My Dell blew up too
By The Letterman: Tuesday 04 July 2006, 11:45
SUBJECT: Exploding Dell Laptop
I'm hoping this reaches the right person. I'd like to share MY
story. In late 2005, I purchased a Dell Inspiron 1150 (Which, from
the photos on the page, looks like the 1150/5150 series
laptop).
In February 2006, my laptop started to smoke and catch fire in my
bedroom, under normal use. I contacted Dell, and they requested the
laptop be sent in immediately, and a replacement would be
issued.
I was told by a manager at Dell's Repair Center that the fault
started on the system board, and had caused the smoke and fire. I
was not released any further details, and any questions I asked
were either brushed off or instructed at Dell's coprate office, in
Texas.
After about 3 months, with another 1150 (The replacement), it too
started the same problems I was having just before unit #1 caught
fire. It was locking up constantly, and certain things on the
laptop would not work. I contacted Dell that evening, and at 230am
EST, the laptop began to emit smoke.
This time, I didn't have the battery in, and was able to unplug it
quickly. I opened the bottom RAM door, and to my non-suprise, the
RAM was covered in something I can only describe as burnt material
residue and smoke residue. The metal cover inside of the door was
also covered in a black film of burnt something. Again, Dell
requested the laptop be sent in immediately, and 2 weeks later, the
same process started. A fire occured on the system board, and no
further information would be released to me.
I will NEVER own a Dell proudct again, for fear of my safety, and
to see yet another laptop in flames? Another laptop that appears
the same as mine? Why isn't Dell recalling the laptop, as any
ethical company would? Just my two cents. Love the site, thanks for
bringing us the best technology news around!
Rich S.
Pittsburgh
IT Administrator
