Database Users

Need help removing a scratch

Hi,
Unfortunately, today I scratched my phone. To the left of the trackball I have a somewhat minor scratch in the metal chassis of the device. It's not as deep as an engraving would be on the back of the phone. So I am hoping it can be removed easily. Has anyone had experience with removing scratches from the metal or maybe even removing engraving ? I really want to fix this :-(

Probably those polishing stuff works, but i've only tested them on the iphone's chrome sides. But they're only good for removing hairline scratches

Battery acid, also that DIY stylus might help too if you rub it on there hard enough.
But seriously, try car buffer or if it isnt rooted just tell HTC that your phone is getting horrible 3g service and you want a replacement

nixxofugi said:
Hi,
Unfortunately, today I scratched my phone. To the left of the trackball I have a somewhat minor scratch in the metal chassis of the device. It's not as deep as an engraving would be on the back of the phone. So I am hoping it can be removed easily. Has anyone had experience with removing scratches from the metal or maybe even removing engraving ? I really want to fix this :-(
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've heard of people using a gray-ish permanent marker...
Either way, once you get it fixed up, I highly suggest getting a BSE (or another skin).
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=618006
Only $8. And I'd say worth more than 10 times that for how good it looks and protects!

Personally I like the N1 naked, its just so damn sexy on it's own
putting it side by side on my iPhone 3GS makes the N1 look like a supermodel next to an obese.... you get what I'm saying

LunatikBunnie said:
Personally I like the N1 naked, its just so damn sexy on it's own
putting it side by side on my iPhone 3GS makes the N1 look like a supermodel next to an obese.... you get what I'm saying
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It looks even better with a BSE on, trust me.
My buddy at work got an N1 and we put ours side by side. Everyone agreed that mine looked WAY better. The BSE gives it a badass gun metal look Check out the link at the top of the Poll thread to see pics of it "in action".

Paul22000 said:
It looks even better with a BSE on, trust me.
My buddy at work got an N1 and we put ours side by side. Everyone agreed that mine looked WAY better. The BSE gives it a badass gun metal look Check out the link at the top of the Poll thread to see pics of it "in action".
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No offense, but you're starting to sound egotistical.. Again, im not trying to be rude, but you kinda are lol.

Eclair~ said:
No offense, but you're starting to sound egotistical.. Again, im not trying to be rude, but you kinda are lol.
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That word doesn't mean what you think it means...
Either way, just trying to help, Jesus...

Paul22000 said:
That word doesn't mean what you think it means...
Either way, just trying to help, Jesus...
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Click to collapse
My mom told me to stop using big (or unnecessary) words out of context, guess I should have listened..
Edit: how does egotistical not fit into what I said? I would think it made perfect sense...

thanks for all the help everyone. that skin is a good idea for $8
Sent from my Nexus One using the XDA mobile application powered by Tapatalk

While ur install was definitely first rate..a lot of us like the stock, matte finish as well as the feel of the phone. So it's just a matter of preference.
That being said I'd at least use a screen protector.

Replacement battery cover

I hope these come out soon. I really dislike how slick the entire phone is. When trying to have a phone conversation, and trying to rest it on your shoulder, holding it between your shoulder and face, it slides right out...

Same here. TMo was suppose to start doing the custom printed covers, but they are slick as well. It was 100 degrees yesterday and sweat doesn't help when you're trying to silde it open one handed either. TMobile has a rubberized shell for it, but it was way too bulky.

donepate said:
Same here. TMo was suppose to start doing the custom printed covers, but they are slick as well. It was 100 degrees yesterday and sweat doesn't help when you're trying to silde it open one handed either. TMobile has a rubberized shell for it, but it was way too bulky.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I meant to mention those "skins" too, I am not a fan of those. One of my praises for this phone was it's slim profile, and adding one of those skins would make it just that more bulky. I like the material on the back of the Droid.

