Broken Laptop Hinge/ new case - Hardware & Software

I was wondering if it is possible to replace just the Screen case portion of a laptop. I have an Alienware M15X Area 51, that I spent $2,000 on about 6 months ago. Funny thing, warranty expired after 6 months. Wonderful thing: THe hinge is totally broken and the screen case is gradually bending every time the computer gets closed. I loaded this thing with the best Alienware had to offer 6 months ago, so I'd rather not call it a loss as it works fully, and awesomely, their cases are apparently just crap. I thought maybe i did somethign wrong, till I saw about 1,000 other M15X's with the same broken hinge. IF none of you have seen it, it looks rather horrible: THe beginning stages: [IMG]http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/1139/alienware2lv2nt5.jpg[/IMG] The later worse stages: [IMG]http://img112.imageshack.us/img112/4696/img00119we8.jpg[/IMG] This isn't mine, but exact same laptop, and it actually looks way worse than the second picture. So here's what I want to know, does anyone know if it's as simple as reinforcing the hinge? IT seems as though the hinge itself is broken as the right side open and closes freely, and the left is the one that stays in the upright position, regardless of screen being closed or open, causing the outer case to bend. Or is there a way I can replace the hinge, or even the screen "case" itself, as the whole rest of the laptop remains sound. I may take it apart and silicone or vinyl wrap the interior and fiberglass it. If this requires taking anything apart, I'm not at an issue there, as I've fixed PC's many many times, and replaced and stacked various compnents, but a laptop, I am totally at a loss, and would rather not screw it up and worse.

yeah same thing happened to my dell inspirion after 6years. call dell ask how much a fix is

[QUOTE=OIFY_only;16530481]yeah same thing happened to my dell inspirion after 6years. call dell ask how much a fix is[/QUOTE] I asked both alienware and Dell, they offered to fix for free about 3 times and all three times neglected to send me a box or an adress, and claimed that I never called or set up a confirmation number, then my warranty expired and now they want $200 to fix it, and from what I've been hearing, it breaks after they fix it anyway, so I want a permanent solution.

get a lenovo or asus I really haven't seen any reports of their hinges breaking

why did you get an alienware.

The solution is don't buy alienware. You could probably of got a different brand of laptop with the same specs for lots less.

its a 6 month old laptop, I don't think hes going to ditch for a new one just yet Anyway I managed to find similar cases on google and quiet a few have had refunds but I guess you're shit out of luck, ridiculous. I'm rather confused as towards whats exactly wrong with the hinge but there are replacements on Ebay for $10 [url]http://cgi.ebay.com/Alienware-m15x-Silver-Hinge-Case-Plastic-EAMX3044010_W0QQitemZ370239609111QQcmdZViewItemQQimsxZ20090804?IMSfp=TL090804168003r36477[/url] Everything people tell you about Alienware and Dell is true though, crack open the cases on them all you see is lots of cheap parts to save on money and production cost. Buy a Asus or something next time

[QUOTE=Serj22;16532482]I asked both alienware and Dell, they offered to fix for free about 3 times and all three times neglected to send me a box or an adress, and claimed that I never called or set up a confirmation number, then my warranty expired and now they want $200 to fix it, and from what I've been hearing, it breaks after they fix it anyway, so I want a permanent solution.[/QUOTE] Next time you call record it (make sure you tell them you're recording) and tell them that you've called before and never got the box. If possible try to get some proof that you at least contacted them previously.

