I've had 2 failures of Tecra AC adapters (out of about 4-5 Toshiba
machines). In both cases I could see where the wires were stresses and
broken near the converter box on the line. Both were just a failure
from the flex/connection points not standing up to the repeated stress
of general use. So, I would support the theory that it's just design
flaw in the Tecra line from around that time. Whether they're better
now, or how they've adapted, I can't say; the replacements I bought
haven't yet failed. I would also back the theory though that various
models have various design flaws and although this may be an example of
a more flagrant flaw, IMHO I wouldn't blast Toshiba independently here,
I don't think anyone has designed the perfect solution yet. They all
still seem to have large weights in the form of the conversion box
somewhere along the length of wire which inevitability dangle, catch and
stress in various situations. Something about the Tecra connection
doesn't seem to hold up very long. I do find your experienced failure
rate believable, sadly. Still, cheaper than replacing the entire
laptop, albeit those power cords aren't exactly cheap.
- Joe
-----Original Message-----
From: MSU Network Administrators Group [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of Al Puzzuoli
Sent: Monday, June 22, 2009 1:27 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [MSUNAG] Life expectancy of Laptop AC Adaptors?
Just wondering what others have experienced in terms of the robustness
of Laptop AC Adaptors?
Our department has 15 Toshiba Tecra M5 machines, which were purchased
almost four years ago. At the time, we got two identical adaptors per
computer, one with each unit, and another with the dock.
I'm still in the process of figuring out the numbers, but we seem to be
experiencing a serious failure rate. Over the past few weeks, several
users have shown me their adaptors and in each instance, there is a
break right at the root of the fixed portion of the cord coming out of
the power brick. Until now, users hadn't taken the time to report the
issue- they had either swapped the adaptor with the one on their dock,
or just put tape on the break to hold it together. I think now, I'm
dealing with a case of the "me toos". People are talking, realizing
they have the same problem, and bringing it to my attention. I wouldn't
be surprised if 50% of these are broken.
I spoke with Jeff Mikosz from Toshiba. Although we have a full onsite
warranty for these machines ending in 2010, the power supplies are not
part of that and are only covered for 1 year. Okay, fine. I wouldn't
have a problem with that, I think it's fairly standard in the industry;
However, at what point does a typical failure rate end, and concern
about a flawed product begin?
Thanks,
Al Puzzuoli
Michigan State University
Information Technologist
http://www.rcpd.msu.edu
Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities
120 Bessey Hall East Lansing, MI 48824-1033
517-884-1915
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