Welcome Guest [Log In] [Register]

Kia Ora
You are currently viewing our forum as a guest. This means you are limited to certain areas of the board and that there are some features you can't use or read.

We are an active community of worldwide senior members participating in chat, politics, travel, health, blogging, graphics, computer issues & help, book club, literature & poetry, finance discussions, recipe exchange and much more. Also, as a member you will be able to access member only sections, many features, send personal messages, make new friends, etc.

Registration is simple, fast and completely free. Why not register today and become a part of the group. Registration button at the very top left of the page.

Thank you for stopping by.

Join our community!

In case of difficulty, email worldwideseniors.org@gmail.com.
If you're already a member please log in to your account to access all of our features:

Username:   Password:
Add Reply
Broken netbook
Topic Started: Jun 26 2011, 11:13 AM (142 Views)
Deleted User
Deleted User

I am sorry to post this here, but not where this should go. I have an inexpensive Acer net book that we bought just before out trip to New Zealand, and never had a problem with it. In fact, as Alaska Air allows internet access it was a great way - on its own battery power to pass the time on the flight to LAX.

Been here in the hotel for two days, and plugged it in at the desk in our room. However, I noticed that the little light that is orange when charging and green when fully charged, was not on. I could still use it when plugged in, but it appears the battery is gone....or so I thought.

Now, it turns on when I have it plugged in, but in just a few minutes - quits. So now it will not even work plugged in.

We are wondering if the cleaning staff dropped it when cleaning the room. Never had a problem like this before.

Any thoughts? Right now I am using the hotel's computer.
Quote Post Goto Top
 
wildie
Member Avatar
Veteran Member
begete_Justicette
Jun 26 2011, 11:13 AM
I am sorry to post this here, but not where this should go. I have an inexpensive Acer net book that we bought just before out trip to New Zealand, and never had a problem with it. In fact, as Alaska Air allows internet access it was a great way - on its own battery power to pass the time on the flight to LAX.

Been here in the hotel for two days, and plugged it in at the desk in our room. However, I noticed that the little light that is orange when charging and green when fully charged, was not on. I could still use it when plugged in, but it appears the battery is gone....or so I thought.

Now, it turns on when I have it plugged in, but in just a few minutes - quits. So now it will not even work plugged in.

We are wondering if the cleaning staff dropped it when cleaning the room. Never had a problem like this before.

Any thoughts? Right now I am using the hotel's computer.
Is NZ like the UK and uses 220 volts on its outlets? If so some sort of adapter will be required.

My HP laptop's power adapter is designed to work on voltages 100 volts to 240 volts at a frequency of 50 cycles to 60 cycles.
Check your power adapter's label and make sure that its designed to work on the local power!
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Kahu
Member Avatar

Our power supply is 230 V @ 50 Hz and NZ and Australia have quite different adapter socket/plug.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
wildie
Member Avatar
Veteran Member
Kahu
Jun 27 2011, 12:24 AM
Our power supply is 230 V @ 50 Hz and NZ and Australia have quite different adapter socket/plug.
I would then presume that my laptop would function quite nicely in NZ, then. I assume that BJ must be site seeing, as we haven't heard back from her! :th_th7_5_119:
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
FuzzyO
Member Avatar

BJ is in California at the moment, not NZ! I think she's saying she had no problems with her NZ trip earlier this year, but is having problems now in CA.
Edited by FuzzyO, Jun 27 2011, 03:08 AM.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Deleted User
Deleted User

That is correct, Fuzzy. It just stopped working after working for 2 years. I am on hotel computer.
Quote Post Goto Top
 
wildie
Member Avatar
Veteran Member
Well, there's not much difference between NZ and CA is there? After all they are on the same ocean, and maybe 20 hours apart in time. (a guess)
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Deleted User
Deleted User

I just sent away for a new battery for a total of $26. Hopefully that will fix the problem. It seems to have cured itself of shutting off when plugges in to the power. I think I murdered the battery by leaving it plugges in too long. We will se when new one arrives.
Quote Post Goto Top
 
wildie
Member Avatar
Veteran Member
begete_Justicette
Jul 5 2011, 11:54 AM
I just sent away for a new battery for a total of $26. Hopefully that will fix the problem. It seems to have cured itself of shutting off when plugges in to the power. I think I murdered the battery by leaving it plugges in too long. We will se when new one arrives.
I've read that if you use a laptop/netbook connected to a power source that its best to remove the battery after its charged up. Then, recharge it on a monthly basis.
On my HP laptop that is almost 3 years old, I have NOT followed this regimen and (touch wood) haven't experienced a problem.

My laptop will run without a battery but I'm unsure if this is the case with all manufacturers.

I know that there are some internal electronics in lithium computer battery's so its conceivable that these could fail. In fact, HP has a major recall of certain battery's that are known to catch fire.

I'll be interested to hear how your new battery works out?
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Delphi51
Member Avatar
Member title
Congrats on finding a battery for $26! Where?
Likely that will solve the problem, though there are some batteries that don't last long and a very few computers that destroy batteries.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
Deleted User
Deleted User

The good news is I found the battery at Amazon.com. The bad news is that the netbook stopped dead again while plugged in today. So now I wonder what is really wrong.
Quote Post Goto Top
 
Delphi51
Member Avatar
Member title
It should have a one year warranty. Too late for that?
Some stores like Costco will exchange it after a year.
There is a quick and easy test to check the AC adapter. After the computer on AC dies, use a voltmeter to check the voltage at the end of the cord that plugs into the computer. It does require knowledge of how to use a meter and how to avoid shorting out the cord. The voltage should be a little higher than the spec on the adapter. AC adapters can usually be found at very reasonable prices online. In Canada, battdepot.com out of Vancouver is excellent. However, some manufacturers deliberately make their computers reject 3rd party replacements.
Offline Profile Quote Post Goto Top
 
1 user reading this topic (1 Guest and 0 Anonymous)
« Previous Topic · Computer Help · Next Topic »
Add Reply