yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[TouchPad General] kettlecorn:
Possible Prevention Solution?

If you get a skin for the HP Touchpad that covers the sides, or even a skin for the back cover, wouldn't that help a little?

It sounds like the Hp Touchpad's tiny little strip of plastic near the speakers and ports are giving due to the flex in the back cover, and most people hold in a way that bends it due to the weight of the device and over time, the weak part snaps.

If a skin that covers the full back cover and the sides are placed, it would be like "glue" that may allow for more cohesion? Just a theory, I have yet to try it. It's basically like taping up the entire touchpad's plastic and I think something that's taped up real tight is less likely to break or give because of the reinforcement than something not taped. Like taped ankles for injugries, wires, etc.

The Carbon Fiber VINYL skins are seriously some tough ass covers. They're extremely sticky and strong.
[TouchPad General] info[]box1:
My TP got cracks too, contacting HP for options.
[TouchPad General] Solidus_n313:
no cracks on mine whatsoever, been in a targus case since day 1 (which was roughly 14 days ago, i think)

the case design was hurting at first (its really thick), but when i heard about all the crack locations on this thing, they are really well protected on the targus case.

so if youre getting a fresh replacement, or want to prevent future stress cracks, i recommend the targus, you will get used to the size, and the stand design is pretty useful
[TouchPad General] info[]box1:
When you get a chance post a pic of the case. Thanks

How anyone have the 1(800) number for TP customer care?

Edit: nevermind I found everything haha.
[TouchPad General] wondercoolguy:
Speaker Crack....

So Ive had my Touchpad for about a week now and I've handled it with extreme care because its my first tablet. I have the "official" case from HP. I noticed today that there is a crack by the speaker closest to the power button. So I did quick google search

http://www.webosroundup.com/2011/07...placing-select-touchpads-for-cosmetic-defect/

I got this off of Clist for 220 32gig but could imagine paying 599.99 for this device and it having a defect like this one it. I'm not sure what to do because I know that Touchpads on the endangered list. its just comestic and but I dont know...any suggestions...
[TouchPad General] wondercoolguy:
just got off the phone with HP about my case crack. The rep on the phone said that I would send in the touchpad and then they would fix case and send me back the same one. Here is the catch though.... He told me that even after they fix the case that there is still a likely hood that it will happen again. So I opted not to fix the case right now he gave me date of Sept 6 2012 when my warranty is out on my device. I'm going to call back in August have them replace the case prior to warranty going out. IMO im not going to risk them "fixing" it and then getting more cracks than the one I currently have, which is one. Imagine if you paid 599.99 for this and are dealing with crack issue....
[TouchPad General] nidlaX:
My two speaker ports haven't developed any single big cracks, instead they are surrounded by micro-cracks near the edges where the stresses are largest.
[TouchPad General] info[]box1:
That's how it starts..
[TouchPad General] Treello:
Been in HP case since purchase. Bought it from best buy. No cracks as of yet. Had it 2 weeks. Maybe its possible to narrow down what vendors people have been having this issue with. Maybeitsa certain group
[TouchPad General] k20matt:
Maybe its the loud beats audio that is causing that area to crack. Lol im jk

I've had my touchpad since the fire sale started and i don't have any cracks anywhere. Granted i haven't used it much. And i always hold it in landscape mode so my hands are never touching the speaker parts. I guess ive been lucky thus far.
[TouchPad General] nomisunrider:
I examined my TP closely under a light and found no cracks. Have had it for several weeks now, always in the HP folio case.
[TouchPad General] fredmc2020:
Just found a crack on mine by the left speaker, only a few Weeks old....
[TouchPad General] papeluv:
Don't have the speaker cracks, at least not yet, but I have developed one at bottom of the usb port....
[TouchPad General] TooSlo:
Pulled my TP out from my case last night and found a really tiny one by my upper speaker. Definitely sad considering I try to treat the TP well.
[TouchPad General] icecreammm:
I also have a crack after 4 weeks. I hope it doesn't get worse.
[TouchPad General] Nos0x:
Have treated my TP well, no drops or knocks etc but I also have small cracks by both speakers :(
[TouchPad General] Flippy125:
This is just like with the iPhone 3G(S)'s They would get hairline cracks that eventually turned into huge ones. I have none on mine yet and it has been in my backpack for school squished between books
[TouchPad General] theronkinator:
Mines been in a case the whole time, seen all this talk of cracks, got it out and have three around one speaker, going to contact HP tomorrow.
[TouchPad General] seboj:
As with everyone else, I got mine on the day of the firesale, babied the HELL out of it since then - no drops, no falls, no hitting - and I still have a nice sized crack on the left speaker.
[TouchPad General] darkalchemist:
Got mine last week, in like 3 days, cracks developed around the speakers. Contacted HP, sent them pictures and now waiting for the UPS man to come and pick it up to take it back to them for repair.
[TouchPad General] Daughain:
Two cracks on left speaker, one on USB port. I'll worry about it if they get any bigger, or more appear.

