Hi Guys, have any of you experienced this? I

[Roy]

Hi Guys,

have any of you experienced this? I fear it might be hardware! :(

I have a dead "margin", about 1cm... in landscape, there is a 1cm margin on the left of the screen, which the digitizer doesn't respond in... It is as if the screen finished 1cm before the border of the screen....

It is strange because sometimes, when I press the digitizer as if I were drawing, then it goes all the way, but sometimes it doesnt... it is really annoying me! This just started a while back... I was in portrait mode and then couldnt access the taskbar! I closed some software and it started working... then it went dead again... Rebooted but it didnt come back... noew it is dead on that "margin"...

I hope this isnt yet more problems! :(

[DrWoo]

I had the exact same problem with my first 3505. It was shipped to me that way. It is a bad digitizer and you will need to replace or repair your tablet.

Did you receive your Tosh this way or did this problem just start happening? I'm concerned that this might happen again to me.

Take a look at this.
http://www.tabletpcbuzz.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=816


quote:Originally posted by Roy

Hi Guys,

have any of you experienced this? I fear it might be hardware! :(

I have a dead "margin", about 1cm... in landscape, there is a 1cm margin on the left of the screen, which the digitizer doesn't respond in... It is as if the screen finished 1cm before the border of the screen....

It is strange because sometimes, when I press the digitizer as if I were drawing, then it goes all the way, but sometimes it doesnt... it is really annoying me! This just started a while back... I was in portrait mode and then couldnt access the taskbar! I closed some software and it started working... then it went dead again... Rebooted but it didnt come back... noew it is dead on that "margin"...

I hope this isnt yet more problems! :(

[Roy]

It just started... I have used the tablet extensively, and this had never happened!

[parker]

Roy,

Out of the 5 we initially got 2 were sent back with this exact problem. I assumed that it would have to be bad from day 1 -- kinda bad news if this is something that can happen over time.
Good Luck.[8]

[parker]

Update - Make that 3 -- Have reports this morning that one my PM's is having this exact problem with his 3505....

[bobh]

I have just started to have the same problem. :( About a 1 inch band across the full width of the screen that will not recognize the pen. The cursor will even jump across.

[Malcolm]

Just an FYI;
This problem has also been affecting Motion M1200's, including mine. Motion's repair contractor (Bizcom) has been correcting the problem by opening the unit then re-seating the digitizer connector, which seems reasonable since when this happened to my motion, I had used it for quite a while (same story for some other M1200 users too). If memory serves, the screens from Toshiba's are also supplied to Compal for the Motion product. I'm wondering if it's the same kinf of poorly seated connector problem presenting for the Tosh tablet too?

[Roc]

Hello, everyone. I too own a Toshiba 3500 and have had the same "bad digitizer" symptoms over time since I've had the machine (last December). A one inch area of the digitizer will stop responding to pen inputs once and a while (and usually for no good reason). I even had the screen replaced in January by Toshiba (before figuring out fully what was going on). It's much better now, but still happens once and a while (twice since having the panel replaced).

I can validate that this is a 100% hardware issue and is indeed connector-related. Why? I can fix it at will. When the problem occurs, open the machine into landscape mode. On the middle right edge of the panel (the black plastic area opposite the pen holder on the other edge of the screen), simply squeeze gently using your thumb and forefinger. Sort of a mini-squeeze on the edge of the panel (not the screen, but the plastic area). Viola. The problem should immediately dissapear.

On my system before it had the display replaced, the problem would happen almost every day. I would squeeze, and the problem went away until the next day. Since the repair, I've only had to do this twice so it hasn't been a big problem. But I would guess strongly that any Toshiba Portege is vulnerable to the problem. If it ever becomes a large issue, I'll likely remove the screen cover and reseat the connector myself (using screen removal instructions already posted in this forum for another topic).

I just wanted to share so that other Portege owners know what to do if they see the problem. I can almost 100% guarantee that the problem will at least immediately go away.

I love this Tablet, though. Even with the problem I wouldn't trade it for anything...

[Vexacious]

Thanks for the info on the dead spot - my tablet has one that's been driving me crazy! Do you have any advice for the best longer-term cure for the problem? Is it worth taking it in to repair/replace, or is a home-fix not too complicated? I'm so glad that it's not more serious!

[Rachel]

Thanks for th info - i have a dead spot that was driving me crazy! Do you have any advice for long-term fixes? Is it worth bringing it in for repair/replacement, or is a home-fix fairly uncomplicated? Thanks!

