General computer repair stores outnumber laptop repair stores by at least 10-1 even though about 50% of personal computers sold now are laptops. This brings up the question whether laptop repair is specialized enough that a tech well versed in desktop repair may not be adequately qualified to perform laptop repair. The short answer is yes. Of course there are numerous computer repair stores and technicians that are excellent at repairing laptops but it is not to be assumed that if someone can do desktop repair, that they can do laptop repair.
Laptop computer repair is a distinct discipline for the following reasons:
- The types of repairs are different. Power jack repairs, screen replacements, keyboard replacements etc. are not done on desktop computers.
- The types of accidental damage that occur with laptops are different. Examples are drops and liquid spills.
- Electronic components are packed much more tightly inside a laptop with numerous tiny proprietary connectors. A tech must be skilled in repairing a laptop without causing further damage.
- Disassembly is more complicated for a laptop. A distinct procedure must be followed for each laptop manufacturer and laptop model. Also, in a typical disassembly, 40 or more tiny screws of different sizes must be removed and kept track of.
So the lesson here is: When taking your laptop to a computer repair store, make sure the technicians have adequate experience with laptop repair as compared to desktop repair.