AtlantaDeb

Some of the pins are bent in the "device connector" where the USB cable connects to the Axim. As a result, I can no longer sync my Axim.

Does anyone happen to know if I can get the device connector repaired or replaced? If I can get it repaired, who does this kind of work? The folks at Dell tell me that it will cost me $199 plus sales tax to "fix" the problem. (Guess what, an exact replacement model costs ... $199 plus sales tax!)

What I have learned in this information-gathering process is that there is a plastic guide piece that is supposed to be adjacent to the connector pins. Mine is missing, therefore it's darn near impossible not to bend the pins when you secure the sync cable. Nice, huh? I love the fact that this isn't considered to be a problem that can be handled with the basic warranty.

CBombC

I bent my pins in August of this year within my 1 year warranty. dell replaced it no cost. i don't have the extra protection warranty. I'd give them a call again and see if you can get a better agent.

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kronchev

3 threads down from this one buddy

http://www.aximsite.com/boards/showthread.php?t=59731

my whole ordeal with that problem and dell is there

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Bodom Beach Terror!

CBombC

Ahhhhhhhhh...

Got it...COOL!
Where do you find out what revision you have?

Why did they have to yank you around in the first place?!?!??!

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kronchev

Originally Posted by CBombC

Ahhhhhhhhh... Got it...COOL! Where do you find out what revision you have? Why did they have to yank you around in the first place?!?!??!

Look under your battery

I dont know, but think about it, Dell is made for non technical idiots (to be a bit harsh), if you show you know what youre talking about, theyll suspect you did something on your own to violate the warrenty (yes I was trying to overclock via pins...ok maybe they dont have much base in this manner). If youre vague and say "well it just stopped working!" they have no choice but to replace it. Honestly this isnt even a consumers fault (sure as hell wasnt mine, I'd never endanger my axim) but again, thats not something that can be proven easily.

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jcomea

I too have suffered the bent pin problem with the plastic backing falling off. This after only 13 months of use. Dell will absolutely not accept a return and cannot repair the unit. So after just 13 months of use, my Axim is totally useless. Not what I expected when I purchased the Axim as my first PDA. I'll be moving on to another brand.

oski65

Here's some really bad news.

I got my X3 in November of last year. Had the bent pin problem early on (February or March) and Dell replaced my PDA. Replacement has a connector like a circuit board...no pins. Now having trouble with THAT connector..need to jiggle or hold the X3 just so to get an AutoSynch connection.

Anyone else having a problem with the upgraded connector?

FallN

I have/had two X3i's, and two X30 Highs. I sync all of them constantly. I charge all of them constantly. I even have a Dell Foldable Keyboard that I have to attach via the pin connectors and NEVER have I had a problem with bent pins. I'm incredibly gentle and mindful in all areas dealing with my Axims and placing it on the cradle, cable and keyboard is no exception.

Are you using a 3rd party cable to connect? Are you "man-handling" or otherwise being a bit rough or adsent-minded when connecting it?

If it's due to user error then it's on you, but if it's seriously a defective unit, call Dell and see what they say. Hopefully, you're still under warranty.

If you're issued a refurbished replacement, look at the bottom to make sure the pins are set in firmly. After that, make sure you aren't causing excess wear and tear and possibly causing the problem by not being careful when connecting the unit.

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AtlantaDeb

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for the good advice!!!!!!!! I emailed Dell Customer Support today and let them know that my Axim wasn't syncing. (I didn't say anything about bent pins. Thanks, kronchev!) The Customer Service Representative responded with a hypothesis of a faulty USB cable. I assured him/her in a followup email that the Axim won't sync on my USB cable at work either. I then got a response that he/she requested that Dell ship me a new Axim. YIPPEE!

oski65, I'll be sure to check the pin configuration on the replacement.

FallN, only my sync cable at work is 3rd party, and I did not manhandle my Axim. (Really, I LOVE it when it works.) The technical representative with whom I spoke earlier in the week conceded that without the plastic guide piece near the pins, the user cannot help but "bent" the pins.

I'll give you guys an update when I get the replacement.

AtlantaDeb
45 days left on my warranty...

AtlantaDeb

Hi Everyone,

I got my replacement Axim today, and it is refurbished. Also, it has the pinless connector port that oski65 describes above. My USB connector cord works with it, but it's a tough connection to make. (It seems stiff.) Oh, and it has that critical plastic guide piece my original Axim lacked.

Thanks again for all of the advice!

AtlantaDeb