Problem with Chromebook display separation Issue arises when screen detaches from the device.
Problem with Chromebook display separation Issue arises when screen detaches from the device.
I possess an Acer Chromebook Spin 514 bought from Costco a while back. It seems to have been a while since I last opened or shut it, possibly when handling the laptop casing. I don’t remember exactly where I placed something, but it didn’t fit properly. I noticed after that incident, whenever I opened and closed the lid, parts of the hinge area would be missing, making it difficult to operate smoothly. It appeared to be on the left side of the hinge, likely rectangular in shape. Recently, while using a paper towel to cover the hinge, I think it got stuck, leaving behind some sticky residue. This might have contributed to further damage. When I tried to close it fully, the screen would partially fall and sometimes drop onto the surface. I’ve tried adjusting its position, but the hinge still slops diagonally. I’m concerned about the condition of the device now, especially since the green spot near the bottom left seems to be the RAM area.
I observed that my touchpad no longer displayed a mouse cursor. After turning off and then restarting my Chromebook, the cursor reappeared when I connected a wireless mouse. When I used a wired mouse, the cursor still appeared. However, the trackpad stopped functioning entirely. It seems closing the laptop partially might have triggered this issue. While typing now causes problems—like the screen tilting and sometimes fully dropping—it still works with a wireless mouse. The touchpad appears damaged as well, so replacement might be necessary. I purchased this Chromebook a few years ago for about $330, and it performed well until recently. I plan to share some photos of its condition. My question is whether Costco can repair this or if I need to replace the screen. I’m also concerned about the warranty; since it expired, I’m unsure if they’ll fix the mouse cursor problem. I noticed the cursor only appeared with a wireless mouse connected, but not when using a wired one. If the touchpad is no longer responsive, shouldn’t the cursor still show? Once the wireless connection was established, the cursor appeared.
Are you sharing images? A photo would clarify your problem much more effectively than words alone. Perhaps then we could explore a DIY repair solution, since no manufacturer is offering free fixes anymore due to the product being long past its warranty period.
I'll share some updates soon. Costco offers a two-year warranty, but this laptop seems older than that. If it's still under warranty, they might either swap it out or repair it instead of replacing it entirely. Since it's within the warranty window, they probably won't fix it themselves. I've noticed many people open the hinges when using or closing their laptops—this is common. If taken to a repair shop, parts would likely cost around $80. A screen replacement is usually $50, and a non-functional touchpad could add another $30. Some screens are over $150, especially if it's a touchscreen. Repairing it at a shop would probably run you at least $100, maybe more. If someone knows how to fix computers themselves, buying new parts might make sense.
These items are made very affordably, which means it’s likely this will happen again. It’s usually just thin plastic screws that break easily, which is common in both budget and even premium laptops. Fixing them isn’t worth the effort—you can easily find a cheaper replacement on sites like eBay for under $160 or better. Chromebooks are produced cheaply because they’re not meant to last long and are designed as disposable devices, which is unfortunate.
The idea is I’d opt for a brand-new Chromebook rather than a refurbished one. A fresh device would set me back just over $300. Upgrading the screen and touchpad, then getting it fixed at a shop, would likely add another $200 or more. Since I already own this model from a few years ago, I plan to keep using it for a long time.
These images show what my laptop screen looks like after it fell on my folding table. In the third picture on the left, you’ll see a lot of paper towels stuck there. I’ve tried closing the laptop several times and used paper towels, but parts of them got stuck because they’re sticky. I usually take one or two pieces to open and close it since it tends to get dirty.
The photos show the laptop appears intact after squeezing the screen, but later it starts to detach and drop on the table. Right now it only works with a wireless mouse; the touchpad isn’t functioning either, though I rarely use the touchscreen. Replacing the screen would be expensive, especially since it’s a touchscreen model. The touchpad failure makes it less practical. A new Chromebook would cost around $330, which seems similar to this setup. If someone fixes it themselves, it might be worth the effort. Buying parts and having them repaired at a shop could cost about $200 for replacement and repair. If you decide to buy a new one, you’d need to consider whether to keep or discard the old device. Safety-wise, frequent opening and closing could pose risks similar to electrical devices—always handle it carefully.