My dv3t is shocking me?!?!?

Just recently, I noticed a very frightening thing happening. It's frequent, and happens on and off. I feel it maybe 1-2 times a day, and I use this HP dv3t multiple times per day. I will provide a decent description of what is happening.

I have it situated on a flat black computer desk. When sitting down, I can use the notebook no problem. Then when I use my fingers to use the trackpad, the buttons give a low "vibration" feeling when I stroke my fingers on the buttons. Then, about 3 days ago, I go to reach for my iPod USB cable and my lower arm near my elbow rests on the left corner on the notebook (where the DVD drive ends), and it shocked me, and it HURT! I quickly retrieve my arm, and then try it again to feel a second quick shock.

I get even more worried when I reach for the little media remote and where the SD card slot is. I feel the numbness feeling travel up my hand and in my wrist if I just attempt to touch the remote with the tip of my fingers. Same with an SD card.

Should I contact HP and send it back for an entire refund? I am worried because I ordered on June 14 and received it June 20, so it's been a little while. Do you think HP will understand the issue and let me take it back? Has anyone else felt electric shocks run through their dv3t? Thank you.

Note: This is when it is plugged in, and have yet to feel it on battery power. I might have felt it while on the desk without it plugged in, so I am doing a series of tests all day today and tomorrow.

 

Wait, the shock caused your arm to fall off? Or what do you mean by retrieve it?

Kidding aside, try using it on a different surface, see if that has any effect.

 

Haha, the word "retrieve" made the difference. XD

I'm currently on battery power, but going to try a single outlet from the wall again in my bedroom with a wood desk.

 

I've never heard of this issue so I'm kinda puzzled. Is it possible the outlet you have the laptop plugged into isn't properly wired/grounded? Try it from a GFI outlet (usually these are outlets near water sources like in the kitchen or bathroom) and see if it still happens, just run a three prong extension cord from outlet to a suitable location to test the laptop. You can also buy a simple electrical tester that plugs into the socket and gives results on a series of lights for a few bucks at any hardware store to see if the outlet is properly wired.

Cheers,

/Reby

 

What is the environment like where you are using this computer? This sounds like a static electrical discharge to me. You know like when the air is very dry and you rub your feet across the carpet and then touch a door handle or when you comb your air very fast it will generate a small electrical shock which you will feel.

HP uses 3 prong plugs with its pavilion line notebooks which means that the third prong is providing the necessary electrical grounding so you should be getting any issues from that.

 

I thought that laptop was made from hard plastic,which shouldnt carry any current!!!!!

 

I am shocked! I have only rarely heard of things like this happening

I would try using it somewhere else, and if it still zaps you, I would call HP and tell them about the issue. If the computer is defective, they should send you a new one.

 

Most plastics do not conduct electricity since they are used as electrical insulation on wires. However plastic like any other material has the potential to collect a static charge on its surface.

 

Maybe it likes you.

I would tend to agree with the static explanation...

 

Yep, my guess is a dry environment mixed with the plastic provides you with a static shock. Try using your laptop in the bathtub... lol just kidding don't do that.