Laptop Power Supplies and Repairs?

[MacB]

Ok, we're now a two laptop, neither working, family and I'm getting pretty pissed off with them:-

Toshiba - having spent £200 on getting it repaired about 18 months ago it then develops a problem with the internal power supply. Everyone tells me is a common laptop problem and especially with 'those' Toshibas. Obviously Toshiba have no interest and quotes run to £150 to redo the internal power supply. Something about it being fiddly to solder the new power supply to the motherboard.

Packard Bell - battery holds no charge, screen can flick off if lid not at correct angle and the external power supply has suffered from a bit of rabbit/cable interaction.

Both of these laptops are fairly old, over 4 years, and yet parts and repairs remain high. Swapping working bits between them is made impossible due to proprietary design of connections etc.

I can find various instructions on taking them apart and soldering/replacing motherboards - is it worth the risk? I can pick up some knackered ones from e-bay and cannibalise parts I need. How hard is the internal soldering work and do you really need specialised tools?

 

[marinyork]

It's not that hard and if it is what I think it might be it only costs a few quid (hard finding the right one though). It is a faff though. Have you taken the thing to bits? You need to take the board out and have a look at the jack. Then replace the jack completely or sort out the dodgy connections. You don't need specialist equipment, but you do need to be competent at soldering.

 

[Crackle]

Definitely doable, can be fiddly but you've nothing to lose.

 

[MacB]

excellent guys, eldest son will be on soldering duty as he's the one that owns the soldering iron and does the tiny models

Nothing to lose it is then.....expect a report of success or a long series of **&&%^$**....to follow

 

[meenaghman]

Go for it.. I replaced a Wii drive laser recently after it went. hooray for youtube and step by step instructions.

 

[Wigsie]

www.dell.co.uk

 

[Bman]

I would suggest getting desktops instead of laptops in future (if you have the room).

When they break its much much easier and cheaper to get them running again.

Laptops shouldnt be used as main machines anyway. They break.