[lug] Opening laptops

[Ferdinand Schmid]

We have fixed this type problem on two of our IBM i-series laptops.  They had a production 
problem with the soldering connection between power connector and circuit board.  These 
laptops use a separate board for the internal power supply - and the problem started to 
appear after about 2 years (no more warranty).  I will be glad to look at your laptop but 
am reluctant to open it at the meeting.  Tools and a clean place for all those small parts 
are important.

So far our own technician time was always cheaper than sending those things in for repair.

Ferdinand

Chris Riddoch wrote:
> Quick question to those of you who have dealt with hardware
> problems on laptops before.
> 
> My laptop has developed a problem in the AC jack. The plug
> has two parts to it - one that plugs into the wall, and one
> that plugs into the laptop. Plugging them together and testing
> it with a voltmeter shows that power is being correctly
> with the cord I have. Plugging that into my laptop, however,
> has no effect. The laptop runs off the battery when it's plugged
> in, the battery won't charge, and there's no indication that
> current is actually getting into the laptop. This suggests that
> there's a problem just inside the laptop where the power cord
> connects. Major pain- I suspect that little plug is hardwired to
> the motherboard.
> 
> But it's just a small connector. Maybe it's bent wrong or
> something, but I can't even get the laptop open to look at
> what's wrong.
> 
> I can bring it all to BLUG if someone's willing to help me look
> at it after the meeting, but if the correct answer is "Don't try
> to fix that yourself," where's a decent place in Boulder that
> knows how to take care of Gateway laptops and won't charge me
> a huge amount to do it?
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> --
> Chris Riddoch       | epistemological
> chris at oskitchen.com | humility
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-- 
Ferdinand Schmid
Architectural Energy Corporation
Celebrating 20 Years of Improving Building Energy Performance
http://www.archenergy.com