Sent from my very "non-stock" TP.
[TouchPad General] seboj:
What's their policy and estimated turn-around time on the casing repair?
[TouchPad General] targonnick:
7 to 10 business days after you send it with prepaid box.
[TouchPad General] conmetal:
Man, just saw a thread about the cracks for the first time on yesterday and now see two cracks on my TP. One near the right speaker grill and the other at the usb port. I have absolutely babied this thing as I do all of my gadgets. No drops, bumps or taps. It has always been carried in a belkin padded netbook case and rest on a microfiber cloth when charging.

I was just about to install a skinomi body protector, guess I'll wait to see what the results from HP are first.

Guess I need to start researching about how to completely backup all of my data. Have my TP setup perfectly and would hate to loose any of the ebooks or programs I've purchased.
[TouchPad General] seboj:
Has anyone successfully used the process all the way through? Do they replace the bezel on yours, or is it a new TouchPad?

The cracks on my left speaker broke the little plastic bridge completely off. Pretty pissed, considering how I've babied this thing. I want to have it replaced, I just want to make sure everything is going smoothly with it, and I won't have to wait months to actually get it back.
[TouchPad General] Gibbage:
Ugh. I was looking through the forums to see if anyone had the notification LED go out on the HOME button (my light no longer works) and I find this thread. Im thinkin "It must be a rare thing" and check my TP and YEP! CRACKED!

I have not babied it at all, but I never dropped it. The crack is pure cosmetic, but its really bad seeing as how many people have it!

As someone who knows a thing or two about case design, this track is caused by two things. First, a thin spot on the case. Your only as strong as your weakest link! 2nd, a brittle plastic used for the case. This type of plastic is good for reducing fine micro-scratches, but is brittle. With standard heating/cooling the device goes though, its inevitable that the craft WILL form on everyone's case.

This puts HP in a pickle. Does it keep your TouchPad from working? No. Does it make HP look bad? YES! Do you really think HP will spend a massive ammount of money replacing cases on a product its already lost MILLIONS on? HELL NO! To the few that has had luck getting them to OK a replacement, congradulations! Consider yourself lucky. For the rest of us, lets just enjoy our $99 toy.

Maybe an after-market case replacement will hit the market. I would pay a good chunk of money for a solid aluminum back case for the TouchPad!!! Im sure someone in China can make them and sell them for $50 each.
[TouchPad General] david black:
I would love an aluminum case!
[TouchPad General] targonnick:
I received it back from HP this Friday 21st. Looks almost like new. Screen on one side was not completely locked on place, I had to push it to lock. Touchpad has few dust particles inside of the screen, but they are barely noticeable.

I'm thinking to sell it before it cracks again and get a new 5 core ASUS transformer :)
[TouchPad General] david black:
Update:

The plastic near one of the speakers has broken through the superglue I first used to seal it up. I'm just about stumped as to what I should do next to seal it again.
[TouchPad General] lhkjohn:
Ive been lucky enough not to have had this happen to mine yet, but I have fixed several for friends. I used black epoxy to fix one. and on another, I used my soldering iron to melt the plastic back together first, then put a light coat of epoxy on to smooth it out. Both came out pretty clean.

Tapatalkin' from my eclipsed DROIDX2
[TouchPad General] scrizz:
pics?