[smag111]

I have two Acers and one Toshiba.
The Toshiba was purchased in November at Comp USA after a microsoft seminar. It was replaced by Comp USA within one month. It has a horizontal dead line of 2" and a vertical dead zone of 1". Their local authorized service center has had it two times. they have replaced the screen. The Memphis repair center has had it 3 times. I got it back today "after they replaced the inverter card" Guess what it is worse. They asked me to send it in again. I have been having this problem for 5 months. Comp USA said after the year is up they can replace it under the extender warranty. I told the customer relations that maybe we need a class action to get this problem resolved. Replace it or refund the money.
They are going to pick it up again today. To try to fix it.



quote:Originally posted by Roy

Hi Guys,

have any of you experienced this? I fear it might be hardware! :(

I have a dead "margin", about 1cm... in landscape, there is a 1cm margin on the left of the screen, which the digitizer doesn't respond in... It is as if the screen finished 1cm before the border of the screen....

It is strange because sometimes, when I press the digitizer as if I were drawing, then it goes all the way, but sometimes it doesnt... it is really annoying me! This just started a while back... I was in portrait mode and then couldnt access the taskbar! I closed some software and it started working... then it went dead again... Rebooted but it didnt come back... noew it is dead on that "margin"...

I hope this isnt yet more problems! :(

[ElJeffe]

Warning: be careful with the "squeeze" solution to the digitizer problem.

I [supposedly] had the 1 inch dead zone problem fixed by Toshiba, but the problem started turning up again. I found that a quick squeeze at the top edge of the screen did indeed temporarily fix the dead zone problem. However, the last time I had a dead zone, I squeezed the top edge of the case just to the left of the flip-latch and my LCD cracked! Unfortunately, Toshiba support says that the LCD is not under warranty. :-(

-- ElJeffe

[imranq2]

i'm having the same problem after 6 months of use. i bought the toshiba from thinkpaddepot.com. what would folks suggest i can do?

[EinsteinTech]

quote:Originally posted by ElJeffe

Warning: be careful with the "squeeze" solution to the digitizer problem.

I [supposedly] had the 1 inch dead zone problem fixed by Toshiba, but the problem started turning up again. I found that a quick squeeze at the top edge of the screen did indeed temporarily fix the dead zone problem. However, the last time I had a dead zone, I squeezed the top edge of the case just to the left of the flip-latch and my LCD cracked! Unfortunately, Toshiba support says that the LCD is not under warranty. :-(

-- ElJeffe


This might be tough since you cracked the LCD. But I had an LCD crack for no reason at all. I wouldn't take "no" for an answer and they replaced it. However, now the Toshiba is in service for this digitizer problem that everyone else is talking about. Screw Toshiba. Their tablet is a piece of garbage. Nothing but problems with it. Glad I got an Acer and pushed this off onto my girlfriend.

The service center called me the other day after a week of troubleshooting this digitizer problem to tell me they can't reproduce it. AFTER A WEEK THEY CALL! They were trying to reproduce it by using the touchpad!!

J.T.

[imranq2]

has anyone had their digitizer fixed by toshiba service center?

was it free?
how quick was the turnaround?

any particular one folks would recommend in san jose area?

[EinsteinTech]

They're fixing mine through their service center and it's taken over a week and they finally SEE the problem. Another week or so to be fixed I guess.

[Armejia]

I have the same problem.

[Armejia]

I sent my toshiba 3 times on six month. Always for
the same problem. THE SCREEN PROBLEM. I must to buy
extend warranty. Bad name for Toshiba.
Incredible.

[IMuaTech]

Well I too have a digitizer problem. Starting from the "O" in Toshiba to the "A" (about 1 inch in width) right up the full height of the screen, the digitizer does not work.

I'll be calling the local Service Center on Monday to schedule a drop off.... Hopefully the turnaround is quick. It'll take me the rest of this weekend to backup and format the HDD, that sucks the most.

-IMT

[EinsteinTech]

Read my post titled "An open letter regarding sub standard hardware and service" somewhere back. A list of things to "expect".

[IMuaTech]

Well it took 2 weeks, but my 3500 is fixed. The 2 week wait was because the parts had to be ordered, which is totally understandable. Let's just hope the digitizer doesn't die again. Taking classnotes with pen/paper was terrible. I've lost/misplaced most of the notes I've taken the last couple of weeks.

-IMT


quote:Originally posted by IMuaTech

Well I too have a digitizer problem. Starting from the "O" in Toshiba to the "A" (about 1 inch in width) right up the full height of the screen, the digitizer does not work.

