HowToFixComputers.com

Guest

I must also respectfully disagree with the "rough use" theory. My 9
month old ZX5000 has been used very carefully, and has the power jack
problem. I have an old ThinkPad which has seen much heavier use than
the Pavilion, and it does not do this. The jack/ mounting is poorly
designed.
Since I have 3 months left on warranty, HP will repair it, but I have
lost confidence in the brand, and will probably sell it before I have
to go through this again.

Drew · Guest

I too have a bad power connection. It been repaired twice under
warrantee by changing the motherboard. I get about four months
out of it.

DREW

MEvsHP · Guest

Hi Drew. Can you tell us if that means you purchased somethign like a
three year accidental damage warranty? I was told that was the only way
I would be covered in this situation. And people should know that once
you file a BBB claim you will no longer be able to talk to an HP case
manager.

Drew · Guest

faranian · Member Joined: 08 Mar 2005 Posts: 2

I have ZT1180 model bought in 2002 @ 2000$.
I also have the same power problem.
Because I am out of warranty so did not contact hp support for this problem.
I am thinking to use a docking station to keep the battery charged. Has anyone used a docking station for this purpose or that would not fix this problem.
any responses will be appreciated.
thanks.
Faran

MEvsHP · Guest

If you can test out a dock for it and check without having to be stuck
with it I bet it is worth a try.

Good idea.

faranian · Member Joined: 08 Mar 2005 Posts: 2

Thanks MEvsHP,
I wonder if I can buy some Universal/Generic Docking Station for this purpose. That means even if does not work with this model zt1180, I could use it for other notebooks.
But so far could not see any cheaper than 250$ Docking station which can be used with multiple/all notebook models.
Any ideas or suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks.

Faran

MEvsHP · Guest

I dont see that model at online Docks and Port Replicators sellers. You
should ask HP directly what, if any, would work. I would also consider
finding an electronics person to resolder the AC pin to the
motherboard, just make sure they can take the thing apart ok.

Stefaan A Eeckels · Guest

On 11 Mar 2005 09:30:32 -0800
"MEvsHP" <fullymanual@gmail.com> wrote:

jen2 · Member Joined: 25 Mar 2005 Posts: 1

My Pavilion ZE 1210 had fallen off my bed and the plug broke the jack inside. A work colleague recommended a company that does this sort of repair called Tech4Home, www.tech4home.net/powerjacksinfo.html.
It seemed too difficult to do it myself and so I decided to send them the laptop.
To be honest I had it for sometime and didn’t have a problem before the accident, hope it doesn’t happen again.

ikenfixit

Hot adapters, High power usage and undersized DC connector pins and Jack contacts are alot of the issue at hand here.. No different than trying to run a 30 amp AC circuit on # 14 wire.. (Rated for 15 amps). Somthing will heat up and give. Generally the Solder contacts on the board.. I'm seeing relatively New HP8000 series surfacing this same issue and the best option is to upgrade the connector, And cord, verify the maximum DC amperage draw of the machine in ops under full load. It is possible for a laptop as well as any piece of equiptment to overdraw current and if the adapter is rated for a maximum output of 3 amps and the machine is trying to draw 5? Somethings going to get hot.. (Generally a connection, as well as the adapter). The problem is not limited to HP's and the twin Compaqs as weve repiared them all. These just seem to be more common due to the connector itself.

800tech · Member Joined: 12 Apr 2005 Posts: 1 Location: NY

It's not only HP that has that problem. I fix laptops every day and I see all the brands from the old to the newest with the same problem “POWER JACK” ! I Anyhow the company that I work for is in NY and they charge only $100 for any power jack repair.

REPLY: BTW, there is a Company in NY City advertising that it will replaced the
broken Power Connector for $200. I forgot what the name of the company
is. You might have to do google search.
_________________
Jeff Y
800tech.com

Buslady · Guest

my xt4316 is doing the power dance, pisses me off.
My ex laptop, toshiba 1555cds did it .

the old laptops liek the old grey toshiba bricks(i call them) seem to
hold up, we have an old toshi and it's a workhorse, it's still working
after 10 years!

waterfriendsfour · Member Joined: 23 Apr 2005 Posts: 2

I have a 6 month old pavillion zv5000 that has failed twice now. I am super careful due to problems I had with a previous compaq laptop. It is without a doubt a design flaw. My laptop is used daily but with extreme care. I am pissed! I really dont want it repaired again only to crap out after another few months. I want a refund! I bought it from Office Depot and also bought the extended full warranty...I wonder if I can get thm to refund my money and if so what other brand to you guys reccomend?

ikenfixit

800tech... I think if you read the post I stated Its NOT only HP and Compaqs.. I repair all brands and have seen this issue on just about Every laptop made.. We do these for 89.00 plus the return ship fee. Unless its a new Dell with the Foxconn connector similar to a Sony jack.. These are not available even from the manufacturer and weve actually had to on occasion replaced with a different style jack and adapter cord.. (Not the end) As these are a 3 lead circuit.. 19V, Neg, And a 3v Circuit feeding back to the adapter. Weve also had excellent luck upgrading the HP and Compaq as well as Gatewaste jacks to a more suitable replacement that holds up better to the current draw and heat dessipation.