The power brick to my Linksys WRT610N died, and it was out of warranty. Called tech support and they told me they don't sell the bricks.

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serwei January 02, 2011

The power brick to my Linksys WRT610N died, and it was out of warranty. Called tech support and they told me they don't sell the bricks.

Only way to get one was to buy a new set. WTF?
Have you guys had the same problem? Not just Linksys but other vendors who are so obviously anti-green and quite anti-consumer?

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nivek 1 year ago

I wonder if customer support would be any more helpful. You should note that most power supplies albeit branded by the company who's product it accompanies, were produced in some sweatshop in China with small hands. Take a look at the power brick for a model number, and then search with google or bing if you must; "model #" replacement power supply. You may also try the link below. Do not despair and do not throw any more money at Linksys if total replacement by the user was their solution. Netgear, Belkin, Apple, and Buffalo make fine networking products.

www.12vadapters.com/

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bobcook 2011-01-02 11:45:14

Electronics stores (the kind that stock resistors and chips, not the big box stores) sell replacement power supplies for these types of applications. The correct voltage and connector polarity should be clearly marked on the existing brick and device.

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serwei 2011-01-02 20:13:37

I know I can with one of the generic multiconfig adaptors, but isn't Linksys obliged to sell me replacements? After all, the brick is not end-of-life, nor is it difficult to source within Linksys. In fact I think all the Linksys products use the same brick type within the same product series...
It's like the car vendor saying oh we don't sell extra parts, you can *only* go look for third party parts, or buy a new car.

bobcook 2011-01-02 20:51:00

By the same argument they could sell you the logic board only, sans plastic case, but they choose not to. I don't believe they are "obligated" to sell you anything. But you bring up an interesting point about disposable products. Are there other consumer electronics companies that are better to work with than Linksys? I always figured they were all the same.

serwei 2011-01-02 21:01:09

Not really by the same logic, the brick is a separate and distinct part that has no need to be user serviceable, which is normally the reason for not selling you internal parts directly.
It's like refusing to sell you original earpieces for your mobile phone, (whether it's better or not to go for after market alternatives notwithstanding.)

So yes my case is, they will not replace a $15 component in a sgd350 (about usd270) package, and instead tells me that it's only available packaged. It is just wasteful, and pointless for me. I'm not asking for it gratis.

I would just do the Hobson's, find the compatible brick, and shop for another brand next time.

serwei 2011-01-02 21:11:00

Well it is the first time I had an IT product die on me fresh out of warranty... so I am not sure it's the same for other routers.
So far, Dell is happy to sell me laptop batteries (model-specific) and bricks years after my warranty; Olympus is happy to repair any older digicam (if they can't, they offer a discount voucher for new products).

nivek 2011-01-03 03:04:50

serwei, I just re-read the tread, and wanted to add that in my experience between living abroad versus in the United States is that consumer protection laws and vendor policies are strikingly different. Overseas, I ran into many brick and mortar stores that would not accept returns under any circumstances. Warranties can also be very different. Even in the States, a specific State can offer additional consumer protections on top of warranties. You should also check with the additional warranty provided by your credit card company. Additionally, you should check out Consumerist.com, and consider posting your issue there. Cheers. P.S. I love partying in your Country.

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The power brick to my Linksys WRT610N died, and it was out of warranty. Called tech support and they told me they don't sell the bricks.

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