Issues with new Pocket eDGe

I am not sure if this is an issue with just my particular device, or perhaps a software problem. All stereo sound, both from the internal speaker and even from an external stereo headset, has crackling during playback. This is not through personal content, but with the content included with the device. Such as the included tutorial video, and the included sample song. The sound crackling goes away if I connect a mono headset to the device.

Another issue, is that I am unable to properly calibrate the reader's touch screen. I have went into the settings and re-calibrated many times, but the touch is always off near the top left of the touch screen. In the journal application, when I write, the ink appears 2cm above the stylus. As I draw/write towards the right, it starts to align. The android touchscreen for the most part seems perfect.

Are any of these known hardware/software issues that can be fixed? Or should I exchange my device before the 14 day grace period at the store which I bought it at? Should I try a software reset and see if that works?

Welcome to the forums, kveroneau

The audio problem seems unusual. If it were just the headset, I'd suspect the headset's plug and/or cable.

The calibration problem usually is only visible within about 1/8" of the bezel. If you're seeing it 1cm into the screen from any bezel, then it could be the pen layer may have a defect.

Neither can be fixed or patched as far as I know, and I doubt a software reset would help. The normal course of action is to contact enTourage Tech Support (http://www.entourageedge.com/support) for warranty service (which is very good) or return it to the point of purchase for exchange. Weigh the time and shipping costs of each method.

Originally Posted by borisb

The audio problem seems unusual. If it were just the headset, I'd suspect the headset's plug and/or cable.

The calibration problem usually is only visible within about 1/8" of the bezel. If you're seeing it 1cm into the screen from any bezel, then it could be the pen layer may have a defect.

Thank you for the quick reply, I opened a support ticket, and have not received a reply. I suspect the support tickets are only checked Monday through Friday. I bought my device at a local computer store, and they provided me with a 14 day exchange period. So walking to the local store is much easier than shipping the device.

Besides these issues, the device is great! I have little complains.

Definitely I would return it to the store if they'll give you a new one. Some users have initial defects and enTourage (or in your case, the store) gives you a replacement and then you'll be fine. I find my Pocket eDGe indispensible

BTW, which store? A TigerDirect outlet?

It is a store in my city called Computer Boulevard, they are quite similar to TigerDirect. They sell many techy products, and some products which are mainly available online only.

When I went down there, the issue was gone. I am beginning to think that it may be related to wireless interference or something. The rep checked the sound with me, and everything appeared fine there. Even the reader touchscreen was oddly enough working much better...

When I got home, I tried playing the included song again, and it played fine, that is until I turned on my computer power bar. So, something connected to my power bar is causing the stereo sound in the eDGe to crackle for some reason. The wireless router is not connected to this power bar, so it's not that.

I agree that the eDGe is very indispensable after you get used to it. It's a great netbook replacement. I had a netbook last year, it was fine, but the battery life was horrible(Intel chip to blame). I enjoy the eDGe much more, it's battery life is wonderful, I like that I am able to hold it like a book and easily walk around without worrying about it. Also, reading documents on the reader screen is much easier on the eyes, and also consumes less battery power. enTourage should push this more commercially into stores throughout North America. This could be indeed a "netbook killer", as it has full USB keyboard support(unlike other similar devices). If it catches on mainstream, it could change the netbook market entirely(and for the better).

Android was also a great choice for the tablet, as it can run on the lower power ARM chip(giving great battery life), and has plenty of apps written for it. It is also very friendly, and for the most part very easy to use by almost anyone. Makes you wonder why Asus choose Xandros and Intel for the first netbook. It really should have chosen Android and ARM. The main point of the netbook was to tout great battery life, which is not the case with most netbooks.

Hopefully with the 3G model, they enTourage will attempt to speak with cell phone carriers to further commercialize and push the technology to consumers. If the SIM-based version had a dialer, then it could be easily sold as a large tablet Android phone. Phone calls going through bluetooth while the device is in your bag. Purchasing unlocked versions directly from enTourage should also be an option as well.

Thanks for the follow up

If the power bar was having that effect, I would suggest replacing it with a quality one. If it's doing that to your eDGe, it may be slowly wreaking the electronic devices connected to it.

To put product on shelves, enTourage both would need the manufacturing capacity and the retailers to buy inventory. It takes a lot of money up front to stock the shelves, and a lot of trust on the part of retailers that the product will sell. Given all the current retail outlets like Best Buy and Amazon in the US, I'm sure enTourage will develop a brand reputation which will translate into more brick-and-mortar distribution deals.

From the description you give it sounds as if there is some arcing in your power strip - maybe the switch or one of the plugs. I have seen a cable with moulded plug that had a broken wire inside that caused an arc but allowed enough current to pass to work the equipment - eventually it arced enough to melt part of the plug, so test all of yours.

The enTourage is not plugged into the power strip when I witness the sound crackling. Furthermore, it also appears at my friend's home as well, as he does not have the same power bars. I am still trying to pinpoint exactly what is the cause of the issue is. The sound still crackles after I power off the power bar, just not before I power it on. I power it off when I leave home or go to sleep at night.

I notice it more if the device was in a suspended state, rather than just powered on from a cold boot. I am trying different types of situation and locations to see how the sound reacts. Such as humid air vs. dry air. Dry air has the tendency to conduct more static electricity in the air itself. Which could be why when I power on the power strip, the sound begins to crackle. I haven't tried the sound as much since the update last night, Dingo 1.11.

I also live in Canada, and we are just receiving the cold front. Which means, we currently have very dry air both in and outdoors. I'll try using the sound in several different environments and post an update here on my findings.

How very odd! I'm in Central Ontario with a humidity of about 28%. I don't get crackling if I hold my PE near my power bars, PC, monitors, etc. Certainly the magnetic and RF fields given off by these could cause crackling in a device susceptible to them.

I would see if the store will give you an exchange. You can contact enTourage Tech Support to get their insight into the matter, and it may help to have a Ticket # to quote to the store to indicate it's a valid return issue.