This is the "ugly" way to repair the power socket on a laptop. It's going to be a slightly lame instructable, sorry. I didn't think to document it when I did it, so it's more an "after the factable".

Step 1: You Will Need

A laptop with a broken socket

A razor saw

lead from a resistor

solder & iron

Long Nose Pliers

Step 2: Making the Cuts

I've marked on this laptop where you'll make the cuts. Using the razor saw cut at a shallow angle on either side of the power socket, then continue the cut onto the bottom of the laptop, cut there at a shallow angle. The cuts should be about 1-1.5 inches long and just through the plastic body.

Now cut back and forth between the cuts at the transition point to produce two separate tabs.

Step 3: Once You've Made the Cuts

Snap off the tabs to give you access to the socket. Desolder the socket and take it out. I found one of the legs had broken off. i replaced the leg with the lead from a resistor. once that was done the socket was soldered back into place and tested. Alternately the socket could just be replaced.. When I was sure that the socket worked, it was secured in place with superglue. I'm done. You could cover the opening with electrical tape if you like. Hey, they can't all be gold.