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8204 users with no issues + date of manufacturing

post #1 of 19
3/9/06 at 2:15am
Thread Starter 
Hi guys,

I have browsed the forum up and down thousands times since I have sent my 8204 back for full refund.

I still cant find notebook with better configuration than 8204WLMi and therefor I am thinking of getting one again. I just would like to minimize the risk of problems and issues as I have already gone through this stuff..

THEREFOR:

I would be interested:

1.) if there has been a batch that has none of the issues mentioned on
the forum (LCD grey lines, static noise, NIC...) and when
these machinse were manufactured (what date to look for)

2.) if we can put together a list of known hardware related issues
disscused and discovered already that one should look for when
purchasing, also a lost of links for tools or utils have the problems show
up resp. detect (screen etc.)

I managed to get the local reseller order one and they will let me go into the pckage and play with the little beast and I can decide fi I am taking it or not. I just said that is the only way I am getting the thing and they agreed, so these thing I am asking for would be really helpful to all of thise who has the chance to see what they are gonna buy!

If I would be an Acer PR manager, I would spend at least an hour a week on a site like this forum is, just to keep my feet on the Earth. Plus I do not get the game all the Acer service centers are playing when all of you guys are sending the machines in and hundreds of people is complaining - and they try to look like they hear about it for the first time!!

So lets get together maybe we can get somethign positive out of it.

cheers
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post #2 of 19
3/9/06 at 3:23am
Somewhere on here is a link explaining the technical issues behind the "grey lines" having to do with polarity in notebook LCDs - whether or not it is an actual problem seems to be open to interpretation. The other main screen issue - dimness and especially poor off-axis readability - may actually be a design choice: in a business setting you don't necessarily want people to be able to glance over and clearly read everything on your screen. In any case this screen seems to be exactly like the one in the Acer Ferrari I had two years ago, "flaws" and all.

Other than those faults my 8204 has none of the reported issues: no splotches, no whine, no keyboard issues, no funky behavior of any sort; my manufacture date is 0602.

Let me just add that unless you HAVE to run Windows the new Apple MacBook Pro is a better designed, much better built machine with very similar specs, a superior OS and software bundle, for virtually the same price as the 8204; you might want to check it out. I hope this helps...
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post #3 of 19
3/9/06 at 11:42am
I'm with tallan. No issues other than the gray lines, which I only notice when the test for it is on the display (build date 0601). I also agree about the MB.

- Ed
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post #4 of 19
3/9/06 at 11:50am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by efalis
I'm with tallan. No issues other than the gray lines, which I only notice when the test for it is on the display (build date 0601). I also agree about the MB.

- Ed
But basically this means that so far there was no user with absolutely NO ISSUES (if counting the grey lines as an issue) here, is that rihgt?

cheers
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post #5 of 19
3/9/06 at 12:01pm
I cant answer the issue with the build date, but in regards to the macbook, while the design and OS are better, the biggest issue right now is the lack of software that takes advantage of the new processor(s) - running rosetta has proven to be slower in many cases than the current g4 book - especially when you are running things like photoshop. Some, more specialized software, still isnt universal binary...its what made me decide to go with a windows machine and I was burned on that experience too.
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post #6 of 19
3/9/06 at 12:22pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by delray
I cant answer the issue with the build date, but in regards to the macbook, while the design and OS are better, the biggest issue right now is the lack of software that takes advantage of the new processor(s) - running rosetta has proven to be slower in many cases than the current g4 book - especially when you are running things like photoshop. Some, more specialized software, still isnt universal binary...its what made me decide to go with a windows machine and I was burned on that experience too.

Well,

what I was tried to do was a list of issues like:

1. LCD - grey lines, too dim, light leakage
+ symptoms, link to a util, that can detect it

2. Buzzing static noise
+ symptoms, link to a util, that can detect it

3. NIC
+ symptoms, link to a util, that can detect it

4. Etc, etc...
+ symptoms, link to a util, that can detect it

I think this might be helpful a lot, if we can share the experience what is already known and put it into one topic, and keep that updated, so we can see how the progress goes and if the new shipments are being fixed and what to look for when getting new 8204 and having the chance to put our hands on it before purchasing.

I do not want to discuss that much if MAC or 8204. I would like to make life easier for those who already agree 8204 is the choice and are trying to get non defective products. Because we do not want to pay for something that needs to go to the service center, literally right away. If so, Acer should let the customers know and offer some discount - as for products with known hdw related issues.

cheers
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post #7 of 19
3/9/06 at 5:12pm
I only get the buzzing/static noise when I run the tokamaka demo (as does everyone here). Otherwise I can't hear it, even with my ear to the machine.

LCD is again universal currently (minus the ONE LCD that used a different screen). It is a nonnegotiable issue right now, so just factor it into your buying decision. The colors on my screen and brightness levels are in fact very good. Yes, I have tweaked them in catalyst control center. But who wouldn't? I am happy with the screen - definitely. If i can get a new LCD in 2 months, i will be even happier.

NIC is not an issue. just download the fix.


