Increasing reports of Samsung N510 hinge fault [Video]
January 31, 2010 at 8:26 pm
The Samsung N510 is the company’s first 11.6-inch netbook and also the first to come with the Nvidia ION chipset. We were quite impressed with the device when we reviewed it at the end of last month, with the main negative factor being the high price. However, it seems like there is a design issue affecting a number of people that we didn’t encounter whilst testing it.
The hinge that holds the display in place has broken for a number of people. It clicks out of place when the display moves, the most likely cause is a broken clip inside the hinge. SammyNetbook member tintii first reported this problem back in November, but since then there are a number of others that have had the same issue.
What’s worse is that Samsung seems to be denying any fault when users are reporting the fault. Many of those netbooks sent off to be repaired have yet to be returned. It sounds too many to be a coincidence and some members are demanding Samsung issue a recall on the product. Do you own a Samsung N510? If so, we’d love to hear if you’ve had any issues with your netbook and how successful you were in getting it repaired.
March 23rd, 2010 2:35 PM
Very happy with my Samsung N510 just noticed that the left hinge is slightly wobbley, when closing the lid the left hand hinge needs the be pushed into place ever so slightly, what should I do, return it back to Samsung or is it something I can fix?
Regards
Eddie van den Bron
April 22nd, 2010 11:36 AM
I had this exact clip problem where about a month ago. Then I pressed the two halves together to lock it again. Thereafter the hinge was not closing properly. Now I know its sam’s fault
May 21st, 2010 11:17 PM
I bought Samsung N510 in beginning of November 2009. The hinge problem exactly as described above did happen on my netbook about a month ago.
Made a call to samsung support, they gave me a number for dealers in Dublin, Ireland who does under warranty repairs. Unfortunately for me “Fonemenders” did say that they never seen such issue before on any laptop because of manufacturers fault and I must be dropped netbook or so.
June 5th, 2010 12:06 PM
I bought my N510 in November last year. This hinge problem occurred within the first month and I’ve just put up with it as tolerating the fault seems easier than potentially wasting hours on the phone trying to sort out the problem.
But now I’ve realised that for almost £400 I deserve something that doesn’t break during normal use in less than a month and I want it sorted. Does anyone have any recommendations on the best course of action?
June 5th, 2010 12:24 PM
Email bill n warranty + fotos of broken hinge to relevant office after showing it to the authorised service repair and follow it up with a fax. Speak to the Officer in charge directly to sort out the matter.
July 24th, 2010 9:00 AM
I just came across it today: Have the N510 since last summer, did not use it extensively, only at home (couch surfing and similar). Lid opening was always a bit “hard”, you need to fix the base with a hand, otherwise the whole computer lifts off. Today it made “click” and the left hinge is out of place. Further more, the corresponding angle of the lid slightly opened and after re-pushing it together it re-opens on any lid-move. As I invested quite a lot in my gentoo linux installation (yeah), I have not much will to send it over to Samsung. But if there is any official statement or re-call, I would be very much interested.
Jens
August 29th, 2010 2:44 PM
I have just received an NP-N510 mini notebook with the same problem. (A loose hinge). I took it apart and all the screw holders inside have came loose or parts of the housing were broken off inside. I the problem I’m having now is finding a replacement housing for it. Only when I went looking for the housing I found out that it is a common problem. dose anyone know where I can get housing for the NP-N510