Considering Laptop Alternatives: Frustrations with Dell's Screen Hinge Design

[dustymars]

I have used Dell laptops and desktops since the 1980s and have been mostly satisfied with them. However, in mid-2022, I bought an Insprion 3510, because it was fast and had Windows 11 (yes, the best free windows). It turned out to be the fastest and most efficient laptop I ever owned, but the screen hinges are absolutely the worst ever. Last year, the left hinge froze up and when I opened the screen lid it broke the lid Bessel and ripped the ribbon cable up, and it went blank, so because it was still under warrantee, I called and they came out and fixed it.

Now, the warrantee is out and my left hinge broke again. Besides a crummy design, the lubrication must be sandy. I simply taped it to the open position with aluminum duct tape and will just leave it open. I will have to hide it in the front bedroom because of our cats love to break stuff. So, I looked at Dells' newer laptops, and they all have a poorly designed screen hinge and wide gap at the bottom of the screen, so I am considering another brand.

How do rate laptop brands? I know people who have Hp, Acre, Lenovo and other brands and seem happy with them. No, I will not do Apple MACS, never used one that I liked. Any suggestions

V. 23H2 (OS Build 22631.3593)

 

[ChatGPT]

It sounds like you've had quite an experience with your Dell Inspiron 3510. Screen hinge issues can indeed be very frustrating, especially when they affect the usability of your laptop. Given your situation, here's a comparison of some of the major laptop brands you mentioned, which might help you make an informed decision: | HP (Hewlett-Packard) | Generally good; robust design on many models | Fairly responsive | Wide range from budget to high-performance (e.g., Spectre, Envy, OMEN series) | Battery life and heating concerns on some models | Mixed; better hinges on business models like EliteBook | | Lenovo | Exceptional, especially in ThinkPad series | Generally good, dedicated support site | Wide range from budget to high-end (e.g., ThinkPad, Yoga, Legion series) | Occasional keyboard issues on certain models | Robust; ThinkPad series known for strong hinges | | Acer | Hit or miss, varies significantly | Could be improved in some regions | Wide range from budget to high-performance (e.g., Swift, Predator series) | Performance throttling and build quality issues on some budget models | Generally decent but some budget models may not be robust | Recommendations: 1. Define your primary needs: - If you need a laptop primarily for business use, consider the Lenovo ThinkPad series for durability and reliable performance. - For multimedia use or gaming, you might want to look into HP's Spectre or OMEN series, or Lenovo's Legion series. - For general use, the Acer Swift series offers a good balance between performance and mobility at a fair price point. 2. Check reviews and professional assessments: - Websites like NotebookCheck, Tom's Hardware, and Digital Trends offer in-depth reviews and comparisons. 3. Look at after-sales support and warranty: - Customer service quality can vary greatly between brands and models. Look into extended warranty options if you are concerned about support. I hope this comparison helps you in choosing your next laptop. If you have specific needs or questions about certain models, feel free to ask!

 

[Mike]

I have used Dell laptops and desktops since the 1980s and have been mostly satisfied with them. However, in mid-2022, I bought an Insprion 3510, because it was fast and had Windows 11 (yes, the best free windows). It turned out to be the fastest and most efficient laptop I ever owned, but the screen hinges are absolutely the worst ever. Last year, the left hinge froze up and when I opened the screen lid it broke the lid Bessel and ripped the ribbon cable up, and it went blank, so because it was still under warrantee, I called and they came out and fixed it.

Now, the warrantee is out and my left hinge broke again. Besides a crummy design, the lubrication must be sandy. I simply taped it to the open position with aluminum duct tape and will just leave it open. I will have to hide it in the front bedroom because of our cats love to break stuff. So, I looked at Dells' newer laptops, and they all have a poorly designed screen hinge and wide gap at the bottom of the screen, so I am considering another brand.

How do rate laptop brands? I know people who have Hp, Acre, Lenovo and other brands and seem happy with them. No, I will not do Apple MACS, never used one that I liked. Any suggestions

V. 23H2 (OS Build 22631.3593)

I'm on the XPS 15 9510 which came out a few years ago and its very good. I would not really consider Acer. If I had to choose an alternative it would be a ThinkPad.

 

[dustymars]

Very nice post, ChatGPT, I will study it to help me decide when and if I decide to get something new. Due to a boat load of medical costs lately I have to watch my spending. Getting old costs us a lot theses days. I find even after all the years working on, designing and fiddling with computers I still have to learn.

Thanks for the post and suggestions, Mike, will think on it.

 

[ussnorway]

Dell and Hp are the same thing... cheap systems made in bulk for a company to buy by the 100s so each staff member has the same system
Acer is a knock off of Asus and Asus was the best for years but they have stopped putting in the effort they used to so if you are not gaming i wouldn't recommend them anymore
Lenovo is the cheapest parts around
Apple MACS used to be well made a very long time ago and Macs users got used to paying 4X the price for the same parts in a Windows system... things are a little better now with M1 and M2 but they are still 1/2 the power for 3 times the $

 

[dustymars]

Dell and Hp are the same thing... cheap systems made in bulk for a company to buy by the 100s so each staff member has the same system
Acer is a knock off of Asus and Asus was the best for years but they have stopped putting in the effort they used to so if you are not gaming i wouldn't recommend them anymore
Lenovo is the cheapest parts around
Apple MACS used to be well made a very long time ago and Macs users got used to paying 4X the price for the same parts in a Windows system... things are a little better now with M1 and M2 but they are still 1/2 the power for 3 times the $

I can't help but to believe you. In earlier years I would buy a higher end laptop, but now retired 23 years and not using my PC for actual work I am a cheap-wad. For what I do with this 3510 it will last until the duck tape comes off and the lid crashes to the floor, or my cats run into it and finishes it for good.

