M11x Hinge/Screen touching Keyboard Discussion (R1 & R2)

Purchase price of the laptop or of the ST warranty? If it's the first that's money in mah pocket for R3

Nevermind, saw your edit or didn't read the end of your post.

 

Interesting... I would add that I prefer to give my money for some other insurer than Dell/Alienware if I was extending it just because the hinge issue. But it is not possible to predict how this third part insurer will react to a broken hinge... They may try to say that it was caused by you and deny reimbursement...

 

M11x it's not a mainstream notebook, and in general Alienware it's a very particular line with the focus on performance. I think that most of the consumers are well prepareted.

 

Yup. The way it breaks easily looks like it was a fault of the user.

 

Your correct, except for my Best Buy refrence, most of the M11X people who buy at Best Buy are buying for looks, and are mainstream custumers.

 

I completely agree with you and PK. Forum dwellers are extremely anal and spec/benchmark oriented. they will look for the slightest imperfection and let it bother then to no end...like s stuck pixel or a piece if dust under the screen. Both of which I would not give a second thought to. My process is to obtain the best configuration I can for the least amount of cash and not worry about the small stuff. If I spent $1500-$3000 on a Notebook I would likely be more concerned becasue I expect it to get me more years of service, Hell I paid almost as much for mycell Phone than this notebook LOL.

I will read about the hinges and all that and be extra careful in that area.I did the paper test on all my machines listed and they all failed ...none have had screen hinge issues, none have had to be serviced by Dell.

I do not think most consumers would "ignore" this issue at all. I would think since an "enthusiast" would be more likely to purchase a costly "Alienware" like PK indicated there would be FAR more complaints than there are.Those buyers of the Alienware are most younger gamers younger and would be more in tune to the forums and i just don't see that many issues to personally be alarmed about.....I suspect Dell doesn't either but they will decide if a fix is possible and silently fix it. I would think they would want a 90% reliability rate which few PC makers have ( except those of us who build our own desktops using the best components available which should not be confused with bleeding edge)



I just really don't think its an issue with most units, That is not what the small sample "polls" here have shown. I think it is a cause and effect issue with some units because if the way they are handled and used. Granted the machine is now 9 months old and I still don't see the numbers alarming. 78 people have had noise and or hinge replacements. Seems like a lot but in the big scheme of things it is really a pittance and people WILL complain if there is an issue and will not opine if they are happy in general

 

I agree, I really like mine, I will really check it out a month before it goes out of warranty though.

 

According to a few here you will need hinges way before your Warranty expires....

 

Well, I just had my hinges replaced the first time, so we will see.

 

Dell tech just left. The new screen is perfect. I noticed it doesn't have the little bump that I had when I got this one. So the operation hinge replacement was almost successful - let's just say I need a new latch cover (the plastic next to the keyboard and next to the alien head) and the bottom panel. Latch cover doesn't fully snap and the bottom panel cannot be screwed completely. See pics:

http://img265.imageshack.us/img265/2236/img2768w.jpg

http://img178.imageshack.us/img178/3843/img2769p.jpg

Otherwise he was relatively careful, so compared to some horror stories here, I'd say he was good ^^. It took almost 1.5 hour to do it, but then again he gets paid by an hour (according to him $10/hr) so we chatted a little during the procedure.

With those 2 things replaced as well, it will be almost in mint new condition. That will give it more resell value + it looks ugly like this. So the story goes on... Off to make lunch then another call to Customer Service.

 

Did you make sure the wires were seated properly? And the small wire coming in front, OVER the metal hinge rather than same direction with the Wifi antenna?

If those aren't done correctly, the latch(media bezel) is going to come off every time you open/close the LCD.

 

Uh we followed the instructions....

But now I am not so sure. I just took the latch off. Is this OK?



The left one is the problematic side. Thanks a lot!

