Laptop Problems

I have a Sony VAIO PCG-GRS Series Laptop about about 2yrs old. The plug in the back of the unit doesn't work any longer, I tried replacing the cord and the battery (which had to be special ordered). But it still doesn't work. When I called Sony I was told this was a special promotional series laptop and all parts have to be special ordered. I took the computor to a local Best Buy and they told me I needed to buy a new mother board because the plug and board are sold together. The cost for the new part would be around $700 to $1,500 which we can't afford (we can't afford a new laptop either). Does anyone have any suggestions?

I think you need to find an electronics tech who can determine exactly what the problem is. Is it that the solder conections on the plug to the MB are loose, or do you have a bad power supply part on the MB?

A good electronics technicial may be able to determine what is wrong and fix it. Or they may be able to devise a way to bypass the problem and get the laptop to work again.

Most computer dealers will be just like BB, they determine what assembly has the problem and then replace that part, they don't try to repair anything below that point at the component level.

Is "the plug in the back of the unit" visibly damaged, or this thing is dead and you just blame the plug, or rather the power socket? In other words, what exactly are the symptoms of your "Laptop Problem"?

I repaced the battery and cord and it still didn't work. I took the unit to Best Buy and the tech told me that the plug is bad but; it is connected to the mother board so I have to replace everything.

I had a similar problem with an HP Laptop. Mine was my fault, the AC adapter was plugged in, and I dropped it on its back, and bent the power outlet. I was able to get it fixed by an HP service center for $300. I would call Sony and see if they will fix non-warranty laptops. Good luck

Hi,

I would call Sony and ask for the part number for the motherboard on your laptop. Then I would go to ebay and do a search for that part number or you can do a search for the part number on google. There should be a retailer out there who should be able to see you the mb for less than what best buy is quoting you.

Once you are able to find a vendor who will sell you the part within your price range, you can go to a retailer and tell them to replace the part for you.

I don't know if Best Buy will replace the part that you bring in, there are oufits which will do that for you.

Another option for you is to bring it to a highly trained electronics technician and ask them if its possbile to solder back the loose plug back into the system board. From what you described, there is a chance that it could be soldered back on to the system board, but I am not saying its a sure bet.

I am just speaking from what I have seen on laptop system boards.

Goodluck.