We can't live without notebook computers, but those delicate beasts take many more hits than a placid desktop computer. In our family, we've had to get four repairs in four months:
1. My son's Alienware wouldn't charge its batteries anymore. I won't tell the horror story of trying to deal with their staff, whose first language is not English. They first sent a replacement AC Adapter, charging him $28 (to be refunded if it didn't solve the problem and he returned it).
It didn't solve the problem, so Alienware reluctantly agreed to look at the computer itself. He returned it, along with the spare AC adapter, expecting the $28 refunded. The repair facility replaced the DC/DC converter.
2. Two days later after getting it back, the same problem occurred. After more painful telephone exchanges, the notebook computer was returned, and the same part fixed -- the DC/DC converter.
It has since worked. Alienware never did refund the $28. Considering the amount of time spent on the phone with uncomprehending employees, it's just not worth the time trying to get back the $28.
3. My one daughter's notebook computer's screen would be cyan in color for about the first 3/4-hour after starting up. Then the color would change to white in patches. Fortunately, this computer was under extended warranty. The problem was fixed by tightening some connectors inside the unit.
4. The other daughter's notebook computer had the problem with the melting tip of the AC adapter, as I noted in earlier posts.
I look forward to the day when computers are as passe as stagecoaches.
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