10char
[TouchPad General] lhkjohn:
Lol I'll take step by step pics when mine cracks. Super easy though, but you might have trouble getting the epoxy I have. Its left over from the 2003 Ford Explorer liftglass recall haha.

Tapatalkin' from my eclipsed DROIDX2
[TouchPad General] scrizz:
lol, I'm just curious to see how it looks.

thanks for posting the pic.
[TouchPad General] xopher.hunter:
Anyone who wants their money back pm me and ill buy the cracked touchpad off you for the firesale price. Lol

Edit: pretty please?
[TouchPad General] big_lilo:
I too contacted HP but they did an advanced exchange for me...they sent me a new one (should be here tomorrow) than i send back my old one in a pre paid box they sent as well once i transfer all my data over...

HP also told me they have "Improved" the plastics strength so this doesn't occur again... because i asked.. if they haven't done anything differently to the casing, than i would be better off keeping mine
[TouchPad General] nToxik:
I have had my TP for a little over a month now and have been very careful with it. Unfortunately, it has developed a crack near the bottom right speaker.

Not sure if it is worth to RMA it or even if it is possible to RMA it since I bought it brand new off Ebay but did not get a receipt.
[TouchPad General] espeanage:
Damn, I just checked mine and there's cracks on both speakers :(. I'm using the official TouchPad case and it doesn't protect the speaker side, that's where the folding flap is.
[TouchPad General] dajogejr:
One side of the speakers cracked on mine...superglued it.

I use the hell out of mine...

I have two more in the house, one barely gets used (no cracks) the other will be opened up for a college kid on 12/25...if anyone can put it through it's paces, he can. LOL.
[TouchPad General] tonebone:
Mine also has a crack on the bottom right speaker, farthest away from the power button. Its been in an HP case since day one and the folding flap is on that side, so the speaker area isn't provided much protection. I paid 220 for my 32gb, and it sucks, but I'm not sure I am going to go through the trouble of sending it back to HP just to crack again.
[TouchPad General] Argent36:
Just noticed mine has cracked as well - the left side completely through and the right side is just starting to develop a crack

will bust out the superglue later and patch it back up
[TouchPad General] rksand:
I sent back my wifes and they were very good about it.
[TouchPad General] Forge94:
Just want to clarify: are these cracks purely cosmetic, or do they actually affect speaker quality/performance?

I want the device to be something I can just chuck in a case and use without an issue. Not be reckless but not baby it either.

If the speakers actually stuff up and hinder usage, then yeah that's an issue...
[TouchPad General] nomadman:
IM in asia and I called HP rep yesterday. They were willing to swap it out within 7 days and asked me where to send the box so I can ship it back. The only problem is, I had to send it back to the US because thats where I bought it. I have 1yr to send it back.

If I send it back right at the end of 1yr, do you think they will run out of these devices and send me a more current device? :)
[TouchPad General] david black:
Mine are purely cosmetic and I think other members would agree that theirs are too. It's only a big deal because we baby these devices and they still develop cracks. Btw, my second coating of super glue has done the trick. I over applied it so it would cover the cracks and their surrounding areas as an attempt to prevent future cracks.
[TouchPad General] theronkinator:
My replacement from HP had cracked within 3 days. I'm just going to wait a few more months at least till I sort it. Unless it gets significantly worse.
[TouchPad General] osaeed:
I purchased my touchpad 32GB in September and just now when I was playing Cut the Rope i felt like some plastic was broken on the speaker side. I looked and was like wtf! The plastic was about to rip right off the side.

Here are some pictures.

May call HP and demand them to give me a better case. I already bought a HP sleeve from them. But now I want the other case!

If i send it back, I will highly likely get a refurbished touchpad. This was brand new. I will end up getting screen issues on the replacement one. Its just a cosmetic problem, not a huge issue. I just put super glue and its hard as rock.

the hp case will hide all that. I dont care anyhow. My next tablet will be the transformer prime.
[TouchPad General] iamsamsamiam:
These cracks happen. Its because the genius who designed the layout didn't think to smooth out or at least slightly round off all the cuts in the plastic backing. I suspect plastic around the buttons will crack the same way if something got to it in the wrong way.

