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."

Comments

Re:What did he expect?

[Anonymous Coward]

This has led to several problems including fried ram, blown video circuits

Sounds exactly like a MacBook.

Batteries

[rekab]

Do they use Sony Batteries Too?

I have the answer

[slackoon]

Don't buy a DELL!!! my gateway computer cost me $899, it's got a 120 GB HD, 1 gig ddr2, 15.4 ultrabright widescreen, 128 megs dedicated video and more. I've had no problems at all! or buy a mac!!

Re:I have the answer

[Anonymous Coward]

buy a mac!!

But what if I want a real laptop that runs good software?

Re:What did he expect?

[Penguin's Advocate]

? The MacBook is perfect in every way.

Re:I had this problem years ago with a Dell Laptop

[Anonymous Coward]

I don't think that it "worked out for everybody". Dell issued that new top of the line computer for the customer to offset the bad-will generated by the faulty laptop.

You, as a tech, violated both the trust of your employer, the trust of Dell, and the trust of the customer. I wouldn't be too ready to trumpet about how everything went right. Just because no one knows you're a dishonest thief doesn't mean what you did was "right".

Dell I9400

[Dell_C.A.]

Hello, My name is Mike, I'm a Technical Analyst located at Dell corporate headquarters in Round Rock, TX. I'm part of an internet outreach team developed to interact with the online community regarding technical questions and issues that customers face with Dell products. Dell is aware of the reported finding and plans to recover the notebook from the customer for analysis. All Dell products are designed and tested to meet or surpass applicable worldwide safety and performance standards, including IEC 60950. The compact two-prong power cord used with this Inspiron 9400 is now considered a standard in the industry, and it is sometimes possible that these more compact two-prong power cords would allow the current described by the customer. These industry standard power cords allow Dell customers greater flexibility in finding replacement cords or new cords when they accidentally leave them behind or when traveling through multiple countries. Based on the information available to Dell in this customer's blog post, we believe that there is no safety hazard associated with the reported "tingling." All electrical devices powered by AC adapters with a two-pronged power cord (without a ground wire) may exhibit a small amount of voltage between the exposed metal parts of the device and earth ground, causing, on occasion, a user to feel a tingling sensation when the user touches exposed metal parts. This is very low voltage and does not present any risk of injury to the user. If any of our customers are concerned they should contact us online at customer_advocate.com.