Irratating issue about the SZ premium series notebook

I've recently purchased a SZ Premium series notebook and noticed that I get an irratating tingle on my fingertips when I touch the metallic palm rest while the notebook is turned on. It has become quite bothersome for me, and I was wondering if anyone has done anything to fix this problem.

The feeling is similar to when you run your fingers across a radio antenna, so it may be related to the wireless connection. I just hope that it isn't.

EDIT:

There's also the issue about the battery/battery slot design. Even while the battery is locked in its place, it isn't properly fitted, and if I shake the notebook side to side it slightly rattles. I normally handle the notebook by holding the front and back end, behind the screen where the battery is located, and it always feels like the battery is about to fall out. If anyone has done anything about this too, please let me know.

 

The search tool is your friend...

Javier

 

You're right, I just found this thread: http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=45008

Thanks

 

Glad you found what you were looking for, and welcome to NBR!

Javier

 

From what I understand the options I have are:

1. try using a plug with a grounded prong and hope that will solve the problem
2. exchange the laptop for another one at the online retailer
3. call Sony and have them deal with it
4. attempt to fix it myself by insulating the bottom of the palm rest with a thin sheet of plastic or tape

I don't want to do option #2 since I'll be hit with a 15% restocking fee from the store and who knows whether the replacement notebook will be any different. I bought it online too, so time is also a factor. Since someone else has already tried #3 and said that Sony simply used a thin sheet of plastic to isolate metallic palm rest, I would be better off doing it myself.
I've noticed by seeing the hard drive exchange pictures that it's possible to disconnect the metallic palm rest, so option #4 would be best for me and I'm planning to upgrade my hard drive to a 7200rpm model anyway. But before I do all that I'll try option #1.

 

Most people go with option one. I'm forcing myself to live with it. It keeps me awake while typing. lol. jk.

 

Or you can manually ground the laptop (connect the body to the ground).

 

If you go with option #1, where would you buy the plug with the prong? Would it be available in local electronic stores such as radio shack?

 

Option #5 - Do/buy nothing extra and live with it.

 

Yes, if anyone has used a different power adapter to fix the electroshock issue please let us know the brand and model. All the 3-prong cords I've found have a "mickey mouse" end that isn't compatible with the Sony power brick, such as this:




I was thinking about getting a Kensington 120W AC/DC adapter, but someone had said that it only has two prongs. http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=42702&page=8

 

the IGO Definitely has 3 prongs

 

What's the model number? Does it support DC as well?


As I was upgrading my hard drive earlier today I noticed that the metallic palm rest attachment still has the electroshock effect even while isolated from everything except the ribbon cable, so it may be related to a connection between the touchpad or fingerprint reader and the palm rest.

The palm rest is coated with a nonconductive material and welded on are metallic clips that attach to the laptop. My DMM is pretty cheap, but from the measurements the clips and palm rest (beneath the coating) seem to be grounded, which I found by measuring the resistance between the clips/palm rest and a screw on the motherboard. What's odd is neither the clips, the palm rest/fingerprint reader, nor any part of the laptop has this electroshock effect, only the coated palm rest.

The circuitry beneath the palm rest is too small and delicate for me to disassemble, so I wasn't able to insulate it. The only option I have now is to establish a proper ground by having that third prong. The proposed option #5 is out of the question.

 

Can you post pics?

Javier

 

I didn't take any pictures while upgrading, but you can view the unigo pics if you want to see the insides of the laptop. There's just some ribbon cable connected to a small ic and the touchpad/fp reader underneath the palm rest.


I did some research on the IGO Juice 70W AC/DC adapter and while it has three prongs and supposedly can provide enough power for the SZ many people are saying that the cables and adapter are poorly manufactured. They've claimed that it broke within a few uses.

See here.


Can anyone recommend me an alternative AC/DC adapter with three prongs and enough power for the SZ? What's the model number for the Targus that everyone is talking about?

 

i recently ordered a sz150 and i'm wondering if you could just plug it into a surge protector with a 3 prong plug and grounding (like http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...-7629704-6097764?_encoding=UTF8&s=electronics)

 

i'm gonna say no. as my surge protector is grounded.

 

Bogart, I believe if it is within the return policy, you could exchange your defective lappy with another one without restocking fees. But, from what i experienced, if you like the lappy you better to stick with it because if it is manufacturing defect as we all get the same problem, exchanging to another same type of lappy might not resolve the problem and you might get more troublesome one such as backlight issue, etc.