Toshiba Tecra M4 Fan Noise Problems continue

Sunday, February 19th, 2006
I can't stand it. My Tecra M4 Tablet PC is so loud that it is unusable in a conference room or classroom. And, it's getting progressively worse. I don't dare turn it on in public places.  My only option is to set the CPU to the lowest setting so that the fan will come on less frequently. Unfortunately, when the fan does come on, everyone in the room knows.

For the record, here are links to two recordings to document show just how loud my Tecra M4 Tablet is:

December 22, 2005 - Tecra M4 Fan Noise Demonstration

February 19, 2006 - Tecra M4 Fan Noise Demonstration

As I've stated before, I like the M4 for its wide-screen and computing power. There are just a few problems that prevent me from loving it: (Fan Noise, Dust under screen, High pitch squeal, and a problem with my SD Card reader.) Again, I'm sure that these could all be fixed in just a few days, however, given the reports from other Toshiba Tablet PC users who've sent their units in for repair, it could be a very long and frustrating time before I see my tablet again. For that reason, I will try to wait a while longer.  

I know, from experience, that if this were an IBM ThinkPad, I could get the problem resolved in 72 hours or less. I would call IBM, they would ship a box and pick up the unit the next day, two days later I would have a working laptop back. Apparently, according to my colleagues, this is not the way it works with Toshiba.

As you know, I like to blog about my "challenges," but this is not a challenge I'm up to.

Posted at 12:55:00 AM, PST in  Tablet PC  DeProductivity 

Discussion/Comments (6):

Toshiba Tecra M4 Fan Noise Problems continue

I've had the M4 since last June/July. The fan noise problems started around December or January. It sounds like the fan is grinding against something; trying to squeeze the casing near the fan sometimes solves the problem.

I haven't tried contacting Toshiba about the problem yet for the same reasons.

Posted at 6/15/2006 11:28:13 PM by Rahul Sengupta

Solution

I think I have a fix for the buzzing noise. On my M4, pressing the rear left corner (while looking at the M4 in the standard laptop position) of the memory (RAM) panel removes the noise. When i opened the memory panel, i noticed that the buzzing was caused by the vibration of the wires connected to the fan. If you hold down the wires, the buzzing/grinding fan noise stops. After using a small piece of tape to damp the vibrations, the annoying grinding noise has disappeared.

Posted at 6/17/2006 1:48:50 AM by Rahul Sengupta

re: Solution to M4 Fan Noise

Thanks Rahul. a sounds like a valuable tip. I send me M4 for repair. We'll see if your fix is needed when it is returned.

Posted at 6/21/2006 10:46:07 PM by Eric Mack

Toshiba Tecra M4 Fan Noise Problems continue

i have a toshiba m4 tablet pc and i have a buzzing noise coming from the fan panel..it sounds like there is an open or a fricting wire inside... what can i do for that? please send me an e mail about it.. singingjazzer@aim.com

Posted at 9/29/2006 1:53:56 PM by evren

Toshiba Tecra M4 Fan Noise Problems continue

I have the same frustrating problem...

Posted at 5/31/2007 11:24:59 AM by Steven

Toshiba Tecra M4 Fan Noise Problems continue

...I know how u guy's fell ! my professor pleased me to take a place far away from the front row's, in smaller rooms it is imposible to use the tablet !

battery capacity is near one hour.

With a new second battery about one and a half hour

dirt behind the display protection is a new advantage since a few weeks

i give it up !

never would buy a toshiba again !

Posted at 11/25/2007 4:09:45 PM by Pierre Kottmann

Add a comment



Hot Topics

Learn about the eProductivity Conference...

Recent Entries

Recent Podcasts

Recent Comments

Syndication

 

My Other Sites

Other Sites

Blogs of Interest

Site Information