Laptop repair

[MarissaNicole]

So the strap on my laptop bag broke in the parking lot at work this morning, causing my poor laptop to suffer a crack right along where the screen attaches to the keyboard... like the hinge part? I don't exactly know how to explain it, but it appears that my computer still works (I'm not using it, but it turns on), but I can't imagine it will continue to work long with the crack in it. My hope is that its more of an external/physical break, and that the insides of my computer are still okay.

The laptop is a dell, I was kinda hoping that I could maybe send it in and have them take everything and put it into a new laptop shell? Is this even possible? I know its not going to be cheap to repair, but I'd rather not buy a whole new one. We really can't afford this expense, but I cannot see myself going without my laptop!

Any advice? Suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

[Pollyanna]

Wow, that really stinks. I would probably just call Dell and see what they have to say or go to one of those places that rebuilds computers and see if they can help you out.

[Cinderella]

It's completely possible to put the motherboard in a new shell but it depends if that is cost feasible. Usually it's the other way around and someone fries their motherboard by spilling liquid on it and they have to replace it. It will cost around $300-400 to send it into Dell to do it for you. If you still have a warranty on it then that may reduce the cost and be feasible. However, if you don't have the warranty then you could put the cost of repair towards the purchase of a new or used laptop. Call Dell to be sure on the repair prices as I'm making a guesstimate.

Also consider how old the laptop is. If it's close to two years old then it's not going to be worth it either because they are designed to be replaced after that time as technology rapidly advances every 18 months. The good news is since it is still working go ahead and start backing up everything you don't want to lose.