subject: Nvidia Begins Taking Defective Notebook Gpu Claims [print this page] Nvidia has finally begun taking claims in the class-action settlement from late last year regarding a defective laptop GPU issue to which Nvidia (partially) admitted in 2008. The issue involved heat-related problems due presumably to weak packaging materials used in a batch of the companys GeForce 8 series graphics chips, which caused a large a number of Dell, HP, and Apple laptops models to experience distortions, scrambled video and others on their displays.
Back then the firm took a one-time $196 million charge to cover warranty and product replacement costs, in addition to releasing a software update to make laptop fans run more frequently; hence reducing thermal stress on the chips but also affecting battery life and causing increased noise.
The recently reached settlement with class action members includes a $2 million fund for reimbursement and entitles owners of certain Apple and Dell machines to receive replacement graphics components and repair service, whereas owners of certain HP notebooks can obtain a replacement computer of similar value.
Netbooks face competition from thin clients and smartphones. While some PC makers including Dell and Acer have already launched their version of smartphones in India, others like Lenovo have yet to join the party. In 2011, Acer will also focus on expanding its presence in the smartphone segment, bringing in a new range of smartphones to address this market, said Rajendran. He added that, to drive this business, there could be a possible rise in marketing investments as compared to 2010.
Industry watchers opined that, once the broadband ecosystem with 3G was in place, it could help drive sales of Internet-connected devices with different form factors. This is where netbooks and smartphones will line up against each other. Ultimately, it is what the user wants to do with the device, which in turn would challenge the definition of a traditional PC, said Khanapurkar. He added that if a user wanted to create something, he could look at the netbook and for Web surfing, a smartphone would suffice.
The netbook will remain a significant part of the broader market for Internet connected devices and the uses that the netbook and tablet are put to differ significantly, said Smitha.
The deadline for claim submissions by affected computer owners is March 14th. More information on qualifying requirements as well as specific models covered by the settlement can be found here.