I'll be calling the local Service Center on Monday to schedule a drop off.... Hopefully the turnaround is quick. It'll take me the rest of this weekend to backup and format the HDD, that sucks the most.

-IMT

[imranq2]

IMT,
where did you take it to get fixed? did it cost you anything?

[IMuaTech]

I took it to "Toshiba." They have a local office here. Their "primary" business here seems to be sales and service for Toshiba Copiers/imaging, but they repair all Toshiba products. As for the cost, the repairs were covered under warranty.

-IMT

quote:Originally posted by imranq2

IMT,
where did you take it to get fixed? did it cost you anything?

[ElJeffe]

Bad digitizer connector:

I had my machine in to Toshiba for this problem, and they replaced the digitizer. They then had to replace the LCD because the backlight went out. Then the digitizer problems started again. I tried the "squeeze" technique, and that worked for a while until I ended up cracking the LCD. After replacing the LCD (myself), everything was working great for a while! Then, the one inch strip of dead space started again. Argh! Since I have been inside of my screen several times, I took the darn thing apart again and tested all of the connectors one-by-one with the machine on to see which one was responsible. When I ran my finger over the digitizer connector, the digitizer started working perfectly again. I took off the plastic covering and used some scotch tape to hold everything in better. Hopefully this fix will last a while.

-- Jeff K (ElJeffe)

Image Insert:
http://www.tabletpcbuzz.com/forum/uploaded/ElJeffe/2003113144520_Connector.JPG
36.06KB

[tablet-mike]

Also a Possible software fix? As Someone mentioned in a post above, this problem was fairly common on some motions a few months ago (search for the term "dead strip" in the motion forum). I have a motion M1300 and had the problem. While a hardware problem and fix was confirmed for some people, motion support found that there is also a software source of the problem that was responsible perhaps half the time; there is a corresponding easy software fix which motion support walked me through over the phone and it fixed mine. I am wondering if this is also possibly the problem some of you guys are experiencing with the Toshiba. The support guy had me up and Running over the phone in about five minutes; No new software needed. One of you that have this problem (and feel a bit daring) may want to try this out and see if it fixes the problem, and if so post the results on the forum here; sure beats sending your tablet in for repair.

here's what they had me do:
right click My Computer, choose properties,
go to Hardware tab, and then Device Manager
Find Human Interface Devices, expand that choice,
Look for any items labeled “ HID compliant device “, there may be a few there,
right click each one and Choose Uninstall;
partway through you may be asked to restart, but do not until you’ve done all of these steps
Do same with Wacom Driver if you have one
Next, Make sure you have your keyboard plugged in or activated and then restart;
Your pen interface will not be active when you first start and so you’ll need to use your keyboard and mouse to logon; after that your computer will recreate the HID drivers, and as soon as you’re fully booted you should have your pen control back and all portions of your screen fixed ; if not its probably the hardware problem

Good luck, don’t hold me responsible if this doesn’t work or has different consequences on the Toshiba from the motion: just trying to help here

[GL-Matrix]

quote:Originally posted by tablet-mike

Also a Possible software fix? As Someone mentioned in a post above, this problem was fairly common on some motions a few months ago (search for the term "dead strip" in the motion forum). I have a motion M1300 and had the problem. While a hardware problem and fix was confirmed for some people, motion support found that there is also a software source of the problem that was responsible perhaps half the time; there is a corresponding easy software fix which motion support walked me through over the phone and it fixed mine. I am wondering if this is also possibly the problem some of you guys are experiencing with the Toshiba. The support guy had me up and Running over the phone in about five minutes; No new software needed. One of you that have this problem (and feel a bit daring) may want to try this out and see if it fixes the problem, and if so post the results on the forum here; sure beats sending your tablet in for repair.

here's what they had me do:
right click My Computer, choose properties,
go to Hardware tab, and then Device Manager
Find Human Interface Devices, expand that choice,
Look for any items labeled “ HID compliant device “, there may be a few there,
right click each one and Choose Uninstall;
partway through you may be asked to restart, but do not until you’ve done all of these steps
Do same with Wacom Driver if you have one
Next, Make sure you have your keyboard plugged in or activated and then restart;
Your pen interface will not be active when you first start and so you’ll need to use your keyboard and mouse to logon; after that your computer will recreate the HID drivers, and as soon as you’re fully booted you should have your pen control back and all portions of your screen fixed ; if not its probably the hardware problem

Good luck, don’t hold me responsible if this doesn’t work or has different consequences on the Toshiba from the motion: just trying to help here



Wow, my tablet started having the same problem (approx. 1 inch on the left side of the screen), and here I thought I had a hardware problem, and then I read your post. THANK YOU! Your solution worked perfectly, looks like those drivers crashed.

