New Dell Laptops Give Users a Literal Shock 383
An anonymous reader writes "According to CNET.co.uk, certain new Dell laptops with a brushed-aluminum finish are giving users more than they bargained for. 'We know this because several CNET staff were hit with an electrical charge while using Dell's new XPS M1530 — and we're not the only ones. Dell's forums are littered with user complaints about the shocking experiences they've had with some systems. The problem only seems to occur in Dell laptops that have a brushed-aluminum finish. These include the XPS M1330 and XPS M1530. It's caused by the two-pronged connection between the mains lead and the power adapter, which isn't earthed properly because of its lack of a third pin. The laptop therefore exhibits an electrical potential (voltage) between its exposed metal parts (the brushed aluminum wrist pad) and earth ground. Since there is no earth, the human body basically acts as a wire that can conduct electric current, hence the tingling, jolting sensation.'"
Forget exploding batteries, (Score:5, Funny)
Ooh, (Score:5, Funny)
The real question is... (Score:5, Funny)
Better or worse than a 9V battery?
Just Dell's friendly way to remind you that... (Score:5, Funny)
Please (Score:5, Funny)
Which is the better option? (Score:4, Funny)
I think I'll stick to my ThinkPad, thank you much...
Someone go grab John Connor! (Score:5, Funny)
Dell's answer to the MacBook Air? (Score:5, Funny)
Just keep in touch with your Dell laptop.
Were they having a fire sale? (Score:5, Funny)
Dell's response... (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Happens on Apples Too. (Score:5, Funny)
This could be... (Score:5, Funny)
Think of the possibilities!
Tech: Ok, put your mouse over the 'My computer' Icon and right click...
Guy: Why does this have to be so complicated? Why doesn't everything just work right the first time? You Idiots should be shot!
Tech: Well Sir, if you would just...
Guy: I'm tired of you people and your attitudes, why I should...*ZAP* AHHH! WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?
Tech: Now what did you learn?
Guy: I'M GONNA KILL...*ZAAP* AHHH!
Tech: A bit slow today are we?
Re:Ooh, (Score:5, Funny)
Simple fix. (With disclaimer) (Score:5, Funny)
Cut open Dell power cord, exposing the two wires inside.
Position pieces of heat-shrink tube over the stripped inner wires to be joined.
Connect positive extension cord wire to positive laptop wire and solder.
Connect neg. wire to neg. wire and solder.
Connect the third ground wire to the exterior casing of the laptop with tape as to be removable.
Cover over the sealed three wires with heat shrink or electrical tape for asthetics.
Disclaimer: I'm assuming everyone here knows what they are doing. Mains power can be very hazardous and very deadly. Do NOT attempt this if you are unsure of what you are doing -- call someone more experienced if in doubt. But for those of you who know what you are doing, this should be an easy fix to avoid the shock of you being used for a ground wire.
Re:PowerBooks have had this for a while.... (Score:1, Funny)
Are you trying to get someone killed?
Re:How the hell did they get it UL listed?? (Score:1, Funny)
Re:Forget exploding batteries, (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Defective design (Score:2, Funny)
Re:Forget exploding batteries, (Score:5, Funny)
How is encasing your laptop in a brain supposed to help? Wouldn't it be messy?
Mmm... brain-clad laptop... chewy on the outside, crunchy on the inside!
Once when I was nine... (Score:5, Funny)
I couldn't tell if the bright white flash/pop that followed came from just in front of my face, or from somewhere inside my head. Painful to say the least.
Can someone explain what happened?
Re:Dell's response... (Score:1, Funny)
Re:You've not tried hard enough - try in the batht (Score:4, Funny)
Ah yes, gone are the carefree and reckless days of youth.
Re:Simple fix. (With disclaimer) (Score:4, Funny)
Enter glass-walled reactor room
Remove shiny tube cover
Hold hands over open end of tube in mysterious fashion while leaning over tube, ensuring maximum irradiation
Replace cover, waddle over to locked door, collapse
Die in dramatic fashion while taking a subtle parting shot at your best friend for his lack of manual dexterity
Optionally, you might consider transferring your katra to someone else beforehand, especially if you've been thinking about directing and would like a shot at it in your next movie.
Re:Once when I was nine... (Score:2, Funny)
Re:Forget exploding batteries, (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Once when I was nine... (Score:3, Funny)
Sony batter or two and you would have been in the running, or at least an honorable mention.