Thank you, directive0.

I am completely unfamiliar with hardware to a certain level. When you say SMD components, what are those exactly? I am dubious about my ability to exact anything, but then again I have yet to peek inside and see what the board looks like.

You mentioned you have repaired burnt capacitors before. Are they replaceable in Newtons? Aside from adding RAM or swapping a CPU, I am not experienced in anything more technical.

I have never taken a Newton apart before, but I when I find the guide I will check out your suggestion of burn patterns or raised top portions.

What do you suppose caused it? Just age?