M1400 Crazy Cursor

[elixermixer]

Hi, I have developed a problem all of the sudden, it started about 3 days ago. The problem is when I plug the AC adapter in the cursor goes nuts. Most of the time it (the cursor) heads straight for the clock and proceeds to open up multiple settings windows. I thought maybe it was because I plugged the AC adapter in while machine was on but I've tested the theory both ways and it doesn't seem to make any difference. It stops immediately when I unplug the adapter. Does anyone have any ideas or has anyone seen this before? Although I've only owned the machine a month, it never used to do this, and since I use the tablet in the car most of the time it really creates problems. (same problem happens whether it's the car or home adapter)

[John Hill]

You have the classic "jumping cursor" syndrome. Initial production units of the Motion M1400 didn't have the proper shielding over the hard drive to prevent this problem. Motion used to do the repair for free under warranty but they no longer do that.

http://www.tabletpcbuzz.com/showthread.php?t=32087

You can call Motion and see if they can provide some guidance.

[bmhome1]

The M series power bricks are very compact and unfortunately also not very robust. I've had three die spontaneously.

The digitizer of tablets are VERY sensitive to power input anomalies. Since your issue only occurs with AC power (not battery), I would suspect damaged power brick power output. If you have plugged it into a cheap 12V>120V auto adapter, it's almost a certainty the fragile power brick got zapped by wildly spurious power dirty output such converters are notorious producing (full-sine wave converters are not inexpensive).

I would buy a new AC power brick ($35 from John or eBay) and ONLY use on AC outlets. The iGo power adapters provide both clean 120V and 12V input and clean 19V direct output via tips. Around $70-100, but well worth powering tablet PC's from 12V automotive.

[elixermixer]

Hi, Thanks for the input, you are probably correct about the car adapter idea. I can't remember if this happened before I bought the car adapter or not, but it was about the same time that I purchased my car adapter that it started happening. Do you know where I can get one of these "iGo power adapters"?

[bmhome1]

Google search iGo and check out product line for AC/DC power brick sets. While there, check tip adapter number needed for Motions, which may be needed separately.

Check eBay for model you like, often at considerable savings.

[elixermixer]

Thanks for the advice, I will definitely look into one of the adapters. Wish me luck.