Dell Droids

To: Technical Writing at iFixit

From: Dell Droids Team
Subject: Dell Inspiron 14z-5423 Project Proposal
Date: September 29, 2016
Device: Dell Inspiron 14z-5423
Team tag: CSUF-BRUCE-F165S2G
Camera: Canon EOS 40D 10.1 MP DSLR
Group email addresses: mdavila14@csu.fullerton.edu, Imagine8That@gmail.com,
john.fel@csu.fullerton.edu, cynleng@csu.fullerton.edu, dshirley@csu.fullerton.edu
Dear iFixit,
Abstract
Fixing a laptop is difficult and daunting. As a team we propose a comprehensible form
for simple laptop repair. Our contributions of simplified guides will repair common issues
associated with the Dell Inspiron 14z-5423.
Introduction
The Dell Inspiron 14z-5423 debuted on the market in 2012 and became a great buy for
the average computer user. A baseline model starting at $699, the Dell Inspiron 14z
operates on Windows 7 Home Premium and incorporates an Intel Core i5 processor. The
Dell Inspiron presents a slim model accompanied by a modern two-tone design. Although
reviewers and users have praised the laptop for being a success, there are still several
issues at hand. The support pages that accompany the laptop are complex and difficult to
follow. The Dell's Owner Manual poorly executes a rational method for a user to search
for repair steps. Beyond unhelpful manuals, electronic waste is a pervasive issue, as
discarded laptop devices contain high toxic pollutants affecting the environment when
burned. In providing simplified repair guides, users will eliminate the need to discard
devices and in return receive a longer life use.
Project Description
Despite the aforementioned positive reviews and support of the Dell Inspiron 14z-5423,
there are few repair guides. The links below are URL suggestions for the troubleshooting
and device page.
https://www.ifixit.com/Device/Dell_Inspiron_14z-5423
https://www.ifixit.com/Wiki/Dell_Inspiron_14z-5423_Troubleshooting

Through the research compiled there is a need to discuss common issues with the Dell
Inspiron that our team intends to address in the troubleshooting guide. The issues listed
do not require any form of laptop disassembly, but rather through minimal resolutions.
B
B
B
B
B

Audio absent while the laptop is on

Laptop unable to charge
Webcam unable to connect
Audio is still audible after program is shut down
Laptop overheats excessively
There is also a need to provide in-depth guides to replace faulty components. Using a
Canon EOS 40D 10.1 MP DSLR camera, our team proposes to design concise and
effortless repair guides for any Dell Inspiron 14z-5423parts. We intend to create repair
guides for the following:

B
Replacing a palm rest assembly
B
Replacing a broken speaker
B
Replacing a faulty battery
B
Replacing a ventilating fan
B
Replacing a hard keyboard keys
B
Timeline
B
Oct. 10. Troubleshooting Page | Milestone 1 completion
B
Oct. 12 Device Page | Milestone 2 completion
B
Oct. 13 Documenting Repair
B
Oct. 26 First Guide | Milestone 3 completion
B
Nov. 9 Final Project Portfolio | Milestone 4 completion
B
Thank you for your consideration. We look forward in designing helpful, well-written
guides to help Dell users repair their device and reduce electronic waste. Our team would
appreciate a response on whether we should proceed or if necessary changes are needed.
Sincerely,
Marisol D., Brittany W., John F., Cynthia L., and Diana S. CSUF- BRUCE- F165S2G
Reference:
Dell Inspiron 5423 Owners Manual.pdf. Oct 2012. Retrieved from
http://downloads.dell.com/manuals/all-products/esuprt_laptop/esuprt_inspiron_laptop/inspiron-14z5423_owner%27s%20manual_en-us.pdf
Widmer, R., Krapf-Oswald, H., Sinha-Khetriwal, D., Schnellman, M., Boni, H., (2005). Global
perspectives on e-waste. Environmental Impact Assessment Review, 436-458. Retrieved from
http://ewasteguide.info/system/files/Widmer_2005_EIAR.pdf