cf29 touchscreen problem

I've had a cf29 for a while now and love it, upgraded it to a solid state harddrive and a yellow tabbed battery. Recently the touchscreen stopped working correctly the curser jumps to the far right of the screen whenever I touch it, any troubleshooting I should try or should I start shopping for a new touchscreen?

 

First off - Welcome to the forum!

Next - This is one of those questions we've answered many times in the Official CF-29 thread:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/panasonic/214029-official-panasonic-cf-29-toughbook-thread.html

However, this is also one of the longest threads on the forum, so that search can be quite a daunting task.

We have two possible causes for your issue; it is POSSIBLE that you have accumulated some detritus or other crud around the edges of your touchscreen. This can be cured by gently cleaning between the LCD BEZEL and the touchscreen glass with a soft instrument. Recommended tools are a toothpick that has been shaved thin enough to get in there, or to cut 1/2'' wide strips of plastic from a 2L soda bottle, then trim the end to approx a 45 degree point and use that the same way. Be careful; if you dig TOO DEEP, you'll damage the foam sealing tape between the bezel and the touchscreen.

If that doesn't cure your problem, then I'm afraid you are one of our unlucky CF-29 winners; there have been large numbers of certain production runs of the CF-29 that suffer touchscreen failure with symptoms ranging from yours to completely dead/unresponsive.

So far, we haven't had a VERIFIED cure for this failure other than replacement; this is of course not cheap.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news,

mnem
Beer. It's not just for breakfast anymore.

 

Try the search at the top of this page ( CF-29 touchscreen stopped working ) This problem has been talked about many times. Many "SBC" CF-29 have this problem.

 

Well this laptop I have had for a few months it is actually an old SAPD one, and I already kind of expected the need for a replacement touchscreen, I was just hoping that I didn't have to. The ones I had seen on eBay were the SBC ones though and after reading here are a little leery of trying one

 

I have a SBC CF-29 with an nonfunctional touchscreen.
It's enabled in the bios, I have the correct driver installed, and it did work very briefly.
I realize that it is asking a lot, but what actually goes bad? I don't have the "cursor with a mind of it's own" issue(dirt and crud).
Thanks

 

Mine doesn't! <YEA!!!>

My "SAPD" does, though.

 

Maybe other users can shed more light on it but what I was reading here was that lots of them sit in hot cop cars day in and day out, before we get them, and this causes the touch screen to basically start breaking down

 

To shed more light of this touchscreen sendrome trouble. Here is the basic info how did it happened. The touchscrren panel has two circuit, the X and Y axis circuit in a form of a very thin pen line that run along the four side of the panel sreen. Emf ceate when it power on or close the circuit. This thin pen line circuit breaks overtime due to heat created by the LCD in a certain period of time. On the case, why the mouse retreat at the bottom of the unit, it means the "Y" axis circuit is open or somewhere along the line it was broken/no continuity and if the mouse retreat at the right side of panel when you touch the screen it means the "X" axis circuit is open. If totally no response assuming you intalled the right driver. It means both circuit are broken off. I don't know yet how to repair it coz those circuit is between a layer of glass when I expected but I am not fully positive. Maybe somebody know how it constructed.

This is based solely on my study.

ohlip


ohlip

 

EDIT:I have only been inside about four Toughbooks. I wrote the following as a journal of my findings in response to the question "how do these things work"? It would take a very clever person to repair the touchscreen itself. Hopefully "that" is what the following will tell you.
The reality is as Toughbook states as well as others:You have a bad Touchscreen. Bite the bullet as I did and either do without or get one ordered.

