Hello Russ,
> Just in the process of picking up another eMate which powers up fine, =
> all the buttons work OK and is generally in good condition, but with =
> just one problem: the previous owner has been unable to get the stylus =
> to work on the screen.
The eMate is becoming known for this problem and unfortunately it is
usually a serious one. There are little springs in the hinges which
provide the tension to hold the lid up, but either the springs are the
wrong size, or they are prone to breaking. The jury's still out on
that, my theory is they break. Anyhow, if the one on the right side
breaks, the end of the spring swings around and can pierce the ribbon
cable. It seems to be perfectly lined up to cut through some of the
conductors which carry the touch-screen signals back to the mother
board. This results in a functional eMate with a readable screen, but
which is mostly unusable.
Unfortunately there are few options for repair at this time. I *think*
someone is looking into a way to make replacement ribbon cables, but
they are a custom design. Also, I recall one or two reports of people
fixing their cables, but it is a very delicate process, and does require
technical knowledge. So far my eMate hasn't succumbed to this problem,
but I do have some thoughts on how to repair it. Again, very technical
though.
If you do a search in the list archives for emate ribbon cable you
should come up with more info. Or, if your transaction with the seller
is not finalized, it might be wise to opt out of the purchase.
Sorry to bear the bad news.
-Stephanie
> What are the things I should try to start with - and can any of you =
> eMate specialists offer any help? Warning: I'm not a techie - sticking =
> memory in my Macs and basic troubleshooting are all I've done, and
> I've =
> not had to take any of my Newts apart (UMP2000, 120, eMate).
>
> I'd welcome your help! :)
>
> Russ, UK
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