touchscreen frequently misaligned + !!shaking!!

Raybdbomb · 06-09-04, 12:32 AM

I posted this here over 2 months ago... http://forums.us.dell.com/supportfor...essage.id=8779

I'm finally (2 months later) just fed up of realigning my screen every time I use it. As soon as I got my Axim to the time this happened, I really didn't put my Axim down. I played a ton of games on it.

In fact, I was in the middle of a game when the 'problem' occurred. The Axim froze in the middle of "Worms World Party" so I reset it, and when I did it was horribly misaligned. I did a hard reset and it didn't fix the problem. Finally I was able to get to the align button and it fixed it, but then I noticed later that the problem came back. I tried to use it for about an hour and had to realign it about 6 times during that. Just horrible.

Not only was it misaligned though, it also had a moving nature to it. It's hard to explain, but when I held the stylus still on the screen, it would shake on the display. For example, when I held the scroll bar in one place, it would shake up and down. When I drag a horizontal line with the transcriber, it would look more like a sine curve, not horizontal but more shaken up and down.

So after 2 months I wrote dell support to see if they would do something, replace it or fix it out of pure kindness, even though I didn't get a warranty.

Here's the reply I got from them:

Quote:

Thank you for contacting Dell eSupport and Services (ESS). We appreciate
the opportunity to assist you. I apologize for your trouble and I assure
you it is our hope that you have a positive experience with our company.

As per the issue, please soft reset the device. For the instructions on
the same, I am recommending a knowledgebase article.

Please visit the following link to access the article that I wish to
forward to you:

http://support.dell.com/us/en/kb/doc...asp?dn=1077816

Some email programs will wrap this address to a second line. Therefore,
please copy each of the lines directly into the address bar of your
browser with no spaces between the two sections.

Also if still the issue persists, please hard reset the device. For
that, I am recommending a knowledgebase article.

Please visit the following link to access the article that I wish to
forward to you:

http://support.dell.com/us/en/kb/doc...asp?dn=1073114

Some email programs will wrap this address to a second line. Therefore,
please copy each of the lines directly into the address bar of your
browser with no spaces between the two sections.

Performing these steps should resolve the issue with the system. However
if still the issue persists, then you need to buy the new Axim Unit as
the unit is already out of warrenty so I won't be able to log the call
for the replacement of the same.

My apologies for the inconvinience and thanks for your patience.

I again apologize for the time and inconvinience.

Thank you for choosing Dell.

So here I am, with a basically useless Axim and almost $300 thrown away.

Think anything can be done? I tried the solution of another person with similar problems, to loosen the screws on the top under the rubber tabs. It didn't work... so I wonder if there is anything else that can fix this, because dell obviously won't...

Raybdbomb · 06-15-04, 08:59 PM

BUMP!

:realmad:

Raybdbomb · 06-15-04, 09:07 PM

maybe i should open it up and see what's going on inside

like this guy did

http://www.aximsite.com/modules.php?...&pid=26&page=1

Raybdbomb · 06-18-04, 04:39 PM

bump

nicor · 06-18-04, 08:28 PM

Ok here is the deal.
I have had a couple of X5 with digitizer problems.
The easy and "cheap" solution is to by a new digitizer and change it.
It'll cost you about $55 and then the problem is gone.

Of course in order to do that you need a minimum of skills.
Nothing difficult (if I did it...), just be careful and handle everithing with care.

Nico

Raybdbomb · 06-18-04, 11:07 PM

and where would i buy one of these?

06-19-04, 12:22 PM

I haven't had this problem (thank goodness) but I have read in other threads of other people with similar if not identical problems who have cured it by running the edge of a business card around the edge of the screen, between the digitiser and the case, to clear out any garbage that might have got in there.

Worth a try. If it works it will save you $55 and a lot of hassle.

MrKlaatu · 06-19-04, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Raybdbomb
So after 2 months I wrote dell support to see if they would do something, replace it or fix it out of pure kindness, even though I didn't get a warranty.

1) Why'd you wait 2 months to contact Dell?

2) Standard Warranty: Replace with NEW if within 30 Days. Replace with Refurb if within 1 Year.

Raybdbomb · 06-19-04, 01:57 PM

i put up with it for 2 months. it was past 1 year anyway when it started happening

nicor · 06-19-04, 02:05 PM

Anyway the digitizer is cheaper on ebay.
Go, type "dell axim digitizer" and you get a single result from the same company you would buy from without ebay. Only that on ebay they sell for $5 less.

Good luck and let me know if you need any advice for the work.

Nico

PS: They will also provide you with a link with the instructions on how to open the axim and swap the digitizer with the new one.

Raybdbomb · 06-19-04, 02:26 PM

well are you 100% sure that's what needs to be done? i'd hate to waste that amount and figure out it didn't fix the problem or there was an easier fix...

nicor · 06-19-04, 07:00 PM

Ok I can't be 100% sure.
There is alwais the chance it could be something else; I haven't even seen the pda.
All that I can say is that if I where your I'd be buying the digitizer.
Well I'm actually in the same situation infact I'm buying a digitizer very soon.

I'd say you have only two choices, since the pda is not working.
1) you buy the digitizer and hope for the best
2) you sell the pda to someone that is looking for parts.
You can make about 30-50 bucks out of it (I might even be interested) depending on the model.

Two suggerstions: first if you feel confident changing the digitizer, go for it.
Second, if you don't feel confortable DON't. Last guy I knew in the same situation bought the digitizer and broke the motherboard connector while replacing it. Then he ended up buying a new pda with a double expenses (new pda + digitizer for the old one). Since new models are coming out you might want to consider an update. It's easyer and by selling your broken unit you can get some extra $$ to cover the expences.

Whatever you decide let me know if you need help.

Nico

Raybdbomb · 06-21-04, 04:44 PM

the only thing i'm weary about is that nobody else has said anything about the shaking problem i've been having. kinda worries me that maybe a new digitizer won't fix it

nicor · 06-21-04, 05:21 PM

True, I've never seen such an issue. But plent of allignement problems.
Again I can't promise you that it'll work.
Plus I have another bad news. It looks like the digitizers are off ebay. So you'll have to got to the website:
http://www.gethightech.com/Merchant2...egory_Code=DIG

5 extra bucks!

But it's still in stock apparently.

Nico

Raybdbomb · 06-21-04, 06:43 PM

i wish there were a way i'd know with insurance that this would fix it...

sigh