M11x Hinge/Screen touching Keyboard Discussion (R1 & R2)

Yeah here it is for everyone to see.
http://www.aww-kittah-aww.com/up/public/191484/M11xR3.jpg

 

Sorry, for the posting frenzy, but saw this and thought immediately of M11x potential for hinge mount failures.

How They Test the ThinkPad Hinge 30,000 Times Posted on tom's hardware, January 10, 2011

I think something like this was posted before, but with a focus on HP.

So it is possible to do quality control.... yes, that was a glance in your direction Dell.

 

1. Why can't the R3 screen be used with the R1,R2?
2. Is there only one engineer at Dell? Is this what is taking so long?
3. Why does adding more plastic around the screw nut seem to be so hard?

 

oooohhh.....if there's an R3 coming i'll wait till it pops up!

 

I think people should also read this alongside the quote from Chris:


It's on page 8 of the relevant Dell forum

So it's not actually Chris' mate, it's raphael525's mate - Chris' response is after the asterisk in his post.

 

Ha! did anyone notice our very own scook9's comment on that article about the M17x?

 

Yeah, I was wondering what everyone was going on about. Thanks for clarifying that. Chris is an alright guy really and doesn't deserve any unwarranted criticism. He's just the messenger.

 

Ahh, my dad was wondering if anyone has tried lubricating the hinges using something like silcon spray or is this a no go?

 

I am sure there are other details, but the impression I am left with is that the hinge problem is a result of primarily misalignment. I believe this is due to a design that allows for some play in production, which is why we see such a range of reports of no problems, to distinct problems out of the box.

I would think lubricating would help postpone the problem where it is manifest, and would be easy to do, all you have to do is pop up the little strip over the keyboard (the one that holds the power button) and access to the hinges to spray is easy enough. I might do this with my R2 when it arrives and when I decide to do more work on my R1... good suggestion I would think.

 

The fact that Failienware haven't fixed the hinge design on the R1&R2 but has time to come out with the R3? It really shows how important this issue is to them

 

I did have thoughts about buying a m11xr3, but instead will wait until the new sony Z comes out.

 

I meant specifically why people were attributing the "I heard from one of my mates" quote to Chris. It was clear those who were doing so hadn't read the lead up to his post.

 

That was my fault.

I didn't see the way the post was constructed and I didn't read all the history to see that Chris(Dell) was replying to another post.

I now see (even on NBR) that Chris(Dell) use the asterisk as a point of reply.

So in fact all Chris(Dell) said was,

"That is true for the M11x-R3 but false for the M11x-R1 and M11x-R2. We are still working on the solution. When it is resolved, I will let you all know. No, I do not know when the R3 will be available nor do I know its specifications."​

In reply to raphael525 who stated:

I heard from my friend that they got the hinge problem solved.​

So in summary from Chris(Dell) we can deduce that the soon to be released M11xR3 is mooted to have a revised hinge mount structure, while Dell is still in the process of reviewing the existing M11xR1 and M11xR2 hinge mounts, with announcements to be made when information becomes available.

Sorry for any confusion.

And sorry Chris(Dell). Catch and release.. this time

Humble pie..pheww..pheww!!!

 

either way he does allude to the point that an R3 is being worked on...hopefully they won't have gimped anything else.

 

Yes, that is good news, hopefully we will then see at least a preview in March... but a summer release seems most likely.

 

or possibly winter since i am south of zee equator! but so long as the R3 is released before at least july i would be happy and take the sucker with me on my US trip

 

So if they have a r3 with a new hinge, I wonder if that means they
A: redesigned the lid also (back side)
B: Put in a better LCD
C: Installed a full length hinge

Cause you would think if they have a r3 with a good hinge it would be able to swap over to the r1/r2, but they must have made some pretty big changes to it to not allow the newest lids to swap over.... heres for hoping a 120hz display!

 

i hope they get rid of that reflective cover on the screen cos that looks terrible!

 

Hope for R3 too much and nothing gets done on the R1/R2. Show interest in a new model in the middle of an older model thread and you show Dell where your priorities are!

