Should I get my laptop repaired, sent back to manufacturer, or buy a new one?

August 25, 2010 12:28 PM

I own a Lenovo Ideapad Y550. About six months ago, four keys on the keyboard popped off and the “A” and “1” key’s require multiple pressings to type. The audio out port on the laptop also broke. It still works, I just have to either hold or tape my earphones inside or it just come right back out. Should I just go to best buy or some computer place to have it fixed?

I have about three weeks left on my manufacture warranty, should I send my laptop in to have the keyboard fixed? Will they fix it? I called and the representative said that Lenovo will only fix it for free if they determine the product was faulty.


What would be the most cost-saving method to having my laptop issue solved? I need it for school, and having to take my earphones in and type on a keyboard that’s missing keys is really annoying. Help?

Thanks in advance

posted by seanmhobson1988 to Computers & Internet (5 answers total)

You can replace the keyboard yourself for around 25 bucks.

I had a broken keyboard on my thinkpad T60, and ended up just buying a replacement keyboard on ebay (or newegg.com, I can't remember). Not sure if the Ideapad is similar but it was just a matter of removing a few screws, pulling out the old keyboard, and plugging in the new one and screwing everything back up again.

The keyboard cost me about 20 bucks.

Here's an example.
posted by mammary16 at 12:38 PM on August 25, 2010

Cheapest is probably to replace the keyboard yourself. I have had good luck fixing Lenovo laptops, most brands are a nightmare but Lenovo not as much. If you google for "Lenovo Ideapad Y550 keyboard remove" you will see there are a few places with directions, some of which also sell a new keyboard for less than $50. I have removed the keyboard from my Thinkpad several times and it is a quick process.

Fixing the audio jack will probably require soldering, which is not as easy nor as forgiving as replacing a keyboard. That also sounds more like a warranty issue and one that you should let Lenovo worry about. I'd fix the keyboard myself and send the laptop back to Lenovo to have the audio jack replaced while you are still under warranty.
posted by ChrisHartley at 12:38 PM on August 25, 2010

Send it in. The worst that will happen provided you have the kind of warranty that includes free shipping is that they will send it back to you ,presumably fairly fast. They are not going to do any work on a labtop that has been damaged. If you know its normal wear and tear expect it to be fixed.
posted by Rubbstone at 12:40 PM on August 25, 2010

Response by poster: great comments so far guys.

i'm leaning towards buying an ebay keyboard and replacing it myself (if thats possible), and sending it in for the audio jack.

i'll give lenovo a call and let you know what they say.
posted by seanmhobson1988 at 1:11 PM on August 25, 2010

Response by poster: Ok guys.

So it turns out my warrenty expired already.

i plan to replace the keyboard myself.

what would be the cheapest way to get the audioout fixed?
posted by seanmhobson1988 at 3:31 PM on August 28, 2010