I got the replacement part for my laptop power connector yesterday. I managed to get it soldered into place, but it was a struggle because the board is all melted from the short. Kinda scary. It's a little fragile, and I worry about how long it's going to hold.
Anyway, I just happened to find a Dell coupon for $750 off any laptop over $1,500. I was really reluctant, and I have a ton of purchase regret already (even though it won't arrive for two weeks), but I got exactly what I wanted for $756. That's not horrible, even though I'd rather not spend anything. Still, the thing is my life line for work. Cost of being a contractor I guess.