My AW m15x Hinge completely broke off!!!

Hey forumites,

It has been awhile since I have posted. Unfortunately upon opening my AW one day I noticed some creaking (moreso than usual). I inspected and didn't notice anything and kept using the computer (thought the creaking was just getting worse). Well the other week upon opening the case, the case hinge completely cracked open exposing the internals of the right hinge. I have just sent the computer in for repair and HOPE this will not take long. I am really bummed about this and figured I would share my story. Hopefully others don't experience this. It is almost like this has been one issue after another. My faith in AW has gone down quite a bit considering all the trouble I have been through with being one of the earliest buyers of this Beta computer:/

 

You're #9 to have this happen, I believe. I was #1. It took a long time, but I got a repair, the repair didn't fix the problem, so I qualified for a full refund.

Best of luck to you.

 

welcome to 'The Club'!

 

yeah no joke mine is currently in repair. Same problem here I sent mine off on the 5th and it arrived on the 7th we'll see who gets theirs first. I know a lot of people say this has only happened to a few people but I think this is happening to the older m15xs (just my opinion) but AW never questioned me and told me I wouldn't have to pay for the repair. Hopefully they treated you the same Dave.

 

How old is your m15x though? A CS person (I know, they're not 100% reliable but) said, or someone said they talked to a CS person, the new m15x's wouldn't have such an issue.

 

Just as a reference point, my computer was away for a total of 1 and 1/2 weeks, including shipping time. so it's pretty fast.

I'm definitely in the 'older m15x' camp... got mine in January.

 

you're number 8. hopefully this doesnt happen to other m15x owners. mind posting some pics so we can add to our database of snapped hinge pics.

 

Yeah, I'll have to send mine off to when i get back from vacations... Such an unlucky happening. I'd like to see alienware improving these commonalitys.

 

Well, I'm in the newer bunch but since I haven't had it for a while I can't say. Seems all right though, minus some wobble.

 

Seems the lifetime of the plastic hinges is around 7 months.

 

the hinges aren't plastic, It goes Screw,metal hinge, Brass "bolt", then bolt held by plastic attached to the lid.

 

That really sucks friend. I'm sorry to hear you're having similar problems as a group of us... Seems like our group will constantly expand. I was #2. Good luck on your repairs...

 

This story is not shocking and is exactly the opposite. I think it would be the right thing to do for Alienware to do a full redesign of the chassis, because their customers pay a premium price and they deserve what they pay for. And if you don't think Alienware has deep enough pockets, I have one word for you, Dell. It seems the quality control at this company is simply abysmal.

I cannot even imagine spending that amount of money and then being treated in that manner.

Shame on you alienware.

 

lol this is the worst quality laptop i know of. biggest purchase regret of my life. even more than purcahsing goonies 2 for NES.

 

I just got the Gateway 7811fx and it is half the price of the m15x, overall better performance wise, super solid, ect. I can't believe I am even saying this... Gateway better than AW?!?!?!? I wouldn't of said that 8 months ago,lol. I am very happy with my purchase btw

 

dont think LUCK has anything to do with this... perhaps it's an issue of time...

some of buzzin's posts are re-surfacing in my mind...

sorry for your loss bro...

yet another customer lost by AW...and probably many more potential customers that probably got the crap scared out of purchasing one...

*sigh*

 

yeah i'm probably going to order a xps 1530 lol, hopefully AW will fix their crap. good luck getting ur system fixed (maybe they improved the CS and repair so that it actually fixes the problem)

 

I've had my m15x for a while and all I have to say is that I have had no issues with it. However, I do feel bad for all these people with these problems. I mean, it's very true...people spend TONS of money on AW, and frankly I think the least AW can do is actually help these customers, or make sure it's right the first time. I joined this site in hoping to shed positive reviews on AW, and I still do...but all I read from others most of the time are negative comments. I really feel bad for all the people who are discouraged with the AW company and everything now.

 

It seems more like a time bomb.

Mainly, AW tried to make the m15x a powerful and light weight notebook, was a hit-miss idea.

Using lighter material may have a drawback on endurance/durability, that they didn't knew or expected.


PS: It is they wanted to build a T-34 tank with the firepower of a Tiger, but ended up with a Sherman.

 

ha ha ha...

well, at least the sherman worked... too bad it was out dated since it's debut...
and to imagine, it lasted till Korean War...

 

i smell a class action lawsuit!

 

we need pictures

@Lethal - Hmm

 

here you go Stone. Sorry about the bad quality I took them with my phone before I sent it off. I'm super glad AW didn't question me about it after they saw the pics.

 

That is painful...

 

I think for a brand like AW, seeing such flaws is just unacceptable.

I can feel the pain of the owner of such an expensive notebook in seeing such damage.

 

That really bites, sorry man. In my opinion, 9 out of however many hundred or thousand sold isn't too bad, but that doesn't mean it's not a problem.

