HP Charging Ports Parts for Slate 7

How to Keep Your Slate 7 Charging

For many people, a tablet is better than a TV; it's a portable entertainment center you can take anywhere. The only catch is that it only works as long as you can charge it.

What Do You Need to Keep a Tablet Charged?

There are three main elements involved in making sure your tablet has enough power to get you through the day. Should any one of them fail, you are going to have issues even if both the other components are working perfectly.

• Charger: This takes the AC power from the plug and converts it to the DC that both your battery and the HP Slate 7 need to operate. While they can fail or be lost, they are easily replaceable.
• Charging Port: Often underrated, these parts provide the physical connection between the cable and the tablet. Due to the nature of the mechanical connection, it's important to make sure it's in good condition.
• Battery: While lithium batteries are long lasting, they do degrade over time and can only support a large but limited number of charge cycles before needing replacement.

What Can You Do to Fix a Charge Port?

It's easy enough to tell when you are having problems with your tablet's docking port. It feels loose when you try to insert the cable, and sometimes the connector won't even fit; or even if it does fit in the port it doesn't connect. There are two approaches you can take to resolve the issue and get your Slate back up and running. All you need is a toothpick if you're lucky, or a few minor parts if you're going to make sure the problem doesn't come back:

• Repair: The first thing you should try is to clean out or repair the port itself. Take a sharpened wooden toothpick and carefully insert it in the port and clean out any dust or debris that might have accumulated there. You can also slip the toothpick under the tab inside the port and very gently raise it a touch so that it holds the connector better.
• Replace: When repair doesn't work you may have to replace the entire port dock flex cable, which is easy enough to do if you have the right tools and parts. Undo the two torx screws at the bottom edge of your HP Slate 7 and then take a spudger to pop the back off. Disconnect the flex end very carefully and lift it out away from the battery. Next, disconnect and remove the battery so you can get access to the port itself. Remove the screws and you can lift it away.