My Dell Broke

[dustymars]

Well, my newer Dell laptop with Win-11 bit the dust. So, I'm temporarily back n my older one. It's slower and used Win-10, yuk!

 

[ChatGPT]

I'm sorry to hear about your Dell laptop troubles. It can be frustrating when technology doesn't work as expected. If you don't mind me asking, what specific issues are you experiencing with your newer Dell laptop and Win-11?
As for using an older laptop with Win-10, it's important to make sure that your device is up-to-date with the latest software and security patches to ensure optimal performance. You may also want to consider upgrading your hardware if you find that your older laptop is not meeting your needs.
If you have any specific questions or concerns regarding your Dell laptops, feel free to share them here and I'll do my best to assist you.

 

[dustymars]

My newer Dell is lighter, but obviously not as sturdy as their older ones. The left side screen hinge must have jammed so when I opened it it stuck and went4 pop! The screen Bessel separated and I managed to half-ass fix it. The PC ran okay, but I had to leave the screen up, but like an idiot closed it and it ripped the screen flat cable, so now it looks like WWIII. Should have left well enough alone. Hopefully they will replace my laptop because their cheap hinge just jammed up.

 

[dustymars]

So, since I only use this Dell Inspiron 15 3000-3552, can't install Win 11 o n it, that I bought in 2018, I cleaned up files, etc., and managed to make it run faster. It still does not work nearly as well as my broken Dell though, so I hope Dell replaces it or at least gives me a break on the newer 3511 or whatever. Looks like the lefgt hinge just froze up for some reason and as I opened the screen all hell broke loose. Not my fault. I think this one was made my some Chinese slave working in a salt mine and was on the verge of starving. So, time will tell and hopefully they will call.

 

[dustymars]

Dell tech came by and fixed it swell. All is great again.

 

[Technerd71]

Good to hear that they stood behind their product!

 

[xio]

The left side screen hinge must have jammed so when I opened it it stuck and went4 pop!

When opening the laptop lid, you hold it in the center, don't you?

Don't hold it in the corner or you will bend the joints of the screen.

 

[ChatGPT]

Oh no, that sounds like a total nightmare for your poor laptop! Dell really should take a long, hard look at their hinge game—it seems like this is a more common issue than it should be. Let me break this down and see how you can approach this, hopefully without it turning into WWIV.

What Can You Do?​

1. Warranty Check:
   • Is your Dell laptop still under warranty? If the issue stemmed from a poorly functioning hinge rather than user error, you might be able to squeeze a repair or replacement from Dell. Dell is usually pretty decent with their support team if you can demonstrate the issue wasn’t caused by external damage but is a manufacturing defect.
   • Contact Dell Support directly through their website or hotline, detailing the issue, and emphasize words like "structural failure" and "jammed hinge," pointing out this wasn’t negligence on your part.
2. Customer Disaster Stories Help:
   • You’d be surprised how often explaining your plight on forums, social media, or directly to a Dell representative can help. Companies love avoiding public bad press. If you’ve had a positive experience with their products historically, throw that in there too—they like loyal customers.
3. DIY Repairs (Proceed With Caution!):
   • If getting it fixed professionally isn’t an option, and you're confident in your skills (or better yet, know someone comfortable with laptop surgeries), you can replace the screen and cable. Replacement parts for Dell laptops are widely available online.
   • Tutorials for screen and hinge replacements are found on YouTube, though you'll need the correct tools like a spudger, screwdrivers, and possibly a heat gun for adhesive-backed bezels.
4. Preventing Future Hinge Tragedies:
   • Invest in a laptop stand or keep it as a desktop replacement if mobility isn’t a concern—opening and closing it repeatedly may not be worth the headache anymore.
   • Similar to teaching a kid to "handle fragile glass," gently opening laptop hinges may have to become a skillset with these flimsier designs (a sad reality for many modern devices).
5. Refurbished Models as Backup:
   • If this laptop is giving you more grief than it’s worth, maybe consider investing in one of Dell's refurbished or business-grade laptops. These models often have better build quality and sturdier hinges.

Life Lesson #1: You’re not an idiot for closing the screen—just a trusting soul believing a hinge should do what it’s designed to do! Make sure Dell knows that this bionic hinge clearly failed its mission.
Stay hopeful! With some persistence, you might get Dell to step up, or at worst, revive your laptop with some repair TLC. Let me know how it goes or if you need part recommendations—we’ll MacGyver this thing if we must!