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    Wobbly AC connector on XPS m140/630m or E1405/640m ?

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by northwind, Sep 29, 2006.

  1. northwind

    northwind Newbie

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    I have a 630m and the AC connector on the back of the laptop is very wobbly when the charger is plugged in, especially if moved up/down. It has been like this since new and I presumed it was a Dell trait.

    However, I have recently used an Inspiron 1100 and E1505/6400 and the connectors on both of these laptops had very little movement.

    On checking the service manuals for the xps m140/630m and the E1405/640m, I noticed that this connector was attached to a thin strip on the main systemboard. Whereas on the E1505/6400, the connector is attached to a large area of the systemboard and I wonder if this is where the problem lies.

    I would be grateful if an owner of an xps m140/630m or E1405/640m could confirm whether their connector is wobbly as I'm told a major fault with laptops is a broken AC connector.

    Many Thanks.
     
    northwind, Sep 29, 2006
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  2. ChangFest

    ChangFest Notebook Consultant

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    My E1405 has the wobbly AC connector. It's a trait of this model's design and a dumb one at that.
     
    ChangFest, Sep 30, 2006
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  3. northwind

    northwind Newbie

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    Thanks for your reply ChangFest.

    I shall just have to be careful with it and hope our connectors stand up to a few more years use.
     
    northwind, Sep 30, 2006
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  4. Amber

    Amber Notebook Prophet NBR Reviewer

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    This is a problem with most laptops just because of the nature of laptops. In the beginning, most connectors are not wobbly, but depending on the usage, at one point, the connector will become loose.

    After a year of use, the connector on mine became wobbly and wouldn't charge my laptop anymore. As long as you have warranty, it will be covered. All they have to do is replace the Motherboard.
     
    Amber, Oct 1, 2006
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  5. northwind

    northwind Newbie

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    Hi Southern Girl,

    The connector is not wobbly due to wear, as it has been like it since new and the actual fit of the plug in the socket is still tight.

    I now believe, as ChangFest said, that it's a design flaw on these 2 models, caused by mounting the connector on a narrow cut out strip of the motherboard and therefore susceptable to flexing. Where as on the 6400, for example, the connector is mounted to the main area of the motherboard.

    My warranty runs out in 2 months time which is why I needed confirmation of this.

    PS Your XP re-installation guide has been a big help to me in the past - Thankyou.
     
    northwind, Oct 2, 2006
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