Loose Hinges on Dm1-4010

[BartManDu]

This is my second Dm1 where there is about 1 inch loose "play" in the hinge before normal resistance kicks in.  I've had many laptops and know that this is not a "feature".  I had sent the 1st laptop back and got a replacement within the first couple of weeks.  The second laptop was fine, but for only, again, a couple of weeks.  If this is a design flaw, is anyone else out there experiencing the same thing?

[Chris-in-uk]

I have got the same issue with a dm1 4125ea and I am wondering if there has been a response from HP regarding this problem. it used to be common with some Compac laptops and the hinges would eventualy break. There seems little point in sending it back if the hinges will become loose again.

[saxWIman]

I have a DM1 just purchased about 5 months ago that has this same problem.  HP warranty won't cover it of course.  I'm concerned about putting on new hinges just to watch it happen again.  Anyone have any experience fixing this or replacing them?

[KirkTreks]

Come on HP, please post a response. If there is a way to tighten these hinges, please advise. This is a top rated netbook, and you should protect that good reputation.

[chank]

Does this get fixed under warraanty? Had my DM1 for about 2 months and the hinges have gone, got it booked in to be checked but they said it may be rejected as wear and tear.

[saxWIman]

HP just fixed my laptop under warranty.  I originally thought it was the hinges, but after I opened up the computer case, found out that the hinges were fine.  The problem was where the screws connect into the laptop lid.  They ended up giving me a new screen (laptop lid) without new hinges.  Everything seems good now, although it's only been 3 weeks!

[pooya]

I bought my dm1 around 7 months ago. After three months the hinges spoiled the whole screen frame. HP warranty did not cover. I payed something like 80$ to fix it. Now again I have the same problem. This computer is a very good computer but this problem makes it totally useless. 

[KirkTreks]

@Pooya... After seeing saxWIman's good news I was emboldened to seek satisfaction under the warranty. Mine did not have any real problems with the frame, but a small stress fracture had developed on the faceplate in the corner of the hinge mount.

That faceplate is definitely flimsy, and you can feel that the weight of the monitor puts pressure on the hinge mount there -- the floppy hinges just add to the stress.

That crack was absolutely not the result of any mishandling, and the unit us in great shape otherwise. Besides, the hinge mount was not my big complaint (though that crack had grown much faster than I realized), and again, it is likely a consequence of the play in the hinges. I documented it all in a short hi-def video and left a copy of it on my desktop for HP, just in case.

I just sent it off and will not be at all receptive to paying anything out of pocket. We will see how they respond. I will report back when it is settled.

[KirkTreks]

HP Service was super fast. I did pay $16 for expedited next day air service, but still. Wow!

Fri 9/14 - called HP

Mon 9/17 - return packaging & prepaid label delivered

Wed 9/19 - dropped off at FedEx/Kinkos location

Mon 9/24 - 1st delivery attempt (not home)

Tue 9/25 - repaired Pavillion dm1 delivered

(I received regular e-mail updates confirming the entire progress)

The receipt shows that the only part replaced was the "Bezel", which is the plastic faceplate/frame around the monitor noted in my earlier post. It now has a much better fit and firm feel. The original bezel felt loose from day one.

The repair action listed on the receipt is "Reseated Hinge". The hinge is once again snug. Who knows if it will last, but the repair itself is warranted for a minimum of 90 days, even if my 1 year warranty runs out sooner (which it does). Let's hope the repair tech's did a better, lasting job than whoever assembled it originally. For now, I am happy.

[Chris-in-uk]

I decided to fix this problem myself and after reading the manual, I have successfully tightened the hinge screws and cured the problem. Here's what I did, I carefully slid my fingernails under the top of the screen bezal taking care not to push down on the screen itself. I de-latched the bezel from the screen working from the top and down each side. When the top and sides were loose, I had to gently pull the pull the bezel away from the screen as it is secured with double sided tape. when I had removed the bezel, there are no screws, I was able to tighten the screws securing the screen to the hinges. The bezel was clipped back from the bottom up with no damage.