Database Users

BL**DY XDA2 (Brushed aluminium coating) - HELP PLEASE?

Well it went and happened last night...
While getting out of a car, the belt clip release button got pressed in by my stab-proof vest that I wear for work (this is a design flaw in it's own right, in that any other belt clips like this I have seen, slot the handset 'down' into a channel, and not hang on a hook like the default XDA2 one does - this means that at least then, if the button release becomes pressed, it still needs the device to defy gravity before coming detached - with the XDA2 belt clip, as soon as the button is pressed, as it's just a hook, it falls off).
So my XDA fell just a couple of feet, if that, onto the ground. And even then, it had its standard leather cover on. But of course, the standard cover is less than cr*p, in that it leaves nearly all of the sides exposed!
And now I find I have a slight dent on the side of my previously impeccable XDA2. But worse, slight scuffing or scratching too.
And this is where my issue comes from. With any other device, a rough scratch could be polished out. But with the bl**DY stupid XDA2 material, this is the opposite, in that the normal finish is a brushed, fairly matt aluminium.
But if it gets even slightly scuffed, what actually happens is that it reveals the under layer, and produces in effect, a shiny polished scar. So polishing it is no use at all.
I have owned 28 mobile phones, blackberries, and various other devices in my time. And this is the first device I have ever owned, that has been scuffed beyond apparent easy repair. And worse, I have only owned it a month at most.
I am foaming about this - especially given the series of shortcomings with the device and cover/clip etc, that lead up to this.
But what I need to know now, given that my XDA2 works fine, is this:
Has anyone yet discovered a good way to 'get rid' off minor scratches or scuffs on the material of the XDA2, to cover the shiny material that gets exposed, and leave it with the same sort of brushed matt finish the it normally has, or any paints/primers/touch up cans, that match it?
Please help anyone!
I've attached a photo below, but it doesn't capture it too well, especially as what I HAVE done, is cover it all in lead pencil, then rub it in.
This has reduced a lot of the shine, but of course, this will soon polish off again, so I need a proper solution.

Not sure how to get the dent out, but just get another leather case, a better one than the free one in the box. That should cover the unsightly mark and you won't have to look at it any more. Either that or claim off the insurance if you have it, but then again they may not pay out for cosmetic damage

Some fair advice there mate - cheers.
Only thing is though, you can see it all to well when its on the cradle, and I don't like it cased up too much (both issues of perception I know).
Additionally, I do have insurance, but it's an extension to Home Contents, so my premiums would jump up next year, they would not pay for cosmetic damage, and if I were to even consider a failed ROM upgrade death by pulling power half way through (and I wouldn't dream of that now would I?), then the problem is, the scratches would make it look like the (THEN) failed unit was caused by dropping it.
So I couldn't do a warranty claim, and would be back to the insurance one.
So, given that I can live with the minor dent, has anyone found any cure or solution for scratches, to cover it up back to the original finish of the XDA2?
There must be some solution, paint, primer, filler, or something out there?
Sob sob...

This is funny... I have some scratches too (my XDAII I mean ) but underneath these scratches ale looming some dark material, nothing shiney at least.
I couldn't get rid of the scratches, but polite polishing removed the jagged edges so I won't cut my ear anymore while on the phone.

You could try going for a radical approach and give it a paint job.....either a can of spray silver/aluminium effect, or metallic or matt black - WOW. There are some great effect paints (although less is more in my view).
Use insulation tape (or masking tape) to cover off the screen, buttons, holes etc. You can use the covering as you see fit - you might want to leave some areas (top) silver.....

Hows about getting a dummy XDA II and swapping the cases over?
There is one on ebay at the mo
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4183588276&category=32242

Is it the same real aluminium, and is it difficult to swap over?
Has anyone done this, can give me an idea what is involved?

