Does your HP sit flat?

I noticed, of the six footpads on my DV5000, the bottom left corner is off the table by 4-5mm. Makes me seriously question the build quality.

 

My old ThinkPad (and I had 2 of the same model) use to do this.

 

My ZV6000 from HP sits perfectly flat.

 

Any advice on what to do?

It's a new machine (direct from HP), but I can't afford to go without a computer right now, so I can't send it back and wait for a replacement.

Maybe I'll sand down the footpads to the same level. Has anyone tried this? Any advice?

This is probably just a problem with the plastic, right? Not a sign of un underlying problem?

 

well, if the notebook chassis is bent it might be putting stress on other components...i would call them up and ask for a replacement BEFORE sending the old notebook back.

at least for a piece of mind consider getting that fixed ASAP

 

Does HP send out replacements before demanding the old one back? I know Dell does this for their PDA's, but I'm surprized anyone would do it with a computer.

I've figured out that the problem is a single piece of plastic on the bottom, directly under the touchpad (I think its the HD cover). It's bulging out, and because it has a footpad, its putting all the others out of place. Presumable replaceing the cover would fix the problem. I'll contact HP, and if they can arrange a swap where I don't have to go without a machine, I'll take it. Otherwise I'll take it to a service centre. A few pieces of tape over the footpads have ballanced things out for now.

My only stress now is that each time I've put force on the lower left section of the notebook (ie: typing), is bent and creeked a little. Now I'm concerned that this little movement has left some permanent damage to the plastic of components that I'll regret in 2 years!!! AHH!
Maybe I stress too much about this stuff. Am I over-reacting? That left corner does seem a little looser now.

 

Mine sits up some with the 12 cell battery in it.

 

Yeah, this one is heavy enough to smash a 4-5mm difference lol. I've got one myself.

As to the "problem", hm I don't think this is an issue. Maybe the rubber pads are not of the same size...Anyways, it is always good to have the back of the laptop raised 2-2.5 cm, as this will improve the airflow under the notebook and therefore keep it cooler.

 

Perhaps I misunderstood what this thread is about but are you saying the laptop on a flat surface wobbles like a bad restaurant table? Because my I had two Thinkpads that did this and it is annoying. Or are you saying that one side sits higher than the other. That would defintely be because they wanted to increase airflow.

 

Hi Luar,
It sounds like he is saying that the hard drive cover isn't on correctly.

Hi Monobeg,
Haven you tried removing and reinstalling the cover to see if it was installed correctly?

 

I'll try and explain:
There are 6 footpads: three at the back; three at the front.
The ones at the back sit solidly against the table.
The middle one at the front is on the HD cover, which bulges out under the notebook. This causes the other two front pads to be lifted off the table. I've put some tape on those two pads for now to make them thicker, but I'm a little concerned that the integrity of the machine has been permanently damaged by being bent out of shape a few mm every time a push down on the corner to type.

I'm not going to remove the HD cover on a new computer. If anything, I'll let the nearest service centre do it, but I suspect it will need a replacement cover. I wonder if the heat from the HD caused the plastic to warp?

 

Another question:

I've noticed after a few days of use, and daily carry, the notebook has "loosened up".
Whereas there used to be no flexability in the base, now I can bend either of the corners a few mm and can see a very slight bend in the machine. Is this normal for a normal break-in?

 

I think you are just getting used to your new computer. There's no way that the plastic has become more elastic for a few days or that the screws have loosened

 

I'm quite sure its loosened:

If I hold down the left corner, and push up the right corner, it will bend a little before it lifts the computer up. It used to be solid and lift the computer withoutbending. Still, I guess its probably nothing to be concerned about.