Just for the fun of it I took my non-functioning TS apart. A while back I got a drop of water in there and it should have been the clue that the TS was de-laminated. It took a couple weeks to finally evaporate.
The touchscreen is made of one sheet of "glass" and one of a sheet similar to the touchscreen protector found on a lot of Toughbooks. Along the edge of the plastic sheet is a piece of tape with an embedded conductor similar to a piece of metal tape. This tape lifts with the plastic. On the "glass" is another embedded conductor tape. These go all around the edge of the two pieces of glass/sheeting and wind up at a thin ribbon cable that leads to the TS PCB. So one tape is affixed to the glass and the other to the sheeting. And I assume the conductor in the tape faces the "laminate"(glass or sheeting) that it is taped to, thereby making that laminate conductive as well.
Then I assume the two conductive pieces (glass/sheeting) are laminated together or very possibly held apart with some secret compound that makes the Touchscreen "touch".
I don't recommend doing what I did but I had to look as I figured the TS was shot anyway.
What you can do though is check connections on the TS PCB. Pull the back off of the top case. The ribbon cable is protected by a piece of what looks like electrical tape. Peek under that and you will see the ribbon cable connection probably held in place with a tiny piece of Kapton tape. You can grasp the Kapton tape and pull towards the connector to ensure good contact or if you are like me you can pull the connector out look at it and re-insert. Handle it with the Kapton tape or a pair of de-magnetized forceps. Then check the plug in the other corner of the TS PCB. Squeeze together or if you want pull apart and re-install.
Note: Before removing connectors make sure there isn't some sort of locking mechanism on them.
I take those plugs apart using a small screwdriver. Slip the screwdriver into the crack and rotate the blade. First one corner then the other. You can pull it out by the wires if you want to but I don't think you will like the result.
I left the board at the top of the screen alone as those tiny wires scared me.
Another check if you have the keyboard off at some point is the two plugs that fasten to the mother-board.
I'm writing this as I was curious too and I hope this saves someone else some time. By the way my new TS was in the mail before I started this project.
Get a copy of the repair manual and look at it a few times before attempting any of the above mentioned feats. And if anyone knows how touchscreens really work we'd like to know.

This writer takes no responsibility for anything. ​

 

Gork..nice job! But mostly it was only on the connection between a thin plastic cable ribbon and the line from the ts panel that breaks off. You can only notice that by using a magnifying glass.


ohlip

 

Thanks Teo,

If we could figure out a do-it-yourself repair kit we would be famous.

Edit: I missed the Electro Magnetic Field part the first time I read your post. That's one part I didn't understand. (and still don't) But I begin to see how it would work.
The ribbon cable is the weak link. Where the conductor tape is fastened to the glass is very sturdy. They separate the conductors right there where the ribbon tape is with another piece of non-conductive tape also but that is sturdy.
The weak link again is where the ribbon conductor attaches to the tape that winds around the glass and plastic sheets. Is that fixable? Say we took a fresh piece of ribbon cable that fits the TS PCB. Then on the other end scrape away the insulation on the correct side for where it goes between the laminates. There would be two up and two down. Two short and two long. Then separate the laminates and tape the conductors to the right place. Possibly use a bit of dielectric compound. (right word?) A small spot of adhesive after were done and that's it! Dream on!
Sorry I'm just typing as I think.

Thanks again.

Jeff

 

Some issues are caused by ribbon cable breakage. But I have had many units where the ribbon cable is fine.

There is a KNOWN issue that has been posted about a DOZEN times about Panasonic using incorrect adhesives on all CF-29 models. MK1, CF-19s & MK1, CF-30s... Also some CF-18s are affected. Generally these were units (ALA ex-police units) that were subject to high heat.

You have bad touchscreen...

 

HELP!!
I just bought a referbished toughbook CF-29, the touchscreen was working 3 hours ago, i came beck from class and it had stopped working. I havent had the computer but since noon today, should i send it back under the 60 day warranty and get another?

 

Welcome to the forum.....What is your full model# CF-29??????? . Is this from ebay or one of them ones from tigerdirect.com. You have no touchscreen at all ? Have you tried to recalibrate the touchscreen or reinstall the drivers. Read this link http://forum.notebookreview.com/panasonic/373545-cf-29-touchscreen-recalibration.html .

 

Thanks,
Its one from tiger, It worked like 3 hours and then it stopped and now im getting the message TouchPanel Driver not found when i go in through the utility program to try and calibrate it, plus i had wireless internet on it and now thats not even on the computer its like it fell off and i cant find a drive for it or anything

 

oo and the full model number is an older one but the BIOS says CF29HTM50BM
So i really dont know

 

Could be the hard drive failing if you seem to be loosing drivers
Download and run HD Tune and check for errors on your drive

http://www.hdtune.com/

Alex

 

i have gave up on mine it will not hold a cal be for it sags up or down
but i can use it to hit a big target but not small but i my be my fat fingers to

 

Yup! Just as we surmised.

The BIOS is correct, and:

CF-29HTM50BM Description:
***SBC ONLY***
Pentium M 738-1.4GHz LV (Centrino), 13.3" Transmissive Touch XGA, 512MB RAM, 40GB HDD, Intel PRO/Wireless 2915ABG 802.11 a+b+g WLAN, Win XP Pro SP2, Tempo VIP Sidekick/ADSL Tester I/F, Sony-Ericsson GC83 EDGE WWAN, SBC logo, asset tag, replaceable RJ11 jack

Welcome to "The Club" (I have two of these myself ).