 

I wonder if those who are benchmarking their machines using PRIME for hours for OC testing are causing enough heat to soften the plastic mounts. Not that this should be acceptable.......but There has to be a correlation between usage and the issues whether it's heat (which I suspect) or just opening and closing the lid 10 times a day which would not be a stretch for those who use this at schools. In order to provide as much information to the prospective buyer those who have had hinge issues should list their usage patterns, including hours of gaming, amount of open and closes per day avg, Overclocking and benchmarking. Heat and more use of the hinges.

I would guess those with M15X and M17X don't operate their lids as much. However those with netbooks and smaller portable Inspiron notebooks that have the same hinge design would but would not have the heat issues.

If there was a extremely faulty design, would not a vast majority of people with M11xs have had hinge/LCD replacements within 6 months of ownership?

This is a perplexing issue and another reason to save as much as one can on the coupon/refurb side of Dell purchases. Especially if half the thing will end up with refurbished parts anyway. It is a shame because this is an ideal product in size vs performance ratio. People should not have to worry about the toughness of these notebooks in particular. Nor should they be compelled to purchase an EW because of an issue that may happen because they will be using the hinges more or gaming more.

As nice as this little guy is, it is not worth over $1000 plus an EW... to me anyway and I have not played a game on it except for FSX for about 30 minutes.

 

As far as the heat goes, this is the coolest laptop ever. The screen lid is always cold to touch. So it can't be the heat. On the other hand I do use it daily for office work. Last 2-3 months I had 0 hours of gaming of it - which is when the hinge started to break down. What's so hard to believe about plastic just not being hard enough to handle it?

Btw, what's EW?

 

EW extended warranties.....Don't believe they are a good value... I prefer to play with the "house" on that consumer item. So far I saved more than enough to pay for this notebook alone on Dell products alone by passing on them. Not to mention appliances, cars and everything else EWs were offered on over the years.

OK heat is out. I am Just looking for possibilities. Far Less than 50% (albeit an extremely small sample and not indicative of any larger issue) on this forum are having this issue . It has to be related to particular usage if all the designs and parts are the same.

If not heat than I would bet users who open and close the lid all day long numerous times are more likely to suffer hinge issues. Smaller notebooks that are carried around a lot especially at schools from class to class have their lids opened and closed all day long. I am just wondering if that would be an indicator of who is more likely to have this issue.

It doesn't make Dell any less responsible for the issue. I just think it would be good information for those investigating whether they want to take a chance on this machine based on their probable usage patterns. I can tell you this. I would not have purchased this machine for school knowing the lid would be opened and closed all day long 5 days a week, nine months a year. It apparently simply is not strong enough for that type of use without issues.

My lid has been closed 4 times in the weeks I have had it. I don't think the hinge will just bust open without being used. I am convinced it has to do with individual usage as the other model Alienwares I suspect have the same design that are not portable don't have this issue.

 

Update1: Just checked - the tech broke one of the sealing tips of the cover latch. No big problem, I'll just ask for another - I can put that on my own.

@Kingfrog,

What might be is that a lot of people are bothered by the keyboard stains. So they are putting something between the keyboard and the screen. I have done that with Razer Kabuto, but now I feel it might have contributed to the hinge breaking.

Also it could be it just isn't good enough to what I put it through. I'd have the laptop in the bag loaded with other stuff when I was traveling overseas and so on. The thing is I did the same with Dell XPS m1330 and never had these issues - so I thought that was Ok to do. But the design is different of course.

 

Like I have said, my M11X has had the "hindge" issue already.. It has sat on the same table for four months, being open and closed once a day, by my wife, for the top middle position. We were aware of the issue, and were as careful as we could be, and it still happened. So could this be a user issue, not hardly, maybe some cases, but given my story, Dell needs to do some R&D on this, my M11X was very lightly used and this happened. I still love my M11X, I just wish we did not have to cross our fingers and hope the hinge does not break.

 

If it doesn't apear like the wires are getting chewed up, it should be fine.

 

Once a day under very careful and lightly used conditions....
YIKES!!!!!

From your particular experience and under those extremely careful conditions of usage one would have to conclude without a doubt 100% of all M11X notebooks sold WILL have had their hinges replaced.

I don't believe that from what I have read here and in the Dell forums. There are far too many cases but it certainly does not seem to be the majority.

