[TIP] Worst Makes and Models of laptops to work on.

[SOHOtechRob]

That's just cos some people haven't learn't how to edit their videos yet.

Yeah, but to replace that system's hard drive, you gotta remove a whole lotta screws...

 

[Kitten Kong]

A new one for this list.

Acer Aspire E15.

Hard drive failure. Swap over to SSD.

Remove some 20 screws from the bottom chassis. Keyboard and frame come apart in one piece.
Leaving 3 separate ribbon cables, which are obviously just long enough for a small handed robot, rather than a full sized adult.

All to remove a hard drive.

 

[GTP]

The worst laptops to work on... let's see.... Acer, Asus, Lenovo, HP, Dell, Samsung, LG, Toshiba... Lol, I hate 'em all!
Sorry it's not constructive to the discussion!

 

[glennd]

The worst laptops to work on... let's see.... Acer, Asus, Lenovo, HP, Dell, Samsung, LG, Toshiba... Lol, I hate 'em all!
Sorry it's not constructive to the discussion!

Not helpful at all. True, but not helpful...

 

[CheddarPCsKP]

One to add to this - HP 455 G1. Just finished replacing a screen on one; the machine has to be completely dismantled to get the screen off, and it's a typical HP mix of - apparently completelyt random - screw types and sizes.

EDIT - if you take one of these apart DO remember to reattach the right hand USB ribbon (you'll need double jointed fingers) BEFORE you put the palmrest back on..........

 

[Mick]

Those tiny little Sony Vaios. Haven't seen one in years, but they were a real pain.

 

[DanF]

Keyboard replacement on Acer V3-571G!!!

3 layers: some metal plate above the motherboard, then keyboard, then plastic plate. The plastic plate has the ribbon cable for the power button that is attached to the metal plate (which obviousy is connected to the motherboard). Keyboard cable has to somehow get through a tiny hole in the metal plate to connect to motherboard (leaving on 2 inches to work with).

 

[eric bardos]

Hi all, my first post. I noticed the thread title and thought I'd pitch in... I don't know about their other models, but in the Acer Aspire series, when doing a total disassemble for one reason or another, cleaning, changing out mobo, etc, I have come across the weakness of the standoffs in the lower case. Much too fragile to hold the screen hinges for my taste. seen too many of them simply twisted off and I have had to engineer ways to attach the hinges. Cleaning up this standoff mess after other techies disassembled and assembled, probably tightened too hard.

 

[TechPJC]

Why does Acer hate us so much?

My thoughts exactly...

 

[sapphirescales]

Laptops are easy. For real fun, try replacing the video card on an A1311 iMac.

If Apple designed cars the instructions for changing a headlight bulb would start "first remove the engine and gearbox". And the new bulb would be heptagonal and cost $400.

Been there, done that, NOT fun!

 

[SmallSpace]

I have a dislike for Toshiba and Acer personally.

 

[AML]

If it wasn't for Dell and HP, I would be out of business. 90% of our service work comes from them. The least one we see is Lenovo

 

[glricht]

If it wasn't for Dell and HP, I would be out of business. 90% of our service work comes from them. The least one we see is Lenovo

Probably because the number of Dell and HP machines out there far exceed the number of Lenovo machines.

 

[AML]

Probably because the number of Dell and HP machines out there far exceed the number of Lenovo machines.

We get all machines in.. It seems hardware failures especially with HP far outpace all of the other types combined.

 

[Larry Sabo]

ASUS FX504g (and any other laptop that has double-sided tape securing the bezel to the screen along the bottom)! The bottom-left hinge freezes up, pulling the hinge mounting nuts out of the lid. To repair the hinge, you need to remove the bezel, obviously.

I'm working on my second one in a week and had to replace the screen of the first one (at my expense) because I damaged the screen pulling away the bezel! Argh! Heating the bezel to make the glue weaker risks melting the bezel.

I've managed to separate them without damaging the screen of my second patient but it was a PITA. How do you guys separate the bezel from the screen without causing damage?

 

[Sky-Knight]

I forget which Dell Inspiron it was, but it was horrible not because it was hard, but because it was a tease!

Four screws to pull off the bottom plate, and you can see the drive... but not get it.

To get it out you had about 20 more screws to pull, to remove the monitor, keyboard, and top plate, then pull the mainboard and finally... get the drive.

 

[Your PCMD]

How do you guys separate the bezel from the screen without causing damage?

The method I use is one of those long adjustable/disposable razor knifes you get a Walmart. Take that extend out as far as I need it and dunk it into 91% alcohol. Once I start working around, the alcohol prevents it from re-sticking. Its tedious as hell, but better to take my time than to fork out for a new screen.

 

[Larry Sabo]

dunk it into 91% alcohol.

Thanks for sharing. I used my spudger, which I heated with a hot air tool, to slip between the bezel and tape. I actually cut the plastic film to which the tape is applied rather than separating the tape from the plastic.

 

[Your PCMD]

Thanks for sharing. I used my spudger, which I heated with a hot air tool, to slip between the bezel and tape. I actually cut the plastic film to which the tape is applied rather than separating the tape from the plastic.

I did that once. Using my iFixit spuddger. That was 2 years ago at least, and the last time. Kinda melted the upper portion of the bezel cause I got it too hot. Luckily I had another laptop to get parts off of. Thats when I switched to the method I use to this day.

 

[Porthos]

I forget which Dell Inspiron it was

Lots of help there.