Computer hardware help - broken USB

[snowborder714]

I have a laptop that is basically just used for tuning. It's a Dell Latitude C640. Sadly, it only has one USB port - that's right, one. I've been having problems with the USB port for a month or two. It's temperamental and doesn't like to connect without being at the perfect angle.

So my brother and I decided to take it apart and try and repair it. We're comfortable enough with soldering so we tried to solder two of the pins back on, as they didn't look very stable. We put it back together and it still sucked. My brother tried to JBWeld it in place and it still sucked.

We took it back apart and found there are actually 4 smaller pins for the USB port. The two we were messing with looked to be mainly for support. Well, only 1 of those 4 were still in tact. So it's now off the motherboard.

Does anyone have an idea where to buy a new one of these? There's a Foxconn company logo on the side, but it seems they are makers of larger items like motherboards, and I couldn't find any USB port off eBay.

I also looked into getting another motherboard from eBay but they seem to be going for $90+.

 

[92AWDHX40]

Hey eric my brother does computer stuff hes a IT manager anyway ill see if he knows how to get one a board, he comes across stuff from time to time. Ill take down the dell computer info and ask him this weekend. What else do you exactly need?

 

[snowborder714]

I think you should check out my signature

I'm just trying to find a place to purchase a new USB port, that's all. I called a local shop today and they said they should be able to fix it, but I won't find out until tomorrow. But if I could supply them with the port, it might make it cheaper than what they'd charge.

If I got one, I'm not sure I could put it on the board myself, since I'm not too familiar with soldering to motherboards, nor do I have the proper tools. But I might be able to get the work done cheaper or have a friend do it.

Other than that, the laptop works fine.

 

[farfromrice]

This should be what you are looking for
High Grade Standard USB Female socket - NEW - eBay (item 390106729448 end time Nov-15-09 01:13:08 PST)

 

[snowborder714]

I'll have to check the one at home, but we may have a winner!

I did notice that it's coming from Hong Kong though...boo. I like cheaper prices, but not when I have to wait 2 weeks for something to arrive. It's definitely a good find though!

 

[92AWDHX40]

Hope you fix your problem.

 

[snowborder714]

Finally got a picture of my USB port - stupid me forgot it's a vertical port I looked on eBay and they all seem to be horizontal ports.

And none of the computer repair shops around here will get me a quote.