hello, my dell laptop recently fell from my desk while it was connected to its adaptor. this has caused the ROD like metal piece that connects the adaptor to the computer to break off. a technician (one that i question) says the only way to fix this is to replace the whole motherboard which would cost more than then laptop itself. does anyone KNOW if there are any alternatives to this, if welding the piece would work?? Please help..Hello friend.
I shock to hear that...but...
Anyway I think some technitions can do especially Authorized Technitions. So try to contact them. I do hope that they will repair your laptop.
Take care of you and others and be happy and dont worry.
Bye...
Dur-E-Wahab
I'm afraid the technician is right and you are SOL.  No, they can't be welded.depending on the model,you may be able to replace the power plug which GOES ONTO the motherboard.Dells are usually able to be fixed.it will cost a few hundred bucks to replace but it may be worth it depending on what you haveAny piece of electronic equipment that needs repairs can be repaired.

See the evidence yourself by examining the MB carefully. To determine whether the motherboard needs to be replaced, see if you can get someone knowledgeable enough (i.e. local university)  to help you open up the system, and see if the adapter connector points actually connect to the motherboard. If it is, see if there's a crack or break coming from the adaptor point extending across the motherboard. If it looks bad, then the technician's got it right. MB may need replacing.

If the adaptor connection point looks okay, it may be possible to use a soldering iron (small one) to remove the broken component from the board. Once done, get a replacement part and solder it in. If it is welded as Commando suggest, sorry a solution may not be possible as it forms an integral part of the board and TRYING to remove it would damage the board.

At the end of it, if the cost of replacing the MB is higher than the value of the system, then buying a new system is more sensible.

If you think the part can be replaced, it wouldn't hurt to at least have a go at it before replacing the MB or the system.

Good luck.

Adam