Screen stops responding to taps

[Swerve]

Hey All!

Anyone having a similar problem. My X5 Basic's screen will just stop responding to taps. But, if I stick my fingernail under the edge of the plastic case (between the case and the screen) along the left or right side of the Ax and gently flex the plastic then it'll start working again. I tried blowing compressed air around the edges of the screen and I've even taken a piece of clear tape and scraped along under the edges of the screen trying to "catch" any dust or anything that might be locking up the digitizer under the splastic edges. But the problem still happens just about whenever i use my Ax.

I was thinking I might have to dissassemble my ax just to be able to clean it thoroughly.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

[Gigi]

Welcome to Aximsite!

By any chance, do you have a screen protector installed? Sometimes, improper installation will cause the screen to fail to respond. If this is the case, just remove the protector to see if the screen is any better.

Also, have you tried cleaning your screen lately? Some substances, such as window cleaners will harm the digitizer, especially if it gets under the edges. AVOID ANYTHING UNDER THE EDGES!!! Unfortunately, I don't know of an easy solution if this is your problem.

Lastly, have you tried a soft reset?

[Swerve]

Yep, I do have a screen protector installed, but I'm pretty sure it's installed correctly. (It doesn't extend beneath the plastic on the edges of the screen, and I've had one installed since April of last year, I've changed it out about every other month since then) I haven't used anything to clean the screen except a dry cloth. I've tried many a soft reset, but the problem seems to happen almost every time I pick it up to use it with or without a screen protector installed. My theory is that it's like the screen is being pressed somewhere along the edges under the plastic and can't respond to any input until the pressure somewhere on the screen is relieved.

But thanks for the response.

any other thoughts out there or anyone having a similar problem? For all intents and purposes it seems like the Ax is locked up when in fact the digitizer is just being pressed somewhere.

Just wondering if I was alone on this one.

[Magicmonger]

Screen protectors over a period of time will deform or shrink or expand. Their size change even the most minute change can effect the digitizer. My suggestion would be to remove the screen protector. And reinstall it or put a new one on your Axim.

This should take care of your problem. Let us know.

[Swerve]

I thought of that too. MM. But I've had this problem even with no screen protector at all.

I checked the forums at the Dell Support site and others seem to have the same problem there but no fixes yet. The other weird thing it does is sometimes when it gets locked like this is that when you press the screen up where the minimize "X" is, it responds as though you tapped the bottom corner where the input method button is (transcriber, keyboard, etc) It's like it thinks you're pressing the bottom of the screen when you tap the top. Again squeezing it or messing with the case edges seems to temporarily "fix" it.

Any other thoughts? I put in a ticket with Dell, I'll keep you posted if I get anything useful back.

[kevinevo7]

Hi,

I had the same problem, there is no fix for this problem.
You will have to call dell's helpdesk, and if you still have your warranty, you will get a replacement for it.

I could temporaly fix it by putting some pieces of paper between the battery and the housing.

Greetings

Kevin

[fishy6969]

I've been having the same problem over the past month. Out of warranty unfortunately. I'm planning to disassemble the thing over the next couple of weeks and give it a clean. I'll let you know how I get on.

[Swerve]

Thanks all.

I did get in touch with Dell and they're sending me a replacement.

On a side note, I've heard lots of noise about how bad the Dell Help Desk is, and I've had pretty awful experiences in the past but the last few times I've had to contact Dell for anything I've emailed them and the exchange has gone something like this 1) my email describing the problem 2) The automated response back, which is garbage 3) my reply to the automated response telling them to read the email and try agin 4) Their tier one support person writes back some basic troubleshooting tips, still not solving the problem, 5) My response back that they haven't solved my problem, I'd like to have my unit replaced 6) Their response back that they are sorry for the inconvenience and that a new one will be sent to me, and then a couple of emails back and forth to verify warranty and shipping info. All in all, not a super customer service experience but I guess in the end I got what I wanted, an apology and a replacement. Guess that's the price we pay for getting our PocketPCs from the Wal-Mart of computer sales.

Thanks all

[wyrlys1]

Originally posted by Swerve
Guess that's the price we pay for getting our PocketPCs from the Wal-Mart of computer sales.

LMAO!! That's a good one..

[mintshows]

hrrrmmm.....i'm currently on the phone for the second time because of the same problem. The screen eventually stops responging...and I have to either squeeze the sides or pull up the edges w/ a fingernail. My first axim was replaced a few months ago because of the same problem..and I'm hopefully getting this one replaced as well....

I usually carry my axim in my pants..and at times it does press into my leg...I don't yet have a case and I'm wondering if this is the problem...it makes since...although a PocketPC should be able to withstand being in your Pocket...... at least you'd think....

[ppcconvert]

Hey Swerve,
I just posted the same issue today - as I'm pulling my hair out about this exact problem you describe. I got a couple of replies on it from the good guys on aximsite. basically it appears to be a hardware error. I'm still trying to talk to someone @ Dell to demand a replacement unit, as I'm reluctant to attempt to fix it since I'm in warranty.

Let me know if you have other info and I'll keep u updated.
Cheers.

PPCConvert.

[Oso=F.W.D=]

Hi all,
I buy my Axim X5 3 month ago, and i have exactly the same problem. I have do hard and soft reset, and nothing change...
To use it, I must remove my batterie for 10/15 minute, and the he work again few time...

I have tell the problem to dell two time, and they never respond me...Someone now how long is the time of reaction of the Dell support?

friendly

Oso

[ZenOps]

I'm having the exact same problem. And it goes away for a short period of time if I pull up on the plastic just above the buttons.

No screen protectors here either.

[n1tji]

Ok people for the everyone who's warranty carefully take unit apart and look for wires coming from touch srenn going to main board look to see if the wires being cut by plastic from front cover.
I found this problem on mine. It then shorts out on copper under the buttons. I will be taking pictures of this on my other Axim.
It is currently working but I want to correct the plastic before it happens

[n1tji]

sorry about last post.
for everyone who's warranty ran out.
have to remember to proof read before posting