 

I have figured out where my clicking noise is coming from , the hinge is moulded from 2 pieces and there is a joint running along the back. If you are experiencing the clicking problem place your finger on the joint, and move the lid back and forward. You will feel that its a slight gap in the joint opening and closing ever soo slightly(might just need a dab of glue :/), doesn't seem to be affecting the structural integrty too much, i'll keep you guys posted if it splits open or what not
seems like dell ran out of glue at the factory lol

 

If it's 'clicking' and you have free-play in the hinge movement, it's more like the hinge ripping the screws out of their mounts/posts.

Because of this the free-play in the hinge attachment area is now forcing the monitor lid open.

By gluing the seams of the monitor lid, all you'd be doing is attempting to glue a broken hinge inside a monitor lid and complicating your warranty.

Call Dell and have the monitor lid replaced.

 

okay, thanks for the help, will do

 

please can someone help me as i want to buy an m11x.

what is the r1,r2,and r3? is that the model number. if i buy one now what type will it be?

soz im a beginner

 

Would a screen protector or keyboard cover help alleviate the problem? What tips do you all recommend to help prevent the keyboard touching the screen?

 

The r1 is the m11x with the Core 2 Duo CPU. It also has a VGA port. The r2 gets rid of the VGA port and uses either the i5 or i7 CPU. (note: all the CPUs are ULV (ultra low voltage). The r3 is the rumored next revision of the m11x. No word on when it comes out or it's specifications

 

I use a white soft tissue that came with the laptop when I bought it. I never closed the screen without it (at least the screen is safe...).
Nevertheless my hinges are still breaking slowly after 8 months of daily use.

 

Wow. Keys touching are not why hinges fail. That said I'm using a clear rubber kb protector to keep debris and spills out of the keys - works well!

 

Where did you get one? Does it affect typing at all? Does the lid close with the keyboard cover on?

 

Because the screen is glass and having a large surface area. When you put any screen protector on it will be difficult. I would not worry too much because there are the real tft and you are getting another flush glass on top to make it look good.

How I carry my M11x are round is just put a plain A4 page in between and when you remove the paper the screen is nice and clean with no smudge / keyboard inprints.

 

Question guys, im new to this so bear with me please. I just ordered my m11x r1, new not refurb or from outlet. Its now in Production. Should i expect these hinge issues? Or have they been fixex for 2011? Thank you for your time. BTW, this is my favorite website cus it feels like everyone here really trying to help.

 

Chances are you'll be one of the fortunate that haven't had any problems with their hinges. Think of them as the silent majority.

 

Here they are common. Any place selling accessories, sleeves, or ?? have them. No issues with typing really but this may vary from system to system. I used extra bump-stop rubber pcs from dead machines to gap the screen away. As said before its for the kb not screen but it has a bonus of keeping keys from rubbing. I use tall bump-stops.
example another

 

DELL-Chris M: ''The upcoming R3 has nothing to do with the design changes being made to the R1/R2.''

I just hope that these simple design changes materialise before my warrenty is up. I certainly won't be footing the bill for Dell's poor engineering decisions.

 

I have a service call into Dell regarding a broken hinge. They have a new part that they are replacing the monitor assembly with. PN is 757TW according to the dispatch.

According to the rep, I am one of 120 people waiting on the part, and its not due in until 2/4. This supposedly fixes the hinge issue entirely as it is a redesign of the part.

If you've been waiting for a permanent fix, this may be it.

 

Thanks for the info. Keep us posted about what you end up with and if you can tell whether there really is any difference. My panel is due to be replaced Monday (not for hinges). My part number is

V1V85 - LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY..., 11.6HDF, WLED, TLF, AU OPTRONICS CORP

...which is rather interesting. A couple of days ago it said that my part was a samsung. Hmmm.

Anyway, thanks for letting us* know.





* us = overly sensitive, hyper-entitled, whiners who feel this really is an important issue for M11x owners whether they've been directly impacted by this defect or not.

 

That's probably good for you, but I'm selfishly bummed, because I wanted your opinion on what you thought of the Samsung compared to the AUO Panel, especially after you calibrate it

Of course, I'm now just as interested to know if you see a major difference in PQ between AUO's

They do have better specs than the Samsung, though I've preferred the Samsung, maybe you'll get an AUO that's significantly better picture quality than what you have now?