I like the battery cover on the back of the original MyTouch 3g, other then the fact that it slides open way to easy...

fermunky said:
I hope these come out soon. I really dislike how slick the entire phone is. When trying to have a phone conversation, and trying to rest it on your shoulder, holding it between your shoulder and face, it slides right out...
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Click to collapse
Have y'all looked into eGrips. Might be worth it for now.

Well again, those I am not a fan of. First: I am not sure how those attach, and if it is simply a stick-on, I'd hate to have it leave a residue when you go to remove it. And since it's a cover on a cover, it starts increasing bulk. If someone would come out with a replacement cover, just in a different material, I'd be happy
Edit: I also don't want something that would make it a pain to slide in and out of my pocket... those super grippy type covers do just that. They're great at keeping them in place on a car dash, or on your shoulder, but it's likely going to turn your pocket inside out, leaving you open to being bum rushed when the change falls out of your pocket.

fermunky said:
I hope these come out soon. I really dislike how slick the entire phone is. When trying to have a phone conversation, and trying to rest it on your shoulder, holding it between your shoulder and face, it slides right out...
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Well, it *IS* called the Slide. Sorry, couldn't resist.

benmarvin said:
Well, it *IS* called the Slide. Sorry, couldn't resist.
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Touche my friend.

fermunky said:
Well again, those I am not a fan of. First: I am not sure how those attach, and if it is simply a stick-on, I'd hate to have it leave a residue when you go to remove it. And since it's a cover on a cover, it starts increasing bulk. If someone would come out with a replacement cover, just in a different material, I'd be happy
Edit: I also don't want something that would make it a pain to slide in and out of my pocket... those super grippy type covers do just that. They're great at keeping them in place on a car dash, or on your shoulder, but it's likely going to turn your pocket inside out, leaving you open to being bum rushed when the change falls out of your pocket.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe it's time to use what we call headsets?
They even have wired and wireless version of this gadgets..

N1M1TZ said:
Maybe it's time to use what we call headsets?
They even have wired and wireless version of this gadgets..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Eh, maybe I am old fashioned, but I hate headsets more than the battery cover I rarely use the phone in my car, so I see little use of the headset. Actually, I only use the headset when listening to my music.
OH, which BTW, if you used Subsonic, now you can browser your server using the phone's browser since it has Flash support, no need for the Subsonic app Maybe I'll post that in the apps thread...

The phone is great but it is way to slippery.
I was thinking of maybe taping off parts of just the back cover and spraying on a product called Plasti Dip just to give it a thin rubber coating.

schnem said:
The phone is great but it is way to slippery.
I was thinking of maybe taping off parts of just the back cover and spraying on a product called Plasti Dip just to give it a thin rubber coating.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm very familiar with plasti dip, and thats not a bad idea...

I put on some ghost armor on my device. It makes it a little more slip resistant. It was at one of the mall shops at a local mall.
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Sent via the XDA Tapatalk App

Agreed on the slippin slide. I have a bench seat in my truck so i have to keep a t-shirt on the seat to hold my phone in place. (while streaming pandora into my stereo!)
So since gel skins have YET to show up at my T-mo store... I have been contemplating how to spray paint it or rubber coat it... If someone is bold enough I would love to see the photos.
Here are the potential problems
1. the holes in the back for the speaker.. we can porbably just poke them out with a pin after spraying.. hopefully it still looks pro
2. i started to pull off the front plastic and it seemed like the plastic screen cover was connected.. not sure if I want to mess with that... but it might look lame if the front doesnt match.
Possible anti-slide solutions...??
- some sort of stick on rubber tread that looks cool??Maybe if we find a cool piece of rubber tread that is made to stick on or we glue it one it could look cool and stop the damn phone from sliding.
p.s. my dream would be for someone to make a metal cover like the nexus (no i dont want a nexus I just like the finish that looks like an adults phone) with rubber tread lines built into it.. maybe I need to find a manufacturer. ..

