do you suggest (anyone??)

Answer 1

If you have a late 2008 MBP, then it is under at least a 1 year warranty, which you can upgrade to 3 year Applecare if you like. It doesn't matter where you bought it. You can call Apple or go to any Apple Store to have it looked at.
I believe that in the late 2008 MBP, the hard drive can be replaced by the user. You will find instructions in the manual.
But it sounds like your issues would not necessarily be fixed by a hard drive replacement. It would be wise to try to get a diagnosis first.
A good place to start might be to run the extended version of the Apple Hardware Test, which is on Install Disk #1 of the original gray discs that came with your computer. If you get an error code of any kind, then you have a hardware problem that needs to be fixed.
Do you have access to an Apple Store? If so, make an appointment with the genius bar and have it looked at.
If you don't have a local Apple Store, call Apple on the phone and describe your problems to them. They can walk you through several troubleshooting procedures and hopefully determine what is causing the problem.
Good luck!