[QUOTE=VassikinX3;16535373]Next time you call record it (make sure you tell them you're recording) and tell them that you've called before and never got the box. If possible try to get some proof that you at least contacted them previously.[/QUOTE] I called them so many times and sent so many emails its unbelievable. The first couple times they wanted pictures and The laptop is so F**ked up looking when it's closed, and they kept saying "Can you send a smaller picture? Our servers only allow for 300x300 max... First off, you're a computer company, figure out how to fit larger pictures. Then it took 90 different shots before they believed it was really my computer... So far this has been riddled with problems, and I already told them I'd never buy an Alienware ever again and told them that I'd make sure if anyone mentioned buying one, I'd tell them about how much the quality sucks. I only bought it because the neighbors next door to me worked for them, and had a raging awesome desktop made by them, and I needed a new computer for college as I was operating on a Dell D800 which was about 6 years old, and I wanted something to play games during the two hours I was sitting waiting inbetween classes sometimes. I will say that this computer plays games extremely well, and is pretty fast, but that may just be because I bought way more components than the stock M15X. IT started at $1150, and I jacked it all the way up to a price tag of $2,498. Also, the LED's on the case of this can never be turned off, so in class you're lit up like a christmas tree in the dark and it looks odd. Whoever posted the Ebay link, thanks, I may try that option. I was really hoping there was a way to get the whole screen case because It's been bent and tweaked from this, maybe it's broken in a few more places as well. Not really wanting to ditch this laptop for a while. It's pretty new, I just got screwed cause of the short warranty. I've never had an issue with dell in the past, I had that D800 and I gave it to my wife and she's been using it. It still works, and the case is still intact, and feels very solid. It's definitly only got 256MB of ram, so it does not play games or do anything at all very well, and only has a whopping 20gigs of storage. Once you load Windows on it, it drops down to about 15. But, we did manage to install the original "Fable" on it, and played through the whole thing, not one skip and it was on the lowest settings, and also KOTOR.

I don't know sometimes you can replace it sometimes you cant.

Well, unfortunately you can add me to the unhappy Alienware Customer list. I have had my m15x for just over a year and now my hinge has broken. I had no idea how many people had the same problem until I looked online. This is my 3rd Alienware Laptap, and I was happy until now. Now I dont really want it repaired but rather refunded as I dont want a machine that costs a fortune and will but the sounds of it break again. I also have the keyboard lag and my CD/DVD does not open most of the time. I contacted Alienware Support about a week ago, they asked for low res pics of the fault. Since sending them the same day, I have heard nothing. I have sent an email everyday since then and still nothing. What happened to the great service that Alienware was meant to have when I bought the machine? I was planning on buying an Alienware Desktop system next, but with this happening, I am thinking NOT! I really hope that Alienware pull their finger out and get some service going, this is obviously a design flaw with the m15x and thats their fault not ours. Most people I know who buy alienware are passionate about their machines and word of mouth spreads quick, I hope they realise how bad this could be for the company if they do not assist the people that buy Alienware. I will wait and see and let you know what happens. [editline]01:50PM[/editline] Now I have been told that I need to send my machine in for a new case, this is going to take 5 weeks!! I am in Italy by the way. And from what I have read from other people there is an excellent chance that the same problem will happen again, probably when my warranty has run out. Oh how I wish I have never bought this m15x!!

Not just that you can build a PC with the specs of an alienware for half the price.

Except for the "Being portable" part. I'd contact them once more, This time with theats of going to some higher comsumer advice power, they will usually give in.

[QUOTE=Tezza1234;17045718]Except for the "Being portable" part. I'd contact them once more, This time with theats of going to some higher comsumer advice power, they will usually give in.[/QUOTE] I am busy writing them a letter that I will email to the big guns if I can get their emails. I am so tired of sending 5 emails to find out whats going on and getting 1 short reply every 5 days, and always from a different person. My problem is that I travel all the time and do not have a base country (I work on a yacht) so how would I work sending it away and 5 weeks later getting it back? And what happens in another year when the same thing happens to my machine, because in 3 months time I will be going to South Africa. Its these reasons I bought Alienware in the 1st place. And too think I was such a huge fan and avid supporter for Alienware, I cant believe that this is the route the company is choosing to follow. Does anyone know if the case / hinge problem has even been sorted out yet? And does the skullcap design have the same weak hinge as the Ripley?

You work on a container/cruise ship, amirite?

[QUOTE=lemongrapes;17048966]You work on a container/cruise ship, amirite?[/QUOTE] No, private yacht. (112 feet)

aaaaah, so one of the ones rich people go on, or a tall ship?

[QUOTE=lemongrapes;17061156]aaaaah, so one of the ones rich people go on, or a tall ship?[/QUOTE] that would be one of the ones rich people own and cruise to places like St Tropez and Monaco. Its a motoryacht. And they definately like the look of my alienware when they see it glowing.