I hate the slick back cover as well, i miss the cover on my G1 its the non-slick bio-hazard one. just the type of grip makes it great to slide in and out of pocket, less scratches, easier keyboard slide out.
Its too glossy for my taste i have to wipe the whole phone when im done with it for the night to make sure the finger prints are gone, gets annoying.

i'm looking for a nice matte cover as well, i hate the slickness(i dropped my phone because it slid out of my pocket). worst case scenario i might grab a replacement black one and sand it to a matte texture.

I am about to spray it with a satin black car trim spray... and if that doesn't work the next step will be a rubberized spray I think... Will post if it doesn't look like complete garbage lol

Well I hate to get ahead of myself but here is my rubber coated battery cover.. I am still waiting so patiently for it to completely dry. If what I used works then I will post a photo how to . Hang in there!
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Sent via the XDA Tapatalk App

I was thinking on trying an invisibleSHIELD, has anyone ever tried one?

motorjonny said:
Well I hate to get ahead of myself but here is my rubber coated battery cover.. I am still waiting so patiently for it to completely dry. If what I used works then I will post a photo how to . Hang in there!
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Sent via the XDA Tapatalk App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What product did you use on that, and did you tape off the holes or just poke them out with a toothpick type device?

Battle Scars *OUCH*

So I'm trying hard to keep my phone from getting even one scratch until my cases come in, which should be any day now.....
....then today I freakin' drop it on the concrete by accident.
I feel like $#!t ...my heart sank.... damn it!!!
BUT, on the bright side I am very surprised on how well it took the hit. The phone dropped and actually rolled a couple of times, yet it only marked up the plastic/metal looking trim that goes around the phone.
By any chance do you think the rim piece would be available later for a replacement part? Gosh I sure hope so. I'm desperate to go rip off the trim at the T-Mobile store
...I keep telling myself....it could have been worse right?
Bottom line: For how hard it hit the concrete, I'm impressed...since it was dark I was thinking it was going to be way worse, until I held it to the light to see the damage. Thank goodness for not a cracked screen....
BTW: I have the 3M screen protector. If it wasn't for that it would have for sure had some mean scratches on the screen....sigh..

Ouch.. I did the same with my new Touch Pro (current phone) and it also ended up with some dings on the sides, but that phone's partially metal with a plastic screen.
Since one of the frequent criticisms of this series of phones is the build quality, glad it looks like the Vibrant's made pretty well after all if it can survive that with only cosmetic damage.

you should put a warning in the title, those pics are way to graphic.
:'(

Mithent said:
Ouch.. I did the same with my new Touch Pro (current phone) and it also ended up with some dings on the sides, but that phone's partially metal with a plastic screen.
Since one of the frequent criticisms of this series of phones is the build quality, glad it looks like the Vibrant's made pretty well after all if it can survive that with only cosmetic damage.
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Click to collapse
Yea I agree that the Vibrant is well made. I've read a lot of some people commenting on the material and all, but obviously they have no idea how well the made it is. Heck, I'm kind of glad it wasn't heavy and bulky.....
"THE heavier they are the harder they fall..."
Kudos Vibrant....just can't wait to put a case on it to mask the scars....Soldier.

Berserk87 said:
you should put a warning in the title, those pics are way to graphic.
:'(
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Click to collapse
I know brother....I'm slowly getting over it though.... I can't wait until my black case comes in so I can put it on. At least I won't see the scars....

I dropped mine on the sidewalk few days ago and it just scratched up the top of the back lid so I just swapped it. My heart stopped for 2 minutes and I was afraid to look at my screen because when I dropped my hd2 it shattered the screen
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

iunlock said:
BTW: I have the 3M screen protector. If it wasn't for that it would have for sure had some mean scratches on the screen....sigh..
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Click to collapse
Does the 3m screen protector reduce the quality of the SAMOLED screen a lot, or make it sticky?
Those pictures are nasty Hope you get your case soon!

OH MAN. I am week in the knees just looking at it!