Although i haven't done it before, i would have thought it was a few torx screws on the back of the case to undo?
Dummy phones are usually proper phones without the internals, usually display models in shops. From my experience the ones in shops are the full casing, just without the inside.
Best thing to do is ask the seller what his is before you bid any money for it. Also ask the conditoin, as if its been mauled in a shop, it could be scratched as well

Ex-display shop ones also usually have some sort of anti-theft bolt through them, which might be less visually appealing than a little scratch on the side. :wink:

sublimatica said:
Ex-display shop ones also usually have some sort of anti-theft bolt through them, which might be less visually appealing than a little scratch on the side. :wink:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah - that's the bit that worried me too...
I'll ask about.
Also, to remove the torx screws, means puncturing a Warranty Void label, which is a bit steep for a scratch.
Oh well...

wats the trouble ... ?
why dun you just get the casing REPLACED?! you had already paied 800usd for your machine ... another 100 bucks will get u a new casing. :idea:

Er no - I paid a mere £120 british pounds (around 150-170 USD?) for it on contract.
And more importantly, as I just put in one of my last posts, that would invalidate the warranty.
So if I HAD paid that much for it, there's no way I would invalidate the warranty for a few scratches.
They bother me a lot, for sure. But spray, or paint, is a bit different to invalidating the warranty on a one month old XDA2.
Cheers for the input though.

your damaged xda2
you can buy a new O2 XDA II Aluminium case athttp://www.mobiledatadirect.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=136_129&products_id=975
ok try that

Er thanks, but that's, well, er, a CARRY CASE, not the phone shell itself mate.
Cheers though.
And the correct link is:
http://www.mobiledatadirect.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=136_129&products_id=975

Loose hinge. Fixable?

Help
I've only owned my exec a couple weeks and already I notice the pivot hinge loosening.
Has anyone tightened theirs? If so, any tips?

Get in touch with HTC and see if its warrantied.
Likely just needs something tightening.
Altho I work in a customer service department for a laptop repair workshop and they would likely accuse you of having bent it the wrong way and class it as "Accidental Damage".
In which case you'd be getting a bill for a hinge (£12) and labour (£130).
You may find HTC are a little nicer than my lot tho. Hehe.

Thanks for the reply. I was hoping to be able to unscrew the hinge myself, but I wanted to know if anyone's tried it themselves yet.
My other stupid question is; How do I get in touch with HTC? Anyone have a link? Can't google it.
I bought my unlocked O2 Exec new, but not from O2. I'm in the U.S. and I'm afraid they might not help me because I'm not a customer.
Nowhere I can just drive to for repairs either, because this unit isn't sold here.
Thanks again.

I don't have a loose hinge yet, but I'm sure we will all be at that point eventually. I noticed two small screws on the inside of the hinge (underneath the screen part) when you twist the screen half way around. I wonder if they do anything useful

I've noticed those screws as well. There's also a single screw on the base side. The base metal piece is the wiggly part on the non-screw side (right).
I'll wait another day or so to see if anyone has tried this yet. If I don't get a response, I'll hold my breath and give it a go.
If it works and I end up tightening my unit - great.
If not, then I've just made a very expensive mistake.
Either way, I'll update my post here with the results..
I can't be the only person with an exec/universal that has a loose lid. Pls excuse the pun.

hazer said:
Thanks for the reply. I was hoping to be able to unscrew the hinge myself, but I wanted to know if anyone's tried it themselves yet.
My other stupid question is; How do I get in touch with HTC? Anyone have a link? Can't google it.
I bought my unlocked O2 Exec new, but not from O2. I'm in the U.S. and I'm afraid they might not help me because I'm not a customer.
Nowhere I can just drive to for repairs either, because this unit isn't sold here.
Thanks again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
HTC warranty the product unless a third party warranty provider is nominated - which is very unusual in the first year tbh.
Normally you return to the point of sale and they will either repair it or replace it themselves and bill HTC or send it back to the manufacturer.
In this case the product is less than 28 days old? So in the UK you would be covered by the Sales of Goods Act 1979 and entitled to a repair or if you so choose an exchange. This would probably also be the case in some form or other in the USA, but I suspect since this was a product originally intended for the UK market (and if the seller was British) you would be bound by this law.
Since you're in the US you will likely have no warranty with the retailer ie. o2 since large companies often operate warranty services within the borders of the nation it was originally purchased in and never beyond.
So you're best bet is to contact HTC - whom are an international company - and they will assess the claim and arrange shipping to and from either a) an authorized local repair agent or b) back to the main repair and warranty facility in whichever country that is.
As far as I am aware you should definately either contact the point of sale if a large company and enquire as to the repair service route or just skip them compeletely and go for the manuafcturer.
For the European Union the warranty provider is: http://www.htceurope.com/
There doesn't appear to be one for the USA.
I'm sure there is but its likely going to be a case of shipping it back to Dubai or wherever anwyay so ping them some mail and see what they say.
Either way you must act quickly and keep a record of all correspondence.
In the UK we call consumer rights 'statutary rights' and the electronics world often goes far far beyond these in terms of warranty repair/s.
The only caveats are often companies assume that since you arent asking for or invoking your rights on a certain issue that they don't need to inform you of them.

