in come tech question

a dell tech is coming to replace the hinge and 'usb card', first time AW owner, so this is my first time using ' in home tech' service.
I've been reading a few posts saying that the technician broke / messed up their m11x, etc. this worries me. I could use some tips on what to look for, how to explain the laptop problem better to the tech and so on. (sound hysterical, I know, sorry.)

 

Techs are just local computer repairmen who are subcontracted through dell. My boss always says, Dell doesn't love you enough to actually do it themselves.

Anyways, just give the tech some air and let him do his thing. New hinges are basic to install as any other laptop, as long as he knows what he's doin. USB cards on the m11x I'm not sure, but obviously sounds like it's off the motherboard, so should be an easy fix too.

 

I had a guy come in and replace the bottom of the XPS17 i had. He came, did he job....and messed up my laptop. He forgot to connect some cable to the board and it ended up killing my screen. On top of that, when i spoke to dell tech support about it, they actually accused me of taking it apart and not putting it together properly.

The company that they hired is UniSYS Technical Services.

 

The hinge replacement on the M11x involves replacing the entire screen assembly, so there's a lot less room for mistakes as opposed to actually popping off the screen bezel and removing/replacing hinges.

 

Thanks for the info, that's exactly what I'm worrying about

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thanks Kosti, so the new hinge, involves the entire screen assembly... I see.

another question, anyone know what's this 'usb card' thing inside M11x? to be more specific, it's the two usb ports on the right side. ( stated in my other thread, those two ports will not work when AC is plugged in, when booting up that is, only works when booting up on battery power. AW rep said it needs to be replaced. yet I can't find any info on this particular part)

 

Quit worrying. If something happens (rare) and the tech causes damage, immediately inform the tech you want them to contact support. They have a direct # they can call and the damage should be reported by the tech. Support will resolve any damage - Dell wants you to be satisfied.

Do not allow the tech to leave without you checking the system. Make sure everything works. Pretty basic...

Remember, this is a tech forum and people post problems here. Its much more common to read about a negative on-site service call vs. a good one where the tech kicked butt and did their work without incident.

 

hmmm, well... frankie says relax!

i had a tech come replace my speakers and when he was done my temps were on average 10 degrees cooler. just my two cents.

 

point taken. thanks.

 

Yeah, seriously, don't stress and ruin your day over it. If something happens and you are concerned or otherwise unhappy, call and make sure its fixed. That is why we have warranty -

 

Replacing the LCD assembly is very easy. Just don't distract the guy.

 

I do have to admit, if its as easy as the XPS, the LCD is really easy to replace.

On the XPS 17, you need to pretty much take apart the entire machine to get the bottom plate off.

 

<--- repairs PCs on the side for extra $$...


when the tech comes, give him the computer and go watch TV....

 

Here is a link to my lengthy rant...er.. recounting of my experience with the in home tech Dell sent to repair my M11X-R2. Like the other post, this guy was from Unisys as well.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware-m11x/553921-unfortunate-repair-experience-hopefully-rare-occuraance.html

Other than what I wrote earlier (if you decide to read it), I suggest not leaving the guy alone and don't hesitate to ask questions about what he's doing. Remember he's working for you essentially. Also, if there are other problems that require him to call Dell for any further info, parts, authorization, etc. and he's not getting the answers needed to fix your problem (like the restore disc issue in my post), you should call Dell/Alienware yourself right away, while he's still there. In my experience, Dell was much more will to help me than the tech for some reason.

Good Luck!

 

He just does it himself. I offered my Tech some lunch, eventually he was going to drive 300+km to Wellington (Place in New Zealand).

 

well

the tech just left, he replaced the screen and usb / headphone jack card.

booting up just fine. everything seems to be in order.

new hinge by the look of it, is the same as older ones, but sure feels a little bit 'tighter' when moving the lid.
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he did forget about a few screws here and there. but no harms done.

and, I just saw the title of this thread... in home tech. I'm such a noob..sigh

 

He forgot a few screws?!?! For Christ's sake, who employs these so called techs? Thats just embarrassing! What did he say: Errm, sorry but I'm a bit dumb, here's some screws i couldn't remember how to put back. Hopefully your £900 odd laptop will still hold together though, maybe, if you're lucky.

 

after he installed the new screen , he started to put back this 'rack' thing ( sorry, I don't know what exact term for that particular part) that holds the battery and such, he forgot all the screws that supposed to be there. yea...all 5 or 6 of them. luckily I just came back ( he asked for orange juice or some soda), and I told him about the screws. so yea... he had them installed.

 

Tech came today to replace my screen too. He called and said he'd be over in 20 minutes. By the time he got there, I had already dismantled the laptop and had the screen assembly out. I didn't even need the manual because of how simple the design on these is. He came, I gave him the old assembly, he gave me the new one, signed a paper, and called it a day. I asked him if the new assemblies are any different than the old ones and he said no. I'm not sure if he really knows for sure though because the only real way to find out is removing the screen bezel, which I'm not willing to do.

He forgot screws huh? That's exactly why I insist on working on my laptop myself. Good thing you saw it though. Just remember, nobody is gonna be as careful on your laptop (or any of your personal property) than you will be, so if you can do it on your own, do it.

 

eh...I didn't have to sign anything. i even asked the tech, he told me no.
well.

 

hmm, I guess it depends on the sub-contractor Dell uses. I remember the paper I signed had a bunch of other signatures. Looked like dispatch calls that were done by the tech.