Berserk87 said:
you should put a warning in the title, those pics are way to graphic.
:'(
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Click to collapse
more like nsfw.
dam that hurt me. i just got mine last night, hope i dont do the same

A gel skin would cover those up nicely. I decided to get one in the first place because even though I love the feeling of this phone without the skin on, I hate scratches/dents a lot more.
I had a bad track record with my G1 too... dropped it like 4 times

You should link me to where you bought your screen protector. I got Tmobile generic ones, but they suck, so I bought one from eBay. What I've got was this super thick, weird feeling protector, leaves too many bubbles, sucked. Bought another one, which is identical to ones you buy at the store, works good, but doesn't cover the bottom part of the phone.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

afive720 said:
You should link me to where you bought your screen protector. I got Tmobile generic ones, but they suck, so I bought one from eBay. What I've got was this super thick, weird feeling protector, leaves too many bubbles, sucked. Bought another one, which is identical to ones you buy at the store, works good, but doesn't cover the bottom part of the phone.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got mine from ClearFreak via Ebay - you cannot even tell it is on, I do have one air bubble trapped and it's a bit annoying on the bottom of the screen, I always feel it when swyping

Don't be too sad. I got a screen scratch the other day. Of course its real tiny and when I point it out to others, they can't even see it. But its all I see.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

At least you got it over with. Now no more worries about dropping your phone. lol

At least you can cover it with a case, unlike scratches on a screen.

Ouch! That looks like it hurts.
Feeling Vibrant on xda-app

afive720 said:
You should link me to where you bought your screen protector. I got Tmobile generic ones, but they suck, so I bought one from eBay. What I've got was this super thick, weird feeling protector, leaves too many bubbles, sucked. Bought another one, which is identical to ones you buy at the store, works good, but doesn't cover the bottom part of the phone.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The best one IMO is the one from clearfreak, which is the one I have. Just make sure when applying it, to follow their directions. You have to spray it with water, wet your fingers and squeegee the water out with the little tool it comes with.
It's made out of 3M and you can't even tell it's on. All the other screen protectors like the generic ones really mess up the touch response. It's not as responsive from what I've noticed. Stay away from chEapBAY if you know what I mean...those are all pieces of junk from china, hence 5x protectors for $0.99US

lqaddict said:
I got mine from ClearFreak via Ebay - you cannot even tell it is on, I do have one air bubble trapped and it's a bit annoying on the bottom of the screen, I always feel it when swyping
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same one I have and I love it....the 3M stuff is awesome, thank goodness if it wasn't for it I would have definitely have scratches from the fall.
You should write them and ask to exchange your screen protector. I actually got mine swapped out because I had some annoying lint on the sides and couldn't get it out so they swapped it.

disturkis4u said:
I dropped mine on the sidewalk few days ago and it just scratched up the top of the back lid so I just swapped it. My heart stopped for 2 minutes and I was afraid to look at my screen because when I dropped my hd2 it shattered the screen
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know that feeling! My heart literally stopped....The whole freakin' world stopped LOL....
I once had an HD2 as well and that thing weighs a ton. Bigger it is the harder it falls...That phones like half glass....miserable phone.

acspin said:
Does the 3m screen protector reduce the quality of the SAMOLED screen a lot, or make it sticky?
Those pictures are nasty Hope you get your case soon!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Very interesting you asked that because I was curious at first as well. However, I must say that once I did put it on, it didn't alter the quality at all.
As for it being sticky, I assume you mean on the surface when you glide your fingers across it right? Well...it depends if your hands are dry or not....it really doesn't bother me and I think it works fine...the only time it may be a little resistant is when your hands are sweaty. I think that would go for most all screen protectors though...

Is it possible to use the XOOM with the Plastic Protector that comes with the XOOM?

