My problems started with that pin on the back of my 1450 being loose. I hope it works out for you.

Thanks thats where I am at right now so i am going to buy a new piece and see if i can get it working thanks again for your information

I have had my Gateway Solo 1450 since '02 and have had ONLY power-related problems with it. I can't remember the order in which the problems happened... but here they are:

1. Battery does not hold charge. I can only operate this thing when it is plugged in. So really, it isn't a laptop.

2. For a long period of time, the power button did not work. I would press it, the lights would flash on for maybe half of the flashing sequence I usually see and then nothing else would happen. The computer would be making noises but nothing would appear on the screen. Then about 2 months ago it went back to normal. (???)

3. The outlet where the power cord plugs in became loose. The cord had to be held or taped down at a certain angle to get power to the computer. VERY frustrating. Then it just became too loose to operate. I had it repaired by a computer repair place (was no longer under warranty) and it is still a bit loose to the point that I might accidentally bump it and cut off all power.

Hope this info helps.

in relation to 1)

all batteries eventually get into a state where they hold no charge - thats the way they are - with everyday use its 2/3 years

2 and 3 sound like the problem most ppl are experiencing though

I have this same problem, the cord that connects the ac adapter to the comp always felt loose, and never felt like it was "in" all the way. Anyway in the past few days, i have to jiggle, move the wire around, i tried taping it with some coins behind the plug to keep pressure, its really annoying, i was about to call gateway support, did a search and found this thread. Im assuming buying a new ac adapter isnt gonna help much and i should just buy a new comp?

ok, thought it was just me too, the pin broke off in february, had the laptop sent out and the pin replaced, it became loose again and saturday actually caught fire. We have had so many problems with this laptop that it is unreal, for a while, it wouldn't boot up at all, i played around with it.. left the middle screw on the back panel off.. it worked ( tada?) the power supply, the overheating... anyway.. good luck with this. I hope that it does some good.

I have a Gateway MX6436 notebook. I've had it for just over a year (my warranty went out last Friday, I think). I have had to get my hard drive AND CPU replaced under warranty and they said they wouldn't fix my power port because it was my fault. It's loose from the motherboard. I don't recall putting and extra pressure on it... so I don't know why it would be my fault. And now that my warranty is out there is nothing I can do. I literally have $7 to my name and no way to fix it. My boyfriend was going to, but he doesn't think he can because he can't get the thing off to sauder it back on. It would cost me at LEAST over 100 to get it fixed at, say, Best Buy. And that's just a guess. '
I'm having to use the desktop, which is in horrible condition...
I just don't know what I'm going to do.

I say we should get together and demand refunds....

My wife and I bought a gateway laptop about 2 years ago and the only problems we've had have been with the power port on the back. Ours is loose and the only way we've been able to get a charge in it is by holding the plug at an angle. If I had the money right now I'd get a macbook instead.

How do I get together with people on this issue? My power button broke on the computer as well. I went to CompUSA and the guy opened it up, and showed me how to fix it. He said the motherboard DOES NOT NEED to be replaced... WHAT THIS ALL BOILS DOWN TO IS GATEWAY SCAMMING THE HELL OUT OF EVERYONE WHO BUYS THEIR PRODUCTS!!! And, along with everyone else here, I am enraged and this DEFINATELY needs to be REPORTED. I did not pay $1500 for a computer just to have turn around and spen another $300 less than 2 years after having bought it. They made it to break AFTER the warranty expires, so that they can SCAM people! Please tell me how to get involved in the lawsuit!!! Thanks, Lisa