Popping problem

[roadfood]

Maybe I'm just coming in too late, but I'm surprised to find only one message about the Tungsten C's popping problem: http://www.pdastreet.com/forums//showthread.php?s=&threadid=20004

I had not heard of the problem when I eagerly bought a new Tungsten C this weekend. I loved it, but then started noticing the "pop" noise coming out of it every so often when I tapped a button or pushed a key. I searched the web, found the one message cited above, and a short note in Palm's FAQ that said their engineers were looking into the problem. From that, it wasn't clear if every T|C had the problem or just some of them, so I tried taking my unit back and exchanging it. The new one had the same problem. I returned that one and tried one from a different store, same problem. I returned that one.

I find it very annoying and saddening that Palm would release a new flagship model with such an obvious -- and annoying -- problem.

So what's the story from T|C owners here: Do all units have the popping problem and either it doesn't bother you or you're willing to live with it? Or do some units really not have the problem at all?

My plan, reluctantly, is to wait until Palm claims the problem is solved before trying again.

[jcmattern]

I have been using my T|C for about a week now and have not had any problems with popping. It just makes the normal noise when changing from one screen to another or tapping buttons.

[flakey]

I was looking thru the Palm problem database (knowledge base?) and found this - probably what your describing.

Information on Faint Clicking or Popping Sounds on the Palm™ Tungsten™ C handheld


You may hear a faint popping or clicking sound from the speaker on your Palm™ Tungsten™ C handheld while tapping or selecting items on the handheld, despite having System Sound turned off. Palm, Inc. is investigating a system limitation of the operating system in relation to the audio circuitry on the Palm Tungsten C.

This is not a hardware related issue and Palm software engineers are investigating the matter. No further information is available at this time.

[roadfood]

flakey: Thanks, but I found that myself. It doesn't contain any useful information. What I wanted here is to see how many other purchasers of a Tungsten C have noticed the same problem.

[babsk]

There is a software update by Palm that addresses among other issues, the popping noises.
Mine had it, and my husband just installed the update and it seems fine. I personally didn't mind the popping, but heck, I'm fine with getting it fixed too. I really like the T|C.
I'm sorry, I can't get the link to work correctly, but it's on the Palm website, just click on support and you'll find it.

[jcmattern]

I just checked the update and my software version is the updated one, so I guess that explains why I have not had popping.

"If the Software version is 50 4/01/03 23:5 continue below to download the Tungsten C update. If the Software version is 10B 5/14/03 13: your Tungsten C is up to date and you do not need to install the software update. "

[babsk]

roadfood:
By the way, as much as I really like my T|C, I do agree with you. They shouldn't release devices that require all these patches and updates. They should work right out of the box. My husband's T|C is not an affected version. You could look for one now that you know what to look for, but I can't blame you if you if you're too fed up at this point! I went through two Ipaqs (5455), second unit ended up going back too-flawed, and I did not replace it!

[roadfood]

Thanks babsk and jcmattern, I just checked the software updates section of the Tungsten C support site and I see the update you're talking about. I guess I'll try buying another one and installing the update and see if that really fixes the problem. I notice that the update says it will "reduce" the popping, it doesn't claim to eliminate them.

I'm even more annoyed at Palm now, though, because just yesterday I received a reply from Palm support about this problem, and it said nothing about the update!

[dwinget]

Palm has posted a new rom update on their web site which addresses the popping problem, along with other issues on the TC.

[babsk]

roadfood:
it fgures that Palm support doesn't tell you about the update! The left hand never knows about the right where customer service is concerned. It all is luck of the draw. Sometimes I get the most helpful people-other times not.
My husband acquired a T|C because of the 5455 problem I had (the problem being it totally didn't work!) -couldn't get our money back, so the store traded. He then offered me his T|C, since it doesn't pop, but I said no, I'll be fine. And then the update came out, so he installed it. The T|C is my favorite PDA-I own two others PDA's, as well as multiple past ones. I have never liked one as much as my T|C.