R50 suddenly powers off (Thermal Sensor? Something Else?)

[ogel]

I have just purchased a brand-new R50e (1834-U3G) five days ago. I have experienced the following two problems (Which actually seem to be caused by the same reason):

1 - Several hours after a graceful shutdown, when I tried to power it on, I have recognized that the battery light (LED) was off. I pressed the power button, nothing happened at all. (Battery installed and the machine was on AC power). Removed and re-inserted the AC plug, it worked. That happened only once.

2 - When the machine was on my "Lap", running on AC power and Windows-XP was running, I inserted my mouse cable into the USB plug (Bottom one) and bingo!.. The machine immediately powered off (Please note: No blue screen, no error, no Windows shutdown. Just IMMEDIATE POWER OFF. Everything was gone. All status LEDs were off). Tried to push the power button to reboot and nothing happened at all. After I removed and re-inserted the DC-in plug AND ALSO removed and re-inserted the battery, the battery status LED lit up, and it booted again without a problem. I was able to reproduce the problem at least five times. In one of the reboot trials, the machine simply powered off during the boot phase while Windows was being loaded. The system ran continuously for over 9 hours today on a steady desk in a rather cool room without any problems at all.

3 - The problem on the previous item (Item #2) was able to be reproduced also when I did not perform any insert/remove operation on the USB but just a little movement on my lap (Well, this machine is a "Laptop", ain't it?)

The machine is - obviously - in its warranty period. I still keep the original carton. I can even return the machine (in the first eight days, legally). However, I would like to get opinions before I take it to service.

* It is definitely a hardware problem but, is this a known one?
* Is there anything I can do before I take it to the service?
* Since it is almost impossible to diagnose and it is difficult to reproduce this problem and since the manuals would definitely say "Do not replace a FRU until it proves to be defective" this problem will not easily be solved. But what is the solution?
* Should I always be alert against such an immediate power-off everytime?
* May that be a problem of a thermal sensor on the main board that becomes extremely sensitive when the system is warm and receives a small movement, therefore gets activated and cuts off the power immediately? i.e. Shouldn't I use the system on my lap (Although it is a "Laptop")?

I am using this computer for business purposes and the sole reason why I bought this "Business machine" is the fact that I was facing the same problem on my old A20p (Exception-1: Problem on A20p was occuring when I slightly move the machine, not necessarily insert the mouse cable into the USB. Exception-2: The A20p was 5 years old and had already experienced a serious shock)

Challenging, eh?

[ogel]

Just for your information, guys;

IBM had my main board replaced. It looks like this issue has been resolved at this point in time. However, they still keep the incident open and they would like to make sure that this has completely resolved the problem

[ogel]

Recent update:

I was able to reproduce the problem twice EVEN after my main board as been replaced within warranty.

One had happened when I have used the computer on my lap for about 3-4 hours on AC power (Very similar, in fact, exactly the same with previous post) and the system received a small, slight movement.

The second was even more stupid. The system was powered off for several hours. I put it on AC power. Powered it on. While Windows was booting I have inserted my USB mouse and again: The very same problem!... This time the machine was on a hard and flat surface and NOT on my lap.

IBM called me and said that they will take the machine back to the workshop and investigate the issue further. They do not consider this problem as "Resolved".

Yes, I still have this problem but it is at least good to feel that there is professional, very professional support.

[sco1984]

Thanx for your feedback over here for R50e-1834 type machine.
I also have R50e-1834 machine but EQ1 . I bought 11 months
back in India. You bought where?

I love ThinkPad too because the same reason you mentioned.
Professional and quick support. I had small problem with 1
ScrLk key...They replaced the whole new keypad immedietly
and returned my laptop in 10 minutes with no more delay.
Wow ....Amazing isn't it? And secondly they give international
warranty. nobody beats IBM® in servicing. Pity COMPAQ
and HP users ...1 of my friend have problem with COMPAQ
laptops mainboard..Those COMPAQ guys repaired it....What
a poor service ....

[ I know they replaced new keyboard because my old keyboard
was UK style and ENTER key was big, now i have US keyboard
with small ENTER key. They also repalced dirty TrackPoint with
new 1 which costs approx 20~40 US$ ? ]

[ogel]

It looks like the problem is caused by either a short circuit or another problem in the USB ports. I was able to reproduce the problem at least 10 times. Let us see what IBM would do this time. Regards