We often work on laptops with damaged keyboards: sticky keys, non-functioning keys, and missing keys. The question that our customers often ask us is whether the keyboard should be repaired or replaced. We always advise to replace, the reason being is that labor is 2/3 of the total cost and labor is the same is not more for a keyboard repair. Also this way you’re getting a new keyboard with a greatly reduced chance of additional malfunction.
Archive for October, 2007
Laptop Keyboards: Repair or Replace
Wednesday, October 31st, 2007October 2007 Most Popular Laptops
Wednesday, October 31st, 2007Here’s a list of Notebook Review’s most popular laptop/notebook computers as of Oct. 2007. From a laptop repair standpoint, these are more desirable due to better availability of replacement parts.
- Dell Vostro 1500 (Core 2 Duo processor, 15.4″ screen, released 2007)
4.9% / 5730 - Lenovo ThinkPad T61 (Core 2 Duo processor, 14.1 or 15″ screen, released 2007)
3.6% / 4262 - Sony VAIO SZ (Core Duo or Core 2 Duo processor, 13.3″ screen, released 2006)
2.3% / 2710 - Dell XPS M1330 (Core 2 Duo processor, 13.3″ screen, released 2007)
1.8% / 2169 - Toshiba Satellite A200 / A205 (Core 2 Duo processor, 15.4″ screen, released 2007)
1.6% / 1902 - HP Pavilion dv6500t (Core 2 Duo processor, 15.4″ screen, released 2007)
1.5% / 1734 - Sony VAIO FZ (Core 2 Duo processor, 15.4″ screen, released 2007)
1.4% / 1700 - Dell Inspiron 6400 (Core Duo or Core 2 Duo processor, 15.4″ screen, released 2006)
1.4% / 1697 - HP Pavilion dv6000z (AMD Turion X2 processor, 15.4″ screen, released 2006)
1.4% / 1689 - Lenovo ThinkPad T60 (Core Duo processor, 14.1 or 15.4″ screen, released 2006)
1.4% / 1601
Laptop Power Jacks
Wednesday, October 31st, 2007One of the most common repairs that we do is resoldering detached laptop power jacks. The cause of this malfunction can be roughly broken down into two reasons:
- Manufacturing defect – When the power jack was soldered at the factory, the solder joint was not made strong enough to withstand normal daily wear. We have seen very-well taken care of laptops with this problem.
- User misuse – If the AC adapter plug is left in the laptop while its being moved around, or if the AC adapter plug is worn or damaged, premature failure of the power jack will result. We have seen power jacks literally split in half because of a damaged AC adapter plug.
While there is not much you can do about 1.) simple preventative maintenance can help avoid 2.). If the AC adapter plug is worn or its a very tight fit into the power jack, replace it. Its cheaper than a power jack repair.
Laptops Restored Blog
Wednesday, October 31st, 2007I’m the owner of a laptop computer repair business in Tucson, and since I see recurring problems with laptops day in and day out, I have decided to share my insights with the community at large on how to keep your laptop properly maintained and from having to visit our facility or someone else’s. I will also include content on virtual and physical security and any products that have caught my eye. Please feel free to comment and share your knowledge also.