Am I getting reamed?

[nest]

To all computer savy repair guys. I just dropped my laptop off at a repair store to get the jack (power plug-in, situated in the back) fixed and they asked to give a 45$ deposit before they would look at the computer (the money will go towards repairs). He then told me that it would cost at least 160$ to fix the jack. Am I taking it up the pooper? Does this sound like a reasonable price? If anyone has any advice it would be greatly appreciated.
nest

[mnflyfish]

Geek Squad? That sounds like it could be a little high but not unreasonable. I'm lucky I found some local guy that is super cheap and super good, fast too. I have used Geek Squad in the past, through Best Buy, and they do a good job, but their more expensive and they always estimate it will take two weeks to get it back. That would be fine if it was the family computer, but this is my business laptop, and I can't just disappear for two weeks, unless I'm skiing.

Good Luck,
Jay

[pechelman]

If you can solder and are confident or know someone who is good at it just do it yourself.

Hardest part will be getting the damned thing open without breaking anything.

Also remove your battery, unplug it, obviously, and dont touch anything other than that power connector. Ground yourself by touching something metal or by resting your arm on the metal frame. Or if youre fance buy an ESD bracelet.

160 though doesnt sound unreasonable, although maybe a bit on the high side.

[TyWebb]

I stepped on the power cord and torn the jack from my Powerbook, the repair was quite a bit than you are paying. Yes you're taking it up the shitter, but it is on par with similar repairs I've seen.

[nest]

Thanks for the feedback guys. It is some local guy (located behind BD in SLC) not the geek squad. I guess I was envisioning a fifty dollar fix and the price took me by surprise. Less $ for ski gear now .