YES, I have opened mine up & can give some insight. firstly it's all very robust and safe to open the hinge on the base side (have not opened screen side). it'a ALL metal - screw, plate u can see, & chassis screw goes into - so little/no danger of loosening things by unscrewing.
u will 1st find that the single screw on the base side may be half a turn loose. tightening it with a jewelers screwdriver will make a hug defferenc4e. possibly same benefit screen side but there r more screws there so I doubt it.
if u undo screw, base pops out as it hooked at one end, and thus only held by this 1 screw. u will find a nice, strong, ropey cable linking 2 halves - NOT a ribbon that breaks the moment u open this up - so safe again.
next, u can bend the plate slightly so that it sits lower in the middle. this makes a huge difference to screen looseness or play when in position. it's like tensioning a bow.
so, all very easy and safe FOR BASE SIDE. screen side looks way more delicate & hopefully someone will update this thread with similar info.
I found that when I dropped mine a few times, the screw came loose. a bit worrying cos it means a thread miust have skipped. but now I know that if the screw ever strips I can get it re-tapped by a jeweler and a new screw put in. there's enough chassis 4 this I think. please let us know how it goes.

Shame no pics ...!
:lol:

yeah, exec battled 2 take pics of its own arse when dissembled

First let me say THANKS to Gubbs and Craigie!
Unfortunately it's now past closing time at HTCEUROPE, so I'll have to try and call them tomorrow.
I tried to take the pda apart and concur with Craigie regarding its simplicity. The wiggle in my Exec comes from the pivot and not the base plate with the single screw. I tried to remove the lid side plate by unscrewing the 4 screws that hold it, but it cannot be removed w/o spreading the plastic housing which holds the LCD. Scary.
There are 2 additional screws which bind the plastic housing (can be seen w/o taking anything apart). There are also 2 rubber inserts at the tip (tried, but can't pull out). So, my theory is that by removing the 6 lid screws and these rubber inserts, I'll be able to separate the plastic halves and remove the metal plate. Again...SCARY.
I'm hoping there's a screw which tightens the pivot. From what's visible it is made up from a press fit washer and a bent spring washer around a metal shaft. If there is a screw, it's on the side I can't get to. If there isn't a screw, then it's got to be another press fit washer used to hold the assembly together. I can use pliers to squeeze the opposite washers toghether if I can get to them.
If I have to, I'll send it to HTC. But I'd rather try and fix it myself to save the time lost and expense. Granted I should stay away from coffee or any other caffinated products before I do.

Just seen this posting by "stot" selling a replacement screen for the Universal, he gives a link showing instructions for stripping down the Universal, any help with tightening the hinge?
Thanks Stot!
http://www.artworkfiles.com/XDA/
Regards

When I did open up the screen there is no inherant way of adjusting the tension of the spring. It is basically a rivet with a curved washer that gets squashed and provides the tension.
Only thing I could suggest would be to squash the rivet section on 2 sides with a pair of pliars, or vice grips may be better so that you can set the pressure, i.e. close the vice crips and adjust them so that they are snug on the edge of the rivet, open them, adjust them closed evvver so slightly and then close them on the rivet. This will basically put more tension on the washers.
Its from the school of smack it til it works but its all I can think of.
Ill put some more pictures up of what I mean on that link shortly.
BTW. wanna buy a screen?! :wink:
Thanks
Stot

I think it was the swivel action some were interested in any suggestions to tightening that mechanism? Photo's would be good too, or is that one a case of squash it with pliers too?
I dont need a screen myself sorry my friend
Hope you find a buyer!

