Related
I decided to round up all of the cases for the HTC Universal for reference:
Piel Frama (1 case... also available on Expansys as the "Chairmans Case")
- http://www.pielframa.com/imate_jasjar.htm
PDair (2 cases, both with belt clips)
- http://www.mobilefun.co.uk/product/7749.htm
- http://www.pdair.com/scripts/main/viewitem.php?itemid=1998&pdaid=190
XaX (2 cases)
- http://www.expansys-usa.com/product.asp?code=125516
- http://www.expansys-usa.com/product.asp?code=125869
- Nutshell
http://www.tuff-as-nuts.com/209-210.html#
I have ordered the XaX cases with the intention of sending one back... I will post a full analysis with lots of pics.... it's sad that there are not a lot of pics around of these two !
BTW, here's a nice review of the Proporta case...
http://www.clieuk.co.uk/execbookcase.htm
Thanks for the summary - very useful indeed. I'm looking for something like the Piel Frama or Xax (2) case but the keyboard must NOT be covered - which I believe it is with both of these, although it is hard to tell from the photos.
I have found another case by Krusell which looks quite good:
http://www.krusell.se/product.php?s=2&product=2095
Sold here:
http://www.expansys.com/product.asp?code=127398&asource=119353
Anyone got one?
Mods:
Should this be in accessories ?
Sorry...
@page 3:
Wow... the Krusell one looks pretty good !
Hole for ear... belt clip... window for screen... Hmmmmm.... !
The only thing its missing is elastic stretchy sides to block the SD card from falling out while still being able to open the case.
case
i like the krussel or the xax #1.
am interested in feedback on the xax, as I really just want something simple to make the carrying of it easier. if I need it, i just want to take it out of the case entirely, then when finished put it back. most cases are designed to keep it inside the case. i think the clam design prevents the need for a protective permanent case, so something to make it easier to carry it would be handy.
But yes, the krussel looks good if I felt it needed protection...
So any feedback on the Xax 1 would be good, and if any body does by the krussel, let us know.
Re: case
simon_darley said:
...any feedback on the Xax 1 would be good...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've had the XAX 1 for about a week now and it's just what I was looking for. Like you, Simon, I was also interested in just something to carry the Universal as I prefer to take it out completely to use it. The XAX 1 certainly does the job.
The magnetic closures make it very easy to take it out of the case and put it away. The fit is not too tight to make it difficult to remove and replace but tight enough to feel secure. It's not going anywhere. And it may seem a small thing, but I also like that the magnets make the removal and replacement of the Universal into a silent operation without zipping or velcro or snaps to announce what you're doing. It's not a big deal, but it was a nice little bonus.
The concern I had with this case was the belt clip since it is an actual clip and not anything that locks in place. My previous "belt" cases with other PDAs had the locking type clips. This one just hooks on to the belt, but it feels very secure. There seems to be no question of it slipping off of a belt and I've even used it just hooked on to jeans (without them falling down, despite the Universal's weight!) when not wearing a belt. I can see where there is more of a chance that it could come unhooked when just on jeans like that, but I haven't had that happen yet.
One advantage to the locking clips was the ability to allow the case to swivel which this one does not have. After using it though, I like the horizontal orientation and now prefer that it doesn't swivel actually. I don't have to take the case off or swivel it around every time I sit down.
I'm planning to eventually get the PDAir (most likely) for times when I want the Universal protected even while in use, but I would only use that in certain environments where I was worried that it might get damaged if taken out completely. Most of the time I plan to use the Xax.
I am not sure I get how the Xax 1 works.
Is it like a holtster, where you just slide the JasJar in?
What is the magnetic closure for, is that a tab that closes over the top opening?
How are the sides protected?
Care to post some pictures?
I'm at work, so I can't post any pictures right now (they probably wouldn't be all that happy that I was positng in the first place, but hey, it's lunch!)
It is like a holster and the JJ just slides in. As you suspected there is a leather tab that goes over the top to help protect and hold it in (though the fit is tight enough that I don't think holding the JJ in is really all that necessary.) It doesn't go completely across the top, but leaves room on one end so that you can use the headphone jack while it's in the case (as long as you put the JJ in it with the camera facing out.) Beyond that, the top is protected. There is leather on both sides, so they are protected as well. On the bottom, there's a large cut out in the middle that allows you to push up on the JJ to take it out more easily as well as two other small cut outs for the speakers.
I'll try to see if I can get some pics together later tonight.
Hi everyone,
I got the XaX #2 case today (the magnetic snap one, NOT the belt clip) and well... it's not that great.
First of all, the Jasjar won't fully close when it's inside... the leather strip that holds down the keyboard gets in the way of the screen. I've tried a bunch of different positions, and no dice.
Also, the camera hole is uncovered, but the earpiece is not so you can't use the phone when the case is closed.
The magnetic snap is nice and strong though, and the leather is of good quality.
