A Possible Design Flaw of ASUS A8HE (A8HSeries) Laptop

Last July, I decided to buy a laptop using my savings from Stock Trading and Google Adsense. Because of my limited budget (Php42,000) I have to balance the quality versus cost of this laptop. I want a laptop that has a “name”, and has some “a little advanced” features like video cam, wireless connection, core duo, and a DVD support. I later decided to buy ASUS A8HE at Php 40,000 with free bag, Asus RX3041 router, and Logitech mouse.

ASUS A8HE’s basic features are:
Intel Core Duo T2060 1.66Ghz
Intel 943GM Express
512 DDR2 533MHZ
14.1” WXGA Colorshine
128MB Video IMVT
80GB Hard Disk Drive
DVD Super Multi Double Layer
Wireless LAN 802.11 b/g
1 x RJ45 Jack for LAN
1 x RJ11 Modem for Phone Line
5 X USB, 1X IEEE 1394,
4 in 1 card reader
Headphone Out/S/PDIF
TV Out/Line In/Mic Jack
Headphone Out/S/PDIF
ASUS OPTICAL MOUSE
ASUS CARRY BAG
0.35M PIXEL Webcam
2.39 KGS
2 years Global Warranty

My laptop works fine for a couple of months. Actually, there has been no problem on the hardware components). Months later, I noticed a cracking sound every time I lift-off or move the LCD screen. I searched where it was coming and noticed a crack on the hinge of the display that almost exposes the components inside. Some portion of the display was already broken down into pieces. I immediately rushed to the store where I bought it and inquired for a repair.

While inquiring, they told me that I wasn’t the first who requested for a repair of that same model. There were one or two other costumers who purchased the same model and eventually have the same problem as mine, broken hinge. The hinge, actually, of this ASUS model is so tight and brittle that after not some number of open and close sequence, it breaks up.

3 weeks later I have my laptop repaired. And yesterday, I came back to the same store to look for other stuff to buy for this Christmas season. Coincidentally, I came along with another guy sending his laptop for repair, and hooray, it’s the same laptop model as mine and has the same problem too.

ASUS A8HE’s performance and functionality is good. I just wish that the design and manufacturing of the non-electronics component is also excellent.