I need help with U1

Hey guys, I need some help. I tripped on my U1 power adapter today and the computer stopped charging. I don't know what's wrong with it, the computer won't even turn on now because the battery is dead. Any help will be appreciated.

 

Have you tried running the unit without battery and just AC? If this doesn't work, that means that either the AC adapter is damaged or that the AC connector on your systemboard is damaged therefore not allowing you to charge. If it's the adapter, call Sony and get a replacement possibly under warranty (don't tell them you tripped on it, just say it stopped working), but if it's the system board, you'd have to send it in for warranty repair (again, don't tell them you tripped on the adapter/cord, say it just stopped working/charging).

Try plugging in the AC to the unit (without battery) and then jiggling the plug behind the unit and see if power goes back to the unit. Is the power connector loose on the notebook? If so, the solder points are probably broken & needs to be fixed/replaced.

-Vb-

 

Thanks for the response venombite. I tried what you told me to do but unfortunately it still won't charge. Any idea what they would charge to fix this? estimates would be fine. If it's too much I am just gonna hide it in the closet and wait for the A190.

 

Do you have another AC charger of the same voltage and with the same tip that you can use? This way you can at least eliminate whether it's the computer or the power block. I'd also check the power cord for breaks. Sometimes when you trip over a cord like that, the cable is broken at a seam, causing the circuit to be open and power not to flow. If your laptop moved when you tripped over the cable, I would bet it's your power block that's bad. If your laptop didn't move much or it was pretty hard trip, I would think it probably snapped that part of the system board.

It would be nice if manufacturs get a clue from MicroSoft and use breakaway cables like what is used for XBox controllers. It would save a lot of heartache.

Afterthought: Check the details of your warranty. I think the U1 was only sold in Asian countries so you may need an international warranty to send it directly to Sony.

 

If you don't have another AC adapter, you could try to goto your nearest PC shop where they sell Sony notebooks and see if you could try one of their compatible adapters on your unit. Since your system won't run purely on AC, this will probably be one of the quickest ways to see if the systemboard is damaged or if it's your AC adapter.

-Vb-

 

Inspect the AC jack and see if it is broken.The next step is takeing it appart (and voiding your warenty) or sending it in.

|Tab

 

I don't recommend opening up the unit unless you know what you're doing. I would just recommend send the unit in for repair if it is the systemboard that is causing the problem. Even if it's the AC adapter, you should just call up Toshiba and ask for a warranty replacement but don't mention what happened to it, just say it stopped working all of a sudden. Same thing goes for the systemboard.

-Vb-

 

Yeah, I agree with Venombite. If you were to look at service manuals for various laptops, you'll see that most require intricate moves in order to disassemble. Plus you run the risk of damaging other parts of the system by accidently bumping into a cable oand possibly disloding it. If you can at least establish that it's the power supply, you may not even have to send it back to Toshiba. You could probably just pick up a aftermarket replacement from CompUSA or something. If it's the system board, unless you know what you're doing, sending it back to Toshiba is the best bet. Trust me, you don't want a $2000 door holder. They're not much to look at and stub your toes when you trip over them.

 

Well returning your U1 to Sony is gonna be pretty tuff unless you speak (and can read) nihongo.If you got it from a stateside import shop they may be able to send it in to sony japan for repair for you.Sony US is not going to service your U1.
If I were in the position of haveing no one to work as a go between for service I would start searching for U1 parts on ebay.But im the type of person who takes apart his hardware.I also can read and write a small amount of nihongo, so I know how hard it will be to communicate with Sony japan (and how bad current translation software is).And yes the OFFICIAL warrenty is japan only.
I dont see how sending your U1 in to Toshiba is going to do any good.Mostly because they dont make the U1, its a Sony japan only item.But im sure you know that already.


|Tab

 

Looking at this thread, it's my fault we keep saying Toshiba. I think on my original response, I just answered a question in the Toshiba forums and had Toshiba on my mind....my bad.[ ]

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by Big Calhoun