BigE22

Just registered here to get some advice on this issue that popped up 2 days ago on my HP dv8000.

As I was just surfing around I noticed the screen dimmed like it typically does to save power when running on battery (when the power adapter gets unplugged). Only the power adapter hadn't been touched, and was still connected. After investigating it for a little bit I realized that the adapter connection was still being recognzied by the computer, because the LED used to signal Battery Charging/Power Supply connected (lighting bolt) started flashing whenever I plugged the power cord in. So I'm thinking the wires in the adapter are fine, but it's still not providing power.

I called HP and they suggested it's a problem with the battery, but since it was still running fine off the battery (while the charge lasted), I didn't think that was the problem. They then said that it was because laptops are not designed to handle the typical workload of a desktop, and the circuit/chip connected to the power inlet probably blew out. Since it's over 8 months out of warranty, they wanted $400 for repairs and would give a 3 month warranty on the repair...I wasn't gonna pay $400 to fix an older laptop when for less than double that I could get a new one with a full warranty.

So I'm thinking about getting a desktop and trying to get help on repairing this myself. Anyone have experience with being able to fix a similar problem themselves, and could provide some help? Also, does anyone think I have a leg to stand on regarding getting it fixed free of cost? I mean, if they market the thing as a "desktop replacement", then they shouldn't give me any crap excuses that the problem was caused by me using it for extended periods of time.