I'm eligible for another panel switchout, but am probably going to wait as the dust under my screen doesn't show up when it's on. And I love the PQ on my own panel right now. But if you get an AUO that knocks you on your , then I might have to reconsider.

Very interesting news on a potential new panel part.

What's messed up is, even if this and all design issues of the M11x are fixed beyond question by anybody - I'm still debating getting an extended warranty for peace of mind, as my irrational side still has this fear of some other different issue, pop up similar to the hinges, and be screwed

Though I do agree in principle with Slickie's take on extended warranties, so may still not

 

If there's a redesigned hinge part for repairs, then wouldn't that mean it's probably already in some new M11x systems? My service tag indicates I had the same Samsung part, but Device Monitor says it's an AUO, so Dell might have just corrected that part error. After I mentioned that, at least one user reported the same thing.

Slickie88, are you doing a self-repair? What's it like?

 

7734 no, I'm not doing a DIY job. Not until I'm faced with a broken hinge out of warranty and it's my only option. I've got a tech coming out Monday morning to replace mine due to keyboard induced scratches.

 

If you get the entire LCD assembly pre-assembled, I thought it just took a few screws to replace it, making it easy enough to DIY?

 

My bad, I thought you meant DIY bonding fix.

No, I asked to have it shipped directly to me so that I could install it, but they said for this they needed a tech to do it. I didn't really feel like pushing it at the time. I probably should have though.

 

Yeah, I don't trust the techs. My local tech was just fine pushing an aluminum desktop across and around a wooden floor, putting a decent number of scratches on it. I ended up not caring about that system once warranty was up but even though I was close to getting reimbursement from Dell, I decided to sell it to avoid out-of-warranty issues (note I trusted my MacBook Pro to not need an extended warranty, and it has been very solid).

It's easier to push for a DIY over chat, especially since you can easily remember names and simply keep making sure you're talking to a different person until someone sets up the DIY.

 

I hope "upcoming" = soon = in 2 months!

 

I seriously doubt it. Buy now if you need/want an M11x.

 

would there be any difference between this version of the i7 and the sandy bridge i7?

 

Yes, there would be. But that's a topic for another thread.

 

yeah, i can hold out for another month at least...but it'll suck if i do buy it and then the R3 comes out.

 

DELL- Chris M: ''We apologize for this process taking so long. We have an ETA around March for when the M11x-R1/R2 Hinge fix program will be started. The start date range hinges is dependent on a 3rd party vendor and other details so it is not concrete. When it does begin, all who have the hinge defect will get it repaired regardless of the warranty end date. We know that you deserve the re-designed Hinge and we will make it happen.''

Ah, that's good to hear. I've already phoned for a replacement as I doubt my current buckled hinges will last another 2-3 months.

 

so chris M is saying that even if your m11x is out of warranty they will still fix it? feeling ok about an R2 now

 

They sent me the wrong part - the LCD panel itself rather than the LCD assembly. The on-site tech that showed up with it this morning was having a difficult time getting the Dell support rep on the phone to understand that what was needed was the LCD assembly for a stealth black R2. He kept having to repeat it over and over. I had a bad feeling.

Well it turns out that they ordered me a lunar shadow LCD assembly. Just spent 30 minutes on the phone getting all of that sorted out. So far I've invested about 3 hours on the phone sorting out a wide range of screw ups on their end. And multiple days where I'd arranged to be home for on-site service.

Yeah, it's better support than you get with Sony, ASUS, Toshiba and a whole lot of others out there, but in this case it's been pretty bad.

So now I've got a stealth black LCD assembly being shipped. Part number GNJW3. When I asked about whether or not this was a new part, the service rep had no idea. I asked whether or not the part was on back order, he said he couldn't tell. My service call on Dell's support site shows the new ticket he's opened but no parts associated with it as yet. My guess is this is one of the old assemblies.

 

Closing this thread since we have updated info from Dell.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...eased-update-hinge-issue-m11x-01-24-11-a.html