Averatec case cracking issue

Seems like Averatec isn't aware that there are sufficent concerns around the case design and the cracking case issue being disscussed activly as of late. So, I need everybodies help in getting some data to Averatec so they can recognize that they might have a possible design flaw or material quality issue. Heres what I need...

"YES" = Your lappy has developed a crack(s); how long owned till the issue was spotted; did you contact support and what was the resolution.
"NO" = no case issues
"Greatly influences my purchase decision" = You were interested in Averatec, but the thought of this flaw made you completly loose interest and look elsewhere.
"Mildly influences my purchase decision" = You recognize this as an issue and will keep it in mind when you decide what manufacture to purchase from.
"No influence" = Understanding the nature of laptops and what Averatec has to offer, this issue has no impact on your purchase decision.

Those of you willing to become involved with this, don't hesitate to pose your opinions either, but please only one per post...I don't want this to become a job!

I will update this with any Averatec resopnse I recieve once I have discussed this with them.

DD

 

my crack appeared after 6 months, the store I bought it from accepted to order the part, it's backorder tho ...

 

I noticed mine starting as a hairline fracture about a month after i bought it in september. At first i thought it was just a scratch. But as i continued to watch it, it keeps getting bigger. It has worked its way down the side and cracked a peice out of the side of the monitor casing, so now i have a hole there. I haven't contacted averatec, but i went to Future shop (where i bought it) and they said it may be classified as physical damage, and to bring it to see it. I didn't as they were backed with computer upgrades/repairs and i needed it for school. Come may i will check it out with them agian. With the extended warranty, i better get some results....

 

I noticed a little crack on the left hand corner about a month ago,I fixed is using Goop sealent and so far the crack hasn't grown. I realize when I bought this notebook it wouldn't be the strongest in the world. I bought the 3 year service plan from Sams Club so I'm not worried.
-andrew

 

2 Cracks near the hinge after 4 months of gentle use and care.

I phoned Averatec asking them if there would be a replacement. Support said I was to blame, being careless and causing damage to the notebook. I doubt he had any idea of how much I babied the notebook.

Emailed customer care, response was
"Brian,

My 6130HS20 has not developed any such cracks, nor have we noticed any other complaints regarding them. We are constantly working with developing the most robust, affordable case available, but we do not offer free replacements.

Brian Inboden
Averatec"

A little side note, my 6130 came with overheating problems (ie, during games and DVD movies) and the notebook was notorious for shutting off by itself DESPITE excellent circulation provided to the notebook)
Very little dust had developed inside the case. The problem was solved when I removed the OEM thermal paste and replaced it with some top quality thermal compound.

Crappy! [ !]

 

I mailed my laptop back to averatec, asking them to repair the heating system and the cracks. I was told that if Averatec thinks it's my fault they'd email me first before sending it back. Well I got it in the mail a week later and the cracks weren't repaired!!! MAKES ME MAD!!!! Now my LCD screen is freaking out. So I'll have to mail it back again.

AVERATEC IS CHEAP ***** (dung)
i will NEVER EVER EVER EVER buy anything from them again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I was seriously looking to pick one of their 3360-EG1 up tomorrow at CompUSA for $850 (after rebates) but no longer, a Compaq v2000 or an Apple 12 inch ibook seems like a better choice. Hp/Compaq might take some convincing but they will usually do the right thing, and Apple is Apple.

 

Hey BillyBlue, I hear ya.

I was planning to use my 6130HS for many many years, since using it, I've been thinking about getting a replacement. For the price you pay for an AV, you definitely could get a notebook of much higher calibur by just paying a tad more. I wish I had paid that 'tad more'.

My friend has the 5000 series, has had a string of problems.
My other buddy owns a 3200, but things are alright for him currently.

[8)]

Well staying on topic. I wish this case issue was looked at. Even if Averatec developed a much sturdier replancement case and charged money for it, I'd buy it in an instant.

It's not just about the cracks either. Theres warping in the casing due to the excessive heat (from before I changed the thermal paste). The case scratches/chips easily. I've found marks on my notebook that I have no explanation for their existence. I've had the same feeling before. Its like discovering rock chips on your car just from driving your car on the highway because of the car's cheap paint.