I would like to keep on the screen the Plastic Protector that comes with the XOOM from factory while I get the Screen Protector, is it possible to use it with it ?, or I have to remove it ?, thanks

Ditch the screen protector, recommend the Motorola Case
brosenz said:
I would like to keep on the screen the Plastic Protector that comes with the XOOM from factory while I get the Screen Protector, is it possible to use it with it ?, or I have to remove it ?, thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not sure if you can, I yanked mine off so fast, it was like I was 5 again again on Xmass morning. I have never used screen protectors on anything and frankly I have never got a scratch, I think they are huge ripoffs. The screen on the Xoom is very tough gorilla glass.
I WOULD recommend the Motorola case that snaps around it, some people complain that you can't charge it with it closed, but that is very minor. Otherwise it's a good case. You will want a case not only to protect against droppage but to protect the screen and make it overall less slippery when you carry it (often under your arm). It also kind of Hides it, so to most people it just looks like a little black notepad, which keeps a lot of people from asking what it is.
Dan

you can use it. I kept mine on for a while yesterday until I was ready to install my screen protector. Only downside is it feels real gritty but it works fine

despich said:
Not sure if you can, I yanked mine off so fast, it was like I was 5 again again on Xmass morning. I have never used screen protectors on anything and frankly I have never got a scratch, I think they are huge ripoffs. The screen on the Xoom is very tough gorilla glass.
I WOULD recommend the Motorola case that snaps around it, some people complain that you can't charge it with it closed, but that is very minor. Otherwise it's a good case. You will want a case not only to protect against droppage but to protect the screen and make it overall less slippery when you carry it (often under your arm). It also kind of Hides it, so to most people it just looks like a little black notepad, which keeps a lot of people from asking what it is.
Dan
Click to expand...
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Thanks, my main concern are the "fingerprints", the XOOM screen is like a "fingerprint magnet"

brosenz said:
Thanks, my main concern are the "fingerprints", the XOOM screen is like a "fingerprint magnet"
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Click to collapse
Fingerprints can be removed in like 2 seconds, enjoy your Xoom with the plastic off

brosenz said:
Thanks, my main concern are the "fingerprints", the XOOM screen is like a "fingerprint magnet"
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That is the reason I bought InvisibleShield, the same reason I got it for my phone. It helps to reduce glare and fingerprints.

I kept all the plastic on mine for about five days until my skinomi came. I didn't want a single scratch on my baby while i waited for the full carbon fiber/ screen protector to arrive! Worked fine with plastic. Edges started to peel back after a couple days, that's it.

I've had mine on since day one. Figure when it starts to come off I'll just take it off and do without. Not worried about scratches, just seemed like it'd allow me to be lazy about cleaning for a while if I kept it on over the screen.
Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

It won't act as a screen protect as much as a figure protector lol.
I left mine on for two days till I got a real screen protector, it will work for smudges but ID be a little careful about scratches. It's a good idea though so you don't have to clean the screen before you put the real protector on

brosenz said:
I would like to keep on the screen the Plastic Protector that comes with the XOOM from factory while I get the Screen Protector, is it possible to use it with it ?, or I have to remove it ?, thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
geeze, u sound like those immigrant families that would leave the plastic sheet cover on their couches!

I did the same, no issues here either. Just got the Skinomi in the mail so im finally gonna remove the plastic cover that it came with.

Neo3D said:
geeze, u sound like those immigrant families that would leave the plastic sheet cover on their couches!
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Click to collapse
Troll much?
Does XDA allow/support this type of behavior?

RadDudeTommy said:
It won't act as a screen protect as much as a figure protector lol.
I left mine on for two days till I got a real screen protector, it will work for smudges but ID be a little careful about scratches. It's a good idea though so you don't have to clean the screen before you put the real protector on
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Having a perfectly clean screen to apply my screen protector was one of the biggest perks! I didn't have to worry about dirt or finger prints getting stuck under the protector!

iNdioNicarao said:
Troll much?
Does XDA allow/support this type of behavior?
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A bit rude perhaps but that's hardly trolling. I don't understand anyone in this thread either. I like to enjoy my electronics free of plastic head on right when I get them
-Bauxite
Sent from my Evo 4G

Bauxite said:
A bit rude perhaps but that's hardly trolling. I don't understand anyone in this thread either. I like to enjoy my electronics free of plastic head on right when I get them
-Bauxite
Sent from my Evo 4G
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Click to collapse
I'm sure you know most techies (and clumsy people?) like keeping their gadgets as perfect as they can. If that means covering it in damage-resistant plastic, then why not? I've never been one for screen protectors... but I definitely see the point. Full body protectors also seem very useful. You can bump into things, drop your device on the ground, put it in bags full of other stuff, throw it around (not horribly, of course) and still not have to worry about damage.
Its much better than letting that one little scratch you tried so hard to avoid get on your device. Unless you just don't care. However, after paying 100+ dollars I would surely care. Can't have expensive things that look like trash.

