Do newer HPs have power jack issues?

My current ZV5220us is dead because of the power jack issue. I replaced the jack but it still doesn't work so I suppose the motherboard is done. So I'm in the market for a new laptop.

Do the new HPs (I'm specifically looking at the dv6000t) have a better build? I'm afraid I'll buy a new laptop and experience this power jack issue again.

And as side note...how much better is it, money wise, to just settle with a desktop?

 

Depends what you are looking for. To get the equivalent to a DV6000t in a desktop you can just get a cheap dell. Can't help you on the power issues though, but the ones at bestbuy look decent and were not loose.

 

when I was shopping for my new system it came up in posting that some HP's apparently use a DC jack that is attached to a cable that is in turn attached to the motherboard. Which means the jack is not directly connected to the MB. Soooo, if something does happen to the jack it's a relatively easy fix.

BTW, all laptops have power jack problems simply because it's a really vulnerable part of the laptop. I wish more mfg's would licence Apple's magnetic jack idea...even though that can still drag the laptop to the floor if someone trips over the cord in just the right way, it certainly eliminates the broke jack issue. I replaced two of them on my Dell Inspiron 8500. I think I killed the MB the 2nd repair as it started exactly ONCE after the repair and then just died. Actually I was very happy that day because it let me buy a new system a year earlier then I had planned. Plus I HATED that Dell from day one...

As far as a lappy vs. desktop...I haven't used a desktop system for, geeze, over 10 years now. And even before that I only used on at work when forced to...I would not know how to work if I dint have my lappy with me everywhere I go.

But if you do not travel or move around using your laptop and it mostly (as in always) lives on your desk, then a desktop might be a fine way to go. Plus you can sure get oodles more stuff into a desktop...

Like I say I am so connected, so to speak, with using a laptop I honestly would feel lost working without one.

 

Which Dell desktop would be comparable to the dv6000t? I'm not very tech savvy when it comes to looking at specs.

 

ok...I found the details for the power connector for the dv6000t here:

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c00751094.pdf

If you go to page 5-60 they show the power connector is part of a modular board that also contains the USB stuff. This means should the dc jack get damaged it will just be a matter of replacing that board. Really an easy fix.

 

Ahhh, so if the jack gets damaged I wont have to replace the whole motherboard? Nice. Thanks a lot. This is pushed me a little more towards the dv5000t.

I looked at Dell desktops but it seems that once I include a monitor, the price is comparable if not more to that of the dv5000t.

 

yeah, I agree it's a really nice solution to a problem there is not a lot they can do to prevent. I do wish the jack and the USB were not on the same board though. It would be perfect if the jack was just all by it's lonesome.

Still it is nice to know breaking the jack will not require either the guts to take a soldering iron to you lappy or just replacing the whole motherboard.

btw, I kinda like the dv6000 series systems...nice value for the money really. Still more 'spensive then a desktop of the same config but I am just addicted to being portable!! Of course I had to go all the way to a 17" system... Which you can get in the dv9000 series for not too much difference in price. Shorter battery life and slightly heavier (not much though) and certainly BIGGER then the dv6000 series though...

Intersting to know that the desktops are pretty close to the lappys in price these days. I guess laptops really are taking the forefront in PC sales away from desktops. See so by sticking with a lappy you are staying ahead of the curve!! hehehehe...hope ya find a good one!!

 

I've been comparing the dv6000t and the dv6000z. My price range is as close to $500 as possible. Which is better with the minimum specs? I'm looking at hp.com and it seems the dv6000z is slightly cheaper but it still looks better to me.

EDIT: I guess the only difference is the processor. Which do you recommend?

 

I really don't think you would ever see a downside to going with the AMD CPU (the dv6000z.) It's more of a coin toss really. I stick with Intel because except for one system I built when money was tight I always have.

But, to my thinking today's AMD's are just fine for all of us and almost all uses.

Oh, I am not sure if it matters or would be cheaper, but consider getting the system through Costco. They have a 6-month full refund return policy. I think that is a nice thing in case something dies on your system during that period. Even if you have to jooin and pay the $50 membership fee it's decent insurance so you would not have to get a warranty repair. Instead you can just retun the system. And Costco systems still have their full HP warranty too...

Anyway, I think if you are doing the basics of email, word processing, web browsing sort of stuff I would get the dv6000z system to save a bit of cash.