ACER n35 Connector problems

[SteveAWoods]

I have owned an ACER n35 for 4 months and have had problems with it since day one.

The main connection for both power and computing is via an edge connector on the main board. The problem with edge connectors is that to use them successfully both sides of the connection need to be free from strain and from flexing. The free connector is a very cheap flimsy design held in place by two wire hooks.

If you wish to charge the PDA whilst using it in the car, then the cigarette lighter socket lead needs to be used. This is a set length and a set weight. This means that the PDA needs to be mounted within a certain distance of the lighter socket and the cable need to be positioned to try to relieve the tension. Not all cars will allow this.

I have a Nissan Almera and I have had two instances of the edge connector breaking off due to strain whilst mounted in the car. I followed all the maunfacturers instructions but the connector still broke.

I would suggect that potential buyers look at their cars before buying to see how far a suitable mounting point is from the socket and if the cable can be positioned to relieve strain.

This is definitely a design fault. I have heard from a number of other users who have had the same fault occur.

The design fault is due to ACER cutting corners to reduce the price.

If anyone has sufferd from this with this unit, please reply to this message as we may be able to swap ideas on what to do about this.

[trevorboyce]

Originally Posted by SteveAWoods

I have owned an ACER n35 for 4 months and have had problems with it since day one.

The main connection for both power and computing is via an edge connector on the main board. The problem with edge connectors is that to use them successfully both sides of the connection need to be free from strain and from flexing. The free connector is a very cheap flimsy design held in place by two wire hooks.

If you wish to charge the PDA whilst using it in the car, then the cigarette lighter socket lead needs to be used. This is a set length and a set weight. This means that the PDA needs to be mounted within a certain distance of the lighter socket and the cable need to be positioned to try to relieve the tension. Not all cars will allow this.

I have a Nissan Almera and I have had two instances of the edge connector breaking off due to strain whilst mounted in the car. I followed all the maunfacturers instructions but the connector still broke.

I would suggect that potential buyers look at their cars before buying to see how far a suitable mounting point is from the socket and if the cable can be positioned to relieve strain.

This is definitely a design fault. I have heard from a number of other users who have had the same fault occur.

The design fault is due to ACER cutting corners to reduce the price.

If anyone has sufferd from this with this unit, please reply to this message as we may be able to swap ideas on what to do about this.

I have an N35 which is with Acer at the moment for repair with a detached power socket as described above. I will let everyone know what happens.

[AcerRepair]

Hi there,
A damaged 26-pin synchronisation socket is a common fault, iPAQ Repair and Parts offer a very reasonably priced synchronisation socket repair (far cheaper and faster than dealing with Acer) and also provide a free diagnostics service for any other unresolved Acer issues. Information is available here, for any further Acer repair queries e-mail here
Hope this is of some hope to you!

[hotsoup]

I have the same problem, the connector broke because it's quite flimsy. I could get it to charge by holding the connector in place, but I bent the pins and now it needs a proper soldering.

The official replacement connector costs about £20 on ebay, a third party compatible part can be had for £7 inc. p&p. Planning on soldering it in myself once it gets delivered, hope it's not too difficult!

I'm also looking to find a way to fix the connector more securely so it doesn't break as easily. Let me know if you have any ideas.