 

Everything is appearing to be fine and dandy... I have no Idea, i think Im going to email Tiger Direct and tell them i need another one, especially for the screen to just randomly stop working

 

Well you struck out twice (SBC + Tigerdirect) . Run the HD test like Alex said to see if it's ok. I would try to download the drivers again from here Toughbook Computer Support - Search Downloads Touch Pad Driver/Touchscreen Driver (mouse_29_3_d030178.exe [357.9 kb] )

And if you are wondering what SBC means read here. http://forum.notebookreview.com/panasonic/449914-what-does-sbc-mean.html

 

Ya i knew SBC, but honestly didnt care till now, but i have been downloading "mouse" drivers trying to get it to work all night since i got back in from the boat. Havent got one to work yet, and the sucky thing is, i lost the wireless to it so i am having to use my primary here in the barracks to find drivers and then thumb drive them to the 29, it sucks i gave up on the screen and am trying to get wireless back to it

 

Be sure to try the latest WLAN driver:

Title: Wireless LAN Driver [This file can be installed only to WLAN model] Latest Update
Model Number: CF-29[H/J]3(Mk3) CF-29H3xxxBx
Operating System: Windows XP SP2
Language: English
Release Date: 03/03/2008
Reason for Update: (1) This driver fixed the security vulnerabilities issue in Intel PROSet.
(2) This driver improved the performance of roaming.
(3) This driver fixed the issue which caused the bluescreen error by using telnet or accessing some web site when connecting by TKIP.
File Name: wlan_d080215.exe [89.8 mb]
How to Update Driver: Wireless LAN Driver Update Procedure (for Windows XP)

This file describes the procedure for updating Wireless LAN driver and utility
software (Intel PROSet) to version 11.5.0.34 or 9.0.4.37.

[Precaution]

Before updating the driver‚ you should
- Logon with administrative user.
- Don’t use Fast User Switching.
- Connect AC Adaptor and fully charged battery.
- Disconnect networks (wired and wireless).
- Disconnect USB equipments and PC cards.
- Disconnect modem cable and LAN cable.
- Terminate all programs other than the update program.
- Terminate virus protection program and alike.

[Summary of installation procedure]

1. Confirm the version of Wireless LAN driver
2. Extract the new driver files
3. Uninstall old versions of software
3-1. Uninstall Hotkey Plus Manager
3-2. Uninstall Wireless Switch Utility or Wireless LAN Switch/Bluetooth Switch
4. Update Wireless LAN driver and utility software (PROSet)
5. Install Panasonic Misc Driver
5-1. Install Panasonic Misc Driver
5-2. Confirm installation of Panasonic Misc Driver
6. Install applications
6-1. Install Panasonic Common Components
6-2. Install Hotkey Appendix
6-3. Install Hotkey Plus Manager
6-4. Install Wireless Switch Utility
6-5. Confirm installation of applications

*** KEEP THESE STEPS STRICTLY‚ OR MALFUNCTION MAY BE CAUSED.

[Procedure]

1. Confirm the version of Wireless LAN driver
(1) Click [start]-[Control Panel]-[Performance and Maintenance]-[System]
-[Hardware]-[Device Manager].
(2) Double click [Network adapters]‚ and double click [IntelR PRO/Wireless
2200BG Network Connection]‚ [IntelR PRO/Wireless 2915ABG Network
Connection]‚ [IntelR PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection]‚
[IntelR PRO/Wireless 3945BG Network Connection]‚ or
[IntelR Wireless WiFi Link 4965AG].
(3) Select [Driver] tab‚ and check [Driver Version].

If it is displayed as
- "9.0.4.37" for
IntelR PRO/Wireless 2200BG Network Connection
or IntelR PRO/Wireless 2915ABG Network Connection‚
- "11.5.0.34" for
IntelR PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection‚
IntelR PRO/Wireless 3945BG Network Connection‚
or IntelR Wireless WiFi Link 4965AG‚
the driver has already been updated.


2. Extract the new driver files.
(1) Execute the program named wlan_d080215.exe.
(2) Read the "License Agreement"‚ and click [Yes].
(3) Confirm the destination folder (default folder is c:\util_d080215)‚
and click [OK].
*** If you change the destination folder‚ specify a
*** folder on C drive.
(4) Wait about 30 seconds until files are extracted.
The folder will be automatically opened on completion.