 

[dustymars]

While I am a tight-wad, el-cheap-o PC buyer, there is just no excuse for this design flaw even with cheaper Dell laptops (See image). The gap at the bottom of the screen lid and the PC base can grasp the charger cord or anything else easily without being noticed and if one closes said lid then snap and pop goes the hinge screws. Or, in my first hinge break it was the hinge that ceased up as I closed the screen lid and out came the screws. That also tore the ribbon cable in two and blank goes the screen. The Dell tech and I fixed it with new parts and hinges. He told me that I was not even close to the first to have this same problem. The problem is the second hinge break was totally caused by the hinge ceasing up, period. Even the cost of this laptop should include a better designed hinge, lid case system, even by China slave labor standards.

 

[dustymars]

Hp may be a good pick and those I know who use them are happy with them. I just like Dell because during my last working days, from 1989 - 2001 at the USNO, I had Dell Desktops at work and home, plus a laptop of my own as well. I never had a problem with Dell until the hinge trouble with the 3510. While it was under warrantee, they fixed it free, but it broke again within a year. Since then, I used silver dusk tape and taped the screen locked into the open position and it works fine.

I was so satisfied with its operation and speed that giving it up may be a waste of money until it craps out for sure. Then I may buy a Dell latitude that appears to be well made without hinge problems. I still use my old Dell 3565 with Windows 10, but it is only a backup since it is as slow as Jobs turkey on Thanksgiving.

 

[dustymars]

My son has a Dell Inspiron 5620, 16" screen with all the bells and hoops. I'm sure all the model numbers are not important. You have a 5620 and it is most likely nearly the same as these. This one is $550. I may get one for my birthday. What do you think?

Dell 16 inch Inspiron Laptop with Nvidia MX Discrete | Dell USA

 

[dustymars]

Here is what a taped up Dell looks like:

 

[realpaoz]

If you want durability, I suggest Lenovo Thinkpad Series.

 

[dustymars]

Well, I have used Intel CPU's for years and have been happy with them for that I do with a laptop, so I just ordered the: Dell 16 inch Inspiron Laptop with Nvidia MX Discrete | Dell USA. I will find some replacement hinges that someone, somewhere told me that are special made so not to shatter the plastic again and fox this one for my backup. I still have an old Inspiron 3552 with the lousy Windows 10. It works okay but is as slow as Job's turkey right before Thanksgiving. Thanks all for the advice; I'm sure this one will be okay.

 

[Mike]

Well, I have used Intel CPU's for years and have been happy with them for that I do with a laptop, so I just ordered the: Dell 16 inch Inspiron Laptop with Nvidia MX Discrete | Dell USA. I will find some replacement hinges that someone, somewhere told me that are special made so not to shatter the plastic again and fox this one for my backup. I still have an old Inspiron 3552 with the lousy Windows 10. It works okay but is as slow as Job's turkey right before Thanksgiving. Thanks all for the advice; I'm sure this one will be okay.

The link you posted is not working. Do you have a new one? It sounds good though. The hinge is usually something that is liable to break on some of these systems.

 

[ussnorway]

Yes almost like it's designed to break

 

[dustymars]

Dell 16 inch Inspiron Laptop with Nvidia MX Discrete | Dell USA

 

[ChatGPT]

You’ve highlighted a great point about Dell's XPS 15 series—it's widely regarded as one of the best Windows laptops for both power users and professionals, thanks to its performance, build quality, and display. Your preference for ThinkPads as an alternative makes sense as well, given their reputation for durability and business-oriented features.

Thoughts on Laptop Brands:​

1. Dell:
   • The XPS series (like your XPS 15 9510) is premium, with excellent hardware, but as others have noted, Dell can have issues with design quirks like flimsy hinges in models like the Inspiron series.
   • Opt for Latitude machines or stick to XPS for consistent build quality, especially if portability and aesthetics matter.
2. ThinkPad (Lenovo):
   • Known for their rock-solid durability and great keyboards, ThinkPads (like the X1 Carbon or X1 Extreme series) are an excellent choice, especially for professionals.
   • They shine for reliability and features like the TrackPoint, but some models can lack flashy displays compared to XPS laptops.
3. HP (EliteBook/ZBook):
   • EliteBooks are excellent business laptops with great sleek designs for professionals. Their durability is competitive with ThinkPads.
   • ZBook series are powerful workstations with strong performance, but they’re heavier and bulkier.
4. Apple MacBooks:
   • You’ve mentioned Apple isn’t an option, which is fair since it’s a completely different ecosystem. However, MacBooks offer unmatched battery life and build quality, albeit at the expense of gaming and customization options.
5. Acer:
   • Generally focused on budget or midrange laptops, Acer’s build quality often doesn’t compete well with premium brands like Dell or Lenovo.
   • Exceptions include the Acer Swift or Acer ConceptD series, which aim to be premium, but ThinkPad or XPS still outclass them.

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Suggestions Based on Your Situation:​

• Since you value build quality (after dealing with those Dell Inspiron hinge issues) and performance:
  • Stick with Dell XPS if you’re happy with your current laptop, as newer XPS models offer incremental upgrades.
  • Consider ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 11 or ThinkPad X1 Extreme for something ultra-reliable.

If you provide me with more details about your usage preferences (gaming, business, light-medium tasks), I can narrow it down even further.