It actually isn't. Most people are right-handed and raise the lid single-handed (instead of using both hands, or in the center as it's designed to be raised). That puts torque on a part not designed to handle it -- which is why the hinge mount will crack.
I had the same problem last year. Dell initially agreed to fix under warranty but I had to ship it to them and would be without it for 10 business days. I found the upper case on the internet for $35 and replaced it myself in an hour. I determined the problem is that the hinge nuts were over tightened when the laptop was built which puts extra stress on the screw mounts when opened and closed. The hinge screws into metal inserts pressed into the plastic which cracked. I loosened the nuts a good half turn making sure the lid would stay up opened half way. I have now had the laptop longer than I did when the hinge mount broke with no issues.
Without opening the case, I'd say the lower case is the issue. When I push the hinge back in to where it should be, you can see the screw is still there in the bottom of the case, but it's still attached to the hinge. If we leave the laptop open, I think it will be OK. We just can't open/close it anymore. Not much point of having a laptop then, though.
ejn63
9 Legend
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87.5K Posts
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October 20th, 2017 13:00
It actually isn't. Most people are right-handed and raise the lid single-handed (instead of using both hands, or in the center as it's designed to be raised). That puts torque on a part not designed to handle it -- which is why the hinge mount will crack.
kentiler
10 Posts
0
October 20th, 2017 13:00
A laptop that has been opened/closed no more than 150 times - whether opened 1 handed or not - is not well built! This is a poor design.
gruss
10 Posts
0
October 20th, 2017 18:00
I had the same problem last year. Dell initially agreed to fix under warranty but I had to ship it to them and would be without it for 10 business days. I found the upper case on the internet for $35 and replaced it myself in an hour. I determined the problem is that the hinge nuts were over tightened when the laptop was built which puts extra stress on the screw mounts when opened and closed. The hinge screws into metal inserts pressed into the plastic which cracked. I loosened the nuts a good half turn making sure the lid would stay up opened half way. I have now had the laptop longer than I did when the hinge mount broke with no issues.
kentiler
10 Posts
0
October 21st, 2017 05:00
Without opening the case, I'd say the lower case is the issue. When I push the hinge back in to where it should be, you can see the screw is still there in the bottom of the case, but it's still attached to the hinge. If we leave the laptop open, I think it will be OK. We just can't open/close it anymore. Not much point of having a laptop then, though.