Again, thanks for posting, you saved me a lot of headaches.

[wilyliam]

Anyone have any luck with getting it repaired via Toshiba? (such as, the problem not cropping up again?) For now I'm getting by with the "squeeze" technique . . .

Wily

[kranky]

My inch-wide dead spot would come and go and it finally got to the point where it wouldn't go away. I dropped it off at the local place that does Toshiba warranty repair, suggesting that a loose connection there might be the problem.

Got it back two days later and the tech taped them down. Hopefully that's the end of that.

Thanks to ElJeffe for posting the photo of the connectors.

[howler]

Thanks ElJeffe

I tried the tape technique...I'll post back if the problem re-appears, other wise no-news is good news...

By the way ElJeffe for future reference (Hopefully wont need it) but where did you get your replacement LCD????

[ElJeffe]

quote:Originally posted by howler

Thanks ElJeffe

I tried the tape technique...I'll post back if the problem re-appears, other wise no-news is good news...

By the way ElJeffe for future reference (Hopefully wont need it) but where did you get your replacement LCD????


Ref replacement LCD: I searched high and low for anyone who had an LCD in stock. I finally found one by calling ID Parts (http://www.idparts.com/). They found a single LCD in stock in a branch in England. It cost about 15% over the standard price, but they sent it quickly and it was fairly easy to install.

-- El Jeffe

[jdkent]

I had mine fixed a couple weeks ago at a service center. It took about a week. I had a 2 inch deadspot. They replaced the digitizer, and now everything is running smoothly.

[saqqaradead]

do you know if the new models m200 are having the same problem?

[saqqaradead]

smag 111 did your acer's have the same problem?

[saqqaradead]

i just talked to toshiba, I was inquiring about the M200 to see if they have corrected the problem. They asked what problem? They say it's like writing on a piece of paper, and they don't acknowlege the dead spot.
mmmmmmm

[invisiblejules]

If they are using a new digitiser, chances are it's been fixed. There's no way of telling short of buying though...

[D C Greaser]

Also getting dead zones mentioned in recent posts. Bought my 3500 in March 03; dead zone stuff started happening in just past week. Previous posts about "SLIGHT" squeeze on opposite side from pen storage appears to be band aid fix for now; will watch posts to decide whether to go the warranty repair route. Thanks for info from posts!

[IMuaTech]

well, so the dead strip came back again... this time in another part of the screen. I took the LCD apart and pushed the connectors (look @ ElJeffe's earlier post) back in and digitizer worked again. This also gave me a chance to also clean the LCD. Anyone else have problems with dust under the screen? I've noticed it before I took the machine in for repairs, and the repair tech. didn't do a good job keeping the new LCD screen clean during the replacement.

The dust problem was getting bad enough to look like the LCD had dead pixels.

-IMT

[Gr84Eyes]

quote:Originally posted by Roc

Hello, everyone. I too own a Toshiba 3500 and have had the same "bad digitizer" symptoms over time since I've had the machine (last December). A one inch area of the digitizer will stop responding to pen inputs once and a while (and usually for no good reason). I even had the screen replaced in January by Toshiba (before figuring out fully what was going on). It's much better now, but still happens once and a while (twice since having the panel replaced).

I can validate that this is a 100% hardware issue and is indeed connector-related. Why? I can fix it at will. When the problem occurs, open the machine into landscape mode. On the middle right edge of the panel (the black plastic area opposite the pen holder on the other edge of the screen), simply squeeze gently using your thumb and forefinger. Sort of a mini-squeeze on the edge of the panel (not the screen, but the plastic area). Viola. The problem should immediately dissapear.

On my system before it had the display replaced, the problem would happen almost every day. I would squeeze, and the problem went away until the next day. Since the repair, I've only had to do this twice so it hasn't been a big problem. But I would guess strongly that any Toshiba Portege is vulnerable to the problem. If it ever becomes a large issue, I'll likely remove the screen cover and reseat the connector myself (using screen removal instructions already posted in this forum for another topic).

I just wanted to share so that other Portege owners know what to do if they see the problem. I can almost 100% guarantee that the problem will at least immediately go away.

I love this Tablet, though. Even with the problem I wouldn't trade it for anything...

[Gr84Eyes]

Thank you Soooooooooooo much for the advice! The screen squeeze worked wonders.

