Dunno. I would recommend doing everything within reason (items 1-7 on my list) to avoid the problem if possible. Prevention first. If unfortunate enough to have the problem, then do the other things to make Dell see the light, or as a last resort feel the heat. It could take a while to get this resolved, and many of us depend on our machines.
One thing to check is whether active fan-powered cooling pads actually help. I've read posts where these might interfere with proper airflow by 'fighting' the internal fan. Check it out. I personally use a passive Targus Cool Pad. It seems to help, and easily fits into the carrying case.
Ant, you are being very optimistic about how long your new motherboard will last. Next August? I don´t think so. My first motherboard last 6 months, the second one last 4 months, im waiting for my third one (16 days of waiting and still counting, and 7 days without an answer from the Customer Service).
Been having problems with my notebook and found them all listed exactly on this thread. Just thought I'd add my name to the growing list of 5150 owners who have experienced this same meltdown. I'm caught between going down the replacing the motherboard myself route, or just saving the pennies until I can afford to rectify the whole expensive tragedy by buying a machine that doesn't self-destruct with such impressive rapidity. If I replace the motherboard (assuming, on the basis of 280+ posts, that this now seems like the best solution...) does anyone seriously think it won't be fried and disfunctional again by next August anyway? Just trying to work out what the best investment is in the long-term. I'm fortunate as there are three notebooks in my household currently (two of which are still functioning, including my housemate's reliable inspiron 8200), so I'm not looking for a desperately quick fix, just the most sensible way forward out of situation that probably boils down to shoddy design on the part of Dell.
Cheers, Ant
Message Edited by Ant110980 on 11-19-2004 09:06 AM
Good post, Rybo Flavin. We need occasional summaries for those with no time to read all 290 (and growing) posts to this thread. BTW, Joe, I would think you are in for ten 'experiences' with this problem, even if for third parties.
Souer's experience(s) are very sobering. Has the design flaw in the system boards been corrected in the replacement boards, or not? Are these boards being damaged, or just self-destructing? Was it just a bad batch? Can we identify defective boards before they fail?
We went through problems with the SigmaTel audio, where excessive background noise appeared in some but not all units. The bad batch was not confined to a narrow date span. Point is that a bad batch of system boards could be spread out over manufacturing runs, depending on how Compal uses and controls their inventory.
Yes, that’s correct KingSnake. The first time was in July (6 months after i received my notebook), Dell fixed the problem (changing the motherboard). 4 months later, exactly the same problem. Dell is going to change my motherboard until 2 things happen: 1) buy an extended warranty (and keep changing my motherboard) or 2) wait until my warranty expires and leave me on my own.
So Souer, what you are saying is that you had the exact problem as all of us, got your fixed.. and the very same problem has creeped up again months down the road?
Your problem needs to be repaired not replaced. That is the main reason I offered our services to the people out of warranty. Buying a replacement motherboard is like buying a ticking time bomb.
If you are still under warranty, the weak areas of the motherboard need to be repaired and quite frankly I'm not so sure Dell's facility in the USA can do that type of work.
I know that Sony's repair facility in San Diego can do that type of work (for the Sony problems). I've seen their abilities and repair work first hand and it's nothing to brag about.
We went through problems with the SigmaTel audio, where excessive background noise appeared in some but not all units. The bad batch was not confined to a narrow date span. Point is that a bad batch of system boards could be spread out over manufacturing runs, depending on how Compal uses and controls their inventory.
Not to draw the subject away from the problem at hand here, but by any chance is the "excessive background noise" problem related to whetehr the power supply is plugged in or not? Because I work as a mobile DJ and when I hoop my lappy up to the amps, I have to send the signal through a filter first because the darn thing creates so much ticking and buzzing when the power supply is hooked up. If I'm running on battery power, nothing... sounds perfect.