Near the lower left by the Radeon/Intel stickers, theres been a lot of color change probably due to the heat of the HD directly underneath. I could argue the color change comes from lots of use, but that would mean there'd be the same color change on the right hand side.

 

I know exactly what you mean. I have the exact same things going on here... Love the laptop but lots of problems.

Case cracking, Wireless dropping, Some games won't run, or run but poorly...

What will the result be if I leave this case cracking? Will the screen just crack and fall right off? I'm assuming there is some other type of support in there (steel bars or something?) and not just the plastic case.... anyone know????

 

After six months, I opened my laptop one morning to a nice CRACK! I inspected the notebook and when opening it, the seam on the bottom of the monitor casing right outside the left hinge cracked wide-freaking-open. I can't open or shut the notebook unless I've got either 1. my hand holding it together or 2. duct tape holding the two side of the monitor case together.

I called Averatec. I was told it was physical damage (I just OPENED the stupid notebook!) and I'd have to pay to get it fix. I was put on hold after awhile. They came back, told me their RMA system was down anyway, and to call them back later.

I never bothered to call back.

Luckily I'd just gotten my grant check from school (I'm a grad student) and have an educational discount. I got myself a 12" apple powerbook.

It was proven to me this weekend that it can take a beating beyond just opening it. My six foot four friend tripped over the power cord and sent the powerbook flying across the living room (closed).

The computer is fine. Not a scratch or anything wrong.

Stupid Averatec. Waste of money.

What the hell am I going to do with a laptop that doesn't close and runs ultra-hot?

 

Averatec doesn't make the notebook Uniwill does and it's currently a past model. Just look on their website. I've had my notebook since september and the case isn't warping it doesn't get hot, the case is fine. Maybe I was lucky and bought a sturdy 6130hs.
BTW- your 12 inch powerbook HD is probably damaged because IBM won't license their air cushion technology for HD's for another two years.
-andrew

 

If anyone needs new screen casings for their Averatec 6100 laptops I have them available, I recommend changing both the front screen casing (less prone to stress fractures) and the back screen casing (major stress lines). You may not need the front but you might as well change it while changing the back cover. the price for both is $100 (or $75 for the back and $25 for the front) and UPS or USPS shipping plus $5 for a box and packaging materials.
I am not a company, I am an Averatec owner who was pissed that his well cared for laptop was falling apart. I ordered a manufactures "lot" of these cases as it was the only way I could fix my case problem. I only have 23 sets left so I do not guarantee availabilty if you do not order quick. I accept Paypal or Money orders and yes I can post them on ebay (pfairview) at a buy it now price, but ebay is now a rip-off for auctions so you will be responsible for ebay fees. email me if interested [email protected]

pjoanis

 

Why on earth did you order 23 cases?

 

I doubt 100$ for the whole plastic covers is a good offer ... I will leave your offer displayed in case anyone needs ...

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by Liquid_Turbo

 

I am not trying to make a mint, I had to purchase a lot. If you happen to be the poor shlum who bought his machine approx. $1500 and less than six months later has a cracked case (trust me they will crack if you look at them too long) and a couple of months later a distorted screen. and then get told my warranty the crack is your fault and the ensuing screen distortions are directly related to the crack. $100 seems like a bargain...my unit is running perfectly and looks great to boot.

pjoanis

 

I just leave my laptop open now to help minimize wear and tear.

 

I just bought an 6100 demo full loaded with all the great stuff inside. Great stuff when you look at the specification but lot's of problem too !!! Here is only some on the problems with this laptop. [V]

1) Cracking on left hinge
2) Agp port are sometime 2x sometime 8x
3) Ram fails when dumping (when unloading a game or just closing windows)
4) My third recovery CD is BLANK !! WTF !!
5) When I unplug AC, sreen sometimes turn off but the computer is still on.
6) When getting out of sleep mode, sometimes, the usb port does not work
7) No speedstep technology (but supported by the VIA chipset...)
8) LOT's of heat !
9) touchpad freeze
10) Wireless with a really weak range
11) not a standart power adapter
12) NOISY !!!
13) Don't even have enought battery to listen a full movie
14) NIC not compatible with NOVELL servers
15) HD is slow
16) HD lose files (I already lost 563.8mb of space !)
17) The french translation are so poor
18) life goes on, there is still more bugs...


