5mx keyboard creak

[paul_leadbeater]

My four month old 5mx has developed a creaking sound when pressing keys in the lower left-hand corner of the keyboard. Does anyone know if this is something to be lived with or is there imminent danger of the keboard breaking!

[diem]

Something odd is going on here. Your machine is only four months (from new yes, not second hand?) and yet the labels on the keycaps are fading already? These are not painted on (or they weren't originally) - they are laser etched! My four year old 5mx is only just showing signs of fading!!

This combined with your creaking keyboard sounds not good at all. Can you explain the creaking any better - does it appear to be the a number of the keys themselves or is it the whole keyboard flexing in relation to the rest of the unit?

Either way, I'd be very tempted to go back to the vendor and complain. :(

[paul_leadbeater]

Thank you diem for your prompt reply.

My machine is 4 months old from new - it was purchased from Widget Software.

The fading is most noticable on keys like 'Ctrl' and 'Fn' which are use most frequently. As an example, the 'Z' key is bright white whereas the 'Fn' key below it is a dull white although I can still see the lettering. The keys on my 3 year old Dell PC keyboard show the same contrast as they did from new.

The creaking is definitely the whole keyboard moving (which I really do find alarming at times!).

I have complained to the vendor - they told me to contact Psion! At £1 a minute, I don't really want to do that. Can you suggest what to say to the vendor?
:confused:

[diem]

Well, without hearing for myself I'm not sure if the creaking is important. If there are no signs of cracks anywhere on the keyboard 'tray', then I'd say its not in imminent danger of failure. If the creaking is annoying, perhaps a judicious spot of 3-in-1 would quieten it down?

As Mike says on your other thread, they keycap fading is a known issue, I was surprised that you're seeing it so soon - you must be an avid user of your device, which is no bad thing of course! I've had moderate success in improving the contrast by scraping off the dirt that builds up from our fingers using a fingernail.

The reason I'm offering DIY solutions is that if you're out of your sale-or-return type warranty with Wedget then they're totally within their right to point you at Psion. Psion will simply suggest you send the unit in for repair, which is a very expensive way of stopping a creak!

[paul_leadbeater]

diem,

Thanks for the information and advice. I'll try oiling it!

Regarding repairs and warrenties - Exchange from Widget is probably not possible but I thought repairs were possible for free (under warrenty). I might pursue this path.

[diem]

oh yeah - I forgot ;)

The reason I forgot is that screen repairs are not covered by the warranty, and the vast majority of failures relate to the screen :rolleyes:

[netBookBabe]

Originally posted by paul_leadbeater
... I thought repairs were possible for free (under warrenty). I might pursue this path. I think that's what I would do, yes. The sooner the better. I'd be very careful about using oil, too, if it's going off for a warranty claim.

Julie

[MikeMcC]

My machine is 4 months old from new - it was purchased from Widget Software....
....I have complained to the vendor - they told me to contact Psion! At £1 a minute, I don't really want to do that. Can you suggest what to say to the vendor?You purchased a product from Widget and it appears that it may be faulty. The fact that it is a Psion is immaterial, your "contract" was with Widget and Psion are not party to that contract. As with any defective product, your source of redress under Sale of Goods legislation is with the seller, not a third party. Widget, in turn may have to sort it out with Psion, but that's not your problem.

Notwithstanding the legal position, in practical terms the quickest way for you to get a fully functioning Psion may well be to contact Psion repair direct. I just don't believe that Widget should be "passing-the-buck" and expecting you to negotiate directly with Psion if they sold you a possibly defective product.

[nigelp]

When my touch screen broke i was also pointed in Psions direction. There web site contained all the relevent information to have it repaired, they give you a RMA reference number. I sent a receipt to the repairer and one to the seperate billing address despite being told there would be a charge! All repaired and returned promptly no charge and no hassles, I think the 'charge' is calculated on the warrenty number and not from the purchase date. Mike is right about the sale of goods act but I found it easier and cheaper to deal direct with Psion check out the repair bit on the Psion website.

[wanman]

I agree with the above and can confirm that the repair line is not a premium rate number just a normal national rate. 0870 608 0680