Ethernet port loose?

[Fangirl]

Exactly what it says on the tin. My Ethernet cord won't stay put and I can't keep connected unless I hold the cord in, otherwise it just slips out. I've got Apple Care, but no idea whether or not they'll fix this. (I've tried multiple cords, so I don't think that's the problem.)

If not, how much am I looking at to get this replaced? (Normally, I'd just buy a router, but I have a wireless router… at home, in the United States. I'm currently located in Tokyo, and would rather not have to buy a router here, since I can't really read the manual.)

Either way, how long am I looking at this taking? Depending on the cost, I may or may not go for getting it fixed, but if I do, I would like to know how long I can expect to be without my laptop, though. (I would ask at the Genius Bar, but my Japanese is shaky and my computer skills aren't much better.)

I looked through the forum, but didn't find anything that addressed this, directly, so… hopefully I'm not imposing.

(Also, as a side note, my MacBook's got those little splinters again, and I'd like to get them fixed up. How long does that usually take, any idea? (Or, better yet, does anyone know if it will take longer than usual in Tokyo?))

 

[CylonGlitch]

The ethernet port sounds like you've broken the connector off the PCB inside the computer. Sure you can hold it in, but that isn't realistic. This is caused by bumping or hitting the cable so that the solder gives way from around the pins that hold the connector to the board. This is a common problem for all electronics.

To get it replaced you're going to have to have the entire logic board replaced (hopefully under AppleCare). This should only take a few days. If you are out of warranty then it may be damn expensive for something like this. If you know what your doing, it is easy enough to fix with a soldering iron.

As a different suggestion, an a cheaper solution. Go buy yourself a USB to Ethernet adaptor and just use that; should be about $40 to $50US. Not sure how much difference it would be in Japan. But that is most likely your easiest, fastest, and cheapest solution.

 

[Fangirl]

Thanks. I wasn't sure how to phrase that (in English; I'm not sure how I'll explain myself in Japanese).

I do have AppleCare until this August, should this be covered under that plan? (I didn't do anything; it wasn't like I dropped the computer or yanked out the cord, just over time it got looser and looser.)

I'm glad to hear it should only take a few days, though.

If it's not covered, I'll look into the USB adapter or having someone from the States mail me a router; not like I can't use it at school or sell it or something when I get back, and I'd have the added convenience of wireless.