Dave’s Ipaq –

05-01-2005, 11:26 PM   #1

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Join Date: Apr 2005

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RX3115 Screen problem…

Ok…here goes. I recently purchased an HP Rx3115. It was a used device, but it is in excellent condition. (well, almost) I’ve had the unit for about a month, and, so far, the unit has worked perfectly. However, yesterday, the unit started doing something strange. When I turn the power on, the unit powers up…the screen lights up…but it shows a random pattern solid gray. (I know that sounds weird…maybe even doesn’t make sense…sorry) The strange thing is, while I cannot actually see anything on the screen, (background colors,icons etc.)I can touch the screen with the stylus, and the unit will make the screen tap sound and seems to be navigating through menus as I tap the screen. ( I have a REALLY sharp memory of the precise location of the screen layout) I spoke with the individual that I purchased it from and he informed me that the unit had done the exact same thing to him a couple of times and that after a day or so, it would resume to normall as if nothing had happened. I tried both a hard and soft reset…and still the same dull gray garbled screen. Has anyone ever heard of this or had the same problem? Is it possibly a weather related problem? ( I live in the deep south…very humid here sometimes)I am new to Pocket PC’s, but I repair laptops as a hobby, so I know my way around electronics…decided to open up the unit to check for loose cables etc. …NO LUCK… Reassembled the unit, still does the same thing. ANY SORT OF HELP, ADVICE, INFO…SPELLS??? Thanks in advance…
Nick…

 
05-01-2005, 11:51 PM   #2

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Join Date: Jun 2004

Location: Atlanta, Ga.

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Well, you may have bought it used, but this still a fairly new model. So new in fact that every single unit should still be covered under the 1year HP warranty. If you visit the HP site you can punch in the serial number and model numbers and it will tell you warranty status.

Good Luck,

__________________ Reidan Moderator, Dave’s iPAQ Dave’s iPAQ is not affiliated with HP

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05-02-2005, 12:27 AM   #3

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WOW! Thanks for the fast reply. I looked up the product warranty information on my unit… According to HP, the unit was purchased in August of 2004 and the warranty expired in December of 2004. Does that sound correct? Thats only a four month warranty. I looked through the documentation, and it mentions a 90 day warranty. Am I missing something? Are most pocket PC’s covered by some obscure or default warranty that the average newbie (myself) are unaware of? Is there a “loophole” that I need to know about perhaps? I’m sorry for all of the questions, I just need any pertinent info so that I have all of my “ducks in a row” before attempting to go through HP…Since I am new to this “mini” world of pocket pc’s, I have to rely on the experts…like yourself. Thanks in advance…again…
Nick

 
05-02-2005, 09:26 AM   #4

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Bummer Dude. I had thought that the iPaq warranty was 1 Year. This shorter warranty must be a new cost savings channel for HP! A few years ago I had a problem with my old 3765. I called Compaq (this was before the HP buyout) and found that my warranty had expired about 1 month earlier. The customer service rep offered to sell me an extended warranty and make it retroactive and cover my repair under that warranty. I paid about $100 US for a 2 year extended warranty.

I am not sure if HP customer service will give you that option or not. If not, there are after market companys that can repair the unit for you. Here at Dave’s iPAQ we recommend Pocket PC Tech’s.

__________________ Reidan Moderator, Dave’s iPAQ Dave’s iPAQ is not affiliated with HP

Members Only FAQ Section . Have news? Submit it . Want to contact me? Use the contact form to send me an email. Want to support the site? Shop in our iPAQ store.

NEW Dont forget our Podcast hotline telephone number in the US: 1-425-738-9506 available 24 hours a day 7 days a week or leave us a SKYPE Voicemail by clicking here . Also dont forget to add our podcast in iTunes by clicking here.

 
05-03-2005, 01:34 PM   #5

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I had originally purchased a Rx3115 before I returned it for a Rx3715. It was $100 more but I figured with the Camera, 100mhz faster and more memory it was worth it to me. Another selling point for me was that I did notice the warranty on the 3115 is 90 days while on the Rx3715 is 1 year. I know this doesn’t help you but just wanted to put in my two cents that yes the warranty on the “lower” model is 90 days vs 1 year on the “higher” model. –

 
05-04-2005, 01:14 AM   #6

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Dnice, Thanks for the input. I was also interested in the RX3715…the camera was the main reason for me. But, I found such a good deal on the RX3115, I just couldn’t pass it up. Well, looking back on it now, I should have just spent the extra money and purchased the 3715 instead…oh well…you live and learn. Anyway, on a positive note, I completely disassembled my 3115 down to the “nuts and bolts”…I wasn’t going to give up, ya know? Did a thorough check on all components and found the screen to be the faulty culprit. It’s a TWO part screen in case anyone out there is wondering. So, I found a good deal on the screen locally…replaced the component…put the whole sandwich back together…and PRESTO!!! Works like a champ. So, when all else fails…and HP will not warranty your product…by golly just rip the thing apart…well…maybe not “rip” it apart…but you get the idea. By the way, if anyone reading this needs any help pulling one of these little monsters apart…just ask…I’d be glad to help. Thanks for all of the advice from everyone!!!

Nick

 
05-04-2005, 08:54 AM   #7

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Glad to hear you got it going again Nick. You are obviously technically competent since you were able to repair the unit yourself. Like you I would not hesitate to take an iPaq apart to fix it, and have done so with one of my own. But, most people would have cardiac failure if they were to see someone pull their precious iPaq apart!

Did you by chance take any pictures of the process? If so, I would love to see them. This model is very new and I have not seen any documentation or pictures of the insides.

__________________ Reidan Moderator, Dave’s iPAQ Dave’s iPAQ is not affiliated with HP

Members Only FAQ Section . Have news? Submit it . Want to contact me? Use the contact form to send me an email. Want to support the site? Shop in our iPAQ store.

NEW Dont forget our Podcast hotline telephone number in the US: 1-425-738-9506 available 24 hours a day 7 days a week or leave us a SKYPE Voicemail by clicking here . Also dont forget to add our podcast in iTunes by clicking here.

 
05-04-2005, 12:31 PM   #8

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Reidan… Ya know, I did not even think to take any pictures of the process…I was more concerned with just figuring out what was wrong with it. However, I could possibly borrow a friends digital camera (thats the next gadget on my list of things to buy) and photo-document the whole process. I wouldn’t be violating any weird copyright or infringement laws would I? After all, pulling the unit apart does void the warranty. (according to the nifty little holographic sticker inside the battery case!) On a side note, the thing that blew me away was that the screen, as thin as it is, was actually a sandwich of two thin layers! Technology is truly amazing! Now, if I could just invent a pair of sunglasses with integrated pocket pc in the display…hmmm…I’ll get back to ya on that one! (LOL) Back to the photo idea, is it possible to post them here on this site for all to see? Or would I simply e-mail them per request? Sorry, Im still a newbie here, so bear with me. Thanks again…

Nick

 
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