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    Power jack points to ponder...

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by Diver_Down, Sep 17, 2008.

  1. Diver_Down

    Diver_Down Notebook Guru

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    For OCD's sake, here's a question:

    Suppose I use my laptop on AC power everyday and store it at the end of each day, would the power jack loosen or give in time or was it made to endure numerous removals and replacements (like 730 times every year at the very least). I just got paranoid after hearing an instance of an Aspire 4720 having its pin come off with the adapter cord. It happened to be my friend's 8-month old laptop.

    If one is careful, how long then, before this problem starts to appear (i.e. loose pins, loose internal connections from pushing and pulling, etc)?

    Although the best suggestion would be to leave it plugged, I am trying to greatly lessen that subtle cumulative dust accumulation by keeping the laptop in its sleeve, away from the open environment, when it isn't needed.

    And, for specifics: while I know that Lenovo, regardless of high-end or budget laptops, is usually consistent with chassis/keyboard durability, has anyone experienced problems with their power jacks/connectors?
     
    Diver_Down, Sep 17, 2008
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  2. naton

    naton Notebook Virtuoso

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    It depends on the laptop model/manufacturer and the quality of the soldering used.

    I had a compaq in the past, and I used to plug and unplug the AC every day for 3 years with no problems.

    I did the same with a gateway laptop for a year and a half.

    Serach the internet. If your laptop model has socket soldering problem you'll find people discussing the issue and how to fix it. If there is a problem due to bad quality soldering, and lot of users complained about it, the manufacturer might offer to repair it free of charge. I think Compaq or HP did this for one of their models few years ago.

    In my experience power jacks are well attached/soldered in Acer notebooks. I won't say the same for packardbell laptops, though.
     
    naton, Sep 18, 2008
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  3. John Ratsey

    John Ratsey Moderately inquisitive Super Moderator

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    I've never had durability issues with power plugs being inserted / removed. The biggest risk is is you use your computer as a laptop and have the power cord hanging down. The weight can sometimes stress the socket and cause it to break off the board.

    John
     
    John Ratsey, Sep 18, 2008
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  4. davidfor

    davidfor Notebook Consultant

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    I agree with this. The only problem I have seen is when the laptop was damaged. From what I was told, the cord was pulled and the laptop managed to land on the plug into the laptop.

    But, my wife did damage the actual plug through constant use. Luckily we had a spare adapter.

    David
     
    davidfor, Sep 19, 2008
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