Computer repair in Washington D.C. (that _won't_ rip me off)

cooljammer00

So my Dell laptop has given up the ghost, and I have a feeling that the problem is something internal and therefore probably beyond my level of computer repair savvy. While there's always the chance that it wouldn't power on/go into 'now charging mode' because of a faulty AC adapter, I can't really afford to buy a new adapter on the off chance it's not the problem and it won't fix the issue.

What I need is some sort of computer repair shop in the Washington D.C. area I can bring my laptop to so they can physically take a look at my computer to figure out:

1) What's wrong with it
2) Can it be fixed
3) Can it be fixed by me
4) If it cannot be fixed by me, how much would it cost to be fixed

I recall Googling around when the issues first started happening, and there were a few web forum posts regarding some sort of defect some users experienced with their Dell laptops (something about solder or a connector coming loose?). I don't believe I'm on warranty anymore either. If it ends up costing me too much to fix, this might be my sign to buy a new laptop or finally build a gaming PC.

Planned obsolescence, right? :-(

TL;DR - My comp is broke. Where can I go in Washington, D.C to fix it on the cheap/affordable?

EclecticGroove

I can't offer any options sadly, as from what I've seen most small shops have been swallowed up by the Geek Squads of the world, as they can operate more efficiently than most others. And for laptops in particular, repairs are always a bit of a pain, since you have to actually open them up to look at anything that isn't the battery. And you can't just grab off the shelf parts to repair something (aside from the HDD and RAM), you have to order directly from Dell or someone that stocks refurb/replacement Dell parts.

If it was just the battery the laptop should run when it is plugged in, if it's the adapter you should have noticed it running on battery power before it finally shut down.

As for solder joints and the like coming apart, not uncommon, and some models are much more prone to it than others. As for repair costs... that's going to depend. Some places will charge a flat fee for some types of systems and service. Meaning you pay (for example) $100, even if the repair only cost them $10. Others will charge you based upon the actual labor done and the parts needed... which can be quite expensive, especially if they want to gouge you and you have no idea what's actually wrong.

Anything can be "fixed", it's just a matter of being worth it. For laptops some repairs can get close to the cost of just buying a brand new one that has better specs, so it winds up being something more along the lines of "save $100 and repair it, or just buy a newer model".

If you can find a place that gives you a free estimate, or have a friend who knows more that can at least look at it, you could then try and price out the repairs/parts mentioned to see if you could get it done cheaper, or even do it yourself.

cooljammer00

Yeah, I'm trying to avoid Geek Squad and the like for reasons of ethical and moral issues, as well as them simply being ineffective.

How long are laptops supposed to last, anyway? I kinda have a bad history with laptops dying on me, which is why I am more upset because I tried to take good care of this one and it still bit me in the ass.

EclecticGroove

I've had some last over a decade, and others start to crap out just after a year. The make/model in question means there is a huge amount of variables involved. The battery will die eventually on any given laptop. The charger also often breaks... which is preferable to the actual AC input cracking off/breaking on some laptops, which is not uncommon for many. But usually the adapter has a frayed or even outright broken cord. But they can just up and die with no visible issue as well. Likewise the HDD can die, but they generally start to fail first.

But all that aside, the actual full laptop should generally last at least 3-4 years if it's taken care of properly. Some of the moving/mechanical parts may fail, but the whole system should still POST and be operable once they are replaced (if it's needed to function).
But some models do certainly have higher failure rates. Usually you can google the model number of an older system and start reading how many people have issues with them. Some are just junk and you're lucky if it survives for long after the warranty period has ended. But if you seem to have problems with them dying a lot, I'd look and see if you're not using them in a way that's prone to overheating or something. Or not using them in an area that fills them with dust/debris and clogs them up. Those are the 2 most common things I see kill a laptop outside of dropping them/spilling things, etc.

WildEEP

If you think power is the issue:
AC Adapter - Skip out on the overpriced dell AC adapters and get a Universal adapter for 20 bucks. It'll have instructions for each model - just follow the instructions for Dell.

How long to laptops last:
2-3 years on average if you actually take it places.
3-4 Years in an office setting where all it sees is 8-10 hours of work on a desk, 5 days a week.

bowen

The DC adapter on most laptops is incredibly flimsy and often breaks and needs to be resoldered, fyi.

I recommend most people take GREAT care with laptop power connectors because even just putting it at a slight angle will fuck it in most cases after a year or two.

Just take a paper clip and bend it back and forth a few times, it should snap, now imagine a wire that's thinner gauge than paperclips being bent back and forth.

bowen

cooljammer what model laptop do you have?

Straygatsby

cooljammer00 wrote: »

So my Dell laptop has given up the ghost, and I have a feeling that the problem is something internal and therefore probably beyond my level of computer repair savvy. While there's always the chance that it wouldn't power on/go into 'now charging mode' because of a faulty AC adapter, I can't really afford to buy a new adapter on the off chance it's not the problem and it won't fix the issue.

What I need is some sort of computer repair shop in the Washington D.C. area I can bring my laptop to so they can physically take a look at my computer to figure out:

1) What's wrong with it
2) Can it be fixed
3) Can it be fixed by me
4) If it cannot be fixed by me, how much would it cost to be fixed

I recall Googling around when the issues first started happening, and there were a few web forum posts regarding some sort of defect some users experienced with their Dell laptops (something about solder or a connector coming loose?). I don't believe I'm on warranty anymore either. If it ends up costing me too much to fix, this might be my sign to buy a new laptop or finally build a gaming PC.

Planned obsolescence, right? :-(

TL;DR - My comp is broke. Where can I go in Washington, D.C to fix it on the cheap/affordable?

When it did have enough power to turn on, and the error started, did it tell you that a non-standard power adapter had been detected (or something to that effect), and you were from then on unable to charge your laptop? If so, this is crazy stupid common in Dell laptops of a particular flavor. I've replaced my own adapter twice in the 6 year life of my own. It'll cost you 25-40 bucks tops to find a generic adapter that matches your dell model (just look online) and try it. Odds are, it'll work. That's going to be far less than what a repair shop will charge you, and you can always return it if it doesn't solve the issue.

cooljammer00

I think I had a Dell Inspiron 1545?

It's been a good number of months but yes, I do believe that was the case. I was getting some sort of error window to that effect. How would I go about installing such a new adapter?

Straygatsby

Laptop model + adapter specs and google away.

e.g. http://www.amazon.com/DELL-Original-Inspiron-Power-Adapter/dp/B0018NH8N0 (this is a 1525, which I use, but there should be 45s too)

I think I ended up with a generic model...something-brite or bright. Can't recall exactly.

bowen

if that fails