Asus Taichi 21 DH51 Defects?

Calling all Asus Taichi owners.

The Asus Taichi 21 DH51 really is a really wonderful machine, but I am experiencing a problem with my brand new computer (2nd one, as I exchanged the 1st one).

I'm wondering if there are other Taichi owners out there experiencing headphone jack defects? Basically when I plug headphones into the jack, it quickly recognizes that headphones have been plugged in, but then shows they've been disconnected. I think it has to do with tripping a micro-switch in the jack. The system will only recognize headphones if I leave the jack halfway inserted. Clearly the jack is not functioning properly. I already returned one laptop, but the new one exhibits the exact same problem.

As an alternative I thought I'd try to use bluetooth audio, but then I discovered the bluetooth was basically just as defective. It has less than a 10" range and even then the audio stutters and breaks up. Either the bluetooth module is underpowered or something is wrong with the antenna. For comparison sake, when I pair the same bluetooth devices with my phone I get nearly 30ft of reception (I can even wander into other rooms) so this is definitely localized to the laptop.

NOTE: On the 2nd laptop the bluetooth seems to function much better (haven't tried tablet mode, but notebook mode works well).

Anybody else experiencing similar problems?

 

After receiving the second unit - did Asus tell you (or did you ask) what they did to resolve the problem? It may have been transit damage. I haven't heard of this defect before.

 

Hi Prostar,

Thanks for the reply.

I exchanged the unit to the retailer since it was still within the return period, so I haven't dealt with Asus yet. I will probably contact Asus directly at some point, especially since the headphone jack problem persists. I'm wondering if it's possibly software related, so I'm going to try and reinstall the audio drivers/software.

 

I really doubt it is software related. It sounds like the second conductor on the headphone jack is not being recognized. When you insert it part way in, do you get audio playback in mono?

 

To answer your questions: precisely the behaviour you described and exactly how I tested it. Thus I also concluded it was a hardware problem.

Retracting this!

It worked once, now it's doing the same thing. Back to thinking it's hardware related... This is very annoying.

 

I've escalated this issue to Asus support. I'll report back here once I get a response.

 

Please do. I would like to know what the fix is and - moreover - what the problem is. Since this has happened with two different units, I wonder if they got a bad batch or if the port being used on the board for that model is faulty.

 

I got a response from Asus support, they say they are not aware of any defects. They provided some steps to possibly remedy the situation.

I updated the BIOS from v205 to v208. This did not resolve the issue.

I also updated the Realtek audio driver to v16793. This did not resolve the issue.

I have tried other headphones, and the issue persists.

Therefore, I am convinced that I have done enough troubleshooting to conclude the headphone jack is defective.

I suppose now I will exchange this unit (2nd one) to the retailer and test the replacement model (3rd one) before leaving the store. I have learned my lesson!

Please post if you see any similar issues. Maybe this was just a bad batch or something. Sad, because I really like the machine.

 

Sorry to hear it (that you need to exchange again - not that you like the machine!). I'm not sure if your'e referring to the board or notebook on the whole when you say "batch", but I reckon it's just a bad jack. They could probably resolder a new one on if that's the case, but it's still too bad that this is round 3.

I hope the third one is the charm!

 

Well, third one is a charm. This time I tested it before I left the store!!!

Very glad to have a fully functioning model. I love this machine!

 

Alright! :thumbsup:

Did you find out whether they replaced it or fixed the unit you had?

 

I have the same exact problem. I noticed the problem right away on the first unit I received, and successfully exchanged it with the retailer. The 2nd unit was working great (about 3 months), but suddenly the problem resurfaced. The issue is exactly as described before...the headphones are not recognized by the computer when plugged in, only when slightly out of the jack. Any more updates from asus on this? Unfortunately, I may have to deal directly with them since I can no longer replace the unit with the retailer.

 

My second asus taichi has the same problem with the bluetooth range. I noted very short range to connect other devices. I returned to asus to repair and i waiting for my taichi. I feel bad about that problem and want return the ultrabook to store and take my money. The first asus taichi i had have wifi card defect the change for otjer new but you know the story with my second new taichi.