Well...let’s see...my first introduction to him was when he brought in his old laptop (the one this replaced). One hinge was broken in two. I’m not sure how that’s even possible.
So we bought him this new Latitude D620, and got Complete Care. He’s had it less than a year.
CD-ROM drive got busted somehow - possibly dropped.
The pointing stick is missing its little eraser head, I noted today. Some keys were a little odd last time I used it. I can’t remember if we replaced the wireless card or not. Very obvious signs of wear all over the thing.
Today he brought it in because it wouldn’t turn on, not with just battery, not with AC. The battery lights up as fully charged when I press the test. I went to clean the contacts, though I figured if it was just the battery, it would work on AC. Noted something sticky in the battery compartment, and on further observation, a little around the keyboard, though I figure he must have rinsed it somehow...and the system is no longer wet. No confession, though.
I spoke with a tech for about an hour today, trying different power combinations, but we came to the conclusion that the MB is fried, most likely. I kinda wonder what it looks like in there. Considering all the finicky little screws involved, I didn’t want to try to take a gander at the board itself.
I’m wondering what was spilled, too. Latitudes are pretty hard to kill. He lets his son use it a lot, and he’s about six and less than careful. That’s a big part of this. ;-)
However, kids are very good at ruining electronics, especially when they are allowed to use electronics without adult supervision.
He doesn't want to hear that he shouldn't let his kid use the computer if the kid isn't responsible, does he?
I am sooo very glad I'm not doing tech support right now ...