Samsung Galaxy Captivate ICS | HP TouchPad CM Xron B2.2
[TouchPad General] david black:
Welcome to the club.
[TouchPad General] j.a:
Developed 2 cracks yesterday on the top speaker. one on the top part of the speaker and the second on the bottom parts of the speaker. Not sure that I want to send it back to HP since my fear is that they will probably send me a different unit refurbed(?) rather than replacing the back on mine. I really do not want to take that chance. So far it is just cosmetic and hopefully the skin that I put on it will hold it place and maybe help prevent additional cracks. Its just really annoying to look at :mad:.
[TouchPad General] AlwaysLimey:
Had my 32 gb unit since August and use it a ton. No cracks yet thank goodness. I only hold it in landscape mode though, I wonder if that makes a difference? Not handling it on it's side, never touching the speaker area?
[TouchPad General] apbling:
Count me in. Got two cracks by upper (portrait) speaker and another by headphone jack. The one on the speaker is starting to wrap around the back on the case even...

Not sure if anyone mentioned this before, but the cracks seem to be be the speakers. The holes by the speaker are very similar to the ones cut out for the little s/n tab and the volume rocker button. I have a feeling mine is caused from the flexing of taking the tp in and out of it's case. I have the HP folio case, but also have a silicon case that covers just the backside. I caught myself just a bit ago taking the tp out of the stock case and realized I started to pull it out from that corner... I think from now on it's going to live in my stock case.
[TouchPad General] etibon:
I noticed that the plastic strips above the speakers were detached at the inner ends on my TP, but I actually thought it was some kind of stupid design feature. It didn't cross my mind that they were actually cracks because the cracks on both sides are identical and actually very neat as if they were meant to be there.

I was planning on putting a drop of superglue under each one when I found this thread. For now I don't have any other cracks anywhere else.

I always was extra careful with my TP and keep it in the HP folio case, but that does not help because the HP case doesn't cover the speakers. Incidentally the HP case is really low quality. The rubber that they used seems to expand after a short amount of time resulting in a loose fit in some places, for example in the upper corner where the power and volume switches are located. The tiny strip of rubber that runs above the usb port started out fine but now looks more like a loop due to the expansion of the rubber.
[TouchPad General] sst:
My touchpad has developed cracks by both speakers and on the speaker port. Called HP UK hoping go get this fixed. They asked me to email them pictures of the cracks. A weeks after emailing the photos, this was their response

'We've received your pictures and determined that the issue is not covered by the warranty, please contact us back at +44 (0) 207 660 0950 to process the repair order. It has a cost of £135.30'

Looks like they no longer want to recognise the issue as their poor design!! Time to threaten them with legal action now :(
[TouchPad General] rr5678:
Tell them where they can jam that bill. Or contact a representative using the chat system.
[TouchPad General] sst:
That is the plan. Had a quick look through this thread and i will point hp towards the articles from forbes and the other sites mentioned. I was hoping for a simple response of send it in to get repaired. I'm wondering if anyone else has been starting to get this response from hp.
[TouchPad General] laird86:
They are still doing repairs for this issue. I noticed that my TouchPad had developed cracks next to one of my speakers last week. I rang the HP WebOS UK support line, explained the situation and was given an email address to send a photo of the problem so they could take a look at it, just like you. They responded the next day to say that the issue was covered by warranty and to phone back to arrange a repair. They sent a courier out to collect it the next day (Thursday) and I received it back today.

I haven't been able to check if it's been repaired or if it's a replacement yet as I'm away from home tonight, but so far I've got nothing but praise for their service.

Our scenarios sound exactly the same so I don't see any reason why your cracks aren't being covered and mine were. I hope you mange to get them to do the right thing.
[TouchPad General] joggerman:
This is a known issue. I called HP Canada when the second cracked showed up and they had it fixed and returned to me within 4 days. On the phone I was told that they started producing stronger back covers early in the early days of the TP to replace the ones they knew would crack. We'll see I guess.
[TouchPad General] sna:
never mind...
[TouchPad General] emuX:
I have had cracks by both speakers. A little bit of 'precision' Superglue and it's stuck back really well and I've not had any problems since. You can hardly see the original cracks either.

