M40 YP3 Problem!!! - Page 2

My current update on on Toshiba solving my issues with the USB ports is that I have heard nothing. This type of problem is a little frustrating to deal with because there is nothing to fix other than a software patch or BIOS update....... which makes the entire solution Toshibas responsibility back in Japan. How long that will take is a total mystery!! So I am continuing to wait, but at some point I will be forced to make a decision on if I will return my M40 or keep it. Until then I am continuing to try and see if other USB devices will fail or behave poorly on this machine.

I tested the M40-SF3 and it also has the problem.

One interesting test is the SuperPI test here is how my machine tested and for comparison against a new P4 3.0G dualcore desktop. What is interesting is when I run it from the two USB memory drives : Lexar 128MB Usb1.1 and the Kingston 256MB Usb2.0 and internal hard drive.

Machine Lexar Kingston HDD

M40 1:29 2:22 0:01
P4 dual 1:27 2:23 0:01

The was done selecting the 64K option ( because I did not want to wait) I tried the test to 2 million places and both machines are a few seconds apart at 1:34 for the M40 and 1:39 P4 dualcore.

So I am not sure why the Usb2 device slows the whole process down but it is interesting!!!! The good thing is the performance of the M40 on this test is good and it includes then Usb port in the test.

Does anyone know of a overall benchmark test that would test graphics and cpu and run from a usb drive without installing it on the computer being tested. It does not have to be an extensive test but only to get some idea of comparison of machines and also to test for any slowdowns due to software installs?? A 'Mini' version of a time demo would be great!!

Cheers again......

Seems like I did not manage to get my little chart formatted properly if you separate the time out you will get the idea.... and the time is in minutes and seconds for the tests.
Thanks

Does anyone know what can cause a time delay between the audio and video ( approx 1/4 sec ) with the audio coming after the video on a TV USB tuner? Any hints as to where to start looking?

Thanks

It is a Leadtek WinfastUSBTVDeluxe which has been given good test report results from what I can find. The unit is small comes with a remote, carying case and also acts as a USB hub..... neat! I have already used it to transfer some video tape to digital media and it appeared to be working just fine, I will have to check to see if the delay is with my video conversion or only with the TV function of the unit. I am not sure if I captured the tv signal and then played it back would the audio and video be in sync. I will test this to see.
The memory issue is a good possibility as I have only 512MB and will not be upgrading until my USB issues have been addressed.

thanks.....

I am confused Wolfwood when you say there is no Crtl key on the left side......there is no Ctrl key on the right side of my M40!!! I have also found that using APC notebook cooler pad ( it has a flip out mouse pad if you want ) is great when used on the table with the rear feet flipped out. This gives you a perfect keyboard tilt!!!!

The APC ( The UPS guys ) cooling pad is not so much as a cooling pad but blend of some good solid ideas for use with a laptop.
These are what I like about it:
1) Laptop sits on it and and won't slide around because of the rubber pads top and bottom.
2) Tilt up feet which angle the laptop at desktop keyboard angle.
3) When on your lap the rubber on the bottom grips the laptop and your lap to help prevent a dreaded slide to the floor.
4) When on your lap... flip out the mouse pad and off you go with your mouse!!

As a cooler it probably is not as functional as the ones with fans...but it will prevent clothing from blocking air intakes and it does insulate you from the souce of heat.
The only tiny drawback is the little feet on the bottom may flip back in if you push your laptop back on the table ( slide it ) but this never happens with normal use.

As you can tell I like it and would not hesitate to buy it again if I lost this one.

It cost about $39.00 Canadian for it.

cheers

******* Attention all M40 Owners *********

Update your notebook with the following driver to correct the problem with compatibility issues with USB1.1 devices. ( memory drives were the ones that the fault was first noticed on ) I did not have any other issues but only Toshiba knows what the core of the fault is.

This is the Driver to change:

DRAM4050EXP.exe 2005-05-17

First uninstall the original DVDRAM driver then reinstall with this one.

This file is on the download page under the M40 model. ( It was tested then copied directly from the Tecra A5 driver page to the M40 page by Toshiba Canada and is why the driver date does not show as a new driver.)

OK..... now your going to ask what the heck this has to do with the usb ports.......well I did not get an answer to that question but it did fix the problem.!!!!! Maybe it has something to do with the the way the DVDRAM driver was handling the drive assignment letter and it's access to it.?

Cheers to all............

Ok now......... everyone seems to be collecting the little green thingys after their posting numbers......... do you think that I deserve at least one for tracking this little monster down and passing it along to all....??

If not then at least I feel good about it ...!!!! ha! ha!

Now for my next problem.... delayed audio from my tv usb box.... my memory is only 512mb but I do not notice any drive access during use. Is there any diagnostics that I could use to see what might be happening?

thanks a bunch.....

Reminder to all M40 model notebook owners go and update your Drivers.

I had suggested to the Toshiba tech support that maybe they should utilize their own "notes" portion of their Driver page and comment on the update history and problems it fixes. At least then a person can make an educated guess as to if they should update a driver.

thanks....

Maybe others owners of Toshibas should ask the same thing when ever they talk to tech. support. Maybe then Toshiba will get the idea that it is a good idea!!! Squeeky wheel get the grease!!!!! ( oops maybe I just dated myself!!! )