My original plastic is still on the face, after 5 days of use I finally took the other plastic off.
I'm having a real hard time deciding whether to put a screen protector on this thing or not. For the first time in a decade of using the stupid things I think I'm going to try going without one. I'll be heartbroken if I end up with a gash though. This is my first Gorilla Glass product so it's a foreign concept to me.

nonstop14 said:
My original plastic is still on the face, after 5 days of use I finally took the other plastic off.
I'm having a real hard time deciding whether to put a screen protector on this thing or not. For the first time in a decade of using the stupid things I think I'm going to try going without one. I'll be heartbroken if I end up with a gash though. This is my first Gorilla Glass product so it's a foreign concept to me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
gorilla glass scratscratches surprizingly easy! And I never used to care about screen orotectors and stuff until I started reselling my gadgets on eBay. I usually get my tech on sale and end up getting same as I paid for it back with a well preserved gadget and a good listing. Plan on doing the same with my 25% off xoom in a couple months or year when the next google experience tablet is released...

Neo3D said:
geeze, u sound like those immigrant families that would leave the plastic sheet cover on their couches!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
iNdioNicarao said:
Troll much?
Does XDA allow/support this type of behavior?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No offense to anyone. I know my ancestors were immigrants too!
It's actually a compliment. When you come to America with nothing, you tend to take really good care of your stuff
But yea, us 3rd, 4th, etc gen Americans just say f'-it whatever, let me enjoy my things!
Bauxite said:
A bit rude perhaps but that's hardly trolling. I don't understand anyone in this thread either. I like to enjoy my electronics free of plastic head on right when I get them
-Bauxite
Sent from my Evo 4G
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Click to collapse
Yep, same here but I guess I've developed a different kind of "analness" eg, instead of keeping the plastic on the leather couches, I clean and condition them every 3mos (with Lexol).
Instead of putting a screen protector on my Evo, it always flies solo in my pocket everywhere we go (keys & nicknacks go in the other) and slide it in with the screen facing my thigh
Not sure I can fit the Xoom in my pocket but it'll stay in the safety of the home most of its life.

http://www.ixobelle.com/2009/05/i-hate-everyone.html
that's a special post for people like the OP. I wrote it back in may of 2009.

Feel like I'm going to drop this thing all the time

I've had this phone for 48 hours and I've almost dropped it more times than I can count. I have the black rubber back on it, feels like I'm holding a bar of soap. The bumper helps a little but looks god awful on the phone. Should I case the phone or just deal with it. I'm on the brink of returning it but I really want to like this phone.

Keep it! you get used to it man!

Put a case on it, I use this one it adds a nice divot on the back where the cutout for the moto stripe is. Also adds some nice finger grips on the sides, I dropped mine naked once and never again with this case on it.

mabru2001 said:
Put a case on it, I use this one it adds a nice divot on the back where the cutout for the moto stripe is. Also adds some nice finger grips on the sides, I dropped mine naked once and never again with this case on it.
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Is that case good for one handed use?

playerone_ said:
Is that case good for one handed use?
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I think it is but I have large hands, the ridges on the sides really help me with keeping a solid grasp on it with one hand.

mabru2001 said:
Put a case on it, I use this one it adds a nice divot on the back where the cutout for the moto stripe is. Also adds some nice finger grips on the sides, I dropped mine naked once and never again with this case on it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
mabru2001 said:
I think it is but I have large hands, the ridges on the sides really help me with keeping a solid grasp on it with one hand.
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Click to collapse
I'll give it a shot, thanks man