My gf has a Gateway that she got for school. She used it alot while laying in bed which ****ed up the battery connection...and now it won't run unless the battery plug is held at just the right spot. She has volunteered to let her lil bro use it (since he's starting school) if her parents pay for the fix. Problem being her parents won't trust just handing it off to someone who says they can do it. They wanted to take it to the geek squad, but then I stepped in and said I would find a better place to take it where they will get better service and a fraction of the cost. Now I ask you, mnsubaru, where can I get this fixed! *I'm self diagnosing this problem. I know it's very common and it makes sense that the computer won't work unless the plug is held just right. A random symptom that is kind of throwing me off is the actual plug-in area on the back of the laptop gets super hot while running.
I don't understand why using it in bed would **** up the battery connection but wouldn't you just buy a new battery?
So you must mean the power cable plug? Very common issue, I have a contact that could do it for you if needed. PM me
The bed is not a hard surface so therefore when the laptop is plugged into the battery pack, a lot of pressure is put on the plug. After time, it loosens the internal connection. I spose I shoulda say power cable...not battery. Oops
That's not always an easy fix, it can either be a plug-and-play replacement for the power socket or it will require being soldered in. Either way, yes it can be done. And no, don't take it to Geek Squad. What model?
I have an AS degree in electronics and computer tech. the connection needs to be resoldered which is something I can do for you for the low low price of a 6 pack of beer. Let me know if you need help.
That is a low low price. Does the symptom of the heat from the plug in spot make sense...that was the only thing throwing me off. Also, where are you located?
yeah, i'd do it, but you have other offers it's easy enough, but will require soldering my friend just extended the leads and popped on a molex connector and that worked fine for him - wasn't about aesthetics, it was about what he had on hand
That makes sense now, that's happening to mine, but it happens where the plug and outlet meet, so I just give it a wiggle till the light turns green and hope no one bumps it. Good luck.
I am eden prairie. I am guessing the heat you are feeling is the heat coming out of the exhaust vents. my laptop has that too. it gets damn hot.
Sweet, I work in eden prairie. The heat that I'm talking about isn't the normal heat that I usually associate with a laptop. But I guess if that doesn't go away with the resolder job...then I'll worry about that later
well it would all depend on what movie they were watching and if they were trying to mimic the scenes most likely the power cord itself... mine had a similar issue... cord got pulled on by the kids a few times in teh lounge room... replaced the cord.. problem solved.. less then $100
Need to order a new plug and solder it in. I'd also be happy to help if no one else has followed through yet. First it would require disassembly to identify the contact positions on the board. That could be a bit time consuming as that area of the laptop is not normally considered user serviceable. Then a replacement plug needs to be found that fits the board pattern. Depending on the plug design this will either be easy or near impossible. Worst case is that an identical model laptop will need to be purchased to rip the plug out of - hopefully a broken one could be found on Ebay/Craigslist. Best case scenario it is a standard shape plug that can be ordered from any electronics parts place. Lastly, the old plug needs to be removed and the new plug soldered in. This isn't too hard for someone with soldering experience.