 

I hate to be negitive, but I belive so kingfrog

 

I bring it to school with me and I open and close it all day long. I am doomed

 

I don't see how you get from flynnaz's account of the very careful treatment of his M11x ending up with broken hinges equaling this being an issue for 100% of the units. There are a wealth of other potential explanations for why this would occur on a unit that was treated not only well but excessively well.

• The plastic used in the LCD enclosure might be borderline in it's durability.
• The plastic, if from one single source, might not have been produced to very tight standards - meaning that some of it is more prone to weaking.
• The plastic might have multiple sources, one having a characteristic that makes it very susceptible to weakening over time.
• During assembly there might be some units that are being over-tightened.
• The mounting hardware that is embedded into the plastic might be contributing to plastic giving out. We've seen photos to two different variations on this hardware. [why the heck can't I think of a better term for those things!

I would imagine there are a boatload of possibilities that we might not even be able to guess at that would explain why this occurs in the units that it has and will and not in others.

EDIT: And flynnaz's account of broken hinges after treating the M11x with reasonable to excessive care isn't the first.

 

And just to underline what Unreal25 has stated, this is most definitely not a heat related issue. One of the M11x's strengths is it's cooling system. The R1's C2D runs very cool and even the R2's procs are kept well reigned in.

The CPU and GPU are both situated on the far left, as is the exhaust port. I feel pretty safe in surmizing that if heat were the culprit leading to weakened plastic in the LCD assembly (which is very much removed from the heat sources of the M11x) then we'd be seeing the left hinge break in virtually all cases. This has not been the case based on reports here.

 

I have the same issue, the laptop was bought in USA, no warranty in Colombia, only in USA, I have to buy a regional warranty (Dell told me), is a disappointment for a laptop with only 2 months of use, it seems that it would break!! Please see my video: YouTube - ANOTHER Alienware M11x hinge problem!!

 

Well, there you go, seeing is believing.

 

It seems as though that the hinge problem always starts with the left hinge having rotation problems first.

I have had my M11x for about 4 months after reciveing the replacement due to the clear screen coming loose from the frame. (hit head against wall) why must a computer that I love to use so much have so many screen problems!

I have owned at least 12 laptops and this is the only one that has had to be repaired under warrenty.

 

Is there anyone you can send it to in the states that can have it fixed under warranty?

 

Are you talking about what's shown in rodridelsolar's video? If so, that's the right hinge. If you're referring to something else then I'm not sure I understand.

 

Yes, same problem but on the left hinge. The one that was on display at the local BBY had the same problem on the left hinge and so does mine. Others in this thread have discribed the problem on the left also seems that it is more common on that side .

 

Yeah, I think left is the most common, but right side has had its share too. If I recall correctly some have even reported both breaking at the same time.

 

I am glad I didn't read these threads before I bought mine. I would have ended up with a $500 Netbook. LOL I will enjoy this for my warranty period and look for Dell to change things with the next reiteration.....In the mean time I will leave the screen open for the next year or so...LOL

 

I don't think you need to buy regional warranty. In Dell's website you can search about international or global warranty. There you will see that you can transfer your warranty from U.S. to the country where you are staying (assuming that you are staying there longer than 6 months). See here.

 

that's what they told me in the line of Dell customer service, on monday I will call the international number of warranty laptop, thanks.

 

picture is blur so i highlight the area if you know what im talking about.
hey guys, the middle line on highlight area ^ of my m11x is not tightly joint, it kinda open little. Is that common for any1?

 

the first thing I noticed was wrong with my computer was in that area

 

Mate please don't post pictures that large.

If there is a gap there where you showed, that means your latch cover isn't properly sealed. Try gently pushing it and see if it clicks. If it doesn't it's possible that latch cover tips are broken (what my tech did). The way to take the latch cover is to use the little hole in the top right corner just above your keyboard (yes, the narrow one). Go in gently with a screwdriver and then VERY gently and slowly by pulling the latch cover get it out. You can call Dell and ask them to ship you another one, it should be fine then.