I am perplexed by people that seem to think they need the power of the 8204 but aren't willing to do a couple hours of fiddling to get things "just right" IE the screen colors, downloading a simple NIC fix. I enjoy all that stuff, because it is making the machine "mine"


If i had the buzzing, yes, I would return it for another. But i would still get another. And for the LCD? no problems here. the lines exist, but are not an issue.
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post #8 of 19
3/9/06 at 5:30pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by TaY
I only get the buzzing/static noise when I run the tokamaka demo (as does everyone here). Otherwise I can't hear it, even with my ear to the machine.
So the static buzzing noise is present there at each notebook produced? I have had mine when running Catalyst center for 3D settings and having the little car appear there...

I would not mind tweaking the machine and personalize. And do not even think that if NIC is fixable via download it is much of an issue.

I just am trying to get as much infos as possible of what REALLY ISSUES ARE and what not and if there is anything that is related to all the notebooks of 8204 produced so far. Or if it is theoretically possible to get a piece with no issues...

cheers
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post #9 of 19
3/9/06 at 7:00pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by 137
But basically this means that so far there was no user with absolutely NO ISSUES (if counting the grey lines as an issue) here, is that rihgt?

cheers
Except that I don't consider it an issue (http://www.techmind.org/lcd/index.html). Your mileage may vary. Life ain't perfect.

- Ed
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post #10 of 19
3/9/06 at 7:15pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by 137
But basically this means that so far there was no user with absolutely NO ISSUES (if counting the grey lines as an issue) here, is that rihgt?

cheers
My build date is 0601 and I've had none of the following issues:

grey lines
buzzing noise
screen ripples or dark areas or black spots, etc.Now I do get a few strange messages from time to time but they do not have any performance effect.

I strictly use my laptop for business so any issues about viewing angles is not important to me. As to brightness, I believe that this screen is brighter than my TM8104 and I was totally happy with it.

Did I leave any major reported issues out?
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post #11 of 19
3/9/06 at 8:52pm
Regarding the rippling: yes I do have it but I have to push much harder than day to day handling; not sure what the issue with this is or it's effect on the performance. I guess if it were a metal case we couldn't make it ripple.
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post #12 of 19
3/9/06 at 9:29pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by golfkwesi
Regarding the rippling: yes I do have it but I have to push much harder than day to day handling; not sure what the issue with this is or it's effect on the performance. I guess if it were a metal case we couldn't make it ripple.
Oki, so you do not have any of the mentioned issues?

- no light leakage
- no splotches
- no buzzing noise whatsoever
- no build quality issues
- networking issues

and if Imay ask which country you are from - I mean if it is US or European sector with this date of manufacture...

many thanks!!!!
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post #13 of 19
3/9/06 at 11:27pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by 137
Oki, so you do not have any of the mentioned issues?

- no light leakage
- no splotches
- no buzzing noise whatsoever
- no build quality issues
- networking issues

and if Imay ask which country you are from - I mean if it is US or European sector with this date of manufacture...

many thanks!!!!
USA! One network issue is this: I also have a wireless network at my office - no problems with my cabled network as long as I have disconnected the wireless. Also no problems loging off then taking the 8204 and connecting to my home wireless network.

Hope this helps!
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post #14 of 19
3/9/06 at 11:30pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by golfkwesi
USA! One network issue is this: I also have a wireless network at my office - no problems with my cabled network as long as I have disconnected the wireless. Also no problems loging off then taking the 8204 and connecting to my home wireless network.

Hope this helps!
Golfwesi, you don't get the buzzing noise at all? Do you have the ATI card settings set to full acceleration? Have you tried running the demos at http://www.tokamakphysics.com/demos.htm
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post #15 of 19
3/10/06 at 12:16am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Falafel
Golfwesi, you don't get the buzzing noise at all? Do you have the ATI card settings set to full acceleration? Have you tried running the demos at http://www.tokamakphysics.com/demos.htm
I have the factory settings (whatever they are). No I haven't tried running the demos? What are they and why should I run them?

The only "noise" is the fan (and I wouldn't call that noisy).
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post #16 of 19
3/10/06 at 12:33am
The buzzing noise will occur if you have your ATI settings set to full acceleration. Make sure the laptop is plugged in and not running on battery as that puts the ati card in powermode.

The demos are just 3D physics demo applications that help reproduce the buzzing noise.
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post #17 of 19
3/10/06 at 1:00am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Falafel
The buzzing noise will occur if you have your ATI settings set to full acceleration. Make sure the laptop is plugged in and not running on battery as that puts the ati card in powermode.

The demos are just 3D physics demo applications that help reproduce the buzzing noise.
I am plugged in and the "Powerplay" settings are set to "optimal" (default as shipped)
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post #18 of 19
3/10/06 at 11:18am
Quote:
Originally Posted by golfkwesi
I am plugged in and the "Powerplay" settings are set to "optimal" (default as shipped)
May i ask what site did you order your laptop from and what build date it is
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post #19 of 19
3/10/06 at 11:36am
Quote:
Originally Posted by golfkwesi
I am plugged in and the "Powerplay" settings are set to "optimal" (default as shipped)
So did you run the Tokamak samples?
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