So, like I said, I just bought this laptop about 1 month ago at Staple. When I went there to aware them yesterday of my negative feedback, they avertised me that it would cost them more to repair the laptop beside giving me a new one. But there is a little problem, I bought the last Averatec availlable, so they will give me a brand new Toshiba 3.2Ghz loaded with 1Gb of ram, DVD +-, radeon 9700 for free when they will have it in stock! [ ]

Let me say that Averatec is full loaded of bugs, never will buy from them again.

 

Grimmox-

Let me address each of your concerns (IN BOLD), as all except for a few are easily fixable. And let me add, you did purchase a demo...

1) Cracking on left hinge
THIS ISSUE IS BEING ADDRESSED, ALTHOUGH WILL TAKE A TRIP BACK TO AVERATEC FOR REPAIR
2) Agp port are sometime 2x sometime 8x
DRIVER
3) Ram fails when dumping (when unloading a game or just closing windows)
COULD BE DUE TO THE COMP BEING DEMOED. DID YOU REIMAGE THE HD AFTER PURCHASE?
4) My third recovery CD is BLANK !! WTF !!
ODD, BUT SIMPLY GO TO http://www.averatec.com/ AND DL THE DRIVERS, THATS MOSTLY WHAT WAS ON THAT DISK
5) When I unplug AC, sreen sometimes turn off but the computer is still on.
BIOS ISSUE, DONT EXPECT A FIX ANYTIME SOON
6) When getting out of sleep mode, sometimes, the usb port does not work
DRIVER
7) No speedstep technology (but supported by the VIA chipset...)
DRIVER
8) LOT's of heat!
THIS IS A DESKTOP REPLACEMENT.IT'S RUNNING A 3 GIG PC PROCESSOR, HEAT IS TO BE EXPECTED. MANY OF US USE LAPTOPCOOLERS, AND THATS NOT UNUASUAL CONSIDERING THE MARKET FOR SUCH COOLERS NOADAYS.
9) touchpad freeze
DRIVER
10) Wireless with a really weak range
DRIVER
11) not a standart power adapter
STANDARD? SEE RESPONSE #8
12) NOISY !!!
SEE RESPONSE #8 AND # 3
13) Don't even have enought battery to listen a full movie
DID YOU DO ANY RESEARCH ON THIS BEFORE THE PURCHASE? BATTERY LIFE FOR THESE IS NO MYSTERY
14) NIC not compatible with NOVELL servers
CANNOT ASSIST....
15) HD is slow
AGAIN, THE SPECS OR INFO AVAILABLE SHOW THE HD IS RUNNING AT 4600 RPM, LIKE MOSE LAPTOP HDS AVAILABLE.
16) HD lose files (I already lost 563.8mb of space !)
MORE INFO PLEASE
17) The french translation are so poor
IN REGUARDS TO WHAT?
18) life goes on, there is still more bugs...

OKAY, LETS BE RESONABLE HERE. YOU PURCHASED A DEMO LAPTOP AND SEEM TO EXPECT IT TO WORK LIKE A BRAND NEW, OUT OF THE BOX LAPTOP,BUT SEEM TO HAVE DONE A MINIMUM OF RESEARCH ON IT. dON'T GET ME WRONG, I'M NOT TRYING TO BE OVERLY CRITICAL OR DISRESPECTFUL, BUT SOME OF THESE ISSUES ARE EITHER SIMPLE TO FIX THRU SOME DIGING/LEARING ABOUT WHAT YOU NOW OWN, OR TO BE EXPECTED WHEN YOU BUY A USED COMPUTER. IT WOULD MAKE LITTLE DIFFERENCE IF IT WAS, DELL, ALIENWARE OR AVERATEC.