However, in terms of functionality, it's not that great. I'll post pics later.
ikaris said:
...the Jasjar won't fully close when it's inside...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So I guess XaX may have a hit and a miss with their two cases. Thanks for passing that along because I think that is a concern.
I've wondered if the Piel Frama case will have the same "closing" issue. In some of the pictures on their website it looked like the JJ may not have been all the way closed. I had one of their cases for a Dell Axim 5 and it was of very high quality but the "closing" question concerns me.
I'd love to hear from anyone who gets a Piel Frama.
Same here. I am interested in the Piel Frama case or the Krusell. Both look pretty nice and seem to have the proper cut outs for all buttons and such. Just wondering which one seems to fit the device better.
I am currently using the case that came with the iPaq 5500 series. This fits the XDA Exec perfectly and is ideal if you want to use the case for storing the Exec and taking it out of the case for use.
Simon
kelford said:
So I guess XaX may have a hit and a miss with their two cases. Thanks for passing that along because I think that is a concern.
I've wondered if the Piel Frama case will have the same "closing" issue. In some of the pictures on their website it looked like the JJ may not have been all the way closed. I had one of their cases for a Dell Axim 5 and it was of very high quality but the "closing" question concerns me.
I'd love to hear from anyone who gets a Piel Frama.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have received my Pielframa case a couple of days ago. The Pielframa does not have a closing issue. Also it fits perfectly. Besides that it does not use a plastic 'pouch'. That is terrible. I owned a Qtek 9090 which the case also had a plastic 'pouch' to cover the keyboard. It is a dust collector. My keyboard got very dirty and I could not get the stain away. Luckily Pielframa did not use this design.
simba said:
I have received my Pielframa case a couple of days ago. The Pielframa does not have a closing issue. Also it fits perfectly. Besides that it does not use a plastic 'pouch'. That is terrible. I owned a Qtek 9090 which the case also had a plastic 'pouch' to cover the keyboard. It is a dust collector. My keyboard got very dirty and I could not get the stain away. Luckily Pielframa did not use this design.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just want to confirm 100% before ordering the Pielframa case - you are saying that the keyboard is NOT covered by any plastic? It isn't clear from the photo. Thanks.
simba said:
I have received my Pielframa case a couple of days ago. The Pielframa does not have a closing issue. Also it fits perfectly. Besides that it does not use a plastic 'pouch'. That is terrible. I owned a Qtek 9090 which the case also had a plastic 'pouch' to cover the keyboard. It is a dust collector. My keyboard got very dirty and I could not get the stain away. Luckily Pielframa did not use this design.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for giving an update! That's good news that the Piel Frama doesn't have the closing issues that was found with the XaX 2 case. I know how well PF cases are made, so I may have to get one of these (or at least put it on a gift wish list!) since I find I like to use different cases depending on circumstances.
How does it feel in terms of added bulk? It seems designed to be on the device most if not all of the time, so I wondered how it really feels when used every day?
Take a look at this one: http://www.mobilefun.co.uk/product/7866.htm
seems reasonalbly priced
One thing though..........
Click on larger image.
first pic you see is the belt clip side
click the next pic and where you would expect to see the closing flap thingy, you see a plain flat side!?!?
Am I missing something?
Codiac said:
Am I missing something?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't understand that either. Where did the flap go?
I'm supposed to be getting pictures together (having regular PC issues at home) so I can show the XaX 1 in use, but the general construction looks similar to the one in the link, but the XaX has a bigger flap. And it doesn't hide anywhere either!
page3 said:
Just want to confirm 100% before ordering the Pielframa case - you are saying that the keyboard is NOT covered by any plastic? It isn't clear from the photo. Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it is not covered by any plastic.
The case does make it feel more 'bulky'. In the daily usage you could leave the it in case without the need of taking it out. I can answer the phone by not having to open the case. Of course you do need to open it to be able to make a phone call.
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.
Sorry, only in czech language yet, because I have no time to translate it yet. Maybe pictures will helps you understandt it little bit.
http://www.ce4you.cz/articles/detail.asp?a=263
I couldn't understand what's the point. Can you explain shortly what's the idea?
The Proble;
You have a loose fittign stylus that over time has gotten to the point of falling out on its own.
The goal:
Stop loosing styli.
Hope that helps; Lew
The reason the stylus falls out is that the plastic retainer cracks.
The pictures show how using a slice of an eraser jammed into the gap will help retention.
OK, that much I get, but where does the little metal spring part come from and what does it do (or is it a bit that's already there)?
John
jko said:
The reason the stylus falls out is that the plastic retainer cracks.
The pictures show how using a slice of an eraser jammed into the gap will help retention.
OK, that much I get, but where does the little metal spring part come from and what does it do (or is it a bit that's already there)?
John
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It lookes like the metal piece is part of the housing. He may be trying to point out how it goes back in place. Things like that have a tendancy to "spring" out of position as you open up a housing w/out giving you a chance to see where they go back to. That is if you can even find them once they hit the floor. Lots of little pieces that if lost can really ruin your day.
