Bam! Suddenly dropping your new laptop or that expensive iPhone is enough to cause a heart attack. No matter how sturdy your computer is, the possibility of major damage is never zero. When dropped, the result can be a slight scratch or a major crack requiring laptop screen or hinge to be replaced or repaired. Or worse, permanent damage which could render the device useless.
The damage to the laptop caused by accidental drop can range from both exterior and interior issues, and at times, it might sever the internal components and connections. It can also damage fragile circuit components inside. But the good thing is, the fate of a dropped laptop is not entirely doomed. It is affected by several factors such as:
- Height of the fall – dropping your device from a higher height increases the possibility of a severe damage. Placing your laptop at table height is ideal. Don’t place your laptop in areas higher than this unless thoroughly secured.
- Nature of the fall – observe how did the laptop fell. Was it by the side or upside down? Severe damage is likely at the point of impact with the ground when the laptop dropped at unusual angles.
- Model of the laptop – of course, the type of your device is also a factor. Some laptops have weaker bodies than others. Metallic laptops offer more durability than their counterparts. For example: some laptops are made specifically for outdoor use and are rugged enough to handle small drops. Dell laptops lead the way in this department, whereas Apple MacBook Pro laptops use low-carbon aluminum for its outer casing requiring gentle handling. You can rely on our MacBook Pro or Dell laptop repair experts in Brisbane to fix issues for damaged laptops.
- Your immediate response – how you react is also a crucial factor. First of all, don’t panic. Handle it gently and calmly to avoid further damage.
- Sheer Luck – but if luck is on your side, your laptop might go unscathed even after the fall.
What to Do When Laptop is Dropped
After you dropped your device, slowly follow these steps:
Carefully and thoroughly check the outer shell of your laptop device. If there’s only a visible scratch or a small dent, you can breathe a bit better. A small dent or a light scratch can be ignored as it won’t affect usability of the system, but if you do not want to see scratches due to a laptop falling, you may consider using stickers to cover it up. And yet, if a large crack or dent is present, having computer repair professional’s help would be necessary. For all repairs to damaged laptops in Brisbane Australia, contact The Electronic Fix technicians.
If the exterior is spared with minimal or no damage, you carefully examine the laptop screen next. The screen is one of the most fragile parts of your laptop computer. The damage can range from a dead pixel to a complete blackout.
Signs of a Damaged Laptop Screen Include
- Dead pixels
- The appearance of lines or spots
- Flickering of the screen display
- Reduced brightness or color change
- Cracks on the screen
- Unresponsive display
- Total whiteout or blackout
If one of these issues arises, restarting your computer would be the first line of defence. If the issues persist, a trip to local computer technician would be necessary. In fact, early detection and fixing any of these issues will avoid extensive repairs in the future because if not fixed, the issue won’t resolve itself. Get in touch with The Electronic Fix for all laptop screen repairs and replacement needs in Brisbane Australia.
If your device is somehow still functional after an unfortunate fall, rebooting it would be necessary to diagnose other issues that are not easily observed.
When your device won’t boot, it might just need a basic repair. Booting issues can be caused by damages to the hard drive. A loose connection or damage to the drive resulting in the operating system being unable to boot.
Such repairs are often very easy and inexpensive to fix.
- Listen for unfamiliar noise
If you can start the laptop after a drop, you are still not out of the woods as of yet because while your laptop is powered on running, you should carefully listen for unfamiliar sounds such as clicking or buzzing noises coming from inside the notebook device. These noises that arise after an accidental fall might indicate internal damage, whether this is to the ventilation fans, or with other electronic components. If noises are present, that is your laptop’s cry for help.
- Take note of other issues
If you have booted your device successfully check for other issues such as your keyboard buttons are in place, pins and sockets connections aren’t damaged, LED indicators, laptop speaker and microphone, and webcam are working are expected. Inspect each key on the keyboard using Microsoft Word so that they are still functional after a laptop’s fall.
You should also check if your laptop’s performance is affected. Was it slower? Is the PC lagging unlike before? Issues like this could also indicate other damages which you may have missed.
How to Prevent Future Damages?
The probability of dropping your laptop for the second, third, or nth time is also never zero. So, to make sure your device has added protection, take note of the following:
- Buying a laptop protective cover – yes, we’ll agree that some laptop covers are quite expensive, but worth it as they provide durable protection in case of sudden drops or scratches.
- Use of screen protector – similar to screen protectors used on mobile phone devices, a layer of protective sheet on computer display monitor is also helpful. It helps shield your screen from damage. Cleaning it would also be easier. Some screen protectors also have eye-strain protection, too!
- Be careful – one of the cheapest yet most effective ways of protecting your device is to be careful. Be mindful of where you place and use your device. Avoid table edges and areas where risk of damage is likely.
Who to Call for Damaged Laptop Due to a Drop?
No doubt that some issues as highlighted above that could arise after dropping your laptop accidentally can be handled and remedied by you. Check your laptop device’s warranty if it includes the damages your device has suffered. Contact the computer store where you purchased your laptop, or the manufacturer to help you with the warranty process.
Another important thing is to call your local computer repair professional. With an expert computer technician at hand, you’ll have peace of mind knowing issues that are not seen immediately can be addressed. They diagnose, repair, or replace damaged parts to make your laptop device as good as new (and at times performing better, much faster and secure).
Contact The Electronic Fix in Brisbane
The Electronic Fix in Brisbane and surrounding suburbs offering laptop computer repairs, upgrades and part replacement as well as fixes game consoles. To learn more visit: Alderley, Arana Hills, Ashgrove, Aspley, Enoggera, Everton Hills, Everton Park, Ascot Brisbane, Bridgeman Downs, Carseldine, Clayfield and Services section.
