Ethernet Port loose? Losing connection

Hello

I bought a Dell Vostro 1500 last year and it's been working fine. However, a few months ago i noticed that my connection to the internet started dropping out from time to time. This got worse and worse and I noticed that it only happened if i moved the laptop or if i happened to nudge the ethernet cable with my mouse.

By now though the problem is so bad that I can't use the ethernet port anymore, I'm stuck on wireless. Now this wouldn't be too bad if it wasn't for the fact that I'm upgrading my internet connection to 100/100 mbit next month, I want to be able to use that bandwidth so wireless is no longer an option.

I have been in contact with Dell and they say that this isn't covered by the warranty. They offered to send someone out to fix it.. it would cost me just under 700 dollars though. Needless to say that isn't an option. Is there anything I can do to maybe fix it myself? It doesn't feel loose or anything.

Also, what kind of speed will i get with a USB or ExpressCard network card? Sorry for the long post, I'm just a bit pissed at the moment.

 

As long as it hasn't been abused (dropped, etc), and you are still under warranty, they should cover it.

 

This is from the mail the support sent me: "About your network card, I'm sorry to say that this typ of damage (I never said there was any damage, and there isn't - it just doesn't work) isn't covered by the warranty. Since the network port is integrated on the motherboard the whole motherboard has to be replaced".

Still doesn't sound right to me :/