 

Its been 1 month since my lcd was replaces, all is ok for now though i open screen carefully, only in center...

 

For the most part I'm just waiting hoping if any failure its just before warranty expires as I cannot spend the cash to extend.

Purchased in late May2010 and so far no issues really or should I say "no changes". There is an occasional tick sound or small pop that sounds to me like a hinge is releasing friction. Its not a crack sound I normally associate with plastic.

Anywho, mostly I open/close from center and compared to some I open and close less than they do. What I really do different is to keep tension off the hinges when closed. I posted before on this about adding rubber bumpers but didnt take pics properly.

Its an ongoing experiment. When I go back to being more mobile the large white ones will come off. In house there isnt much pressure to worry about but Im gonna theorize that even lid weight stresses the hing area when allowed flush.

 

Mine completely split open earlier. I just have the basic warranty I guess as I was told I'm going to have to send it in (purchased at Best Buy).

For those that have done this before, what was the process? I understand I'm going to get a box sent to me, then after that I just drop it off at the post office to be mailed back to Dell?

 

dell sends you a box, you send it via Fedex to Huston, they provide the label. You should get it back in about a week or so, signature required on delivery, son make sure your there, or have it returned to where you work.. I took the hard drive out just in case. Everything is good for now. There is a paper to fill out with your information and problem. I typed a letter out and sent it with my laptop.

 

Just for the record...
When did you buy your M11x (model R1 according to your signature)?
How were you opening the screen?
Were you putting something between the screen and the keyboard (like a mousepad)?

 

I think I bought it in May 2010 at Best Buy
My wife opened the screen once a day by the middle, being carefull knowing of this problem.
I have put nothing in the middle between the screen.

 

Sorry if someone already posted this....but this thread is ginormous and I couldn't find an answer with the search bar. Does the kabuto mousepad screen/keyboard protector help at all? I'm hoping I can use this and not have to deal with replacing any screens due to crappy hinges. My new m11x should be on its way by the end of the week so with any luck I won't have this problem but it seems the chips are stacked against me...

 

I've read putting that mousepad between the screen and keyboard is thought to accelerate the destruction of the hinges, but I can't find the post(s) on that, so wait for someone else to chime in before believing me

 

I bought the Kabuto primarily as means of protecting my screen. It's too thick IMO and might add some amount of stress to an already delicate LCD assembly. There are plenty of other options out there for protecting your screen.

 

Yeah I did the same as slickie, and can't help thinking it may have contributed...

 

It really shouldn't be enough to be the primary cause of a broken hinge in a quality build. It's just that it's maybe contributing to something that was likely going to happen anyway.

And if they'd designed the hinge properly in the first place people wouldn't be needing to do something to protect their screen from scratches.

 

Hi all, just got my M11X R2 last week (i7, 8GB ram, 7200rpm drive & 3 year warentie) and unfourtunantly the keyboard is touching the screen on the L/H side I think I will just leave the screen open most of the time as it will mainly just live at home anyway (plus cant be bothered dealing with reps/warentie claims, RMA, screen loto swapouts and so on). I have to say though this is pretty pathitic really. Its not like its the first laptop dell has ever made or anything.

I have left drivers and BIOS stock as I have had no issue that would require changing them yet and as this is my first ever computer I dont really want to brave the unknown just yet.

The only game I have at the moment is Mass Effect 2 and it runs great, looks even better than what the PS3 could do (especialy shadows). Is it safe to use this as a type of benchmark of what games will run well or are there to many variables involved i.e. developer coding and optimisation.
This is all new to me as I have just previously gamed on the PS3 where everything just works.

 

I have used nothing between the screen and the keyboard. It is not your fault it is the fault of the manufacture due to the hinge layout.:yes:

 

Good, I was planning on doing this anyway. I don't want them reformatting my drive for whatever reason, or generally toying with my system

June of this year
Holding middle, hinge has creaked since I bought it
Originally I was wedging the cloth the m11x comes with in between the LCD and body but stopped after a week or two. If I move it nowadays it's within my 3rd party case