[QUOTE=BWD;17061435]that would be one of the ones rich people own and cruise to places like St Tropez and Monaco. Its a motoryacht. And they definately like the look of my alienware when they see it glowing.[/QUOTE] Here's a thing you can use your alienware for. Smack the rich people in the face with it, and loot their unconscious body. That or send it in for repair and a Ass-raping bill.

Dell rocks. I am so very glad they bought Alienware! Their service is excellent.

I've already sent my m15x to get the hinges fixed (the laptop never leaves the living room btw. it doesn't take more than its own weight to break the hinges) and the keyboard which lags badly when typing. It took a month and a half to get it back. So much for that $2950. They fixed the hinges and forgot to fix the keyboard and had to send a new one (with a credit card auth of course) which is slightly better but still lags compared to my work thinkpads and old dell inspiron. Now the hinges are broken again... Cant we sue these people?

My advise, get the m17x instead. Stunning machine, much better build quality, no squeaks.

Still overpriced alienware shit.

[QUOTE=Serj22;16527452]I was wondering if it is possible to replace just the Screen case portion of a laptop. I have an Alienware M15X Area 51, that I spent $2,000 on about 6 months ago. Funny thing, warranty expired after 6 months. Wonderful thing: THe hinge is totally broken and the screen case is gradually bending every time the computer gets closed. I loaded this thing with the best Alienware had to offer 6 months ago, so I'd rather not call it a loss as it works fully, and awesomely, their cases are apparently just crap. I thought maybe i did somethign wrong, till I saw about 1,000 other M15X's with the same broken hinge. IF none of you have seen it, it looks rather horrible: THe beginning stages: [IMG]http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/1139/alienware2lv2nt5.jpg[/IMG] The later worse stages: [IMG]http://img112.imageshack.us/img112/4696/img00119we8.jpg[/IMG] This isn't mine, but exact same laptop, and it actually looks way worse than the second picture. So here's what I want to know, does anyone know if it's as simple as reinforcing the hinge? IT seems as though the hinge itself is broken as the right side open and closes freely, and the left is the one that stays in the upright position, regardless of screen being closed or open, causing the outer case to bend. Or is there a way I can replace the hinge, or even the screen "case" itself, as the whole rest of the laptop remains sound. I may take it apart and silicone or vinyl wrap the interior and fiberglass it. If this requires taking anything apart, I'm not at an issue there, as I've fixed PC's many many times, and replaced and stacked various compnents, but a laptop, I am totally at a loss, and would rather not screw it up and worse.[/QUOTE] I had the exact same thing happen to my exact same laptop. I have never dropped it, but I also didn't start to fix it when I noticed a problem and it was minimal. I took off the front screen magnet panel, and discovered that all the screws at the bottom are required to get good support. If 1 of these screws fall out, or are not anchored to the golden nuts underneath the frame supports, this happens. I ended up tightening all my screws on the frame on the inside, and replacing broken screws, missing nuts, etc. and it seems to be working fine. The inner frame requires all the screws to be nice and tight in order for the frame not to crack like it has and become lose. I figure I will have to do this every so often to keep the screws tight. If you take off the face plate, you will see what I'm talking about. I think once you get all the screws tight, you can apoxy the nuts to the back plastic panel of the display and it would keep the screws tight. Let me know if this helps at all. Also, if you just replace the plastic casing, it will only keep cracking and breaking. It is not the casing that is defective, it is the hinge system inside the laptop itself. Pop off the black inner casing and you will see what I mean. The silver framing inside is only aluminium and can break easily. Mine was actually broken almost off, causing the hinge system to not work properly. It is a very flimsy hinge system, indeed and if you could add washers, apoxy, another small plate on top of the frame to give the base of the disply more support against opening and closing, it should work just fine. I know this was word vomit, but I hope it helps [highlight](User was banned for this post ("Dumb Bump" - Ninja101))[/highlight]

The reason why your D800 was so well built was because it's a business laptop. Alienware is consumer end and has always had horrifying build quality. [editline]1:11[/editline] Nevermind, just seen how old this thread is.

Holy fucking thread necro.