You mentioned a posting on removing the screen cover in case we need to more directly reseat the connector. Can you readily povide that link?

Thanks again!

Michael

[IMuaTech]

quote:Originally posted by Gr84Eyes

The screen squeeze worked wonders.


Be careful with the squeeze method. i remember reading that someone cracked their LCD that way. If you're willing to void your warranty, then dissasemble your screen and take a couple strips of electrical tape and secure the ribbon cables on the LCD, otherwise ask your Toshiba ASP to do it for you.

-IMT

[Malcolm]

My 0.02c worth.
Had this problem with my Motion M1200, which uses the Toshiba screen, and it had to go back for service to replace the digitizer connection. If you just re-seat the connection, it's going to happen again, eventually.

[david-dsi]

Has anyone had to get their unit fixed out of waranty? I'm thinking about picking up a 3505 on Ebay.

[sco_robinso]

FYI, add me to the ranks of the people with 3500 screen issues. I sent it away to toshiba Mid. January, and it's now mid-march, and I have no tablet in my hands.

(Same problem as everyone else, dead areas of screen)

[Mexico]

quote:Originally posted by sco_robinso

FYI, add me to the ranks of the people with 3500 screen issues. I sent it away to toshiba Mid. January, and it's now mid-march, and I have no tablet in my hands.

(Same problem as everyone else, dead areas of screen)

Holly crap! That's a long time! I've never had problems with mine, but if I ever do, it'd be nice to know how long it takes Toshiba to fix this. Have you gotten yours back yet? Has anybody else experienced such a long wait?

[sco_robinso]

Same thing here, it took em' about a week to find the problem. I also printed off this very thread to prove I wasn't crazy (they seemed to be getting skeptical after not being able to find the problem after "rigorous testing".)

So after about a month, when all seemed hunky-dory and they had replaced a bunch of things in it, I'm told "Oh, now the motherboard and pretty much everything is dead on it". So they sent it directly to Toshiba and told me "it would be rushed".

Well, here I am one month after that, and still no tablet in my hands. Alas, it's been gone for two months, and Ive only had it for 3.

Im going to start raising hell @ toshiba this week if things aren't on thier way.

[kranky]

I get the impression most people are sending their machines back to Toshiba for service. Does anyone use a local authorized repair facility instead?

When I had the dead spot problem with the 3500, I took it to a facility in Pittsburgh and got it back the next day. It didn't need parts, which no doubt would have taken longer, but I'm wondering if it would be a better option than sending the PC back to Toshiba.

[sco_robinso]

I took it to the local repair depot, and they're ordering a bunch of parts through toshiba.

I guess what happened is that they replaced a bunch of stuff, and the newer stuff ended up being defective, so they're replacing those parts with even newer ones.

[sco_robinso]

AT LAST! IT'S FIXED!

It came back from repair today. That'll put things at just over two months. I guess what ended up happening with the actual digitizer problem, is that they put a 3rd party digitizer in.

Im so happy that's it's back now....

[ybitimi]

Yeah!!! Thank you. Dead zone fixed with a gentle squeeze!


quote:Originally posted by Roc

Hello, everyone. I too own a Toshiba 3500 and have had the same "bad digitizer" symptoms over time since I've had the machine (last December). A one inch area of the digitizer will stop responding to pen inputs once and a while (and usually for no good reason). I even had the screen replaced in January by Toshiba (before figuring out fully what was going on). It's much better now, but still happens once and a while (twice since having the panel replaced).

I can validate that this is a 100% hardware issue and is indeed connector-related. Why? I can fix it at will. When the problem occurs, open the machine into landscape mode. On the middle right edge of the panel (the black plastic area opposite the pen holder on the other edge of the screen), simply squeeze gently using your thumb and forefinger. Sort of a mini-squeeze on the edge of the panel (not the screen, but the plastic area). Viola. The problem should immediately dissapear.

On my system before it had the display replaced, the problem would happen almost every day. I would squeeze, and the problem went away until the next day. Since the repair, I've only had to do this twice so it hasn't been a big problem. But I would guess strongly that any Toshiba Portege is vulnerable to the problem. If it ever becomes a large issue, I'll likely remove the screen cover and reseat the connector myself (using screen removal instructions already posted in this forum for another topic).

I just wanted to share so that other Portege owners know what to do if they see the problem. I can almost 100% guarantee that the problem will at least immediately go away.

I love this Tablet, though. Even with the problem I wouldn't trade it for anything...

[sco_robinso]

Be careful about the squeeze technique. It works ok and everything, but it's only a temporary solution.

