Dell Laptops Have Shocking New Problem

dapsychous writes "A friend of one of my coworkers has noticed a problem in Dell notebook computers (also covered in this engadget article about a problem that has been popping up lately in Dell 17" notebook computers). It seems that these computers are putting out between 19 and 139 (65 according to article, 139 according to him) volts of AC power as measured from any chassis screw vs. earth ground. This has led to several problems including fried ram, blown video circuits, and a stout zap on his left hand. According to him, Dell has tried to keep him quiet about the problem and has even gone so far as to have him banned from a few websites, and threatened him with legal action if he tells people about the problem."

Dude, you're getting a

[Spy Handler]

shock...

Re:Dude, you're getting a

[eviloverlordx]

shock...

I guess this means we shouldn't urinate on the third screw then, eh?

Re:Oh shit.

[Abolo]

Google? They seem nice.

new campaign

[physicsboy500]

Dell's new marketing campaign should be: Dell: our computers are elecrifying!

Hooray!

[aerthling]

Let the corny puns begin!

Thank goodness I resisted buying a Dell!

Re:Third-hand hearsay...

[AdamKG]

My friend's cousin's grand-uncle's doctor begs to differ!

Re:Hooray!

[weeboo0104]

I didn't even have to resist buying one.
Shocking laptops? Who needs that kind of impedance when trying to work?

Maybe Dell should just give away the defective laptops. You know, ohms for the poor.

Re:Non-repro?

[Walt Dismal]

Speaking of non-repro, if you have the laptop in your lap and your feet in the bathtub, you may never have to worry about not getting a date on Saturday night ever again. It only takes one line voltage zap and Mr. Happy will be terminally depressed, as will his two small buddies. So remember, NEVER put a ground strap on your ankles and sit down to use a Dell laptop during a thunderstorm on Friday the 13th. In Texas. While wearing an aluminized Mylar bunnysuit and no underwear. However, this is all too common.

Re:Hooray!

[Clever7Devil]

I don't care watt you say. This issue has the potential to increase reluctance to buy Dell.

Re:Non-repro?

[Bandman]

Is it wrong that the first thing I thought was "but won't the bunny suit create a faraday cage around you?"

Re:Oh shit.

[Bandman]

unless something has gone horribly, horribly wrong

Re:Non-repro?

[Walt Dismal]

Faraday cage good for electrostatic charge, maybe not so good for current flow from laptop to testicles to ankles. Let me get some aluminum foil and test this.. be right back.... $#%)(&!!!!... whimper... yup, it's a baaaad idea...

Re:Non-repro?

[morgan_greywolf]

Could be a lot of things. Could be a buggy video driver. Could be a bug in DirectX. Always make sure you are up to date on your video driver, video BIOS, system BIOS and DirectX before resigning it to be a heat issue.

Re:Hooray!

[Shadyman]

WATT you say?
Somebody set up us the bomb!

Dell have shut Microsoft up too! OMG!!

[Red Moose]

I just tried to click the link and it said Internet Explorer cannot display the webpage!

Michael Dell doesn't fuck around does he!!!!

Re:Oh shit.

[Anonymous Coward]

Sir, that unauthorized feeling of painfulness is not actually be happening. In any case, your fingers are out of warranty period.

Re:Non-repro?

[eln]

While this may be sound advice, I refuse to relinquish my Friday night ritual just because some dude on the Internet told me to.

How many GNU in a BitTorrent?

[Anonymous Coward]

I read this as 65 Stallmans per 91 file sharers :)

Re:Oh shit.

[MrAnnoyanceToYou]

That was just an act to get into your pants. Sorry to have to tell you this way.

Re:Non-repro?

[hosecoat]

"So remember, NEVER put a ground strap on your ankles and sit down to use a Dell laptop during a thunderstorm on Friday the 13th. In Texas. While wearing an aluminized Mylar bunnysuit and no underwear. However, this is all too common."

so am i better off wearing my tinfoil hat or not?

Re:Only in America!

[DrSkwid]

Real techies use bare wires and a screwdriver to open ground, remove the screwdriver and the socket holds the wires in place.

people usually freak out a bit a first but just ignore them :)

Nice Headline...

[sd_diamond]

But I think that Slashdot editors should conduct themselves in a more professional manner. How else can we expect you to discharge your duties effectively, and eliminate the audience's natural resistance?

Now let's get back to the current topic.

You insensitive clod!

[TheOldSchooler]

That's how three of my family members died!

Re:new campaign

[gbobeck]

Dell: our computers are elecrifying!

That is shockingly clever idea for a current marketing campaign.

Re:I wonder if this has anything to do with

[PPH]

How does static electricity get you an AC current?

You stroke a cat, then pick it up by the tail and swing it around over your head at 3600 RPM (3000 RPM in Europe).

Re:Right.

[cbiltcliffe]

Whatever you do don't piss on a DELL!

Why not? That might be the only way to put out the battery fire!

Re:Non-repro?

[manifoldronin]

Well he probably needed a cup holder anyway.

Re:You trust them?

[Pollardito]

maybe they'll start shipping Dell Voltmeters that don't register any current less than 139 volts free with the purchase of any laptop

The comments to the article?

[BigBuckHunter]

The article is a bit barren, but the comments have some gems. Like this.
I have a dell 6400 with the better display and YES i do get little shocks every other time i touch it. I thought its ok, but i guess its not...should i call dell and address this problem?
I mean, holy f'ing 5h1t! How can anyone possible have to ask someone else that question.. Errr, Duhhh... My laptop is shocking me Bob... Should I call support?

I'm just astounded.
BBH

Re:Non-repro?

[Anonymous Coward]

She is happy because those are 6+ hours she doesn't spend with you.

Re:Non-repro?

[dcam]

Yeah I am looking to get something to fix it over the weekend. Been a little too busy with work to do anything about if for a week or so.

Re:Non-repro?

[BillX]

Does that mean if he puts an iced coffee in it, he can overclock?