3. Uninstall old versions of software
Before installing the new Wireless LAN driver‚ old versions of the following
software must be uninstalled.

- Hotkey Plus Manager (if applicable)
- Wireless Switch Utility or Wireless LAN Switch Utility

3-1. Uninstall Hotkey Plus Manager
Hotkey Plus Manager must be uninstalled for the following models.

CF-18[N/P][H/J/K/L/N/M]xxxBx‚ CF-18[K/L][H/J/K/L/N/M]xxx[B/L]x‚
CF-18[F/G/H][H/J/K/L/N/M]xxx[B/L]x‚ CF-18[D/E][H/J/K/L/N/M]xxx[B/L/G/K]x‚
CF-18KHHZXBR‚ CF-18KHH65LR‚ CF-18[K/L][H/J/K/L/N/M]xxxTx

If you use these models‚ follow the steps below to uninstall Hotkey Plus
Manager.

(1)Click [start]-[Control Panel]-[Add or Remove Programs].
(2)Select "Hotkey Plus Manager" and click [Change/Remove].
(3)Click [OK] in "Confirm Uninstall" window.
(4)Wait untill uninstall process is completed.
*** IF "Locked File Detected" IS SHOWN (IT MAY BE SHOWN TWICE OR MORE)
*** DURING UNINSTALLATION‚ CLICK [Reboot]. OTHERWISE MALFUNCTION MAY
*** BE CAUSED.
(5)Click [Finish] when "InstallShield Wizard Complete" window is displayed.


3-2. Uninstall Wireless Switch Utility or Wireless LAN Switch/Bluetooth Switch
(1)Turn ON Wireless LAN power.
(2)Click [start]-[Control Panel]-[Add or Remove Programs].
(3)Select "Wireless Switch Utility" or "Wireless LAN Switch" and
click [Remove](or [Change/Remove]). If both are not shown in the list‚
skip the remaining steps of this section.
(4)Click [OK] in "Confirm Uninstall" window.
(5)Click [Finish] when "Uninstall Complete" window or "Maintenance Complete"
window is displayed.
(6)Click [start]-[Control Panel]-[Add or Remove Programs] again.
(7)If "Bluetooth Switch" is shown in the list‚ select it and click [Remove]
(or [Change/Remove]) and carry out same procedure as steps (4)-(5).

4. Update Wireless LAN driver and utility software (PROSet)
You should follow the proper procedures according to the current driver
version.

4-1. When the current version is 8.x.x.x.
(1) Open drivers\wlan\XP\Apps\x32 folder in the folder in which update files
are extracted (default: c:\util_d080215\drivers\wlan\XP\Apps\x32).
(2) Double click "install.bat".
(3) Click [Install Software] in "IntelR PROSet/Wireless Installer".
(4) Read "INTEL SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT" and check "I Accept the c"‚
and click [Next].
(5) Click [Next] with "Typical" selected.
(6) Click [OK] in "Do you wish to replace this software with a newer version?"
message.
(7) Driver and utility software (Intel PROSet) are updated.
Wait for several minutes.
(8) When update was completed‚ "Installation complete." message
is displayed. Click [Ok].
(9) When "system reboot" message is displayed‚ click [Yes] to reboot.
(10) Confirm the version of driver is "9.0.4.37".

4-2. When the current version is 9.x.x.x‚ 10.x.x.x‚ or 11.x.x.x.
(1) If you use "IntelR Wireless WiFi Link 4965AG"‚ open
drivers\wlan\XP\Drivers\x32 folder in the folder in which update files
are extracted (default: c:\util_d080215\drivers\wlan\XP\Drivers\x32)
and double click "\iProdifx.exe".
(2) Open drivers\wlan\XP\Apps\x32 folder in the folder in which update files
are extracted (default: c:\util_d080215\drivers\wlan\XP\Apps\x32).
(3) Double click "install.bat".
(4) "Do you wish to replace this software with a newer version?" message is
displayed‚ click [Yes].
(5) Wait for several minutes until "Please waitc" message is closed.
(6) If "An item has been changed that requires a system reboot." message is
displayed‚ click [Yes].
(7) Confirm the version of driver is "9.0.4.37" or "11.5.0.34".

