Laptop Support

Laptops are very specialized computers. By virtue of being small and lightweight, sacrifices have had to be made in order to make them as performance-based as possible. Those sacrifices mostly fall under component integration.

Unlike a personal computer (PC), where each component - such as the motherboard, video card, sound card, RAM, optical drive (CD-ROM or DVD-ROM) and processor can all be changed as the need arises - laptops are completely integrated and/or very vendor specific.

For instance, if you own the popular Sony Vaio brand of laptop, you're stuck with Sony replacement products for the duration of your ownership if a problem arises. The same usually applies to all laptop manufacturers, although there are exceptions.

If a key component fails - such as a sound or video interface (not too common) - you're also likely to be facing two choices: replace the entire laptop, or replace the entire mainboard they're attached to. Both are expensive options that are entirely dependent on your needs.

Now that I've barely adequately prepared you, it's time to discuss solutions and costs.

The most common problem I've encountered in more years than I've been in business is the missing key(s) on the keyboard.

It is true, that in some cases, it's a simple case of replacing the key and you're good to go. Those cases are becoming rarer which each passing day.

If you're not one of these lucky people, you're automatically looking at a keyboard replacement. The cost of a keyboard is generally anywhere from $45 to $90, plus $30 in labor maximum.

And, this is one of the cheaper fixes...

This would include DVD or CD-ROM drives, flash drives, and other removable components that fail to operate.

These usually require complete replacement, but unlike keyboards and screens, there is good and bad news to be delivered here.

The good news is, labor for these components is minor, to the point where I might not even charge for simply directing you to where you can purchase the cheapest replacement - or walking you through the replacement yourself.

The bad news? Most of these components are very vendor specific. You absolutely must purchase a Sony Vaio DVD-ROM drive for a Sony Vaio. A Dell Inspirion DVD-ROM drive for a Dell Inspirion. And so on, to guarantee the replacement will work properly with your model of laptop.

Anyone who tells you how they can get around this "law" is probably more interested in making a sale, or charging you multiple times when it causes problems for you down the road.

It gets worse. Costs can range up to $300 or more, depending on the component, model and availability.

This problem is just bad manufacturing, and usually can't be prevented.

There have been occasions where I will be called to look at a laptop that appears to be working, yet has no indications on the screen that it is.

I'd like to say you're lucky you don't need a new screen, except you probably need a new mainboard.

Mainboards cost anywhere from $150 to $400, and require between $45 and $90 in labor.

The simplest way to prevent this problem is to never leave your computer running in an enclosed space (such as a carrying case).

Some of the more affordable models of laptop are made with defective parts. Depending on the problem, parts costs can be as little as a few dollars. Labor is entirely dependent on the nature of the problem - broken hinges or damaged covers are $45 in labor maximum, although I do try to make it less as often as possible.

Thankfully, I've never seen a damaged screen. If you are unlucky enough to need a new one, my advice is to be more careful next time.

The typical laptop screen costs anywhere from $350 to $500, and requires at least $45 in labor depending on the model.

However, I do get calls about "bad spots" on the screen. These are inoperative pixels, and are pretty common on some models. If you notice a significant number of these (more than ten) shortly after your purchase, contact the manufacturer immediately and arrange a replacement.

If you're seeing as few as five or less, I'm afraid you might be stuck with that problem, although if the number of spots increases while you're under warranty call me for free advice on what your next best step might be.

My first piece of advice to you as a consumer is to do plenty of research before buying. By "research" I mean don't count on the folks at Best Buy or Office Max to help you. They're trying to make a sale, and oftentimes, they aren't as knowledgeable as you might think.

Since you're reading this, I think it's safe to assume you have access to the internet. Some very good sites to check out are included at the bottom of this page. But there's more you can know to make sure you can enjoy your laptop rather than stress over potential problems.

A small list of items to look for when you're doing your research includes the following:

• Reviews: Is there a history of problems with this particular model? Don't just stick to sites like Consumer Reports, do a search for the model you're looking at and visit forums where current owners might reveal hidden problems that come with long ownership.
• Problem Lines and Companies: Are you noticing that most of the models in a particular line you're looking at have problems? Are they all from the same company? If they are, look elsewhere.
• Replacement Parts Costs: Before you buy, try to find out what the replacement costs of everything (besides the LCD screen) might be. This requires a good deal of hunting around, but can save you hundreds down the road.
• Ask a Friend: Do you have a friend with a computer similar to the one you're looking at? Ask them about their experience with it.

Consumer Reports: The venerable standard in no nonsense, unbiased reporting. Sometimes leaves a little to be desired in the way of finding out which model is sturdy or requires expensive parts, but the best place to start your search for that perfect laptop.

Laptop Lifestyle: Regularly updated articles and reviews on the latest in notebook and laptop offerings from various companies. Quite possibly too much information, but I would never say pass it up.

Notebook Review.com: The best place to find out if the laptop you like best is a stinker. Also includes a forum for more in-depth information on problems you might encounter with particular models.

Laptop Magazine: Home of the Laptop Review. Specialized site dedicated more towards performance rather than durability, but worth a look over nonetheless.

Notebook Forums: As the name implies, this is a forum site. Clicking on the Notebook Research option will lead you to a very detailed (and nearly endless) series of drop-down menu choices, but will get you exactly where you want to be quickly. Choosing the Our Community button will take you to their forum, which is conveniently divided into sections by manufacturer, but less inclusive than the Research area.

Laptop Computing Community Forum: A very overwhelming site for the first timer, but a wealth of information about hidden problems you might not find anywhere else. Definitely worth the time.