Barrel Hinge sturdier?

Am I wrong to perceive that a barrel hinge design on a notebook would be sturdier? My brother has a Asus 14.1" and I find that his screen is slightly flimsier feel. This also goes for my work-provided Inspiron 6000 and an older acer 8100.

It certainly feels that way on the M1330 and other Sony notebooks I've fooled around with.

 

I believe barrel hinge is not as durable as normal steel hinges. Viewing angle is also limited when used as a "lap"top.

 

hmm, then wat does this barrel hinge design actually bring to a notebook if it has so much issues?

 

Why? ..........

 

At least on the m1330; seems very flimsy.

 

the m1330 is not flimsy. i've had asus notebook hinges that would just cause cosmetic damage to the top of the lid due to the hinge design

 

I find it flimsy but you beg to differ. What the point?

 

Asus notebook lids are kinda flimsy, so thats not exactly conclusive on the M1330.

Last I heard, the hinge off my bro's asus broke.

 

okay sorry i was not specific enough in my posts - i guess its custom to counter a statement with evidence. so i'll provide one now. there may be different definitions to "flimsy". the design of the dell while admittedly can be improved (i've actually had reps taken apart the hinges) you'll notice that the monitor/wireless/camera wires that run under it are actually slotted into hooks inside the hinge. it will cause a tearing motion as you open/close the lid.

certainly for me, one of the criteria is whether you could lift the lid using one hand, without holding the base down is the basis for good design. altho i do not recommend that people open the lids using only one hand, but the base should not lift up, as with the case of asus A8 notebooks.

another criteria is whether the constant opening/closing of the lid will actualy cause the hinges to losen over time, while its hard to say at this point since i've only had the dell for about 10 weeks, we'll see about it.

lastly, yes the hinges are secured on the sides which is very bad. i've had friends who wanted test the weight of the machine by holding at opposite corners diagonally while lifting it. because of the design, doing so will mean that one hand is actually lifting the part weight of the notebook by the hinge and the other hand at the base (another reason not to let people touch my notebook). having said that its just hinges that can be replaced if needed (so long as dell has interests to manufacture them) and does not affect any components directly.

 

My thoughts exactly. I guess I was being overambitious as I want something similar to Lenovo/IBM hinges.

 

Some of the early M1330's felt very flimsy and had play in the hinges. With my 1st M1330 manufactured in early August, the hinge was loose and the screen had an area of free play in it. You could move the screen about a 1/4" with no resistance. With my final replacement M1330, the hinge is very sturdy and never been any play in it. I wouldn't worry about whether its a barrell hinge or not, it's all in how well the notebook is manufactured in the first place.

 

I tend to agree with the basic build quality observation. My M1330 hinge is more than adequate and is absolutely not flimsy (no wiggle at all). I'd go do far as to say this it feels sturdier than traditional hinges from dell, HP, and IBM.