If you would like to continue this disscussion, please post to the fourm, not this thread. thanks

DD

 

Hi. I sprung for a 3270 about a week ago and have been using it gently and moderately since. Loved it so far. But I will keep my eye open for cracks. Where should I be looking? Please be specific, eg "bottom right"is not enough, bottom right when viewed from where? Please say top or bottom of base, front or back of screen, and then where on that surface. Thanks.

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by DamnageD

 

I've had my 6130 for 7 months. No cracks yet but there are lots small of scratches on the case and the plastic finish seems to be easily worn. All this just for taking in and out of my laptop bag.

 

Haltz,

whats being reported on this site and to Averatec is that the 6100 series developes cracks at the hinge point. i don't recall mayy 3200 series folks complaining about the same issue, so I would just take to open from the middle and not the sides.

I don't think you have too much to worry about.

DD



<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by haltz

 

To those wondering about the 3300/3200 series AVERATECs cracking:

I have owned an AVERATEC 3270-EH1 for about 2 months, and I have a friend who has used a 3225 since September, both of us taking them back and forth to school every day. Neither of us have had issues with cracking, denting, or anything of the sort, other than some (easily rubbed away) scuffing. My guess as to the reason the 3200/3300 does not crack is that it has a magnesium casing, rather than the cheaper plastic. Don't look for the new 4000 and 1000 series to be as durable.

--------------------
Before you ask, check the FAQ!
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Gateway 7422GX: AMD Athlon 64 3400+, 1024MB DDR RAM, 64MB Mobility RADEON 9600 (May be going to my parents.)

AVERATEC AV3270-EH1: AMD Mobile Sempron 2800+, 512MB DRR RAM, 64MB (shared) S3G Unichrome

 

<blockquote id='quote'> quote:<hr height='1' noshade id='quote'>Originally posted by jedisolo

 

I believe Averatec USED to be Sotec. And yes Uniwill does manufacture the notebook, and averatec puts there name on it. There are other companies that also use Uniwill machines and put there names on it. (I cant think of what the other companies are at the moment).

 

Actually the Parent company to Averatec is Tri-gem Uniwill may make a particular model but it would be only 1 particular type.

 

Is it just me or does it seem like this 'cracking' problem is seemingly restricted to a select group of models. I'm looking into buying a 4200 series......honestly I haven't seen any other cases like it (and considering it is fairly new MAYBE it won't have this problem?). I have about 2 months til I leave for Japan and I need to find a decent laptop for around 1g and this seems like the perfect buy.

btw, another builder that uses the same case is cyber power systems. I've checked forums about there stuff and aparently there is no issue with them cracking at all (maybe just a bad year/batch, etc?)

Should I get the 4200?

 

If you run Sandrasoft it'll say what type of model of laptop the 6130hs and it clearly says its a Uniwill 258SA2 and Sotec and Averatec are the same company they just changed the name. That's why it's not that expensive because it's a past model.
-andrew

 

I think the cracking thing is terrible, they need to fix that. I believe that ALL notebooks should be very well built, especially because of the amount of money we dish out for them.

 

DamageD: Your suggestion to the guy from Quebec that he has to ship his laptop back to Averatec is not true. That is the procedure for the USA. The Canadian procedure is that all warranty claims are dealt with by the store where you purchased the laptop. That is directly from Averatec customer support. Best Buy & Futureshop are both authorized repair depots in Canada. Other stores may be as well, but I'm not sure.

My cracking issues: I have a 6130HS-20, back plastic panel of the LCD was cracking around both hinges. I brought it in to Best Buy with a couple other warranty issues to fix as well. I was given a copy of the info Best Buy has on file about what's going on with my laptop, along with all correspondence between Best Buy and Averatec in regards to my issue. Best Buy's repair depot lists the cracks as "Stress cracks in the back cabinet (manufacturing defect)" and Averatec says:

I'd like to let you know that Averatec has a special policy regarding part # 83-UD7052-10 for 6100 units, that is a '6130A (A SIDE) BACK CAB ASSY or LCD Top Cover. It is a plastics and, usually, plastic parts are not covered by MFG Warranty. The case with this part is a special one. To handle it, Averatec sends the A-side cover as a "warranty" replacement so long as the tech provides the following three items:

1. Serial Number
2. Digital photo of the crack(s) and photo of the actual serial number
3. Proof of purchase (unit must still be under warranty). This can be scanned and emailed or faxed over.