Anyway, if you could point me towards that thread I would appreciate it if it sounds like a similar problem. (Not that I can have that problem anyway with a motherboard that is fried, but would be nice to know and have them fix it all at once)
BTW, your issue may involve a ground loop. Try lifting groumd from the AC adapter (cheap hardware store 3- to 2-prong device). This has solved that problem for others.
OK, at last i recieved the call from the local Dell´s tech. My replacement parts are here. Dell sent 3 parts: Motherboard, palm rest and a heat disperser. I don´t know if with that, the problem will be solved, but im going to get a statement from the local Dell´s Tech saying that my actual heat disperser and palmrest is working perfectly. That way, im going to cover my back if Dell want to say that the problem was solved with those parts.
At this point, no news from the Customer Care Service.
Well, i got my notebook with the new parts (motherboard, fan and palmrest). The old fan was working perfectly, no dust at all, but still was replaced (what a waste of money). The palmrest, in perfect conditions, but it was replaced too.
Also i recieved an answer from the Dell Customer Service. In summary:
1. We are very sorry for all the problems...blablabla....we can´t replace your notebook and we can´t give you a credit for another one.
2. we can offer you a 3 years warranty extension, only at US$501!!!
3. We have an excellent computer parts store, where you can quote and buy our excellent products.
And that´s it!!! It´s a Joke!!!
If any of you are going to buy a new motherboard, think it twice. Maybe you will lose your money.
I really don´t know what to do. I´m so disappointed with Dell. I know that maybe i had had the same problems and lack of service with a Sony, HP, Toshiba, etc.. but if I burned myself with milk, including the cheese I will blow. I´m scared to use my notebook again. I will lose my US$2,200.
Some people told me to sell my notebook as fast as i can, but i´m not like Dell, i wont sell a defective notebook. That´s a swindle!!!!. I was swindled!!!
My next computer will be a desktop, possibly from Dell. I will definately read the forums closely and not buy the latest technology until it is proven and well established. Desktops seem to have fewer problems and it is easier to maintain the hardware yourself. Parts are cheaper and easier to find.
My next laptop will be a MAC, probably the iBook. I previously used Macs a lot at my previous job, but the new school I teach at is all PC. All the software I use is available on both platforms and the Macs had fewer tech issues.
Thats dissapointing Souer but I think we need to REALLY raise a stink of this issue somehow. They are praying thay we dont I bet. There is enough individuals with this same exact problem and if we dont wall speak up they can easily shut us down one at a time. We need to put our heads together and get them to own up to their problem and correct this issue in the best way possible. If only one or two of us really complaint it will accomplish nothing.. but if we all complain in some form of organized fashion it hopefully will get something done.
have independent sites proven to work in the past?
should these sites be fancy looking?
if it is about 10 minutes work, perhaps i can put up something... :/
dspman
306 Posts
0
November 17th, 2004 00:00
Dunno. I would recommend doing everything within reason (items 1-7 on my list) to avoid the problem if possible. Prevention first. If unfortunate enough to have the problem, then do the other things to make Dell see the light, or as a last resort feel the heat. It could take a while to get this resolved, and many of us depend on our machines.
One thing to check is whether active fan-powered cooling pads actually help. I've read posts where these might interfere with proper airflow by 'fighting' the internal fan. Check it out. I personally use a passive Targus Cool Pad. It seems to help, and easily fits into the carrying case.
Rybo Flavin
21 Posts
0
November 17th, 2004 14:00
KingSnake1
cordless_larry
indusgans
lisowskimf
rfroud
NewAgeJesus
pnaer
KawadaRacing
yavvid
the_underscore
Mrq5
dead.meat
rhammersmith
Supaman
Onila
Pacman8521
rich1980
aznman43
threepointonefour
mnorri
Slade_wv
pbloom
Souer
dodgedude39
guyFromEdmonton
seafeye
rothgar4
snarf_b
prgrmr
Ant110980
Message Edited by Rybo Flavin on 11-17-2004 12:31 PM
Souer
27 Posts
0
November 17th, 2004 14:00
Ant, you are being very optimistic about how long your new motherboard will last. Next August? I don´t think so. My first motherboard last 6 months, the second one last 4 months, im waiting for my third one (16 days of waiting and still counting, and 7 days without an answer from the Customer Service).
