Thanks for all the discussion points.
Louis - the model I have (Early 2011 MBP 17") is actually retina display already. One of the many reasons I love(d) it. It would break my heart if I had to exchange it but of course that trumps a working replacement in a newer 15".
If they replace the logic board again, I am really interested in maximizing it's life as my diagnostic imaging workstation feeding a external cinema displauy. I have upgraded ram to 16GB, and SSD to 500GB and it worked so much faster. I use OsiriX that open large CT datsets - commonly using volume rendering and planar reconstructions. I travel often so I have a travel case for the cinema display and my macbook.
Am I understanding correctly that flash video (Youtube, Vimeo) are more taxing on the logic board compared to my DICOM viewing and rendering software?
If so I will avoid the flash videos entirely. Also, what instructions (video or step-by-step) could I follow to improve the heatsink or attachments. I don't mind some minor "surgery" ( I replaced the Ram and the HD as described above.
Should I always have it elevated on a M-stand (or equivalent). What about fancy cooling attachments?
Thanks again Dan, Louis, ABCellars