Fix or replace laptop?
September 24, 2022 8:29 PM
Should I try for the third time to get my personal laptop fixed, or just get a new one?
My laptop is about 15 months old and out of warranty. `It is a Lenovo Ideapad 3i.
It has developed a problem with the audio, that mainly manifests when I try to do a Zoom meeting. There is a lot of feedback, especially if I try to use the mike. There was screeching that even disturbed the dog next door for a couple of hours.
It sometimes also picks up other mike sounds like even tapping on the keyboard.
I took it to a shop. They thought they fixed it once, and I had to take it back. After a few days, they said they found the settings to fix it, and they told me how to use the settings to turn the mike off and on. Between both trips, the shop charged me only the original $50 diagnostic fee.
But the next time I needed a Zoom meeting, I had the same problem. I haven't had the mike on except for then. I have been borrowing my spouse's computer for Zoom meetings.
I think this is a known problem with these laptops.
Do you vote for another trip to the repair shop, or to shop for a new laptop?
My laptop is about 15 months old and out of warranty. `It is a Lenovo Ideapad 3i.
It has developed a problem with the audio, that mainly manifests when I try to do a Zoom meeting. There is a lot of feedback, especially if I try to use the mike. There was screeching that even disturbed the dog next door for a couple of hours.
It sometimes also picks up other mike sounds like even tapping on the keyboard.
I took it to a shop. They thought they fixed it once, and I had to take it back. After a few days, they said they found the settings to fix it, and they told me how to use the settings to turn the mike off and on. Between both trips, the shop charged me only the original $50 diagnostic fee.
But the next time I needed a Zoom meeting, I had the same problem. I haven't had the mike on except for then. I have been borrowing my spouse's computer for Zoom meetings.
I think this is a known problem with these laptops.
Do you vote for another trip to the repair shop, or to shop for a new laptop?
This sounds like a setting issue more than a hardware issue so I'd be inclined to keep working at it unless you're looking for a reason to upgrade anyway. Have you tried an alternate conferencing platform such as Microsoft Teams or Google Hangouts to see if you have the same problem there?
Even if it is a microphone issue, it's a lot cheaper to get an external mic than it is to replace the entire laptop.
posted by Candleman at 9:22 PM on September 24, 2022
Even if it is a microphone issue, it's a lot cheaper to get an external mic than it is to replace the entire laptop.
posted by Candleman at 9:22 PM on September 24, 2022
I would start with the audio settings in Zoom and perhaps turn the speakers down a bit. If you're uncomfortable with adjusting the settings find someone who can support Zoom.
posted by StephenB at 2:18 AM on September 25, 2022
posted by StephenB at 2:18 AM on September 25, 2022
I use an an external mic and headphones for zoom calls even though mine works fine mainly for audio quality. I’m on zoom a lot and my laptop is in one location (my home office) most of the time so having extra things outside my laptop is no big deal.
I’ve had audio issues with laptops before which were not settings based at all but hardware related. It’s like the audio electronics were not shielded and picked up interference. (In an old desktop computer when the hard drive was spinning you could hear it on the speakers!)
My votes: First try zoom settings which there are only a few. Adjust input devices, adjust microphone volume, adjust noise reduction. Do a test zoom meeting, record it and listen to how it sounds. Sounds like your computer place may have done that.
Next do external microphone.
3rd option new laptop.
posted by escher at 7:45 AM on September 25, 2022
I’ve had audio issues with laptops before which were not settings based at all but hardware related. It’s like the audio electronics were not shielded and picked up interference. (In an old desktop computer when the hard drive was spinning you could hear it on the speakers!)
My votes: First try zoom settings which there are only a few. Adjust input devices, adjust microphone volume, adjust noise reduction. Do a test zoom meeting, record it and listen to how it sounds. Sounds like your computer place may have done that.
Next do external microphone.
3rd option new laptop.
posted by escher at 7:45 AM on September 25, 2022
I'd like to clarify that the problem is not confined to Zoom. It can happen whenever the microphone is on, even when the computer is shut.
I just tried an external headset with a mike, and that didn't help. I don't know whether to blame that on the headset, the computer or the operator.
posted by NotLost at 9:07 AM on September 25, 2022
I just tried an external headset with a mike, and that didn't help. I don't know whether to blame that on the headset, the computer or the operator.
posted by NotLost at 9:07 AM on September 25, 2022
I turn the microphone on and off with Fuction-F4 or maybe the Lenovo Toolbar. Do those control both internal and external microphones, or only internal?
posted by NotLost at 9:22 AM on September 25, 2022
posted by NotLost at 9:22 AM on September 25, 2022
Thanks for the suggestions. I am leaning toward getting a new computer.
posted by NotLost at 6:44 PM on September 25, 2022
posted by NotLost at 6:44 PM on September 25, 2022
If you purchase another Lenovo, buy the high-end extended warranty. It's a bit pricey, but it's honestly worth it.
posted by sardonyx at 7:19 PM on September 25, 2022
posted by sardonyx at 7:19 PM on September 25, 2022
Are you sure Windows and your conferencing app are using the external headset? There's often a setting in whatever app you're using (sounds like Zoom, but also applies to Skype, WebEx, Discord, at least) that may not always agree with the OS.
Also, have you tried Bluetooth or only wired? I ask because, if the audio I/O hardware/drivers/etc are busted, using Bluetooth (or a separate USB audio interface) should work around that.
posted by Alterscape at 8:22 PM on September 25, 2022
Also, have you tried Bluetooth or only wired? I ask because, if the audio I/O hardware/drivers/etc are busted, using Bluetooth (or a separate USB audio interface) should work around that.
posted by Alterscape at 8:22 PM on September 25, 2022
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posted by Alterscape at 8:35 PM on September 24, 2022