The Area 51 m15x hinge

[cha]

Hello everyone, I have been an owner of an m15x for over a year now. I even had it wrapped in G-mask to prevent the dreaded hinge issue, as can be seen here:

Just made my m15x black

Well, a few weeks ago, even with the extra protection, bits of plastic fell out of the lower left part of the screen. Since I no longer have warranty, I decided to try and find a laptop repair center here in Manila. Fortunately, I was able to find these guys.

http://www.hrlaptoprepair.com/index.html

Upon showing them the problem, we opened the up the damaged part. These guys are experts in repairing broken hinges. Upon further examination, they told me that the hinge was NOT the problem. I don't really know how to explain it in English, but they said that the part that supports the hinge ( the gold colored part ) was the biggest problem. The plastic that it is wrapped in is too weak and flimsy.

I asked them about replacing the entire lid, since E-bay does sell some. They told me that I could buy one from E-bay and replace it, but the problem would simply resurface.

These guys then decided to fabricate a stronger reinforcement to replace the said flimsy support. I left my laptop in their shop for about a day, and when I came back to pick it up yesterday, I was AMAZED with the quality of work they did.

The screen NO longer creaks, and feels really sturdy. My laptop lid has never felt sturdier, even better than the aforementioned G-mask treatment I did before.

I just wanted to share this with you guys, and maybe there are similar alternatives in your respective countries for people who do not want to send it in to Alienware for repairs. I do believe that this is a permanent solution to this hinge issue.

[Carnyl]

Now if only these guys were in Canada..

[mj_four]

sir, how much did the repair and fabrication cost you?

[jadraja]

Thank you for this thread cha!

When I read your post, I immediately contacted them to have more informations about their services.

I knew that they were able to receive and repair computers from any country in the world. And you can send it the way you want (DHL for example).

That seems to be a great service.

I have a broken Alienware Area-51 7700m. I sent it to Ztronics in the USA because I didn't know Highroad Laptop Repair Shop in Philippines. If I knew before, I would send it to them because of your review and advice, cha.

@ mj_four

Yes, me too, I would like to know how much did it cost.

[kobe]

Cha, you really deserve rep for this great find! +1

[noreaster]

give us some pics of there work.

[mj_four]

my m15x will arrive on oct 16 from the US, i sent it there because of the hinge problem and the turning on problem...i already talked with cha and i will have my hinge fabricated also, i will take photos of the before and after work of these guys, take a video of the creaking hinge...

[Napbree]

The fact remainds, we shouldn't have to do this, we paid for the brand because it's high performance and quality, a bit like a bentley. Yeah right. I've had my laptop back for a month now and the new hinge is already going (for the 2nd time).

[cha]

Apologies for the late reply, as our house doesn't have a good internet connection as of late because of the recent typhoons.

The cost of the hinge fabrication was 3,000 pesos, which is more or less equivalent to 60 USD. The only disadvantage I can see is that the laptop does seem a little bit heavier compared to before, nothing to really worry about.

As for shipping via DHL, I would say that it would be a very costly alternative to ship it all the way here in Manila. I would recommend that you guys find a local store, if possible, and try to explain the situation to them.

I will try my best to post pics after work. I don't have any pictures of the damaged hinge, but I believe you can find them in abundance across all the different threads re hinge breakage in these forums.

Yes, mjfour has already contacted me. We might be able to meet up one of these days. Maybe then he can post a video to compare the difference.

[hrlaptoprepair]

quality is not expensive it's price less!!!
so let us help you guys!!!

thanks sir cha!!!

I apologize for the small change in your laptop.As our knowledge we did our best to repair the laptop.However I appreciate your opinion,can help to improve our service. I will assure to you we will do our best to offer the best service to you and to all of you guys