I didn't want to risk sending my unit back in case they just refunded me - got it in the firesale and I'm totally attached to it now.
[TouchPad General] Ferrari353:
I freaked out when I saw this thread, and I immediately removed my TP from the case and scanned it all over. I'm happy to see it's scratch free so far! *knocks on wood*

EDIT: crap....I noticed a tiny tiny crack next to the speaker...hopefully it won't spread...
[TouchPad General] rr5678:
It will get worse.
[TouchPad General] guho:
Are the cracks caused by the HP case? I have had no cracks in an incipio case for 3 months. Just upgraded to the HP case for $10, should I be worried now about getting cracks?

Thanks
[TouchPad General] rr5678:
The cracks are caused by the cheap ass plastic they used. Case or no case it usually happens.
[TouchPad General] Ferrari353:
Im sure this has already been asked, but does it have to be returned to stock for them to replace or fix it?

And then once it's fixed, is there any way to prevent the cracks?

--
[TouchPad General] rr5678:
You most definitely have to return it to stock and I don't know whether the new ones crack or not.
[TouchPad General] webran61:
Ugh.

I've been lurking this thread since I got my Touchpad from the second firesale right before Christmas.

Touchpad had annoying yellowish light-bleeding in the screen from the beginning. Also the screen was never actually flush with the front edges of the plastic casing, like it wasn't re-assembled back together properly.

NOW today I finally noticed a hairline crack in the plastic by one of the speakers.

I love the device in general; I love having a tablet, but I am just so glad I only paid $100 for it. There's no way this thing was worth as much as an iPad (with a metal casing).

I've already thrown away the box and everything else that my Touchpad came to my doorstep in, but hopefully I can contact HP and get it fixed, then buy a case next time.

/rant
[TouchPad General] david black:
It will definitely get worse.
[TouchPad General] rosystreasures:
I bought mine on ebay about a month ago with the crack (the seller was very honest).

I found this to be a warranty issue and called HP. It was confirmed I have a warranty until 8/cant recall/2012.

I asked if they had replaced the casing with different materials and was reassured they have replaced the materials. The whole process would take 7 - 10 days from the date I sent it in.

I sent it in today with a detailed note stating I want my unit back. So, we shall see...
[TouchPad General] navarde:
Keep us up to date, please
[TouchPad General] sst:
i posted a few months ago with regards to HP refusing to sort out the cracked case on my device. I followed this up by giving HP a call...the reason for them refusing to repair it under warranty as it has cracks where the headphone port is. They claim this is not covered under warranty :confused: Anyway...the only thing i can do is complain, so as usual it looks like another pain of threating them with legal action.

Has anyone else case developed cracks where the speaker port is and managed to get the case replaces with no hassle?
[TouchPad General] icemasta31:
Just warrenty'd my Touchpad that had speaker cracks and a somewhat loose back. Unlucky for me, the returned TP had just as many problems. So I sent it back and finally received a perfect TP. One thing I do like about HP's (Palm) warranty service is the very quick turnaround.
[TouchPad General] 1hiflyer:
Same here crack above the left speaker. One day it just showed up. *I keep the TP in a case, never dropped it nor do I handle it carelessly. *Basically, that part of the case is thin and for whatever reason during everyday use the case gets stressed and just cracks. I wouldn't try and replace it, based on the design of the case it would most likely crack in the same place. *Use a small drop of clear adhesive to attempt a repair. If you don't want to use an adhesive try a small piece of clear tape. The fix isn't perfect but other than the crack the TP works good for me.*

And yes it pis... Me off.
[TouchPad General] lepa71:
Is HP warranty transferable?
[TouchPad General] nickster1:
I actually thought the touchpad was pretty tough. I dropped mine from about 4ft on very hard tile and nothing happened to it. It even bounced! I bought the targus case for it after that and now its so protected I could probably drop it off from my roof and it would be fine.

touchpad tenderloin
[TouchPad General] fastwanabe:
I had the same problem with mine, both speakers, headphones and charging port had cracks. I took the HP apart and wrapped the casing in suede and glued the cracks. Now it looks great.