Hi,
Yeah Its the swivel I mean, not the opening mechanism. Pics are up you'll see what I mean.
Just noticed this is the idea Hazer had and ill agree thats the only way to do it.
Cheers
Stot.

Brilliant Stot! Great work my friend, the pictures are perfect. Thanks
Regards

These pics are fantastic gooroo.
All of you who have contributed to this tread - THANK YOU.
As soon as the kids are asleep tonite and the wife is watching tv - I'll get started. I'll need the peace and quiet required when handling such a delicate operation.
Think I'll wear a mask and gloves, just to make it official. I guess I won't be needing my tablesaw or reciprocating saw. Too bad.
I've gotten as far as spliting the lid from the main section, but I was afraid to split the lid in half in order to get at the metal plate. No more.
I'll report soon.
Thanks guys.

Pictures unavailable?
It seems http://www.artworkfiles.com/XDA/ is no more available!
Has anybody downloaded the pictures and instructions?
Can you please sent them to me?
I have the same loose hinge problem...
Thanks in advance
Anton
anton.ruzicATijs.si

Hey,
It's easy tightening the hinge! Mine was lose, and when I say lose I mean basically spinning 360 degrees! So what did I have to lose... nothing. I took my Exec apart.
When you rotate your screen.. to the right of the light sensor and 'Xda Exec' text there is a grey metal panel, with a small standard 'phillips' screw in there. Undo this one screw, and the metal plate will lift of. In there you will find a thick cable that connects the screen and the hardware keyboard. Simply twist the wire up a bit (you'll understand what I mean) and then put the panel back on, screw it up, and the screen will be tight as it was new..
I have started to notice that the hinge is starting to get lose again - wait there and I shall do the above proceedure again (undo the metal plate, unwrap the cable, wrap it back up and screw up) - oh look it's tight as brand new.
Don't worry about loosing anything whilst un-screwing you exec, NOTHING pops out!
Good luck - you won't need it!
I'll keep an eye on the thread incase there is any questions.
Pete

That's a brilliant post Pete. When my hinge comes loose I will not have any fear about following your instructions. Luckily, the missus is an optometrist, so she has plenty of tiny screwdrivers, etc. Maybe I can get her to do it, that way if she breaks it, it's not my fault... :wink:

replacement Screen Help
I read the post and I thought someone said they have a link on where to buy a replacement screen for the HTC Universal. Can someone help me... I drop the device and the screen cracked Lcd.

xda exec case marks

Hi everyone,
I havent seen a post about this so i assume its only me that has this!
Since i have been carrying my exec in my pocket in 'clamshell mode' i have noticed that some of the keys on the keyboard have rubbed against the plastic next to the screen causing dot marks. i assumed the rubber pads at the edge of the screen were supposed to prevent this.
Anyone else noticed this? Anyone know how i can get rid of the marks!?
Paul.

I have the saem problem with my QTEK 9000
I have called tech support and they state that it isn't covered by the guarantee. Thats BULLS**T. I don't know who to talk to now to have this problem solved.
I got a Krusell Case and now the transparent part of the case has scratches. The case is 5 days old!!! This is definitely a factory defect in my book.
Who do we complait to about this?
Guys, don't you agree this is a factory defect? Anybody know any of the dealers personally and could inquire about this problem?

I've mentioned this under another post (search for "keyboard bump stops"). Basically, the little curves rubber stops in the bottom corners aren't tall enough to prevent the keyboard rubbing the top of the clamshell.
This is how I've fixed it...
1. Prize out the rubber stops (this is very easy with a jewellers screw driver, or similar)
2. Put a very small amount of Blu-Tac into the recesses, and pack it down with the screwdriver. This is to act as a base for step 3.
3. Using the screwdriver, carefully dab superglue on the blu-tac, and around the lip of the recess.
4. Push the bump stop back into place.
Mine now sit about 2-3mm proud of the surface, and I can see daylight through the closed clamshell, so the keys don't touch the top piece.
Cheers,
Steve.

Does this mean that it isn't a factory defect? And really isn't covered by warranty?

