What Should I Expect to Pay for Laptop Charging Port Repair?

I used to own an Acer Aspire 3, and replacing the barrel jack is usually pretty straightforward if you're somewhat handy. It's a common issue, and you don't need professional soldering skills—I've done it myself, and I'm pretty clumsy! Just don't let them overcharge you.

Just a heads up, you could find an 8th gen i5 HP ProBook for under £100. If the repair estimate is above £120, it might be worth looking at getting a new laptop instead of fixing this one since it's likely cheaper.

If the port is replaceable, it should cost less than if they have to replace the entire motherboard, but it really depends on the shop and the availability of parts. You should ask for a quote, and if you get one, feel free to share it to see if it seems reasonable. Since your laptop might not be worth much, you might want to consider just buying a new one or a decent used business laptop if the repair costs too much.

I had an Acer A4 with similar charging issues. It turned out to be the charging lead, just a bit past the connector on the laptop side. I fixed it myself by cutting out the damaged section and re-soldering it, and now it works great! You could try moving or twisting the charging wire while holding the connector—does the charge light flicker on or off?

If it's just a worn-out charging port, you can check AliExpress for a replacement part by searching your laptop model. They often go for about $2 plus shipping. Factor in what you think is a fair price for the repair person's time and expertise—I'd say around £50 seems fair for something simple. And hey, if their quote seems high, you'll know where to find a new port! You could always grab a soldering iron and tackle it yourself.