TM8204 ATIx1600 Buzzing, fix using firmware update

Acer fixed my buzzing problem. It had nothing to do with a firmware update. They replaced the "VGA choke" on my motherboard. The only way I can hear the buzzing is if I put my ear right next to the laptop case.

My Acer 8204 is now working perfectly.

 

I'm happy with mine also... the buzzing is fixed... They said 'replaced mainboard and updated software'.

 

twojame your in the UK right. Its probably that the US technicians know exactly what is wrong so can replace a single component. While here in the UK its "replace the mobo till its stops making the sound"

 

Yes I live in the UK(Nottingham)... They simply replaced the mainboard?.

The thing is I was under hi-priority which is (3 working days). If they couldn't find the fault they would issue me a new machine. Which is why im thinking they didn't replace the LCD. To avoid sending me a new unit.

Hang on i'll post the service report...

 

Got my TM8204 today (typing this message on it now). No light leakage, no buzzing, no internet problems, and nothing I can see is wrong at all.

Reading some of the reviews before I recieved it made me nervous about what would come of the situation. Particularly the LCD screen. Lots of reviews nagged and complained about the display, and I have to tell you that either they don't know their a$$ from a hole in the ground or they got a different display. Mine is perfect and crystal clear on a lovely 1680x1050 resolution. I don't see any dead pixels and the screen has a nice contrast and awesome colors.

The unit can get a bit hot during 3D work, especially with a bunch of options up. So make sure its got plenty of space for ventilation. For me the heat is a non-issue as I just use the touchpad, I suppose if you use a mouse right handed it could get fairly warm over there.

All in all I give it a 10/10 so far. I feel sorry for all you folks who had a great thing and let a few bad apples in the bunch ruin your experience. Well worth the 2k I spent on it, and I would do it again.

For those of you who have not given up on it, hang in there. Once you get yours fixed and back to you, you will be glad!

 

Twojame you still got the service number i can quote when i finnaly send it away.

 

I'll see if I still have the paperwork...

 

For those wondering what the 8204 Looks like without the keyboard

 

If you have the buzz issue and this is not so big deal to you, do not send the laptop to ACER (USA) for repair now.

I sent my laptop on March, and ACER received on 31. I called today to follow up on the status, and was informed that the component that needs to be replaced is back ordered. Acer’s turn around for repair is 7 to 10 business day, and even so the technician told me that my laptop will be repaired in that time, 3 days from now !!!. Lets see, but I am very concerned now.

Update on 04/12 : Motherboard will be replaced, ETA 04/24 !!! , $#@$%%

 

heh. At least they are actuall fixing yours. It seems that in some cases when parts are backordered they update bios and proclaim it's fixed. Way to go Acer.
But i have to say their technicians actually do a pretty good job, much better then the likes of Dell or Alienware. Just afew unhappy customers compared to the hundreds of D/A customers

 

Well, it is "good" . I call this morning , motherboard will be replaced, bad news , parts will arrive only on 04/24 !! %$#@$#$$

 

Yep the 8204 Mainboard are on back order, seems to be a global supply thing. Uk, UsA etc all seem to be running low on mainboards.

 

I got mine (TM 8204WLMi, build date 06/03) 2 weeks ago. No buzzes, but after updating WinXP and installing various apps (SVS by Altiris) I have annoying buzzing every time I press a key on the keyboard, or use the touchpad to move the cursor. It's most noticeable with headphones on. When watching a DVD, I get a quick clicking noise.
Light leakage at the bottom of the screen is noticeable on a dark or blank screen that reaches up about 10-15mm. This I can live with.
Thing is, I'm now on a second TM 8204, and this new one is doing exactly the same thing. Could any installed app. cause this problem?

GG

ps
second posting of this message

 

Open the volume control and mute Line Volume

 

yes this works for me too to fix it...perhaps this isn't a video hardware issue but a wiring issue with the realtek input

 

Many thanks CoolHotCold, I feel such a fool!!