I think it's just a design flaw, really. In theory, I suppose you could insist they do something about it, but I don't know whether you would get anywhere.
Cheers,
Steve.

I recently applied a screen protector on my Qtek 9000 and used a cloth to clean glasses with to clear the screen of any dust. Since then I've put the cloth in between when I closed my Qtek. Both the screen protector & cloth will hopefully prevent any damage to the screen and surrounding area due to the keys touching and rubbing them. :!:

its a shame that, after we have looked after our devices so carefully, they are damaged due to a design fault!
Is there any way of polishing these marks out? i suppose it would be very difficult with the case being a matt finish.

Yeah, this is very disappointing. Does this happen to those who have MDA Pro, Imate, O2 also?
Is there some bureau where we can complain?

My Exec with about 3 weeks of use also shows marks on "-" and "+" keys, and also on "2" and ":", more concerning is when the device is used with screen out as I tend to keep mine now, the rubber stops actually touch nothing at all because of the curved outer case. No marks have appeared on the "o2" alluminium outer yet though, only on the plastic surrounding the screen on the inner.
Regards

Yeah same here... six little dots on the left of the screen and attendant shiny keys... bah!
I have ordered a Krussell case and was hoping this would fix the problem, but it sounds like it might not (although I'd rather the case got damaged than the device).
What about those of you with Piel Frama cases? The fact that they are a bit chunky and prevent the device from closing fully sounds like a godsend now, doesn't it?

I have an MDA Pro and I don't have this problem at all, there is a good gap between the screen and the keys.
I'm not sure if its the same for all MDA Pros, or if I've just been lucky.

Good for you that you don't have those marks. I only have them on the screen side so i guess it happens when the device is closed.
I have the krusell case. No luck, the plastic has scratches too. Only after 4 days, mind you.
Has anyone had POSITIVE results after complaining?

dot dot dot
This issue is a design flaw and therefore should be repaired/replaced under warranty. I have had five xda exec's due to this problem or that, and on number five I was adimint I would not get any shiney spots on it so I removed the little rubber stops and now I have my own home made stick on rubber stops which when I look through when closed I can see daylight...and no shiney spots so far....but I would say we should get together and do a major complant about this issue..I can not belive how HTC built the best phone I have ever owned the XDA2 and the very same company have built the worst one I have ever owned too.... the XDA exec

I've got shiney keys on the right and left of my keyboard on my mda pro but no marks on the screen,
I've been using a screen protector since I received it, all bar two days of trying to work out why the screen stops responding.

The shiny marks should be next to the screen and not on it. It's VERY annoying!

I have shiny spots both sides of screen, krussel case with shiny spots on clear plastic, AND - The screen swivels a bit on the hinge as you open and close, leaving a horizontal line above the top four center buttons on the keyboard, where the bottom of the screen above the hinge touches. Anyone else got this line?

so far no problem with this hinge causing a line.
I have the faded plastic of the krusell case though

Silicon Case
I protected my Dopod900 with a silicon case since I don't want to put scratches on it, I think it works fine. Take a look at it.

ive had my exec since november. If i call o2 and make a fuss about the damage i have from the keys will they replace it under warranty? How many people have managed to replace there exec's due to this problem?

But what even if they replace it??? This is a design fault and in all likelihood the next unit you will get will start having these marks in a few days of use.
But yes we should all make a fuss so that O2 finally pushes HTC to correct the design fault.
Regards

Has paint problem been fixed?

Hi all,
I've had so much trouble with my atom exec I'm considering changing to a dopod d810. unfortunately it seems (at least what I know) only the black is available in australia, so can anyone give any feedback regarding whether the paint problem has been fixed since the device was released?
Thanks

I've got a black HTC P3600 and I just noticed the first sign of peeling two days ago after about a week of GENTLE use. I knew about this problem before I bought and I thought I was extremely careful pulling out the stylus, but I noticed a small peel the other day. I am using the nail polish trick right now and it seems to have worked like a charm.
I would suggest two things:
1. Put the clear nail polish on around the stylus sleeve before any peeling starts.
2. Always pull out the stylus with your nail toward the back on the black plastic. Any contact with the dark grey metal part will eventually cause peeling.
I will tell you that other than this paint problem (which seems easily surmountable) - the Trinity is a fantastic device - and now that it has GPS it has no equal IMHO. Don't let this minor flaw scare you off from owning this device.

