New T42:Vibration/Heat/noise w/DVDs - is it normal?

[dlgandle]

I just tried watching a couple of DVDs on my new T42 2379DXU (15/1" SXGA screen, 60GB hard drive), which arrived yesterday. As soon as the DVD started playing, the fan came on at a noticeable noise level, the right lower corner of the case began to heat up, and the entire computer began to vibrate...not enough to cause it to move across the desk, but more than I had experienced in any of its other functions. It also began to produce a low but definitely audible humming noise. These problems continued throughout the time that the DVDs were running.

Given the amount of discussion about these sorts of HD issues on this site, I had been watching for them. The DVD movie function is the only use thus far where I have experienced problems, however (I'm not a gamer and haven't tried any games). Otherwise I hardly ever hear the fan, I have not detected any significant vibration or noise when carrying out other functions and, in general my T42 seems to generate much less heat than my old T-20.

I'm wondering if these problems are par for the course with the 60GB hard drive, or if my HD may be defective. I have purchased the T42 for business purposes, but expect to be spending a lot of time on assignment in isolated overseas locations where the DVD entertainment function would be important, so I need good DVD capability. I assume that if the HD is not defective, my best course to eliminate this problem would be to send the 2379DXU back, and order a different unit with the 80GB hard drive.

Does anyone know if there are ways that I could configure my system when playing DVDs to reduce this problem, or whether it is likely that my HD is defective?

Best Regards,

David

[sktn77a]

Are you sure it's not the DVD drive that's making the noise and vibration? Check under DVD settings and try selecting "Silent". See if that makes a difference.

[dlgandle]

It could be...On your suggestion, I ran the Access IBM test on both the CD/DVD drive and the Hard Drive. Both came up okay -- the CD/DVD Drive requires me to test four different media -- CD w/data, CD w/music, CD-RW and DVD. Only the DVD test produced the vibration, heat and noise. However no problems were noted on the DVD test. I'm now seeking the DVD settings to try the "silent" setting.

Thanks for the help.

Regards,

David

[dlgandle]

Well, I think I solved the problem...when I first started the DVD Player, I used "InterActual Player," which had been included on the system. However, in working within Access IBM, I got connected with WinDVD, which, when I used it to run the movie, did so without the noise or vibration and with much less heat. End of Story, I guess.

David