Problems with the new IBM T40

[OldSpooky]

Again, describe to me this sound?

Sound(s) from AC Adapter (FRU P/N 08K8205) - very audible high pitched whine when Adapter plugged in. Pulsating static also very audible. Audible radius measured at 4-5 meters in closed room. Best description is a tiny electric cricket chirping.

Sound(s) from Battery power - low hum, usually drowned out by background noise, some pulsating static only audible at less than 30 cm.

 

[mocca]

Let's try to sum up the problem and list your model with the FRU of AC Adapter and battery. This way, we may be able to find out what cause the problem. If you own a T40 or T40p and don't have the noise problem, please also post but with "NO NOISE PROBLEM" in the beginning.

T40 23739CU
P-M 1.6GHz
ATI M9 32MB
Made in Mexico
AC Adapter: Made in China (FRU P/N 08K8205)
AC Adapter: Rev02
Battery: Sony

Noise Problem with AC (no boot up): Yes/ Range 4 inches max
Noise Problem with AC within a Windows session (Always On setting): Yes/ Range 12 inches max
Noise Problem with AC within a Windows session (Portable setting): Yes/ Range 4 inches max

Mocca

 

[nicowju]

T40 2373-92U
Made in Mexico
AC Adapter: Made in China (FRU P/N 08K8204/08K8205? - it says both), rev01

Noise problem with AC (no boot up): Yes; barely audible unless you put your head next to it and listen for it; high-pitched
Noise problem with AC within Windows: Slightly more audible than above; barely noticeable
Noise problem with battery in Windows: Slight electrical noise, but not as much as on AC

 

[caltrinity]

That is EXACTLY what I'm experiencing. I highly recommend that you sign up at the OFFICIAL IBM THINKPAD SUPPORT FORUMS

http://www7.pc.ibm.com/~Thinkpad/login

I created the thread already... it's some 2-3 screens down called: T40 - buzzing sound coming from left airvent

Only there can IBM know about the issue and Joe, one of the techies is pretty good about responding.

-caltrinity

Originally posted by: OldSpooky

Again, describe to me this sound?

Sound(s) from AC Adapter (FRU P/N 08K8205) - very audible high pitched whine when Adapter plugged in. Pulsating static also very audible. Audible radius measured at 4-5 meters in closed room. Best description is a tiny electric cricket chirping.

Sound(s) from Battery power - low hum, usually drowned out by background noise, some pulsating static only audible at less than 30 cm.

 

[caltrinity]

Refer to all the posts on the official IBM support website for a full detail of the problems associated with my system and others...

-caltrinity

 

[LuckyTaxi]

annoying ... i guess i'll get an apple now

 

[OldSpooky]

new power adapter report

Same FRU as the old power adapter: 08K8205. Noises are unchanged from the old power adapter.

I have retested the T23's adapter against the new unit, and the difference is as clear as ever. FRU P/N 02K6756 results in no noise, while 08K8205 causes excessive electronic twittering and chirping.

The facts:
Both FRU 08K8205's in my possesion cause my T40 to produce annoying sounds.
The FRU 02k6756 generates neither the high pitched whine nor the chirping.

You draw the conclusion. I will be giving IBM another phone call very shortly.

 

[OldSpooky]

I called IBM - the customer service rep was very helpful and went out of his way to get me a FRU 02K adapter.

I will let you all know if it works out in 2 days or so.

 

[caltrinity]

Oldspooky,

Can you verify if the sound is still there with the t23 adapter ... just not as loud...?

It seems like it is an inherent issue... the t23 adapter just somehow doesn't amplify it as much as the t40 one does.

I'll get my DELTA 08K8209 tomorrow.

-caltrinity

Originally posted by: OldSpooky
new power adapter report

Same FRU as the old power adapter: 08K8205. Noises are unchanged from the old power adapter.

I have retested the T23's adapter against the new unit, and the difference is as clear as ever. FRU P/N 02K6756 results in no noise, while 08K8205 causes excessive electronic twittering and chirping.

The facts:
Both FRU 08K8205's in my possesion cause my T40 to produce annoying sounds.
The FRU 02k6756 generates neither the high pitched whine nor the chirping.

You draw the conclusion. I will be giving IBM another phone call very shortly.

 

[OldSpooky]

The sound is significantly reduced. I cannot hear it at a range of greater than 6cm. I actually listened to the FRU 02K on my T40 and my friend's T23. The electronic hum seems to be very local on both machines.

At typing distance, I don't notice it at all.

I tested by turning off all my other computers and closing my door so i could get as much silence as possible. I scrolled through webpages, did my usual web surfing, email checking, etc.

IBM will be sending me a T23 AC Adapter (FRU 02K6756) shortly. I will conduct tests after I receive this unit and let everyone know the results.

