Fixing a Broken Laptop Power Inlet

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the issue of a broken laptop power inlet following a fall, with participants exploring potential repair options versus returning the laptop under warranty. The scope includes practical repair advice, personal experiences with soldering, and considerations regarding the warranty process.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a situation where their laptop fell, potentially damaging the power inlet, and expresses uncertainty about the repair process versus warranty return.
  • Another participant questions whether the damage is broken or bent, seeking clarification on the condition of the power inlet.
  • Some participants suggest that if the individual lacks experience with soldering, it may be better to send the laptop back for repair, emphasizing the potential risks of DIY repairs.
  • A participant mentions their experience with soldering but raises concerns about not having the broken part and uncertainty about where to solder.
  • Concerns are raised about the tight spaces on laptop circuit boards, which could complicate soldering efforts and lead to further damage if not done carefully.
  • One participant expresses a strong preference to avoid being without their laptop for an extended period, indicating a reluctance to send it back for warranty service.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on whether to attempt a repair or to send the laptop back under warranty. There is no consensus on the best course of action, with some advocating for professional repair and others considering DIY options.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the lack of the broken part and the challenges of soldering in tight spaces, which may affect the feasibility of a DIY repair. There is also uncertainty regarding the warranty process duration.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals facing similar issues with laptop power inlets, those considering DIY repairs, or anyone weighing the pros and cons of warranty returns versus self-repair.

exequor
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my laptop fell on its power inlet with the charger plug in it and I think that something might have been broken. whatever is supposed to be at the back of the inlet, or at the end of the charger is what i think broke. My assumption is that it is the ground pin. how should I go about fixing this, I could return it since it is under warranty but I don't know how long acer would take to get my laptop back to me—my assumption is that it would be a long time. how should i go about fixing this?
 
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Is it broken or bent?
 
Do you have any experience with a soldering iron? if No, then just send it back to them and have it repaired, you'll be better off in the long run.
 
dduardo said:
Is it broken or bent?
It is broken. And I don't have the part that broke off.


The_Professional said:
Do you have any experience with a soldering iron? if No, then just send it back to them and have it repaired, you'll be better off in the long run.
Yea, I'm used to soldering, but since i don't have the part that broke off, what can I substitute? Plus I'm not too sure where it has to be soldered back.
 
Laptop circuit boards tend to be pretty tight with not a lot of room between component solder points. Unless you have really really stead hands and a really really fine tip on your soldering iron, you stand a good chance of soldering together bits that shouldn't be soldered together. Then you'd really be up the creek without a paddle. Easiest thing to do is send it back
 
imabug said:
Laptop circuit boards tend to be pretty tight with not a lot of room between component solder points. Unless you have really really stead hands and a really really fine tip on your soldering iron, you stand a good chance of soldering together bits that shouldn't be soldered together. Then you'd really be up the creek without a paddle. Easiest thing to do is send it back
I should send it back, but I really cannot do without my laptop for the period of time which I assume it would be gone away.
 

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