TOSHIBACOMPUTER.COM Toshiba Laptop Computer , Satellite Series, Satellite Laptop Lawrenceville, Georgia
I purchased "2" Toshiba Satellite, series L505, laptop computers within 9 months in 2010-2011. Both were in the $500 to $600.00 range. Prior to purchase I extensively researched the "best, most reliable" laptops via Consumer Reports and various "Tech" web sites, and this model was in the "top 5" for reliability, most bang for your buck, function, etc.... The first purchase was for my 'college freshman' and the 2nd for 'me'---my very first laptop.
Within 3 months the AC Adaptor stopped functioning due to parts falling apart on the first one. Toshiba immediately sent a new one at no charge. Within 6 months the AC adaptor on the 2nd one (mine) literally broke off and got stuck in my laptop. I used a pair of tweezers, extracted the parts, and contacted Toshiba. The product was still under "Warranty". The company spokesperson advised Toshiba would not replace the adaptor because '....it broke off inside the machine.....it just didn't stop functioning....". The cheapest replacement adaptor I found was approximately $80.00. Little did I know the worst was yet to come.
Two years pass. My daughter calls from college stating her Toshiba laptop crashed. Upon inspection and analysis by staff and professionals at her college's 'Computer Lab' they found the problem. It seems the computer part where the AC Adaptor plugs into the laptop (to charge) was malfunctioning. They saved what data they could and advised it would cost more to repair (IF IT COULD BE REPAIRED) than it was worth. They also advised that only Toshiba could repair this problem.
The 12 month warranty had expired. I had to pay for a 'rental' computer for approx. one month until I replaced the Toshiba with an APPLE Macbook Air, then mailed to her college.
"My" Toshiba, less than 2 years old, has already had to have the battery replaced. I'm currently experiencing router problems, shadows in the corners of my screen, etc... I will be pleasantly surprised if 'the part' where my AC Adaptor plugs in doesn't malfunction within the next few months.
I firmly believe this is a manufacturing defect Toshiba has failed to acknowledge and many consumers have been ripped off, just like me. $1100.00 is a large amount of money for anyone. For a permanently disabled widow with a child in college, it's enormous. I will ever purchase another Toshiba product of any kind. I bit the bullet and purchased our first "APPLE".
1 Updates & Rebuttals
Ashley
springfield,Missouri,
U.S.A.
Welcome to the world of laptops
#2Consumer Comment
Thu, January 12, 2012
They arent designed to last more than a couple years these days. If you get 2 years out of one you are doing good. Your battery needing to be replaced is common, that will happen with any laptop. Also, you must not have shopped very hard to find an AC adapter. I've had 5 or 6 go out on various laptops and you can find a replacement for under $20. Try amazon or ebay. As for the problem with your daughter's laptop, are you sure it was a manufacturing defect and not misuse? I has one of these ports go out on a laptop, and it was from the way I used the laptop.
I do have a question for you, you are upset that the warranty doesn't go beyond 1 year, why didn't you purchase an extended warranty for the machine? As for the apple comment, it detracts from your whole report. Apple products are no better than any others on the market. You'll pay more for them, have more expensive repairs, and are stuck with proprietory products and software. Would I but a toshiba? No, probably not. I know its alow quality laptop, and two years is about all I would expect out of one.