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    Anyway to stop hinges from breaking?

    Discussion in 'Alienware 14 and M14x' started by shotmillions, Sep 7, 2013.

  1. shotmillions

    shotmillions Notebook Geek

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    Hello I just got hold of a m14x r1 (regretting it already as I am scared the hinges are going to snap off)...

    Anyway I've been looking around and I cannot find (probably might not exist) a way to fix this problem before it happens? Any ideas?

    Thanks.
     
    shotmillions, Sep 7, 2013
    #1
  2. ajnindlo

    ajnindlo Notebook Deity

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    I don't know this model, but I assume you mean it takes too much force to open or close the laptop. Maybe some silicone lubricant would help? Do not use oil as it will eat plastic. I have no idea if this will work. So try at your own risk.

    I would expect over time the hinges will loosen a little on thier own.
     
    ajnindlo, Sep 7, 2013
    #2
  3. shotmillions

    shotmillions Notebook Geek

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    Hinges are fine currently but looking at posts around the internet looks like they are bound to break at some point... :(
     
    shotmillions, Sep 7, 2013
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  4. bluefalcon13

    bluefalcon13 Notebook Evangelist

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    I have had no hinge issues on my m14x, but then again, I'm on my 6th display for other reasons...

    Sent from my GT-P7310 using Tapatalk 4
     
    bluefalcon13, Sep 7, 2013
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  5. DGvr4

    DGvr4 Notebook Enthusiast

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    I had a m14x r1 for around 3 years with plenty of gaming and never got a problem with it and the thing Im less worried about are the hinges, so I would said if you know how to properly use a laptop you have no problem.
     
    DGvr4, Sep 9, 2013
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  6. copper7op

    copper7op Notebook Consultant

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    I just installed new hinges on my R1 tonight. It happens. Its a bad design but seriously, the #1 cause of breaking

    DON'T PICK THE LAPTOP UP BY THE SCREEN.

    These laptops are HEAVY and it puts a ton of unneeded pressure on the hinges, causing breakage. Mine was about 2 years when it broke, and I abuse mine so it was expected.
     
    copper7op, Sep 10, 2013
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  7. Tinderbox (UK)

    Tinderbox (UK) BAKED BEAN KING

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    Always open and close the notebook at the center edge of the display where the webcam is the best place to grab it, so the stress is distributed between both hinges, that`s all you can really do.

    John.
     
    Tinderbox (UK), Sep 10, 2013
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  8. Bendak

    Bendak Notebook Evangelist

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    This. And you should also close it by placing both of your palms on each side of the back of the the lid for an even distribution of force.
     
    Bendak, Sep 10, 2013
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  9. shotmillions

    shotmillions Notebook Geek

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    Excellent ideas thanks guys!
     
    shotmillions, Sep 10, 2013
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  10. L1qu1d

    L1qu1d Notebook Evangelist

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    I remember Dell telling me that the hinges were fixed a while ago when I had the R1.

    I would contact them to be sure, that way they looks dumb if it does happen to you :)
     
    L1qu1d, Sep 10, 2013
    #10
  11. Alienware-L_Porras

    Alienware-L_Porras Company Representative

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    Are you referring to the m11? We have not had any strange behavior on the m14x R1/R2. As copper7op suggested above, misuse is the usual reason for those to break on any laptop. :p

    LINK
     
    Alienware-L_Porras, Sep 11, 2013
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  12. L1qu1d

    L1qu1d Notebook Evangelist

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    Oh yes, your right that's the one that had the problem.

    Apologies.
     
    L1qu1d, Sep 11, 2013
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  13. shotmillions

    shotmillions Notebook Geek

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    shotmillions, Sep 13, 2013
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  14. alienowl

    alienowl Notebook Consultant

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    That's nonsense. Misuse! Dell admitted they had a problem with those hinges. Mine broke on my M11X R2 two days ago after 3 years of excellent, caring use. Please do not tell me I misuse my machine.

    To the OP: Tinderbox (UK) and Bendak have some good advice. Also, if you carry your laptop around in a backpack or bag, be careful about having things, books or anything else, pressing up against or applying too much pressure to the laptop. That may help also.
     
    alienowl, Sep 13, 2013
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  15. Alienware-L_Porras

    Alienware-L_Porras Company Representative

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    AlienOwl, I was referring to the m14x, the m11x is a completely different story.
    On the m14x the issue was determined to be the use of unnecessary force to open the lid as suggested before by an user.
     
    Alienware-L_Porras, Sep 16, 2013
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  16. alienowl

    alienowl Notebook Consultant

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    Alienware-L_Porras, thanks for taking the time to clarify your post. I understood your use of the words "any laptop" to mean, well, any laptop. I guess on the internet tone and all those other communication cues are lost. Thanks!

    It's frustrating when your Alienware breaks. :(
     
    alienowl, Sep 17, 2013
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