Acer Switch Alpha 12 Disaligned Webcam

jasoriano
jasoriano Member Posts: 6 New User
in 2016 Archives

When I had a Skype Video call earlier, I noticed I was off center in the screen. I realized the camera is not aligned/perpendicular to the screen of my unit which is why I have to move to the side to center myself. The problem is it becomes difficult to type on the keyboard with if I align myself to the camera.

 

Has anyone had the same experience with the Switch Alpha 12? Do you think this is a hardware defect?

Answers

  • gbardach
    gbardach Member Posts: 36

    Tinkerer

    Apparently you are using the Alpha Switch in portrait mode. In this mode the webcam is not in the center but either to the right or to the left depending on how you turn the device. This causes the a shift of your face to one side.

     

    You have to use the tablet in landscape mode in Skype.

  • billsey
    billsey ACE Posts: 34,101 Trailblazer

    I think I might see what you mean. When I bring up the camera app using the front camera it seems to be pointed a bit to my right. When directly in front of the screen my head is shown toward the side of the image. Is that what you are seeing?

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  • jasoriano
    jasoriano Member Posts: 6 New User
    Yes billsey. That's exactly what I mean. It seems in skype its even more off center. If ur using it as a video conference, it makes it difficult.to type on the keyboard because ur away from the keyboard.
  • billsey
    billsey ACE Posts: 34,101 Trailblazer

    I wonder if there is any 'wiggle room' when the camera is inserted into the case that would allow for some mis-alignment. It wouldn't take much of a twist to give this symptom.

     

    It looks like the camera is connected to the motherboard by a short cable and also by a piece of copper foil. There is very little chance for slop in the motherboard placement since there is an alignment pin very near as well a screw holding it all in place. The camera itself can tilt on the cable/copper and I can tell how tight the opening in the case is where it fits. It doesn't look like it will be easy to get to, though I'm tempted now to try it. Smiley Happy

     

    When looking at the screen, the battery is behind the left side and the motherboard behind the right. The camera is attached to the upper left corner of the motherboard.

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  • jasoriano
    jasoriano Member Posts: 6 New User

    Hi billsey.

     

    As mentioned, the switch alpha webcame is located slightly to the left of center on top of the screen.

     

    Do you think Acer intentionally pointed the camera slightly to the right to compensate for the off center location of the webcam? This seems wrong though since users will use the laptop with different distance from the screen due to different arm length, typing angles, seating position, etc.

     

    Or do you think this is a manufacturing error on my unit? Because if it is, I need to know soon so I can request for a replacement. My first week from purchase has an option for unit replacement in case of out of the box defects.

     

    Hope to hear from feedback from Switch Alpha owners like you soon.

     

    Anton

  • billsey
    billsey ACE Posts: 34,101 Trailblazer

    I think it could be either way, thoough I lean toward there being enough room for the camera to be slightly misaligned when mounted in the case. I looked at what's involved in opening it enough to try and move the camera in it's mount, but decided it was too much trouble for the potential gain. It only takes removing six screws but then you have to pry the display off the tablet portion without bending or cracking... Too much risk for my blood, I think.

    Click on "Like" if you find my answer useful or click on "Yes" if it answers your question.
  • techie
    techie Member Posts: 3 New User

    My tablet has the same problem. Did you end up replacing it or fixing it under warranty?

    Thanks

  • jasoriano
    jasoriano Member Posts: 6 New User

    I brought it to the service center for replacement. They said they reported it to the tech team in case it was a firmware issue and they could send a firmware update. But since they noticed the disalignment and I told them it was affecting my video conferencing at work they allowed me to get a replacement by giving me a service report which I presented to the shop. With the report the shop was able to give me a new stock. 

  • techie
    techie Member Posts: 3 New User
    Thanks for you response. It is good news that they are not all defective. I got mine from Costco and I can still return it, and buy a new one - hopefully not from the defective batch.
  • jasoriano
    jasoriano Member Posts: 6 New User
    Well here's the thing. When I tested the replacement unit, it seemed to me to still be slightly disaligned. Not sure if its less disaligned though with my first unit. Not sure also if maybe this is now a firmware issue like the tech service rep said. Let me know what ur experience is with ur replacement so we can compare. I'll try to test my webcam some more.

    Btw, may I know if ur unit came with a backlit keyboard? And if u can talk with ur Acer service rep, is a replacement backlit keyboard available in ur area? In my location, they could not commit to providing me with a replacement backlit keyboard since a backlit version is not sold here in our country.
  • techie
    techie Member Posts: 3 New User

    When I bring up the camera app, and position the tablet in the middle of my sight and facing me directly, it would display my face on the left side of the screen.It is definitely not "slightly" off, but greatly  off.

     

    my unit is model SA5-271-55Q6

    it came with backlit type pad

  • xnaron
    xnaron Member Posts: 8 New User

    Mine is the same.  Same model.

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