[KhakiBoy]

I've had this problem for quite a while...like a year. At first it would be rather random and sporadic. I've used the squeeze technique which would work. Now it's gotten really bad. I have both a horizontal and vertical dead zone. I mostly use my 3505 in laptop mode and the only time I really use it as a tablet is in class taking notes. It got so bad that in my last class I had to break down and pull out the old pad of paper. Now that the semester is done and my summer class was cancelled I'm going to send it in for repair. I have an extended warrenty through Best Buy so will drop it off one day when I work. I'm just bummed b/c I was going to exchange it but when I took it in to actually exchange it they had switched it in our system to a service piece, so now it has to go out for service. I'm actually hoping the problem keeps coming back like it has for so many, that way I can get a no-lemon exchange and get the M200 or something else. It's time for an upgrade ;)

[manekineko]

Well, I just saw my first dead Zone. Squeeze fixed it for now but can't say I'm pleased with the situation

[wraith808]

I don't know if this will work on the Tosh, but on my Motion, what I do is this:
1. Place the unit on a soft, but sturdy surface.
2. Press gently, but firmly, on the area with my fingertips, going completely across the area.

This fixes it. And a lot easier than sending the tablet back in.

[sco_robinso]

OK, NOW IM AM P*SSED OFF!

After to many trials and tibulations with my 3500 (see above) needing to send it off only a few weeks after I owned it, waiting 2 months to get it fixed, and supposedly waiting so they would put in a whole new 3rd party digitizer in...

...IT'S BAAAAACK.....

I just got a dead spot on my screen again... This time, in a different place. I did the good ole squeeze technique to fix it, but this means that the basic problem has resurfaced - either a bad digitizer or bad connection.

I am going to cross my fingers and hope it doesn't come back. But if it does, this time Im going to write a regional manager @ Toshiba before I send it off and wait another 2 months... If it somes to that, Im selling it, perminantely souring my taste of Toshiba tablets.

Grrrr, but here's hoping it doesn't come back.

[imranq2]

can someone provide instructions on opening up the LCD and taping down the connector as mentioned earlier in this topic.

p.s: i realize opening up your LCD is not supported by toshiba, is a bad thing etc etc.

i bought my 3500 in march 03 so the one year warranty has expired.

[Wcrocker]

quote:Originally posted by imranq2

can someone provide instructions on opening up the LCD and taping down the connector as mentioned earlier in this topic.

p.s: i realize opening up your LCD is not supported by toshiba, is a bad thing etc etc.

i bought my 3500 in march 03 so the one year warranty has expired.


imran

There are pics and a description in the thread below of one users brave foray into removing the screen.

http://tabletpcbuzz.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=9410&whichpage=2&SearchTerms=screen+mask

[angelstarz63]

does the m200 have the same problem?? so far, most of these i've noticed are just 3505's...i'm really worried about the dead zone thing cuz i want to get the m200 for school this fall and i'll mostly be using it in slate mode for notetaking in class.

[Wcrocker]

I may be totally wrong in the memory department here (just got back from seeing The Manchurian Candidate and my wife keeps using my middlet name) but I don't recall the issue with the M200/05's. I'm sure if anyone has had the problem they'll chime in.

[imranq2]

looking at the photo earlier in this thread, it looks like the connector is on the mother board and not the LCD. do i just have to open up the motherboard and not the LCD (the LCD looks to be harder to open)?

[skavengerx3]

I have had the same problem with my potege 3505. It started out as just one area across the screen, then two, them most of the screen was not responding to the pen. After the first "area" appeared in June, I stopped using the pen for the summer. Last month is when it was the worst. I tried pressing on the edges of the screen (another forum said to apply pressure along the screen itself). Well I did both and it worked for some areas. I still have three areas that dont work.

Does anyone know how much it costs to have the problem fixed by toshiba, out of warranty?

I am also willing to enter into any class action lawsuit.

[Aussie Blue Boy]

I had my digitizer replaced three times between Dec '03 and March '04 and was getting fairly jack of it.

The final answer on this is that a 'spacer' can be fitted by Toshiba service centres (under warranty) to adjust the seating of the connectors.

- There is nothing wrong with the Digitizers themselves
- As an earlier post mentioned it IS to do with the 'seating' of the connectors, which the spacers fix
- The 'squeeze' method is a dangerous and temporary way of 're-seating' the connectors. DON'T DO THIS. (You'll void your warranty opening it anyway)

I have had no problem since. Thankfully. (Yes it was driving me mad at the time too.)