5. Install Panasonic Misc Driver
Panasonic Misc Driver should be installed for the following models.
CF-R5[K/L]‚ CF-T5[K/L]‚ CF-W5[K/L]‚ CF-Y5[K/L]‚
CF-R4/T4/W4/Y4‚ CF-R3‚ CF-R2/T2/W2/Y2‚
CF-51‚ CF-74[C/D/E/F]‚ CF-73‚
CF-19[C/D/E]xxxxBx‚ CF-19[C/D/E]xxxx[V/U]x‚ CF-30[C/D]xxxx[B/L]x
CF-18‚ CF-29

5-1. Install Panasonic Misc Driver
(1) Open "miscinst" folder in the folder in which update files are extracted
(default: c:\util_d080215\miscinst) and double click "setup.exe".
(2) Click [Next] in "Welcome to the InstallShield Wizard for Panasonic
Misc Driver".
(3) Click [Finish] when "InstallShield Wizard Complete" window is displayed.

5-2. Confirm installation of Panasonic Misc Driver
(1)Click [start]-[Control Panel]-[Add or Remove Programs].
(2)Select "Panasonic Misc Driver" and click "Click here for support
information".
(3)Confirm the version is "V1.00L14 M00".

6. Install applications
6-1. Install Panasonic Common Components
Install Panasonic Common Components with the following steps. You may need
to uninstall an old version of Panasonic Common Components before installing
the new version.

(1)Click [start]-[Control Panel]-[Add or Remove Programs].
(2)If "Panasonic Common Components" is shown in the list‚ select it and
click [Change/Remove]‚ then proceed to (3). Otherwise‚ proceed to (5).
(3)Click [OK] in "Confirm Uninstall" window.
(4)Click [Finish] when "Uninstall Complete" window is displayed.
(5)Open "pcommon" folder in the folder in which update files are extracted
(default: c:\util_d080215\pcommon) and double click "setup.exe".
(6)Click [Next] in "Welcome to the InstallShield Wizard for Panasonic
Common Components".
(7)Click [Finish] when "InstallShield Wizard Complete" window is displayed.

6-2. Install Hotkey Appendix
Install Hotkey Appendix with the following steps. You may need to uninstall
an old version of Hotkey Appendix before installing the new version.

(1)Click [start]-[Control Panel]-[Add or Remove Programs].
(2)If "Hotkey Appendix" is shown in the list‚ select it and click
[Change/Remove](or [Remove])‚ then proceed to (3). Otherwise‚ proceed to (5).
(3)Click [OK] in "Confirm Uninstall" window.
(4)Wait untill uninstall process is completed.
*** IF "Locked File Detected" IS SHOWN (IT MAY BE SHOWN TWICE OR MORE)
*** DURING UNINSTALLATION‚ CLICK [Reboot]. OTHERWISE MALFUNCTION MAY
*** BE CAUSED.
(5)Click [Finish] when "InstallShield Wizard Complete" window is displayed.
(6)Open hkeyapp folder in the folder in which update files are extracted
(default: c:\util_d080215\hkeyapp) and double click "setup.exe".
(7)Click [Next] in "Welcome to the InstallShield Wizard for Hotkey
Appendix".
(8)Click [Install] in "Ready to install the Program" window.
(9)Click [Finish] when "InstallShield Wizard Complete" window is displayed.

6-3. Install Hotkey Plus Manager
Hotkey Plus Manager must be installed for the following models.

CF-18[N/P][H/J/K/L/N/M]xxxBx‚ CF-18[K/L][H/J/K/L/N/M]xxx[B/L]x‚
CF-18[F/G/H][H/J/K/L/N/M]xxx[B/L]x‚ CF-18[D/E][H/J/K/L/N/M]xxx[B/L/G/K]x‚
CF-18KHHZXBR‚ CF-18KHH65LR‚ CF-18[K/L][H/J/K/L/N/M]xxxTx

(1)Open "hplsman" folder in the folder in which update files are extracted
(default: c:\util_d080215\hplsman) and double click "setup.exe".
(2)Click [Next] in "Welcome to the InstallShield Wizard for Hotkey
Plus Manager V2.30 L11".
(3)Click [Finish] when "InstallShield Wizard Complete" window is displayed.

6-4. Install Wireless Switch Utility
Install Wireless Switch Utility with the following steps.

* If you currently use Wireless LAN Switch/Bluetooth Switch‚ they will be
replaced by Wireless Switch Utility with the steps in this section.
Task tray icons for these utilities are different‚ but these have same functions.

(1)Open "wswitch" folder in the folder in which update files are extracted
(default: c:\util_d080215\wswitch) and double click "setup.exe".
(2)Click [Next] in "Welcome to the InstallShield Wizard for Wireless
Switch Utility".
(3)Click [Install] in "Ready to install the Program" window.
(4)Click [Finish] when "InstallShield Wizard Complete" window is displayed.


