FUBARed computer, please advise

J

jim preston

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Jul 22, 2007
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Okay. As you can tell form my thread's title, my computer is screwed up. No, not Vista- the software is running just fine. No, it's not the hardware that's critical to the computer's computing. It's the case in which the computer is in.
I have a Dell Inspiron 1525, well equipped functional and software wise. However, it's never felt that high of quality, the actual computer. Keys gumming up, coming loose, getting scratched, etc.
Well, for some unknown reason, it decided to FUBAR. The hinge is made of plastic, relatively cheap plastic, and cracked across the back. This caused it separate, and when (the problem unbeknownst to me) I shut, the hing crumpled. Later, when I opened it, the back of the screen casing started popping out (Dell uses these little locking tabs to hold it in place.)
Suffice to say, it's screwed. It still functions as a computer fine, but it can't fold up, and what good is a laptop that can't fold up. Also, the aesthetic (and it is a very pretty computer) is screwed.
The way I see it, my options are thus:
1. Send it in to Dell. Expensive (maybe, it's out of warranty) but my main problem is that it would be slow, and that this mishap happened at an inopportune moment. I have an honors thesis due in a month and all the other computers are Macs and I cannot work on a Mac. Still, if they could get it turned around in around 2 weeks, than this might be an option.
2. Try and fix it myself, or have it fixed quickly locally. I don't know if you can order spare parts from Dell, or if any major retailers (Best Buy, HH Gregg) carry spare parts.
3. It's not reparable. Give it to the family to use as a portable desktop and try and get a new compy.
Here's a picture of what's wrong with the hinge. I'll try and post one of the side later, my phone doesn't want to send multimedia right now.
Computer1.jpg
 
That's the part that needs replacing. One question- does that (the trim bezel) include the silver part on the back of the screen casing?
 
I like the ebay idea for replacement parts. Dell would likely charge a fortune. I've got a 1525 and no signs of any hinge cracking so I'm thinking it's not the design. Just in looking at mine, it's not real clear how the hinge setup goes together (or how it comes apart for that matter). No apparent screws or other fastners close to the hinges.
 
I had that happen to a laptop. Got it to close, but the hinges broke, and a couple wires were all that connected the screen. I just duct taped it back together and called it good.

If it was still under warranty though, that's the route I'd go as to not void it in case other problems come up. Why can't you work on a Mac? Windows specific software?
 
Why can't you work on a Mac? Windows specific software?
Click to expand...
Nah, all I need is Word and a browser. It's more of Mac-specific aesthetic. I really have a hard time writing on a Mac- the bubbliness bothers me. And there's something about the glare of the screen that hurts my eyes in a way that my Dell doesn't.
 
A bit off-line from your actual question, but your general computer gripes are the main reason I despise laptops. Tiny glaring screens, 'squooshy' lifeless keyboards, flimsy construction, crummy speakers, finger pads/thumb sticks, missing number pad...

To remedy these problems, you might consider setting up your laptop with a "docking station" or "port replicator." Connect desirable components and peripherals (keyboard, speakers, monitor, printer, etc.) into the docking station, and simply slide out the laptop when you need to go portable. :thumbup:
 
I actually prefer using laptops to desktops. Even when I FPS game (Combat Arms) I don't use a keyboard. The keyboard on my Dell has great response, action, I suppose, you could call it, and I'm fine with the keypad mouse. The problem is with their overall durability. Put something in a tower and have a monitor with no moving parts, and it's pretty durable. Put something in a plastic case, to reduce weight, and add a hinge, and it's not so durable.
I do have a kind of mini docking-station, though, or I did when I kept my laptop in my room (how does one set up a Linksys Range Expander, anyway?) Laptop, Targus mouse on London Underground mousepad, 4-port USB expander.
My Dell's screen is very good. Anti-glare and fifteen
 
Here is a link to the service manual: http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins1525/en/SM/display.htm#wp1179838

Unless your hinge is actually buggered, which it does not look like, you should only need the bezel. If the back panel is also damaged, you would have to buy that also. If you look at the service manual that I provided above, you can get an idea of what you are looking at to replace.

It is very easy to replace the entire lid or just the bezel and lid parts if you are minimally technically able.

It is difficult from your picture to determine exactly what you need.
 
Sorry about that. My phone sucks.
And I think just the bezel case of the hinge is buggered, so to speak.
 
The screws are most likely behind the pads on the inside of the screen, if that comp has it. I literally replaced every piece of my dell inspiron 710m before warranty ran out :-) i just told em this n that broke n would send in the parts. new screen, keyboard, all new plastics, hard drive lol you name it. a month before warranty ran out i had a new comp again! i always make sure to ask for all of the software loaded onto my comp in CD form while it's in warranty.
 
Okay, I think I'm going to order one of those screen bezels. However, I'm not confident in my ability to install it myself. I've done it before, and ended up breaking the computer irrevocably. Would somebody like Geek Squad, or would personnel at Best Buy or HH Gregg, be able to repair it? Or would a local computer repair guy be able to do it?
(no, I have almost no proficiency with installing new hardware, etc. Don't judge me. ;) )
 
Jim,

Use the link that I provided for the service manual. Take your time and be careful and you will not have any problems replacing it.

Yes, you can have someone do it at $75 per hour to start, and they can still screw it up. I had the Dell paid service tech screw up in replacing the LCD panel in a brand new computer and I had to return it.

The bezel has approx. 4 screws and it snaps together. It is actually a 10 minute job if you take your time.

Find a 15 year old kid to do it for you! My son was building computers at 12 years old.
 
Don't send it to Dell, they won't take it. When the power supply in my XPS 710 blew up in December they wouldn't do a damn thing to help me out and wouldn't even tell me what parts I needed without me paying for extended warranty.

I know computers, I wasn't asking for help, I just needed the correct part number so I could order the power supply (the XPS uses a proprietary, 1kw power supply). So I had to order what I thought was the right thing, and fortunately it was.

So if you're out of warranty, don't expect Dell to help you out. They won't let you even ask a question without asking "what's your service tag number?"

Plastic hinges are the failure point of so many electrionics that I'm surprised people keep using them. I'm on my third Nintendo DS Lite because of hinges exploding and I've had one cellphone break in that same place.

I have an ancient (1997-ish) IBM Thinkpad 600 and it's the best constructed laptop I've ever seen.

EDIT: I love my computer and I'd buy a Dell again, but I know not to expect great things the day after the warranty is gone.
 
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I wrote my papers in high school and college with pen 'n paper, and/or a typewriter. Surely you can adjust to a Mac! :D
 
I really have a hard time working with Macs. It's the bubbliness. And the screens- they hurt my eyes. And the one I would be using would be incredibly slow, and the paper I have to write involved quite a bit of multimedia research.
Would replacing the bezel require disconnecting everything, as described above (click link of manual) or simply unscrewing the bezel and popping/screwing the new one back in place?
If it is the latter, how would I go about unscrewing the little screws that are covered with plastic tabs? I can't figure out a way to get to them without scratching the screen.
 
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