I bought my beloved in 2002 and was oblivious when the company stopped production, otherwise I would have stocked up like some other wise folks. It served me well for 9 years but now fails to trigger any* response from 2 computers (tried all ports) - one of the laptops is the one I've been using with the pad for about 2 years.
I'm not posting this on the marketplace board because I think it can be fixed. I have taken very good care of it and it has no visible damage, including the cord. I always used a gray antistatic bag when transporting it. It had been packed in storage box for the past 6 months while I took some adventures and I dug it out 2 weeks ago after starting a new job. I know that the box wasn't packed very carefully and it's possible that the pad was pushed or flexed.
* - well, I DID get a very brief response from a Windows 7 machine while I was poking and prodding at it. About 1 second after recognizing it & starting a driver search, Windows said it was unplugged. I couldn't repeat it, but it gives me hope that the problem is electrical rather than electronic. The flicker of life happened while I flexed the pad across a diagonal axis. There was no response at all from bending, pushing, or pulling the cord so I think there's a connection problem is inside the pad.
I'm comfortable taking apart electronics, but wouldn't be able to do a repair beyond just pushing a loose connector. Is it likely to be that simple?
If any experienced community members are willing to try a repair, I'll pay a little for trying, much more for success. (And I want it back either way.) $200 total with $50 up front? Any interest out there?
PS. I feel guilty for just joining the community now in my time of need. But, I don't think I had run across the site for many years and have been happily taking my wonderful working device for granted. Mea culpa!