[zarthon]

[8D]
I could not be more happy that the squeeze method worked !
Thank You !:D
Thank You ![bday]
Thank You ![unworthy]

I want to get it fixed though while my machine is under extended waranty from best buy.
Do you supose I can still get it fixed even if it does not/ before it does come back?

How does it come unseated? How can I prevent it from comming back? I noticed it following a trip. It was in the padded section of my Eastpack backpack with books which could have placed uneven pressures on the tablet.

What about other folks?

Cheers + + + + + + + [thumbsup]

Zarthon

[pyroman1]

For all those experiencing digitizer problems with the Toshiba Portégé 3500:

I urge you all to please go to the Better Business Bureau's (http://www.labbb.org/BBBWeb/Forms/Business/CompanyReportPage_Expository.aspx?CompanyID=41153&hAKAID=12&hAddrID=12) website for Toshiba and click the File Complaint button to initiate a complaint through the BBB.

In addition please go to the Federal Trade Commission’s (http://www.ftc.gov) website and click File a Complaint to file a compliant through the FTC.

Once you have done this email Heather Hillewaert, Corporate Relations Spe******t (mailto:heather.hillewaert@tais.toshiba.com), to let her know that you are interested in joining the customer with Service Order #V-8209880 in a class action lawsuit against Toshiba for selling defective merchandise and refusing to repair said merchandise.

I have spoken directly with Heather regarding my ongoing issues with my Tablet not functioning as anything other than a laptop. First, I had the problem with the dead zones. Now, after seven months and seven repairs the eraser doesn't work at all. I told Heather in a voicemail and an email, after she didn't call me back (when she said she would look into and get back to me), that I was going to look into filing a class action lawsuit if the situation was not resolved.

Please, if you are interested reply to this post as I have included a link to this site in the complaints and the email to Heather so that it will be known just how many people are tired of paying to fix faulty merchandise.

Thank you all.

P.S. If you would like to leave Heather a message on her voicemail her direct line is (949) 583-3301.

[mrgarza2]

anyone ever find out how much it costs to get a toshiba 3505 that was out of warrenty fixed from this problem?

[skavengerx3]

I've been using mine just as a regular laptop for some time? I agree that we should not let Toshiba get away with selling defective mechandise and if a lawsuit is needed then i'm all in!

[DaveTN]

Well, I just got my second tablet today. This ones a 3500 and guess what. (good news first) Got a Toshiba refurbed in excellent condition. Was supposed to have only 256 mb but came with 512 and had BT chip installed too! Two less extras to buy.

Now the bad news...I have the dreaded dead strip right out of the box. Tried recalibrating to no avail but I stumbled upon this thread and Voila! The press trick worked...for how long, I dont know but I still have a 1 year warranty.

David

[susankeb]

I just read this post from Roc written almost 3 years ago in 4/03. I am copying it here because it saved me & was so easy:
he said
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hello, everyone. I too own a Toshiba 3500 and have had the same "bad digitizer" symptoms over time since I've had the machine (last December). A one inch area of the digitizer will stop responding to pen inputs once and a while (and usually for no good reason). I even had the screen replaced in January by Toshiba (before figuring out fully what was going on). It's much better now, but still happens once and a while (twice since having the panel replaced).

I can validate that this is a 100% hardware issue and is indeed connector-related. Why? I can fix it at will. When the problem occurs, open the machine into landscape mode. On the middle right edge of the panel (the black plastic area opposite the pen holder on the other edge of the screen), simply squeeze gently using your thumb and forefinger. Sort of a mini-squeeze on the edge of the panel (not the screen, but the plastic area). Viola. The problem should immediately dissapear.

On my system before it had the display replaced, the problem would happen almost every day. I would squeeze, and the problem went away until the next day. Since the repair, I've only had to do this twice so it hasn't been a big problem. But I would guess strongly that any Toshiba Portege is vulnerable to the problem. If it ever becomes a large issue, I'll likely remove the screen cover and reseat the connector myself (using screen removal instructions already posted in this forum for another topic).

I just wanted to share so that other Portege owners know what to do if they see the problem. I can almost 100% guarantee that the problem will at least immediately go away. "
Text
well i tried it 2/06 and IT WORKS! I wanted to thank the guy but there was no email. I only hope this helps others as it helped me!

[Edwood]

Anyone have this problem with other Toshiba's like the M200, M4, R10/R15, or the new M400?

