|
|
Products: Stylus Lock Replacement Kit
Price: $49
Company: PCE2000 (http://www.PCE2000.com)
The iPAQ stylus locks have been known for their weaknesses. After using my first iPAQ for about 4 months, I became the unfortunate victim of this malfunction! The stylus wouldn't stay in anymore... At that time, nobody was offering a solution to repair the problem. Enters PCE2000, a company that also offers the well known iPAQ RAM/ROM upgrades. They first introduced this modification as a "send your iPAQ in" option, but are now offering a DIY kit that will allow any iPAQ owner to perform the repair (at his/her own risk).
The Kit:
Probably the main reason why this kit cost $49 as compared to having it done by PCE2000 for $25 is the number of tools included. This kit will have a pair of tweezers, a Torx 6 wrench, a plastic pryer, and an anti-static wrist strap (disposable). It will also include the necessary materials to replace the stylus lock as well as a full set of instructions. I was highly impressed by the quality of the instructions that litterally guide you step by step during the process of upgrading/repairing your PocketPC.
That's called being geared up!!
The install:
The installation took me about 30 minutes though I could have done it in less, but I decided to be safe and read the instructions (for once)! The manual that is included with the kit goes over absolutely everything for you to succeed with the upgrade/repair. In my case, my stylus lock was still in pretty good condition but I wanted to evaluate PCE2000 DIY kit and share it with you.
Here are the main steps that you'll need to follow for the replacement of the lock:
- Backup your iPAQ, either to your PC or to a storage card.
- Turn the power switch of
- Remove the four screws placed on the back of the unit using the provided Torx wrenc
Here we go, screws removed... time to get real!Pry the back cover, gently. This was probably the most nerveracking part since you really don't want to break or scratch the outside of your PocketPC. The tool provided by PCE2000 is absolutely wonderful for the job and you won't have to worry about damaging anything...
Pull the back cover off gently and remove the power ribbon attaching the battery to the board. This is simply done by gently lifting the power connector on the board!
Cover off, no wonder why the thing won't last more than 1.5hour with
my Microdrive... Look at the size of the battery!!!!!
- Hard work is done. Now simply lift off the stylus lock assembly,
using the provided tweezers. You'll then need to remove the lock from
the assembly. Don't lose the spring... you'll need it again. Install
the new lock onto the assembly (ahhh, it's pretty straight forward)
and secure the spring (easy).
Hey my old lock didn't look too bad! Oh well, at least I won't
have to worry about it! - Place the insulator piece (sticky anti-static tape) onto the board...
Though this process seems to be relatively easy, I sweated quick a
bit trying to remove the tape from the plastic piece it was attached
to... go figure. You'll have a spare one, just in case!
- Almost done! Place the new lock assembly in position. Check your work....better now than when the cover is back on!!! Check again! In my case, the power door jerked out of its rails and I had to reset it properly. Using the tweezers (wow, they're just great... think about other ways to use'em!) place the door back into place... also the instructions mention this, just in case you forget (I told you they were very complete, and full of pictures!!!!).
I couldn't figure out what that little piece was
until I checked out the power door... That was it!!!
Bring the back cover back on, and don't forget to plug the power ribon to the board (your iPAQ might not work too well without it!) and gently push the cover back into position. There is an order that is also shown in the instructions..
- Screw it back, and try it out!!! Power it up.... it works, great, run the restore program and you're ready to roll!!!!!!
Final look on the "inside"... Hope I won't have
to hope it again! And yes, it still works!
Conclusion:
The stylus lock replacement offered by PCE2000 is of the highest quality. The instructions are very complete, though I would not recommend doing it by yourself unless you have previously seen a board... (you should be all set if you know how to install a NIC or other PCI device). The risks are minimal and the kit will save you the pain of losing your precious companion for a few days.
Looking good, working great, and yes I now have a anti-static wrist
strap (that's gonna be useful next time
I need to play with my water-cooled server!!!).
One other good thing about the kit is that it gave me a pretty good feel about PCE2000 and the quality of their work. I wouldn't be afraid of sending them my iPAQ for, let's say a 128MB RAM upgrade!!!!
I finally want to thanks Leonard for promptly sending me the kit for this review!!!! Keep up with the great work!
Info
Want
to know more about us?
Or get in touch with us?
Click here!
