AboutBobbert Expertise General purchasing questions, in areas regarding price to performance ratios and future expansion, drawing from roughly a decade of experience and numerous unique situations for customers and myself, I'm willing to help you get the best computer for your money.
Experience I have been an enthuiast of PC's for many years, and can answer most questions about purchase of a new computer from personal knowledge or experience through other online Q&A services in advising on the same topic.
I have an inspiron 2200 from when I was a freshmen in college. I am now starting grad school in a week. My original power cord broke this past January. I got a new power cord via amazon.com (15 dollars) that lasted a month. I purchased another (20 dollar) and it is going to die soon.
What is my best option? I could buy a new computer, which is feasible, but I'm not happy about the idea of having to buy a new computer simply because of power cord issues. There is nothing wrong with the computer. Dell does offer power cords, but they are 65 dollars and the reviews are just as bad as the cheap ones on Amazon.
The computer works fine, slightly outdated, but does what I need it to do. Is there any way to get cash for the computer to contribute to a new computer?
Do you have any ideas?
Much thanks!
Kara
Answer I'm assuming by "power cord" you mean the AC/DC converter, or power "brick". Honestly I've not heard much regarding the reliability of such a mundane component (generally they work, and when they fail, they are replaced, and the issue is solved). So I can't really advise you regarding a replacement. I would suggest that you purchase a replacement capable of handling the load being presented, to prevent damage due to overheating or similar wear and tear. I would also suggest (if this is even a problem), not placing the device in temperature extremes, or being exceptionally "hard" on the device (for example throwing it, honestly I've no idea of its usage scenario or requirements, simply trying to provide some general information).
Regarding replacements, I would logically assume that the Dell replacement will be identical to the original unit, and should therefore be "ideal", and possibly under a warranty, so this may be advantageous for your needs. However, I cannot comment on reliability issues (although I will say, I generally don't put much stock into "user reviews").
Getting money back from your current system would likely be a losing proposition, I'm going to venture this system is between 3 and 5 years old, and will probably net you something in the neighborhood of $200-$300 (at best) today, depending on where/how you sell. Honestly, I wouldn't be entirely opposed to selling a laptop at this age (the average life cycle is only 18 months, you've easily doubled that), although I do agree that if the system works for your needs, replacement is an expensive, and somewhat unreasonable, alternative.
My first suggestion would be to contact Dell regarding the issue, perhaps the failing power bricks are a symptom of a different issue (for example the internal DC supply is at fault, or simple overheating). They may have a solution, or they may not (or their solution may simply be to buy their replacement part), depending on that answer you can move forward. If the only option is to buy another replacement unit, such as the Dell unit, that wouldn't be entirely unreasonable, although do consider you're rapidly approaching the $100 mark, on a system that will very likely net you less than $300 on resale (and that assumes "good" working condition and a fair resale).
I apologize if this doesn't give the exact answer you wanted (in that, generally, I'm advocating a new system), but I'm not seeing many other fiscally responsible options (spending hundreds on replacement parts isn't worth it, when it exceeds the current value of the system, and doesn't increase its value).