-Ed

[JMoney]

I think the problem was only with the 3500. The newer generations of toshiba tablet have addressed the problem, such that it is no longer an issue

[laser]

quote:Originally posted by JMoney

I think the problem was only with the 3500. The newer generations of toshiba tablet have addressed the problem, such that it is no longer an issue


I had this problem on my 3500 and sent it to repair the first year I had it. Problem was fix and did not return. I have not read about this on later models.

[zarthon]

I am no longer so thrilled with the squeeze method and paid alot of extra money for a tablet rather than just a laptop.

After a month the squeese method would not stay in effect for any significantly useful period.

I had a 3 year waranty from bestbuy and they would not fix it under the waranty. When I sent it in for service they said they would not fix this problem. The hard drive failed and so they replaced that.
When I got my 3505 back They did something to make it better but it did not last. It is somehwat useable as a tablet still however why should I deal with a defective product? It is clearly a bad product and what is even worse is that on there support website thier is no techincal note. That is just pain terrible. The are sweeping this issue under the carpet. It is irrisponsible. I could make the rounds on the sites you suggest.
I believe that the best thing to do would be to email a link to this thread to some lawyers asking them to post to the tread if they want to file a suit. I am going to give it a couple of days for others to respond and to retest and clearly document the problem with my tablet, with screen shots. If anyone has ads from when this tablet was launched that would be very helpful for our cause.

The correct thing to do would have been to publish a technical report describing the problem, with the ways to repair it, how service people could get certified parts for the repair and detailed instructions on how to make the repair itself, and in addtion explain how to send it in and have it repaired for free by them since they clearly have made a manufacturing error.

However it has been a huge inconvience.

At the time for the same money I could have purchased a plain notebook comptuer with a larger hard drive and more memory. I chose this comptuer for it's specfic tablet features.

I purchased this tablet specifically to specific software that works well the the tablet features: the included microsoft applications and utilties,Flash, Freehand, and autosketch. Instead it's being used to browse the web and send emails. I had found that using a tablet was the best way for me to avoid tendonitus/ carpel tunnel. I wanted a tablet it for it's ergonomic value. The addtional benifit of being able to draw right on the screen makes this product as marketed and advertized, ergonmically suprior to a unit with a graphics tablet and separate screen. I also wanted to experiement with the tablet API's and had my license of MSVC++ assigned to it before the hard drive failed. I completely abandon that interest because of this manufacturing defect.

If anyone knows how to brink resolution to this issue easily and without hassle then please let me know !

I subscribe to PC magazine and got a recent email to rate my computers and printers. I made sure to fill them in on this issue and it remined me of how this tablet purchase has been a big waste and a horrible experience.

This is my story with the 3505. I have registered software etc for the intentions I report and I strictly use registered software. If I can't afford software I've used it at Harvard or use GNU / opensource free software.


quote:Originally posted by pyroman1
....I told Heather in a voicemail and an email, after she didn't call me back (when she said she would look into and get back to me), that I was going to look into filing a class action lawsuit if the situation was not resolved.
...

[frangelica]

quote:Originally posted by tablet-mike

Also a Possible software fix? As Someone mentioned in a post above, this problem was fairly common on some motions a few months ago (search for the term "dead strip" in the motion forum). I have a motion M1300 and had the problem. While a hardware problem and fix was confirmed for some people, motion support found that there is also a software source of the problem that was responsible perhaps half the time; there is a corresponding easy software fix which motion support walked me through over the phone and it fixed mine. I am wondering if this is also possibly the problem some of you guys are experiencing with the Toshiba. The support guy had me up and Running over the phone in about five minutes; No new software needed. One of you that have this problem (and feel a bit daring) may want to try this out and see if it fixes the problem, and if so post the results on the forum here; sure beats sending your tablet in for repair.

here's what they had me do:
right click My Computer, choose properties,
go to Hardware tab, and then Device Manager
Find Human Interface Devices, expand that choice,
Look for any items labeled “ HID compliant device “, there may be a few there,
right click each one and Choose Uninstall;
partway through you may be asked to restart, but do not until you’ve done all of these steps
Do same with Wacom Driver if you have one
Next, Make sure you have your keyboard plugged in or activated and then restart;
Your pen interface will not be active when you first start and so you’ll need to use your keyboard and mouse to logon; after that your computer will recreate the HID drivers, and as soon as you’re fully booted you should have your pen control back and all portions of your screen fixed ; if not its probably the hardware problem

Good luck, don’t hold me responsible if this doesn’t work or has different consequences on the Toshiba from the motion: just trying to help here

[bday][bday][bday]

thanks so much for this suggestion all that time ago! I just got a used Portege 3505, and this fix took care of ALL of my dead zones!