I've found a pretty serious design flaw on the a1-840 (non-HD version) that happens on other 840s as well, and I'm hoping Acer can address this issue and get me a tablet that works properly.
Issue: The beginning half-second or so of sound cannot be heard - it cuts out.
First time I noticed this issue - When typing on the keyboard - the first letter I selected wouldn't give the "click" sound you hear when you type, but all other keys pushed immediately after the first one made the click sound fine. However, if I stopped typing, waited about 6 full seconds, and then resumed typing, again the very first key I pushed would not make the clicking sound.
Second time I noticed this issue - when using Google Now. If you say "Okay Google" or press the mic, you're supposed to get a loud chime that lets you know that Google is listening. On the 840, this chime cuts out, so you only hear a distored partial note or you don't hear it at all. And it works exactly like the keyboard situation - if I keep pressing the mic over and over in quick succession, all other chime sounds after the first one play as they should. However, if I stop and wait about 6 full seconds, and then push the mic icon again, the sound cuts out and you only get a distored partial note if anything at all.
Or, if I tell it to open an app, instead of saying "Opening App" like it's supposed to, it might say "-----ng App". The beginning of "Opening" is cut off.
Third time I noticed this issue - when using navigation. After the destination is mapped and I get the first spoken directions, sometimes the beginning of the first word or the first word entirely is cut off. So instead of hearing "Go West on", I might hear "-- --st on". The first few syllables are cut off.
At this point, I realize the tablet is broken, so I test with both a Youtube video and Google Music app. The same issue occurs. Sometimes the first half-second or so of music will not play, and then the sound will suddenly cut in. I tested by pausing the song, waiting ~6 full seconds, and then unpuasing it, and the first half-second of sound is definitely being cut off.
When doing this, I noticed that internally, the sound is playing. By that I mean, if I put my ear up to the speaker, I can just barely hear what's being cut off. It IS playing, but it's so faint that you cannot hear it unless your ear is right up to the speaker. Then, after that half-second, the sound goes full blast like it's supposed to ( I keep it at full volume at all times).
Important to Note:
This happens right out of the box. Immediately.
No additional apps have been installed. I have made no changes to the tablet.
I went to 2 Best Buys and tested their 840s - this issue happens on both of them.
I tested other tablets and phones - this issue does not happen on any of them.
I tested the Lenovo 8" tablet next to the 840 on Best Buy's display - the Lenovo does not have this issue.
What is the next step? I cannot exchange this item at the store I purchased it from, because all of their 840s are also broken.
Thank you.
