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New Dell Laptops Give Users a Literal Shock
An anonymous reader writes "According to CNET.co.uk, certain new Dell laptops with a brushed-aluminum finish are giving users more than they bargained for. 'We know this because several CNET staff were hit with an electrical charge while using Dell's new XPS M1530 — and we're not the only ones. Dell's forums are littered with user complaints about the shocking experiences they've had with some systems. The problem only seems to occur in Dell laptops that have a brushed-aluminum finish. These include the XPS M1330 and XPS M1530. It's caused by the two-pronged connection between the mains lead and the power adapter, which isn't earthed properly because of its lack of a third pin. The laptop therefore exhibits an electrical potential (voltage) between its exposed metal parts (the brushed aluminum wrist pad) and earth ground. Since there is no earth, the human body basically acts as a wire that can conduct electric current, hence the tingling, jolting sensation.'"
This is the new ground breaking experience with laptops!
Where can I get one? I need a presant for my mother in law.
Someone save me from this sanity.
...what happens when you lick it?
Better or worse than a 9V battery?
"Dude, you've got a Dell!"
Windows 3.1x calc: 3.11 - 3.10 = 0.00
Don't shock me bro!
Knowledge is power. Knowledge shared is power lost.
The machines have struck the first blow!
If you can read this, I forgot to post anonymously.
I guess you could say that the folks who bought these laptops got a shockingly good deal.
Do or do not. There is no try. --Jedi Master Yoda
"We deny all charges."
Authority questions you. Return the favor.
That tingle is from the websites you're visiting.
The engineers giving in to the Helpdesk people.
Think of the possibilities!
Tech: Ok, put your mouse over the 'My computer' Icon and right click...
Guy: Why does this have to be so complicated? Why doesn't everything just work right the first time? You Idiots should be shot!
Tech: Well Sir, if you would just...
Guy: I'm tired of you people and your attitudes, why I should...*ZAP* AHHH! WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?
Tech: Now what did you learn?
Guy: I'M GONNA KILL...*ZAAP* AHHH!
Tech: A bit slow today are we?
...I had the bright idea of touching a 9 volt battery to my *braces*.
I couldn't tell if the bright white flash/pop that followed came from just in front of my face, or from somewhere inside my head. Painful to say the least.
Can someone explain what happened?