 

[Kangaroo802]

NO NOISE PROBLEM

I got my replacement T40 just a few hours ago. (the replacement was for a t40 that had a problem with the screen creating a pattern of colors throughout it and nothing could but done...NOT for the noise problem.

Model: T40 2373-94U
Origin: Mexico
AC Adapter: 08K8205 - China - Rev 02
Battery: Sony

On Battery: No noise problem at shutdown, bootup, or running
On AC: No noise at shutodown, bootup, or running

Only noise I hear is from the adapter itself. It seems as if i have the adapter plugged in to my surge protector and without it plugged into my T40, it makes this small high pitched noise. BUT when i plug it into my laptop it stops making that noise. The noise from the adapter is only heard when i am right up against it, and this is in a dead silent room.

 

[Kangaroo802]

Hey, one thing i did notice, not really annoying, but i did notice was that when my T40 is closed, when i push down on the left side it moves up and down a bit. It's locked down but its got a little leeway there on the left side and a bit on the right. Anyone else notice this? I don't remember noticing this on my previous one, however, i am a lot more critical this time around.

 

[caltrinity]

Ah ha! 08K8205 - China - Rev 02!!!

Our old ones were Rev 01

hmm.maybe that made a difference?

Also, can you PLEASE PLEASE comment on the screen.. viewing angles. etc.. because I quite frankly think my T40 screen is not very good compared to my friends cheaper lowerend laptop... I have a lot of trouble finding the proper angle... and don't even think about watching a DVD.. it's so hard to get the right angle and even if you get close.. parts of the screen are discolored you know because of the viewing angle..

I'm thinking of the SXGA+ screen for the T40.. if that solves the problem then I'll get that one!


Please let me know.

-caltrinity

Originally posted by: Kangaroo802
NO NOISE PROBLEM

I got my replacement T40 just a few hours ago. (the replacement was for a t40 that had a problem with the screen creating a pattern of colors throughout it and nothing could but done...NOT for the noise problem.

Model: T40 2373-94U
Origin: Mexico
AC Adapter: 08K8205 - China - Rev 02
Battery: Sony

On Battery: No noise problem at shutdown, bootup, or running
On AC: No noise at shutodown, bootup, or running

Only noise I hear is from the adapter itself. It seems as if i have the adapter plugged in to my surge protector and without it plugged into my T40, it makes this small high pitched noise. BUT when i plug it into my laptop it stops making that noise. The noise from the adapter is only heard when i am right up against it, and this is in a dead silent room.

 

[OldSpooky]

Cal,

update on the sound problem - It does seem like the speakers are amplifying the noise from the AC. I put my ears to the speakers and yes, I can hear the speakers pumping out electrical noise.

As for the LCD - yes, the viewing angle is not too good on the XGA screen. If I am looking at it straight on, the panel looks so better than my Dell E151FPp in sharpness and color richness. However, off more than 30 degrees or so, it's all washed out, whereas my Dell panel looks ok out to 50 or 60 degrees. I did notice slighly uneven colors while watching The Princess Bride today.

It's not really an issue for me since I bought the laptop to do office tasks.

Kangaroo,

There is slighly leeway on the left side, but it's so slight that I don't think its a problem. No leeway on right side.

 

[Kangaroo802]

ok im trying out the wireless connection at my neighbors now and it is working great. I had some probs getting it to work the first time i used it, but now it worked on the first try! this may have been due to user error though...HAH.

as for the noise i previously had when i web browsed. There is no more noise when i scroll on web pages!!! YAY!!!! This new one must have been better built or something. Now just see if it lasts more than 5 days.

About the battery being loose. I did notice that my battery was a bit loose but its not a big deal (9 cell)

 

[sentinel2000]

What are the viewing angles like on the SXGA+ screens?

 

[sentinel2000]

I don't like the build quality on Dells. I used to have a C400 and had quite a few problems. The posts suggest problems with the T40 which I would really like to buy (buzzing, narrow viewing angles, flexing on LHS palmrest).

Any ideas on other laptops that I could consider?

Thanks.

 

[caltrinity]

Kangaroo,

Could you please post WHEN your new one (the one that doesn't buzz) was manufacturered?

And also, what was your procedure to secure a new model?

and How did IBM do it?

Did they send you a new one and then have you send back your broken one in the box? Or the other way around?

Because if I get them to replace mine, then does that mean I will be out of a computer for however longs it takes them to send me another one?

How long did it take them to send you another one from the time you put in the request?

Thank you for answering my questions.

-caltrinity

 

[caltrinity]

I've been asking that same question for a while... no one seems to answer that... that's another one of my primary concerns.

As for another make, IBMs are the best you can get... at least in the lightweight category. 4.5lbs.

-caltrinty

Originally posted by: sentinel2000
What are the viewing angles like on the SXGA+ screens?

 

[OldSpooky]

Ah, my ears are at peace. The T23 adapter IBM sent me eliminates the high pitched whine.

