Slashdot Mirror
Dell Laptops Have Shocking New Problem
dapsychous writes "A friend of one of my coworkers has noticed a problem in Dell notebook computers (also covered in this engadget article about a problem that has been popping up lately in Dell 17" notebook computers). It seems that these computers are putting out between 19 and 139 (65 according to article, 139 according to him) volts of AC power as measured from any chassis screw vs. earth ground. This has led to several problems including fried ram, blown video circuits, and a stout zap on his left hand.
According to him, Dell has tried to keep him quiet about the problem and has even gone so far as to have him banned from a few websites, and threatened him with legal action if he tells people about the problem."
shock...
Google? They seem nice.
Dell's new marketing campaign should be: Dell: our computers are elecrifying!
The original generic sig.
Let the corny puns begin!
Thank goodness I resisted buying a Dell!
My friend's cousin's grand-uncle's doctor begs to differ!
groupthink: It's good for self-esteem.
Speaking of non-repro, if you have the laptop in your lap and your feet in the bathtub, you may never have to worry about not getting a date on Saturday night ever again. It only takes one line voltage zap and Mr. Happy will be terminally depressed, as will his two small buddies. So remember, NEVER put a ground strap on your ankles and sit down to use a Dell laptop during a thunderstorm on Friday the 13th. In Texas. While wearing an aluminized Mylar bunnysuit and no underwear. However, this is all too common.
Is it wrong that the first thing I thought was "but won't the bunny suit create a faraday cage around you?"
Check out my sysadmin blog!
unless something has gone horribly, horribly wrong
Check out my sysadmin blog!
Faraday cage good for electrostatic charge, maybe not so good for current flow from laptop to testicles to ankles. Let me get some aluminum foil and test this.. be right back.... $#%)(&!!!!... whimper... yup, it's a baaaad idea...
Could be a lot of things. Could be a buggy video driver. Could be a bug in DirectX. Always make sure you are up to date on your video driver, video BIOS, system BIOS and DirectX before resigning it to be a heat issue.
My blog
Michael Dell doesn't fuck around does he!!!!
Acting stupid isn't much fun when there's someone around who knows better
Sir, that unauthorized feeling of painfulness is not actually be happening. In any case, your fingers are out of warranty period.
While this may be sound advice, I refuse to relinquish my Friday night ritual just because some dude on the Internet told me to.
I read this as 65 Stallmans per 91 file sharers :)
That was just an act to get into your pants. Sorry to have to tell you this way.
My little site.
Real techies use bare wires and a screwdriver to open ground, remove the screwdriver and the socket holds the wires in place.
:)
people usually freak out a bit a first but just ignore them
There are places where the networks are not touching,and there are places where they are-Boeing's Lori Gunter
But I think that Slashdot editors should conduct themselves in a more professional manner. How else can we expect you to discharge your duties effectively, and eliminate the audience's natural resistance?
Now let's get back to the current topic.
That's how three of my family members died!
You stroke a cat, then pick it up by the tail and swing it around over your head at 3600 RPM (3000 RPM in Europe).
Have gnu, will travel.
"City hall" in German is "Rathaus" Kinda explains a few things......
Well he probably needed a cup holder anyway.
Tyranny isn't the worst enemy of a democracy. Cynicism is.
maybe they'll start shipping Dell Voltmeters that don't register any current less than 139 volts free with the purchase of any laptop
The article is a bit barren, but the comments have some gems. Like this.
I have a dell 6400 with the better display and YES i do get little shocks every other time i touch it. I thought its ok, but i guess its not...should i call dell and address this problem?
I mean, holy f'ing 5h1t! How can anyone possible have to ask someone else that question.. Errr, Duhhh... My laptop is shocking me Bob... Should I call support?
I'm just astounded.
BBH
She is happy because those are 6+ hours she doesn't spend with you.
Yeah I am looking to get something to fix it over the weekend. Been a little too busy with work to do anything about if for a week or so.
meh
Does that mean if he puts an iced coffee in it, he can overclock?
Caveat Emptor is not a business model.