I really hope that's the case. I talked to a sales agent, too, before I ordered mine. They said the hinge problem was fixed. I'm somewhat skeptical, but we'll see when it comes in. It seems everyone who's had this happen is getting a refund, at least. Now all we have to worry about are those stupid video cards

 

I totally agree! If you're going to pay $2000-4000 on ANYTHING then it shouldn't be anything but the best. A squeaky hinge? Maybe. But not something this big

 

those pics are exactly how mine look. I am livid with AW and they need to make this right. One problem after another and I am a repeat buyer with aw and they haven't really even done anything as a simple " I'm sorry for selling u a beta computer"

 

Well for computers yes but ANYTHING is overstating LOL a $2000 Car wont get you the BEST for sure

 

Wow didn't AW give some one grief over this issue in the beginning. And accuse them of damaging it themselves.

So sad to hear thing's aren't getting any better in the AW camp.

 

That would be Fex and myself... These pics are pretty much EXACTLY like mine, Fex, Buzzin, etc... Sigh... I hope the best for you guys...

 

I know he's banned, but i wonder if buzzin ever got his refund...

 

I am going through the exact same carbon problem here are my photos my screw snapped off and the creaks opened hell for me. here check these photos out.




These laptops are probably made by a 3rd world country

 

This is one of my biggest mistakes in life the purchase of a 3rd world country laptop disguised as Alienware Top Notch Machine.

Now i am in 2 minds - i have to purchase a new Desktop for gaming because of Tax reasons - I think i would be pretty stupid to buy another Alienware Machine.

 

You could buy a 15" Sager NP8660, it has a 9800M GT, or wait for Voodoo's 15".

Here's the Sager:

http://www.sagernotebook.com/product_customed.php?pid=90599

If you want an idea of what to expect from Voodoo's new 15", check out their new 13", the Envy 133:

http://www.rahulsood.com/2008/07/beautiful-envy-packaging.html

Voodoo's 15" is supposed to look nicer and perform much faster than the Envy 133, Voodoo already hinted that it will at least have a 9800M GT. I'm sure that the 15" Voodoo will be the next big thing for the 15" gaming market and Alienware will really have to release a new 15" if they want to compete with Voodoo.

 

ThaNKS Mike your post really help me out. Reps to ya.

 

tyronne, you will probably get store credit for the m15x from AW, so you can put that directly into the desktop. however, AW desktops are overpriced, so maybe it's smarter to get a refund and either build yourself or get one from some third-party store (although i'd stay away from austin computers )

 

The m17x would probably be a good choice if he gets store credit. It doesn't have any of the problems that the m15x does and the build quality is a lot better. I don't even think anyone complained about problems with it once since it launched a few months ago.

 

Definately bro I will never buy anything from Austin Computers ever again. The shop owner smiles at me with glee whilst holding a knife to my pocket.

I love the look of Toshiba Qosmoi just wished that AW m15x looked like that and last as long as Toshiba.

If it weren't for Adam at Australia Customer Support I would have given up all together and wipe my hands clean from Alienware.

I wouldn't mind about over priced stuff as long as i get good customer service and backup. I would prefer to pay more for good service along with a good product. Hopefully Alienware future product will not be built by 3rd world countries.

The sager is impressive power - i would like to have Sager power with Tishiba Qosmoi looks and quality, Alienware brand name with Adam's Customer Service professionalism (Adam is from Australia Alienware Customer Serivce - he is always quick to reply to my email or phone calls when i am so frustrated).

 

Even if they replaced my m15x with a new one i still wont be happy because of "First Impression Lasts For Ever".

Don't really want an Alienware Laptop anymore but if i am going to be stuck with one after paying out almost $6000 and if given a choice i would prefer to pay more to get a better quality build ALienware m17x.

I think if this happened to me a few months ago i would be glad to get a refund and upgrade to a m17x but now seeing the Toshiba Qosmoi x305 is like I have met a new girl at the tennis club

At the moment my m15x is a problem when it comes to flying to work on the oil rigs. The helicopter has a baggage limit of 14Kg - my m15x is almost 10Kg I cant carry much personal stuff as i would like if i take my laptop with me to work.

 

Ok guys finally got my machine I took it to fedex on the 5th and just got it back today the 14th. Thats a pretty quick turn around time in my eyes. Everything was fixed and it looks good but who knows how long it will last. They had to put a new lid on my machine and now I lost my light pipe now I have a tiny little strip but o well at least I got my machine back.

 

No lightpipe? Oh well, the actual pc is more important.

 

well kinda has a light pipe but now its a very thin line

 

@tyronne

The Qosmio is actually pretty ugly imo. but i guess beauty is in the the eye of the beholder. i live like 2 blocks from a best buy so ive seen it before.

well if the heatpipe is thinner and it solves the problem of the hinge i guess its a sacrafice that is worth it.