Can my laptop be fixed?

[LuckyTaxi]

At first I thought it was the AC adapter, but I noticed the little "thingy" inside the laptop that the AC adapter plugs into is loose. The laptop will power on if I jiggle the power cord, but I would have to hold it at an angle. VERY annoying and I hate to buy a new laptop because of this minor issue. Is it possible to get this fixed?

 

[MichaelD]

Yes it can be fixed. For probably less than $50. Is it under warranty? Send it back if it is. If not, you may want to inquire w/the manufacturer what there policy/turnaround time/fees are to repair it.

Some places charge you $50 just to look at it, and then NOT take that $50 off the price of repair. Shop around. And after you get it fixed, stop JAMMING the power cord in there! Gently, gently push the cord into it's recepticle.

 

[LuckyTaxi]

The problem stems from me using my computer in bed. The wire goes all over the place and I would just ignore the cord by pushing it whichever way. I learn my lesson now!

The laptop is 3 years old so there is no warranty for it. Should I just call some local computer place? Someone on another forum mentioned that I may need a new board?! $50 is managable. I didnt want to shell out another $1300 for a laptop; though a new ibook does look tempting!

BTW ... whats that "thingy" called anyway? I would like to call some places to see what they would charge.

 

[MichaelD]

Probably called "power cord receptacle" or something like that. Just describe the problem to them over the phone...it's not the difficult to grasp since there's only one place that a power cord plugs into.

I got to thinking and if the piece is integrated into the case, you MIGHT need a whole new outer case....which is still way cheaper than a laptop.

If the repair will cost $$$$ see if they will "jury rig" something....use a hot glue gun or something to hold it in place.

good lcuk.

 

[LuckyTaxi]

Just called this one place and they wanted $65/hour. The guy said he would need to look at it, but typically if it requires soldering, then that's a three hour job. Not bad since that would be wayyyyy cheaper than a new laptop. Is there anyway I can tell if it's attached to the casing? I tried to open the laptop, but it wouldn't come loose for some reason.

They could also hot glue it like u said. Anything is better than what I've been dealing with. NO MORE eletrical tape!

 

[MichaelD]

DO NOT open the laptop. You don't know what you're doing (no offense ). Laptops have all these little pieces that all fit together a certain way..don't muck with it. Take it in.

 

[LuckyTaxi]

Just spoke with a tech from compusa (i dont even like compusa cuz they charge ridiculous prices), but the guy said the best they could do is to replace the board. Soldering isn't a good option since it would cause problems later on down the road. Is this true? Will the receptacle get loose say months later?

 

[MichaelD]

Originally posted by: lilcam
Just spoke with a tech from compusa (i dont even like compusa cuz they charge ridiculous prices), but the guy said the best they could do is to replace the board. Soldering isn't a good option since it would cause problems later on down the road. Is this true? Will the receptacle get loose say months later?

Impossible to tell. Usage varies. But in your case, I'd bet money that you break it again.

 

[LuckyTaxi]

Yes I will! I found some nice laptops on half.com for around $600. I can swing that, but I also need a new car. Hmmmmmmmmmmm ... I think I will use more tape.