Why do laptop makers keep using such poor design and construction for hinges? Do they want us to keep paying for repairs through their official repair services? Is this their business model?
We should all watch teardown videos of laptops to see how they’re built before making any purchase decisions.
Harlan said:
We should all watch teardown videos of laptops to see how they’re built before making any purchase decisions.
Totally agree.
Harlan said:
We should all watch teardown videos of laptops to see how they’re built before making any purchase decisions.
I’ve watched tons of iFixit videos and laptop tear-downs, and I’ve yet to see a proper full metal hinge (not metal-to-plastic) laptop.
@Amani
Razer Blade laptops, ASUS Zephyrus laptops, and high-end Dell models all have solid metal hinges. What are you talking about?
@Amani
What do you mean by a ‘proper full metal hinge’?
Ellis said:
@Amani
What do you mean by a ‘proper full metal hinge’?
I mean hinges that aren’t glued to cheap plastic, but instead have a solid metal design, like what Apple uses. Most laptop makers do use metal hinges, but they screw them weakly onto plastic, which isn’t ideal.
That’s why you can’t go wrong with a ThinkPad… although I don’t have one.
Laine said:
That’s why you can’t go wrong with a ThinkPad… although I don’t have one.
Aren’t only the business-class ThinkPads the good ones?
Laine said:
That’s why you can’t go wrong with a ThinkPad… although I don’t have one.
Except for the aluminum models, which have plastic hinge mounts glued onto the aluminum.
Laine said:
That’s why you can’t go wrong with a ThinkPad… although I don’t have one.
The better hinges in ThinkPads come at a high price, so it’s not exactly a ‘good deal.’ It should be standard in all laptops since these parts are cheap compared to other components. It’s the number one issue for many years, and manufacturers are well aware of it. They’re doing it on purpose to make us replace our laptops more often. It’s intentional and, honestly, criminal.
@Ty
I’ve had two MSI laptops over the past 8 years (GP62 6QF and P65 9SD), and the hinges are still fine. The screen was the first thing to fail in my GP62, after 6 years, not the hinges.
@Ty
It might also depend on the country. I have friends who use MSI products, but they’ve had other issues, like screen problems or speaker issues, rather than hinge failure.
@Ty
I’ve also noticed warranty regulations are different in different countries. For instance, in my country, breaking the factory seal voids the warranty, but in Germany, it’s not an issue as long as the warranty sticker isn’t physically damaged.
So many laptops use glue for their hinges, it’s just crazy.
Gracen said:
So many laptops use glue for their hinges, it’s just crazy.
They should just weld the metal onto the chassis or, if it’s plastic, mold the hinge mounts into the plastic instead of gluing them.
I didn’t expect to see the greatest technician ever here, but it makes sense that I would.
You’re doing God’s work by sharing a video from the Greatest Technician Ever.
I’ve been using convertible laptops for years because the hinges are built differently. Even cheaper 2-in-1 models include a metal spine that connects to the hinge to handle the extra stress. Most business laptops also have stronger hinge hardware, but it depends on the brand and model. It’s just unacceptable that hinge quality is so poor on most laptops today.
Check out brands that make hinges properly, like those that use drilled/milled holes instead of glue. ThinkPad and MacBook come to mind.