6-5. Confirm installation of applications

6-5-1. Confirm installation of Panasonic Common Components
(1)Click [start]-[Control Panel]-[Add or Remove Programs].
(2)Select "Panasonic Common Components" and click "Click here for support
information".
(3)Confirm the version is "1.00.1100".

6-5-2. Confirm installation of Hotkey Appendix
(1)Click [start]-[Control Panel]-[Add or Remove Programs].
(2)Select "Hotkey Appendix" and click "Click here for support information".
(3)Confirm the version is "V7.00L15 M00".

6-5-3. Confirm installation of Hotkey Plus Manager
If you installed Hotkey Plus Manager‚ confirm the installation with
the following steps.

(1)Click [start]-[All Programs]-[Panasonic]-[PC Information Viewer]-[PC
Information Viewer].
(2)Click [Programs2] and confirm the version of "Hotkey Plus Manager" is
"V2.30 L11".

6-5-4. Confirm installation of Wireless Switch Utility
(1)Click [start]-[Control Panel]-[Add or Remove Programs].
(2)Select "Wireless Switch Utility" and click "Click here for support
information".
(3)Confirm the version is "V3.03L14 M00" .

 

Ya, I'm pretty set on just returning it. Get this i was just on Tigerdirect and hahaha They are currently unavailable.... GO FREAKIN FIGURE, oh well i sent off an email and I am gonna wait to see what they tell me, and i will probably send it back and get my money back...... then hmmmm idk i may just buy a brand new one.... military will pay for it if i work it out right, i think

 

@ Top,
Well that driver fixed !!! for the internet im back wireless, BUT im still thinking about sending it back, i will know shortly i just bought a driver restore disk for all drivers installed on a cf29 it was 15.00 in the UK and it was download now! i looked over the credentials and they seemed legit and most of the drivers i was gonna get or need to get from panasonic so im about to criss my fingers and hell maybe Euro Tough has a screen that doesnt go out and this weill fix it

 

Just to let you know it would of only took you about 10 minutes to download them from Panasonic's web site and they are FREE and then you will know you are getting the right one's. For another $10.00 you could of bought the 3 disk set of recovery Cd's for you MK3 . It only takes about 25 minutes to load XP Pro and all the drivers.

 

I've seen those particular drivers disks, and I'll stick with the genuine Panasonic CF-29 Series Product Recovery CD-ROM set ( MK3-XP2M-TSW)

 

And the Install Instructions will assure that all the drivers and utilities are installed correctly.

 

Yes , those darn well-used cf-29's
Last January tens of thousands of cf-29's hit the market, and Tigerdirect does not have the time to check these properly
It could be that this model is getting older and problems are starting to show up from high hours



Alex

 

First off, we all need to get 50cents together for mnem

Really? I had no idea there was a fancy technical name for $!*t

And, going back to the heat damage possibility:
My pcinfo reads the max temp at 178 centigrade.... sounds freakin hot to me. It's an mk1, and the old screen had a 'blemish'. It looked like an oil stain inside the screen from peanut butter or something (it was in the glass, not the protector). I can only assume this was actually heat damage. It also didn't work well, so, I swapped it with an sbc screen (cut the glass out with a dental pick, and transferred it).
Now, when the unit warms up in direct sun in my van, driving or not, it's accuracy of calibration deteriorates. When it sits in the sun for a while (not moving) sometimes it will only go to the right side of the screen and/or the left 1/3 of the screen will be dead (same area as the blemished ts). And then, when it's cooled off, it will work perfectly. I also tried swapping the touch pcb, and it didn't help. I'm thinking it's jut hosed up, or the cable has an issue? Dunno, figured I would throw it out there.


***EDIT***
Case in point:
Sitting here typing that post in my van, killing time, my ts stopped working. Fired up the ac for 5 minutes, pointed both vents at the lid, and voila. it went from a dead stick, to dead on calibrated/working.
Friggin mysterious electronics...

 

That sounds hot to me

Screen blemishes that I have noticed on mk-2 and mk-3 units most likely caused by overheating look dark blue , quite like a fingerprint smudge or small spot around 1/2" diameter , these are burns in the lcd panel not noticeable with a blue background but show when a lighter background is used

Its frustrating as the typical used toughbooks for sale are shown with a blue bios screen or blue windows screen , so you are gambling a bit when you purchase them

The cf-29's that have been purchased used from Canada , where I live have not experienced screen burn

Alex