I thought I'd just drop a message to say that my trinity still hasn't peeled. I'm not sure why, because I don't use a case or a silicone cover, I just put it in my pocket as it is with nothing and put it everywhere. I'd like to think it was fixed... one thing i just thought of was i've noticed on the net some pictures have the 'dopod' logo on the top left corner of the device rather than under the screen in mine. is it possible something has been changed?

don't get over excited about paint not peeling around the stylus. I've had two 3600's that peeled and neither was anywhere near the stylus
I could well be tempting fate, but the one I have now which is now about 3 months old hasn't peeled at all! Interestingly if you go by the serial numbers it's an older model than the others that I had!

mine peeled at the most unusual place, the soft reset hole.

alvinsiow said:
mine peeled at the most unusual place, the soft reset hole.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I suppose it wouldn't be unusual if you soft reset your device a lot!

my girlfriend (p3600) peeled at her soft reset hole too.

This is one solution
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=307949

I have to advise that HTC has not resolved the issue. Recently sent mine in for repair. Peeled again within 2 weeks.
Looking for a white one but I cannot find any.

Loose Slider?

Hey guys,
I recently got a replacement Xperia from O2 after my old one had a severe backlight bleed, however, one thing stands out for this one with me.
The slider seems very loose, so loose that when you close an application by tapping 'X', the left side of the screen rises about half a millimeter.
Also, when the phone is opened, the screen is loose, e.g. shaking the device slightly causes the screen to 'Flap' in a sense.
I can't remember if my original had a loose slider, so fellow X1 owners....Is this common? Is it worth ringing O2 again?

hi
well, i have my xperia for some 2 months and the screen is also very loose, when i open it i can see that the right metalplate that holds the screen moves about 1mm up and down, the left one is steady in place tho... when it's closed i can even insert my touchscreen pen in between the screen and keyboard... it's that loose... i figure it happens over time... i never let it fall down on the floor and i always use a hard leather bag on my belt to carry it. It's a bit annoying tho, the phone doesn't feel nearly as solid as when i bought it. But the thought of having to send the phone for repair and have to wait i don't know how long to have it back, is holding me from doing anything about it...
But maybe it happens with all or most phones...?

Well, according to the staff at the service centre here, the looseness is cos of the curved sliding mechanism. Asked if they could tighten it and they said if tightening it would cause the keyboard to get scratched.

lol that's such a lame excuse... it was tightened when it was brand new lol

Mine may be a little loose, but it has not gotten worse since I got it a few months ago. It is as I expected from a slider phone. It still feels tight and top quality.
It's difficult to discuss things like this without trying your phone and vice versa. I guess if you feel your phone is too floppy and not as tight as one can expect, you should definately talk to the service guys again.

Mine is loose too
Since I got my X1 at the end of Oct 2008 the slider has become loose compared to when it was new and I have compared it to other new X1's in stores. I found that the backplate of the slideout, at the exposed long side of the phone, between the two "tracks" has come loose from the actual top part and this is causing allowing the slider to move. In the new X1's i checked this parts was firmly attached to the top part and the slider was very nice and firm. I think SE may have a manufacturing problem here and I've turned mine in for repair. It will be interesting to see if they fix it or come back and say "abuse". I use it professionally and I have a original SE beltpouch for it.
Apart from this little problem I love the phone and it's functions!

no kidding. my P has a little scratch from the slider being too tight.

apologies for bringing this thread back from the dead.
I've encountered the same problem and just had a word with the the dedicated XPERIA line in the US. I purchased my phone from Carphone Warehouse in the UK.
What they said was that they would need to verify the purchase of the phone. Once that is done, I can send it in to the service center and have it repaired. Not too sure if they're going to do anything about it, but they said it could take up to 60 days (!!!!).
Anyone had any luck fixing this without sending it in?

Have brought my phone to the service centre twice, both times with regards to battery life issues, and had at the same time mentioned about the loose slider, but never had they done anything about it.