Technology let down....

[Izzie]

I need to vent. I'm so frustrated I could scream.

It's been two months since my HP laptop (Pippin) went to the "Computer Dr."
This guy really does great work, and if he doesn't know about something, he does his homework. And he's a lot cheaper than the bigger names around here.

My screen suddenly went blank, while everything else was working fine. The old trick of shining a flashlight on it revealed nothing. (sometimes you'll be able to see the screen, but very dimly) You can see everything just fine on an external monitor.

Took the guy two weeks to find the proper manual online that explained how to get the machine apart. Arg.

First, we tried a new inverter board. Cheapest fix.
Nope.

Then we tried a new screen. Expensive fix.
Nope. And, of course, we only discovered that my original screen works just fine in another laptop AFTER we paid for a new one.

This week, we tried new cables that connect the screen and such. Still nothing. Doc is throwing in the towel, and I'm very distraught.

The only thing left that we can think of is something funky in the motherboard.

This is all happening right when my car needs some work done too, of course.
And it took weeks because each of these parts are specific to this laptop (unlike desktop parts which are handy and generic), and had to be ordered on Ebay. And Doc was "swamped"....

AND it's just a month after my warranty has expired.

AND it's right before Denver's Orchid Show and Sale that I've been saving up for.


I spent an hour yesterday researching laptop repair companies near me that got good reviews online and on BBB, in order to get a second opinion.

I don't want to get a new computer. And an external monitor would defeat the purpose of having a laptop.
Why can't they build things to last anymore?





Excuse me while I go running around screaming outside.

[johnblagg]

Hmmm your saying it still works with a external monitor .....?

if so there is a itty bitty little microswitch that turns the screen off when the lid is closed ....Maybe that could be it?

[Izzie]

That's an interesting idea. Would that switch be a part of the motherboard?

When the new cables were put in, there WAS a shadow when a flashlight was put against the screen. That threw us for a loop, but wasn't much help.

[johnblagg]

probably would actually but it should be possible to find it and short acroos it to test ...and should be close to the hinges or inverter possibly by the power connector.

but if you can locate it and test it a simple solder bridge across it and screen would work ...just no moe automatic controll of shut down hibernate ect by closing the lid...manual shut down but working laptop

[Izzie]

John, could you send me detailed instructions on what you're talking about? I'm meeting with the guy tomorrow and maybe we might be able to try something.
What would one look for to see if it was not working? Would something have come loose, broken?

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Yeah, what are you going to do.

It happens. That's why I chose not to go into tech. I had experience with this kind of frustration in tech school during my high school years.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Originally Posted by Izzie

Why can't they build things to last anymore?

Because they're made in China where the QC either sucks or is non-existent.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

I'm Chinese btw, so I get to say stuff like this and not have anybody say a damn thing!

[Izzie]

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

I'm Chinese btw, so I get to say stuff like this and not have anybody say a damn thing!

I'd say a whole lot, but you're a good friend, so I won't. I'm sending seething vibes to the big burritos in China now though.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Well as long as it's the big burritos in China and not me!

Although the car thing has been a US problem for a very long while. Don't really know what it is. Kinda why some peeps say the whole "Man, if only American cars didn't have so many issues, I'd buy American."

Don't really know if the saying still really applies anymore though.