 

[Kangaroo802]

update on problems

Originally posted by: caltrinity
Kangaroo,

Could you please post WHEN your new one (the one that doesn't buzz) was manufacturered?

And also, what was your procedure to secure a new model?

and How did IBM do it?

Did they send you a new one and then have you send back your broken one in the box? Or the other way around?

Because if I get them to replace mine, then does that mean I will be out of a computer for however longs it takes them to send me another one?

How long did it take them to send you another one from the time you put in the request?

Thank you for answering my questions.

-caltrinity

Ok, here goes a new update / what is going on!?!?! hehehe. This thread is hard to follow sometimes with all the things going on.

1. I got my new one on May 12th and it was made in Mexico. I'm not sure how to tell the actualy date it was manufactured(anyone know?).

2. My previous one had problems due to a complete screen mess up (not the noise). I ordered from IBM direct and the procedure for obtaining a new one was the following. First you call them and let them know what is up and explain that since this has been under 30 days (mine was 5 days!) you would like a replacement. Second, they send over fedex to pick up your messed up machine to be shipped back at their expense. Third, I had to place a new order to recieve a new one. BUT I only had to place a new order because i have the Employee purchase program. If you ordered from IBM under normal circumstances they can do a full exchange and not have to do the Two purchase/1 Credit back thing.

3. They picked up my machine thursday the 8th. They recieved my dead machine on the 12th. I placed my new order on the 7th and it was packing on the 8th and shipped on the 9th. I got the new one on the 12th(yesterday). Now they told me that i had to wait the same backorder period again, but it seems as if mine went through pretty fast. Just let them know how bad you want it i guess (i am moving between 3 states within the next 3 weeks).

NEW DEVELOPMENTS

I've noticed that i do hear sound from the soundcard area (NOT PLUGGED INTO AC) when im at full power use. This sound is only audible when i am RIGHT against it, so i cant even hear it when im at typing.

I've also noticed that when my battery is fully charged, when i plug the AC adapter in it starts making the noise again (THE AC ADAPTER, NOT MY PC). When my machine needs charging, the adapter stops making that noise.

There is no sound from the movement of my mouse like i had in my old one.

Comment on SXGA+ Screen

I have the SXGA+ screen and the angles seem to be good, i've moved around while watching a DVD it seems to be ok. I'm comparing to the DELL 600m screen my friend got. ALso, my neighbor has a T30 with a XGA screen and mine is significantly brighter when they are both at max. The SXGA+ screen is better.


I'm gonna call IBM and have them send me a T23 adapter....

 

[sentinel2000]

The Dell 600m does NOT have the UltraSharp display so if the T40 is similar to the 600m the T40 does not have +-50 degrees vertical viewing angle. Bummer!!!

 

[Kangaroo802]

Originally posted by: OldSpooky
Ah, my ears are at peace. The T23 adapter IBM sent me eliminates the high pitched whine.

I called IBM and they would only send me the same one. How did you get the different FRU T23 one.

New Development

I got off the phone with IBM and they sent me a new adapter and new battery (to see if it would fix the looseness)

2. DOH, i noticed there's a little dent on the top of my machine when it is closed. I just got it yesterday so i doubt it was due to my treatment of it. Anyone else have any little defects like this.

I REALLY DONT WANT TO send this one back again, but if it exceeds annoying level....GRRR i will keep it up till i get a good one.

 

[caltrinity]

kangaroo,

Thank you for your update... I don't know now... I'm really at a lost here... because I love IBM but then their display seems to be subpar and they seem to have problems with the buzzing and all...

Where else can I turn? If IBM is supposed to be the best... I can't find another sub 5lbs laptop...

can I?

Thanks.

IF YOU COULD, please comment in more detail about the SXGA+ screen.. I mean.. far can you move the lcd screen before everything gets discolored and hard to see.. in a DVD? that's my main problem.. some of the new widescreen LCDs man.. those are awesome.. you can literally see a clear clean picture from like 160 degrees..


-caltrinity

 

[Kangaroo802]

Originally posted by: caltrinity
kangaroo,

Thank you for your update... I don't know now... I'm really at a lost here... because I love IBM but then their display seems to be subpar and they seem to have problems with the buzzing and all...

Where else can I turn? If IBM is supposed to be the best... I can't find another sub 5lbs laptop...

can I?

Thanks.

IF YOU COULD, please comment in more detail about the SXGA+ screen.. I mean.. far can you move the lcd screen before everything gets discolored and hard to see.. in a DVD? that's my main problem.. some of the new widescreen LCDs man.. those are awesome.. you can literally see a clear clean picture from like 160 degrees..


-caltrinity

i move about 80 degrees and the color is distorted.

you know what? I bought a windows laptop because i thought i wanted to continue to use windows for my software i need. I'm strongly looking into a powerbook again, because of the annoying things on this ibm.