Ant110980
5 Posts
0
November 17th, 2004 14:00
Message Edited by Ant110980 on 11-19-2004 09:06 AM
dspman
306 Posts
0
November 17th, 2004 15:00
Good post, Rybo Flavin. We need occasional summaries for those with no time to read all 290 (and growing) posts to this thread. BTW, Joe, I would think you are in for ten 'experiences' with this problem, even if for third parties.
Souer's experience(s) are very sobering. Has the design flaw in the system boards been corrected in the replacement boards, or not? Are these boards being damaged, or just self-destructing? Was it just a bad batch? Can we identify defective boards before they fail?
We went through problems with the SigmaTel audio, where excessive background noise appeared in some but not all units. The bad batch was not confined to a narrow date span. Point is that a bad batch of system boards could be spread out over manufacturing runs, depending on how Compal uses and controls their inventory.
Souer
27 Posts
0
November 17th, 2004 15:00
Yes, that’s correct KingSnake. The first time was in July (6 months after i received my notebook), Dell fixed the problem (changing the motherboard). 4 months later, exactly the same problem. Dell is going to change my motherboard until 2 things happen: 1) buy an extended warranty (and keep changing my motherboard) or 2) wait until my warranty expires and leave me on my own.
KingSnake1
2 Intern
•
193 Posts
0
November 17th, 2004 15:00
So Souer, what you are saying is that you had the exact problem as all of us, got your fixed.. and the very same problem has creeped up again months down the road?
AQSTECH
9 Posts
0
November 17th, 2004 15:00
Souer,
Your problem needs to be repaired not replaced. That is the main reason I offered our services to the people out of warranty. Buying a replacement motherboard is like buying a ticking time bomb.
If you are still under warranty, the weak areas of the motherboard need to be repaired and quite frankly I'm not so sure Dell's facility in the USA can do that type of work.
I know that Sony's repair facility in San Diego can do that type of work (for the Sony problems). I've seen their abilities and repair work first hand and it's nothing to brag about.
Joe K
dodgedude39
6 Posts
0
November 17th, 2004 17:00
dspman
306 Posts
0
November 17th, 2004 18:00
Message Edited by dspman on 11-17-2004 12:06 PM
Souer
27 Posts
0
November 17th, 2004 18:00
Souer
27 Posts
0
November 18th, 2004 16:00
Well, i got my notebook with the new parts (motherboard, fan and palmrest). The old fan was working perfectly, no dust at all, but still was replaced (what a waste of money). The palmrest, in perfect conditions, but it was replaced too.
Also i recieved an answer from the Dell Customer Service. In summary:
1. We are very sorry for all the problems...blablabla....we can´t replace your notebook and we can´t give you a credit for another one.
2. we can offer you a 3 years warranty extension, only at US$501!!!
3. We have an excellent computer parts store, where you can quote and buy our excellent products.
And that´s it!!! It´s a Joke!!!
If any of you are going to buy a new motherboard, think it twice. Maybe you will lose your money.
I really don´t know what to do. I´m so disappointed with Dell. I know that maybe i had had the same problems and lack of service with a Sony, HP, Toshiba, etc.. but if I burned myself with milk, including the cheese I will blow. I´m scared to use my notebook again. I will lose my US$2,200.
Some people told me to sell my notebook as fast as i can, but i´m not like Dell, i wont sell a defective notebook. That´s a swindle!!!!. I was swindled!!!
guyFromEdmonton
21 Posts
0
November 18th, 2004 16:00
KingSnake1
2 Intern
•
193 Posts
0
November 18th, 2004 23:00
snarf_b
6 Posts
0
November 19th, 2004 04:00
should these sites be fancy looking?
if it is about 10 minutes work, perhaps i can put up something... :/