Gateway MX6421 Laptop Review
Initially, I loved this computer as it has a nice wide clear screen and was comfortable to use. Unfortunately, it soon became clear that there was a problem with the screen and the hinge system. The screen just wasn't stable and the one hinge soon had a crack. It seemed like the hinge system just wasn't strong enough to support the weight and width of the screen. I called Gateway and they agreed to send a box to my home so that I could ship it back to them for repair. I was really pleased as it sounded like everything would be taken care of under the warrantee. A week later I got a call from Gateway asking for my credit card number so they could charge me for the repair. I spoke to a dozen or so people, all at different numbers and while some were slightly nicer than others, they argued with me from the start that the break was my fault; they claimed it was probably the result of misuse. I hadn't dropped the computer or bumped it or done anything that would have caused the break. I finally had to go online to their corporate website and get a number to their legal department. I called and left a message and the next day had a call that the computer would be repaired at no cost. This process took weeks. I finally got the laptop back and the hinge had a kind of patch of plastic screwed in to stabilize the screen. It was a crappy repair. The hinge soon broke again and remains that way.
The computer works fine, though I have to be really careful with it and basically leave it open all the time now. The CD ROM drive stopped working around the same time the hinge broke. The other problem with the computer is that the battery gets really hot, though it isn't on the recall list. You can't actually put the laptop on your lap, or you'll burn your legs. I keep a Rolling Stone magazine handy to use as a buffer between me and the laptop. Same problem with the power cord, it gets so hot that I'm afraid to leave it on my leather couch for fear that it will destroy the leather.
I wouldn't buy another Gateway mainly because of the crummy customer service. The phone system for technical support and customer service is really confusing and the people answering the calls aren't particularly knowledgeable or helpful. I have two kids heading to college this year and we're going for the Dell.
Published by Veronica
Love to write, explore, laugh and read and walk the beach. Interests include hiking, travel, photography, mental health, jewlery making and books. In the real world, I'm a mental health professional. View profile
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8 Comments
Post a CommentAnyone know a good lawyer looking for a class action suit made of broken hinges?
I too have a broken hinge. I would like to know where I can get the part to fix it myself since Gateway tech help is so bad. If I could get a few hinges, I'd feel safe for future breakages.
Yes veronica I have the same set of problems and in addition the POWER supply is dead. NO ONE will toch it as they know this MX6421 is GARBAGE. I was always a Toshiba or IBM person and worked with Konica Minolta and HP..The Gateway should be in a class action suite..Wis the highway to failure.anta go there..I do..Oh xcuse me..I have a few sets of Tax concerns that NO One can reach..GateWay
Wow! This is an awesome blog that is related to Laptop Computer Review that there is lots of thinking in our mind whether to buy a used one or brand new. So, the whole process of making laptop reviews and comparisons can become very messy and confusing. I suggest that one must think twice and take advice from friends or other relatives while purchasing a laptop.
I have the same problem! I got my Laptop From Future Shop in 2006, and from what i researched everyone has problems who had purchased it around that time! My hinge unfortunately broke just after the 2 year mark, after i gave it to my mom to use and i have already bought an Apple.
I chatted with one of the customer service reps and he just told me to call the 1-877 number where they charge you to talk about your problem!
I'm wondering if Gateway has made so many faulty laptops, isn't there ANYTHING we can do? I mean i paid a lot of money for this piece of crap and now it's kinda tricky to use since i'm scared the whole screen will get screwed up! I'm officially off Gateway and moving on to Apple! But im hopping i can still fix my old laptop!
I bought this laptop myself and the right hinge broke a little over a year after I purchased it. I had been leery of buying a gateway as I haven't heard good things about their customer service. But I was smart and purchased a best buy extended warranty (something I recommend with every laptop no matter the manufacturer), so I took it in to best buy to get it fixed. I paid nothing out of pocket and was told that the hinges were most likely faulty from the date of manufacture. I haven't had any problems since.
The right hinge on my computer is messed up as well. I've had my computer for about a year and since a few months after I bought my laptop, the seam along the right side of the monitor's hinge has been splitting. I have no idea how to fix this so I temporarily solved it by using duct tape. It sounds cheap but as a college student, I don't have the money to take it in for repair and after reading about the customer service, I don't have the time or energy to go through that mess. I do use the laptop often, but I know I do not mistreat it. The hot underside is also a complaint of mine. If I'm going to use the computer on my lap, I have to have it fixed so that it isn't laying completely on my legs with a floor or ceiling fan running so air can ventilate through, though if it's on a desk, I bought a lap stand that elevates it at an angle for ventilation. I'm about to start college and if it's already having these issues now, how is it supposed to last me for another couple years?
This sounds exactly like my problem! I have taken excellent care of my laptop, however one of the hinges got a small crack from the weight of the screen and is now totally unattached. Everything works fine, I just have to make sure the other hinge doesn't crack under the new stress weight. The battery gets extremely hot. I have to have a blanket under it so it doesn't burn my legs. Anyone who uses my laptop comments about how hot it gets. I can't part from my laptop for even a day, so I can't send it back to Gateway to get fixed. I think I'd rather pay and take it somewhere local to get fixed after reading about how long it took and what a struggle it was.