If one of the above items cannot be provided, we will not provide the A-side plastic cover for free. Also, we will need the cracked cover to be sent back.

It's not a secret that they know about this issue. They are dealing with it, like they should. Maybe they were reluctant in the past, but they are definitely covering this as a special warranty case. This might be a relief to some, but everyone's warranties are probably already run out, unless you bought an extended one.

 

ubercam, i stand corrected. Being a US citizen, I obviously know squat about Canaidian warrenty processes. Thank you for the info, no harm, no foul.

It's good to know that progress is being made from a repair/accountability standpoint. Although they sure make you jump thru alot of hoops for such a basic repair.

Considering they have fessed up to this for Canaidians, I winder why they have been so quiet about this for the US. IOW, all info I have compiled and sent to them has gotten me alot of, well, nothing.

 

just wanted to add my case now have a crack on the corner where the pc card slot is on the 3150h model
this is roughly after a year of careful use i say, got a snug fitting sleeve with memory foam to absorb shock
another thing, i also noticed my screen becoming loose, and then one day the casing around the screen opened on the bottom left near the hinges.
i then took off the rubber thingys hiding the screws and the screw was almost completely out if it was not for the rubber thingy
after tightening all the screws (even the other ones, and each of them can be turned easily another couple rotation before stopping) the screen is better

will i buy another averatec, unlikely, unless it was like 500 bucks and i just need a yr of use out of it, but even then, im not sure

 

In case if anyone were wondering I have found a quick and easy fix for cracks appearing on the case just put some Amazing Goop Sealent over the crack and it'll seal it, the crack will still be there but it won't spread any further and the Goop will provide extra protection on the case.
-Andrew

 

I too own a relatively new and cared for C3500 series with multiple hairline fractures in the case. This reminds me of the first laptop that COMPAQ sold. It had a defective composite which routinely developed cracks but unlike Averatec, COMPAQ would replace the defective cases and later improved their cases.

This is a design flaw; Averatec chose the wrong composite to use for the tablet. I think they are deserving of a class action law suite and would be happy to work with others in putting one together (I'm not a lawyer, just a PO'd consumer tired of being stung by corporate elite).

I would not buy another product from this company until I see them take responsibility and do the right thing for the people whose hard earned dollars they have taken.

 

I appreciate your offer. I'd think I'd rather attempt a class action suite to give Averatec a little press and financial stress. One good turn deserves another.

I will keep your post bookmarked though in case I need to replace my shell.

Thanks.

 

Averatec doesn't make computers they just buy them from companies like Twinhead or Uniwill. The reason why they are so cheap is because of the shell if you want a notebook that's tough then plop down 3000 dollars and buy a Panasonic Tough Book. You buy a cheap computer you get cheap components.
-Andrew

 

Wow. I wish this forum had been as advanced back when I bought my 6130HS-20. I would have steared WAY clear of this unit, though I haven't had some of the horror stories you all have had.

I have three cracks on my unit:

1. 3" diagonal crack above left hinge
2. 2" diagonal crack above right hinge
3. 2" diagonal crack from -> right arrow key towards battery

Also, about two months ago the unit started doing the sudden shut-down without warning. It never did that before. It started after I installed Skype. Now I can't even stream a video or rip a CD without it shutting down unless I prop up the front and blow a fan across it.

I'm going to buy a Sager 5720 with 2GB 533MHz RAM, GeForce 7800GTX, Pentium M 2.0GHz (beats the 3.0 P4 on my Averatec I believe) and a 17" screen. It's quite a bit more (mostly due to the ram) but it's rugged, cranking, and QUIET.

Maybe I'll fix this one. Maybe I'll sell it. Probably couldn't get more than $500 for it (paid $1400 18 months ago).

