AboutKarl Zick Expertise Can answer questions on most aspects of PC hardware and software. I build them, program them, fix them, upgrade them, etc. LAN and internet literate. Visit my free web site at www.kzconsulting.net.
Experience Previous USAF Colonel and Aerospace engineer. Professional PC consultant for the past 8 years. Client database of over 70 businesses and individuals.
New web site address is www.kzconsulting.info.
Question QUESTION: Karl, I have a Toshiba laptop that we purchased about 6 yrs ago from Best Buy on sale for $400. It works great other than I tripped over the cord one too many times and seem to have loosened or damaged the power connector. We know it is not the cord as we tried replacing it. It works but has to be at the right angle to receive dc power. How hard is it to fix or replace the power jack? Is this something someone who is good with fixing things could do or would you recommend a pro to do this? Best Buy said we would have to replace the whole motherboard. That seems a bit overkill. What are your thoughts? Thanks much.
ANSWER: Hi AJ,
The bad news is that the power jack is built into the motherboard - and the only way to fix it is to replace the motherboard (I do not think you want to go there). The good news is that you can buy a brand new Toshiba laptop for about $370 if you watch the specials. If that interests you, try newegg.com or geeks.com. Also, Office Depot puts them on sale frequently.
The only other `best bang for the buck' laptop I like is a Lenovo (IBM) - and you may be able to find one of those for around the same price.
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QUESTION: Why do you say I would not want to change the motherboard? Is it because it is tough to do, cost more then the laptop is worth or for some other reason? I find I am kind of attached to this laptop. It has a 17" screen and I have upgraded it to 1GB harddrive. It has been a very good laptop for the years I have had it. You can tell I don't want to get rid of it but I can if it is just going to be more problems. Can you tell me what is behind your thoughts? Thanks.
Answer Hi again AJ,
Yes, it would cost more that the laptop is worth. I'm guessing it would be between $150 and $250 - and that is if they could salvage the processor. Essentially, the motherboard IS the computer since everything ir routed through it - and the motherboard itself is an important factor in computer speed and performance.
Laptop/notebook technology has changed a lot in the last 6 years - as has the price. You got a great deal on the computer originally but, like I said, you can get an even better price on a new one. Most of the new ones come with built in wireless Internet, webcams and mike's, larger hard drives, faster processors - and they will handle 4GB of RAM. Vista is a great OS after you have used if for a while - and so on. If you liked your old Toshiba, you will love one of the new ones. Think about it!
