My new laptop, bought in November, refuses to turn on now. This is not a huge surprise, considering my husband spilled an entire can of coke into it Saturday night. Oh god. Is there any hope that it can be fixed??? If not, that’s $2600 I’ll never see again :’(
–
From an actual catalog: “Disco balls create an enchanting, dazzling effect of light shafts, adding movement and glamour to any occasion”
the Abrams’ bris was certainly memorable
O p a l C a t
www.opalcat.com
Yep you can, but you need to take it somewhere and have it cleaned out professionally.
** Sigh. So many men, so few who can afford me ** Original by Wally
I’ve learned that if someone says something unkind about me, I must live so that no one will believe it.
Opal, I hope your husband is gonna foot the bill for that . . .
What kind of laptop is it? The techies here at work told me the new Apple Imacs are actually pretty good, so when my current machine dies I might get one of those. I love laptops, would never go back to one of those huge models.
I wouldn’t use my laptop as my main computer, but it is very nice as a secondary computer. As for footing the bill, we don’t differentiate between “my money” and “his money” so it’s pretty irelevant. However, it it is too expensive, it’s gonna have to wait indefinitely.
–
From an actual catalog: “Disco balls create an enchanting, dazzling effect of light shafts, adding movement and glamour to any occasion”
the Abrams’ bris was certainly memorable
O p a l C a t
www.opalcat.com
I’ll toss in with ultress on this one.
Having dumped plenty of Pepsi on my favorite keyboard over the years (and torn it apart to do the requisite clean-up) I’ll bet it can be saved, but it’s not the typical “walk in the park” that a keyboard is.
Take it in and have it done by someone who will at least use good ESD techniques and stand behind their work.
–Kalél
TheHungerSite.com
“If our lives are indeed the sum-total of the choices we’ve made, then we cannot change who we are; but with every new choice we’re given, we can change who we’re going to be.”
Opal, won’t your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance cover your computer? I’d check and see if it does. Otherwise, if it’s still under warranty, maybe the computer company would work with you to fix it. I know it’s technically your fault, but it’s worth a call. Good luck - and keep that husband away from the coke from now on.
I’m not so sure that a cleaning alone will do it.
Liquid is a conductor. When you turned it on, I would not be surprised if one or more of the cards shorted out.
You wouldn’t see any sparks because the voltages are so low.
I hope I’m wrong.
You’re making the assumption that we HAVE renters’ insurance, which we don’t.
I think it should still be under warranty, but I can’t find any of the paperwork!!ARRRRRGGGG!
–
From an actual catalog: “Disco balls create an enchanting, dazzling effect of light shafts, adding movement and glamour to any occasion”
the Abrams’ bris was certainly memorable
O p a l C a t
www.opalcat.com
Warranty won’t cover it. We’re assholes that way. At least, I’ve never heard of a laptop manufacturer that will.
Your best option is going to be to call the manufacturer and have it looked at. It’s probably going to run $500 to fix, but at least you didn’t fry the LCD. Its a throwaway at that point.
http://www.madpoet.com
I am human, and I need to be loved
Just like anybody else does
What all does homeowners insurance cover? What exactly is an accident? I’ve never collected anything on mine. Things wear out, furnaces roofs etc, I replace them.
sunbear,
Depends on your policy. I have a separate “policy” for my computer equipment, but my deductible still applies.
You may want to ask your insurance agent as to what is covered and if separate coverage is required for your computer/home office equipment.
==========
Opal,
You may want to check around. For example, our local CompUSA has a flat $139.00 fee just to look at a laptop…had to take in a Toshiba for repairs. I think they included any labor, but if any parts were required it was extra.
It never hurts to ask around though…
I droped my laptop which caused the following damage:
plastic panel broke off
battery door poped open and never fit right again
plastic panel near keyboard shifted upward, causing keyboard to be recessed. (I was able to push it down almost all the way by loosing the screws and prying it back)
battery life was now about 5 minutes and took 48 hrs to fully charge
and to top it all off, about 3 months later the screen (LCD not active matrex) develpoed a thin line acress the screen.
Well I was too embarased to bring it in under warentee as it was my fault. Near the end of the 1 yr wart. I had my wife bring it in. Not only did they fix everything (new panels, new battery), they replaced the screen with an active matrix screen. after that I called up and got the extended warnt.
Alas! Something I have a bit of experience with. Couple years ago I dropped my laptop, causing the active matrix screen to shatter. At the time those screens cost a fortune–over $2000 bucks to replace!
Fortunately, the manufacturer (Toshiba) had a warranty deal that covers screen breakage. I, of course, did not have this coverage. So, I called them up and applied for it. When I was approved, I bided my time for a week, then called them back, confessing how I had just broken the screen. No problem sir, the lady on the phone said, we’ll have a van out to fix in within the week. And sure enough, they did. Total cost to me: $220.
Now, presumably you can pull a similar dodge with the manufactures of your laptop. Just ask for the extended warranty.
The fuse usually protects things in case of liquids. Are you sure its not under warrentee Op?
It’s a wild idea, but I would probably turn it upsidedown & put it in the oven, no heat at all, just the pilot light, for a few hours
or over night. But then Im pretty weird that way & I have got lots of things to work doing that.
And take out the battery before doing that…shake any & all liquids out too.
“Through twilight, darkness and moonrise
My scarlet tears will run
As stolen blood and whispered love
Of fantasies undone”
Sorry, putting any electronic equipment in temps above 90 degrees is asking for trouble.
Why would anyone put a keyboard in the dishwasher?
For $20.00 you can buy a new one.
< very confused >
Next are you going to suggest putting a motherboard in the shower? No offense, but never in my life have I heard such a thing, nor recommend it.
Excessive moisture and or heat can cause damage on electronic equipment particularly computer equipment.
I guess a modem in the aquarium is out of the question, then.
Wally,
In the proper configuration, your fish might enjoy it 
As for the keyboard in the dishwasher, i have talked to several people that have done this, and it apparently worked. You just have to make absolutely sure it’s dry before using it. And after all, as you say, a new keyboard is only around $20, so if it still doesn’t work after a ride through the washer, you haven’t really lost anything have you?
“Through twilight, darkness and moonrise
My scarlet tears will run
As stolen blood and whispered love
Of fantasies undone”