I'm a little worried about the VOID warranty sticker covering one of the internal screws. Also, looks like the guy dinged up his housing trying to pry it open.
It is the best fix I've seen so far for the problem. If you can get that VOID sticker pealed back and replaced w/out somebody being able to notice, you should be able to keep your warranty intact should you ever need it.
Ingenuis solution.
Although I dont have this problem (yet) I am going to add this little link to here. It is where you can get the PDF manual (disassembly and reassembly), I think it is way easier to follow then the web tutorial, you can just look back and forth to fix the styli thing.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=43836
Later; Lew
Hello, i just received a used xda exec, to me is in excellent condition but the screen is just kinda lose so i was wondering if is should be like that or it should not be lose. Thanks,
They do go a little loose after a while but they can be tightened again... I believe there's a thread on the board discussing it somewhere Search is your friend!
oink1 said:
They do go a little loose after a while but they can be tightened again... I believe there's a thread on the board discussing it somewhere Search is your friend!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It certainly is. Sadly using reasonable means 'tightening' the hinge simply isn't possible so just live with it, sell the phone or send it back for a warranty fix.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=48141&highlight=
fluffcat1 said:
naveedh said:
Hi,
I realy need help, my screen has become ever so annoyingly loose. How do i tighten it like it came?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The short answer is - you can't
The long answer: the screws you can see hold the LCD casing to the hinge, the 'tightness' is controlled by the pivot itself. There is a convex washer in the pivot pushing one section against the other. At rest fully open or closed, this is bowed, and when the hinge is halfway opened it compresses.
Your washer has become slackened and is no longer pushing the two parts together as hard as it did. You can strip the unit and try bending the washer back but it's tightly affixed to the pivot post, or you could replace the hinge - I have spares - but do you really want to void your warranty unless you need to?
Richard
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Richard
It is possible..but one has to remove the pivot mechanism fully and tighten it.Removing the pivot mehanism is risky, as one may lose the connectivity of external call buttons..but it is possible
hdubli said:
It is possible..but one has to remove the pivot mechanism fully and tighten it.Removing the pivot mehanism is risky, as one may lose the connectivity of external call buttons..but it is possible
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, it isn't. You can't 'tighten' it - read my post above! It's a bowed washer that needs bending - nothing to 'tighten'. If you'd had one in bit's you'd know as there is 'no risk of losing connectivitiy of external call buttons' unless you are ham fisted and cut the cable which is your own fault...
Rimoving the pivot mechanism is NOT risky if you are careful. It's awkward, but not risky. Removing the washer to bend it further to 'tighten' the pivot could be risky as from the looks of it you won't get it back together again.
Richard ( who has had more universals in bits then you've probably seen in one room :wink: )
is there any way to replace a broken screen?
BillyG said:
is there any way to replace a broken screen?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, you do a search and find the multiple other topics about it...
Richard
I'm hoping someone might have a helpful suggestion other than "take it apart." I've been using a stylus / pen that I got off ebay. The ball point pen is hidden under a cap at the opposite end of where the stylus point is.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=190199301645&ssPageName=STRK:MEWN:IT&ih=009
It works great except that the cap came off while the stylus was inside my advantage --- and now, I can't get the stylus out. It's stuck, and there's no way to reach in and get it.
Any thoughts??
Thanks
I think you could put some glue (very little) inside the cap and then put it (the cap) into the HTC stylus hole. After a time take it out and then try to remove the glue (dissolving or smthg like that). Peter.
Thanks, I'll try that!
pkchainsaw said:
Thanks, I'll try that!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just be careful not to touch the sides while sliding the pen in, or it will get very messy in there and harsh when the glue dries and come time to put a new stylus in. Thanks for the heads up because I was going to purchase a pack of 3 in 1 pens. I won't now due to the fact that it can come apart.
tootallk2000 said:
Just be careful not to touch the sides while sliding the pen in, or it will get very messy in there and harsh when the glue dries and come time to put a new stylus in. Thanks for the heads up because I was going to purchase a pack of 3 in 1 pens. I won't now due to the fact that it can come apart.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WOW!! IT WORKED!!!! THANKS!
Of course, do what you think is best, but I'm going to keep using it. I think the fault was mine, not the pen's.
THANKS AGAIN!
Does that stylus actually fit completley into your advantage? I have the exact same 3 pack sitting at home, ordered off ebay, and its just not capable of fitting into the slide on the advantage. Not to mention how shoddy the quality appeared to be with regards to how the 3 pieces stick together. I mean its obvious when you mix metal with plastic threads...things are gonna work loose very quickly. Anyway, I just ordered a 3 pack of 3in1 stylus from expansys that they are advertising as an exact fit, made specifically for the advantage, as well as a 3 pack of oem stylus just to make sure heh.