Chromebook Spin 714, The keyboard lockup sometimes for no apparent reason

SWS

The keyboard on my Spin 714 can lockup sometimes for no apparent reason. Sometimes it takes me to the login screen, but usually the menu bar disappears for a second, then comes back. Also, on the login screen, when trying to enter my PIN, it might lock up on me and I need to wait a few seconds to try a key press again.

This issue seems to be most apparent when entering numbers.

123456

Here is a screen recording of me trying to type the numbers above. You can see the menu constantly disappearing when I try to type some numbers.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/Vbs1jkveD4uV8fj37

[Edited the thread to add issue detail]

billsey

It looks like the menu bar is swapping in and out. Is there a hotkey for that?

SWS

I've been experimenting with this, and the leading theory I have right now is that the problem is the steel mesh band on my Fitbit. Sounds totally random…

First, I only saw this problem when typing with my left hand. Then I was able to duplicate the problem without even pressing a key, just hovering my finger over one of the number keys. When I took off the Fitbit, I had no issues. Later, I swapped the steel mesh band for the OEM silicone band, and still have yet to see any issues.

For some reason, the steel band seems to cause a problem for the laptop. Maybe some kind of magnetic field interference?

I'm going to continue testing this, but so far I have not had any issues with the silicone band.

billsey

I wonder if the FitBit has any magnets included? I believe some of the sensors used for screen position have magnetic components. I know I can get some odd things when setting my laptop on top of another, if the magnets are positioned just right.