Computer repair shop

[Ben Scott]

On Sun, May 4, 2008 at 10:52 PM, Brian Chabot <brian at datasquire.net> wrote:
> Take it to an authorized repair depot.
> They can fix it if anyone can.  Laptop hardware issues are a PITA.

  Just to provide a counterpoint to the the "take it to the depot" chorus:

  Most "authorized service centers" don't actually repair anything
these days; they just swap parts.  A faulty power connector is most
likely going to mean swapping the motherboard.  In many laptops, the
motherboard is most of the computer.  So, very expensive.  (Unless its
under warranty.  I assume that if the unit was still under warranty,
the OP wouldn't have asked for repair services, and instead would just
be filing a warranty claim.)

  At the same time, the power connector is one of the few things that
might actually be field repairable by someone with tools from Radio
Shack.  They usually have only two or three solder joints, all of
which are relatively large, since they'll be carrying the most current
of anything in the laptop.  Over the years, I've seen several laptops
with working do-it-yourself power connector repairs.  If one can find
someone who knows their way around a soldering iron, and who is
willing to do a little piece work, you might be able to get it fixed
for, say, $50, as opposed to the several hundred a part-swap is likely
to set you back.

  There aren't many shops left that still do this kind of repair work.
 You generally have to know/find someone who does something else for a
living, and is willing to do this on the side.

-- Ben