X201 Speaker Problem? (Stereo not working)

There seems to be some production problem with the new X201 models regarding the speakers. Quite a few people complain that only ONE of the TWO speakers works, even though the x201 is supposed to be stereo (unlike the lighter X201s model, which is still mono, like the X200 models). Apparently, Lenovo screwed up sth. big time, but it's not clear whether it's a hardware issue or sth. to do with faulty drivers. See also the thread at thinkpads ( http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=43&t=85733)

Has anyone here experienced this problem with an X201? Are all models of the first batches affected? I'm thinking of buying an X201i (the cheaper corei3model, which is also supposed to have stereo speakers), as several retailers have it in stock, but I would hate to spend weeks returning it to Lenovo because of the faulty speaker and having to wait for a replacement/repair.

 

I have this problem with my new X201. Only the left one is working. I got mine 4 days ago. I checked the back of the laptop and I could see two speakers. Both are under the palm rest.

I am thinking of returning it to get full refund since it is still within 21 days. But at the same time, I love this machine so much. It runs so quiet and cool and it has beautiful keyboard. The display is actually so much better than I was expected. But the speaker.... I could not believe they made this mistake.

I think there are maybe two possible reasons which the speakers are not working correctly:
1) it has the wrong driver which it should be easy to fix. I believe Lenovo will release a new driver for it.

2) it dose not connected to the mother board properly. I can't fix it myself because I can't open the case myself (I will lose my warranty). I have to call lenovo to fix this.

I live in MA, there are some thinkpad repair shops around. I maybe send my laptop there to let them check it.

Overall for a brand new laptop, it is such a disappointment. I don't know which way to go.

Return it and order a new one? Or send to the repair shop to fix this brand new laptop? I wish it did not happen at the first place.

 

Well, as you can see from the other thread, you are not alone in this. Have you tried to contact Lenovo about this?

 

I have not yet contacted lenovo. But I am going to contact them and return the laptop. A brand new laptop should not have any problems. I purchased the warranty which I was not planing to use it for a brand new laptop.

Lenovo either has no quality control or they knew that the X201 has this problem, but they shipped it out anyway, just hoping that their customers are stupid enough that they would not notice or they would just accept it as they way it is. I hope that anyone who has this problem will contact Lenovo and let them know that they need to do something about this!!!

 

Speakers are weak as is and to only have one out of 2 working is pretty shabby I would be pretty pissed if I received a new laptop with a defected speaker.

I would guess that it would be a problem that could be fix update if everyone has the same problem on the same side with the speaker not working

 

Mine's not working.

 

I just got an update from my post on lenovo. They said it is a driver issue. Here is the link:

http://forums.lenovo.com/t5/X-Series-ThinkPad-Laptops/x201-speaker-problems/m-p/216771

 

That's great news! Hopefully, it is really a driver issue.

 

Yup, x201 arrived here in the UK, same issue - Strangely, balance works fine with headphones, but with full left or full right on the balance control, sound always comes out of just the left speaker (Even when set to full right!)