 

Oh, I forgot to mention that the screen has also developed a vertical two-pixel problem, one being red and the other being white. Also the screen flickers bright/dim sometimes. To fix it I just push against the logo along the bottom of the screen and it brightens up again.

I would join in a class-action suit. Typically I'm not the suing kind, but these folks seem to have a very deaf ear for their customers.

 

oh man, this is kinda funny but quite annoying for me. I already got my case replaced once for the cracked case, but now, after VERY LITTLE use (b/c i now use an ibook), the case is starting to crack once again!! Come on averatec, make better cases, at least try to reinforce it so it doesn't crack again.

 

My Averatec 6100A suddenly crashed when I was seeing a movie. Now it doesn"t start anymore althought it seems to be all right. The screen is black but the fan runs. I can't run bios.

 

is there any specific glue ( good one ) that does not leave mark on frame and still i am able to repair mine hair line crack hust in middle and front of left speaker on 3150H

 

I bought a 4100 series in November and it has developed 2 small cracks on the base of the laptop near where your left arm would be while typing.

From reading this thread I am going to assume that they will charge me for fixing this problem and it will crack in the future as well. I think I am going to prevent further cracking by using 'the amazing goop' as mentioned earlier in this thread.

Any other ideas?

edit: typo.

 

Cora,

Open the back and reseat the ram. I did a ram upgrade, On startup I had a blank sceen, no bios post, nothing. I removed the ram and made sure I seated it good, Presto it worked. Just something to try, if you havn't had it repaired yet.

 

I ordered the parts I need to correct the lid crack, from uniwill. The lid was $10, ft part $5. Looking at the exploded view I decided to order the hinges and lcd mount plate. The lid is a updated part from a newer model, so hopefully it will not have the cracking problem. I want know for sure if I need all of the parts I ordered, but didn't want to be short when I do the repair. With the mounting bracket extending from the hinge all the way to the top, should have kept the lid from warping and cracking at the point it did. I heard their is a short hinge/lcd plate, so I wasn't taking any chances.

 

luckily i have only a small crack by my pen on my 3500 tablet, but the battery life is horrible and there is an incredible amount of heat. if i run norton antivirus all the way through, i need to put a cold pack underneath my computer, even when i have one of those stands to let the laptop "breathe" underneath. it constantly turns off because the heat is so intense and i can never have it on my lap because the heat is too much. is this normal for this laptop? i should've gone with the hype and bought an apple

 

that definitely isn't normal. when was the last time you cleaned the ducts for your fan? also, it may help that you have a notebook cooler instead of just a stand.

 

My 6130 (almost 3 yrs old now) has started to develop a hairline fracture just below the left hinge. It's not causing any real problems - yet - so will probably just leave it alone for now. I'm planning on replacing the computer sometime over the next couple of months as it's just about run-out its useful life-cycle. While it has served me well, I'm ready for a dual-core proc and an xbright screen.

redjr...

 

I have an Averatec 1050 and I had my case crack about 3 months ago. I sent it into Averatec before my warranty was up (at about 10months) and they gave me a new casing. Mine cracked right by the wireless switch where your left palm sits. As others have posted it started as a hairline fracture and then just grew until it made it to the other side.


I just noticed about a week ago that the "new" case is cracking again it the EXACT same spot. There is obviously a problem seeing this is happing in the same spot and so quickly after the the case was put on.


I love the notebook and anyone who bashes it should have bought a $2000-$3000 Sony when they bought this one, but they didn't and bought this around $1000. We should expect a little less.

However this does seem to be a defect. I will contact Averatec and let them know that the problem is recurring. I suggest everyone on here do it so they get enough response about the issue.

 

I have a 6130HS-20. I've had it for about 2 years and the problems that is has are:

-- a crack on the back of the LCD on the left hinge about 1" long.
-- the right arrow key broke off
-- intermittant USB, sometimes it works, sometimes it cuts out and tells me that the USB device is not recognized.
-- intermittant column of "dead" pixels
-- LCD brightness flickers.

needless to say.... I will never buy an Averatec again...

 

I have multiple of hair line cracks around my laptop.... Doesnt really bother me. If it gets worst I'll get it replaced.