Database Users

heres what i think about the 3g issue - Nexus One General

If you cover the radio on any phone the thing will lose some signal.
Here is a video of my tp2 doing the same thing the nexus does...
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5Eo7uFtAKDY&hl=en&gl=US&warned=True&client=mv-google
In a poor signal area this will happen....
If you want the n1 get it, all the droiders are just posting non sense...

We already know this, the only reason it is so popular with the Nexus One is because it happens very easy and commonly. At least that is why I believe why, nothing you have said is new findings or information to us. Besides, it is quite obvious covering the radio would decrease the signal.. it just shouldn't be so prominent.

there are really two separate issues both of which i have experienced.
1) the issue with covering the bottom of the phone. if i do this in a 3G coverage area i can consistently lose 1 bar. not a big deal if you have 4 bars.
2) second issue is the complete lack of ability to obtain 3G coverage in areas where it is available, this is evident of users who have posted phones side by side. I experience this in Phila consistently and they supposedly upgraded the network here for the HSDPA+ rollout.
did i get this right?
aj

Eclair~ said:
We already know this, the only reason it is so popular with the Nexus One is because it happens very easy and commonly. At least that is why I believe why, nothing you have said is new findings or information to us. Besides, it is quite obvious covering the radio would decrease the signal.. it just shouldn't be so prominent.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You may know this, but from the other threads I do t see any videos on proof that other phones do this as well.... yes, covering antenna will do this, and once again that's why I posted this, so thanks for you smartaszish comment.... thanks, glad you know this but others don't....

lol @ this board.
I for one was not aware the same issue occured on the tp2.
Interesting a design flaw within HTC'S deisgn pattern.
You would think they opted out of including the radio in the same spot for every device.

GNOve said:
lol @ this board.
I for one was not aware the same issue occured on the tp2.
Interesting a design flaw within HTC'S deisgn pattern.
You would think they opted out of including the radio in the same spot for every device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It happens on a large number of devices, not just ones from HTC. I remember people discovering this on Blackberries as well.
It's likely fallout from the "OMG! Cell phones will rot your brain with their antenna!" scares - I think they all put them at the bottom of the phone nowadays.
The reason this is such a big deal with the N1 is that it had the widely reported 3G issues and many are still having issues even after the first OTA which was supposed to fix the issue. So, now everyone is on a witch hunt and when this not-so-commonly-known, but fairly commonly implemented design quirk is found on the N1 it gets big press. Check out this blog on the same problem on the iPhone:
http://igadgetlife.com/gadgets/appl...h-watch-how-youre-holding-it-and-5-more-tips/

temperbad said:
You may know this, but from the other threads I do t see any videos on proof that other phones do this as well.... yes, covering antenna will do this, and once again that's why I posted this, so thanks for you smartaszish comment.... thanks, glad you know this but others don't....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmm, I learned that (what I said) from a guy on this forum. I actually know nothing lol. I could've been wrong for all I know, but it sounded pretty accurate..
I like that word, smartaszish.. hmm..

temperbad said:
If you cover the radio on any phone the thing will lose some signal.
Here is a video of my tp2 doing the same thing the nexus does...
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5Eo7uFtAKDY&hl=en&gl=US&warned=True&client=mv-google
In a poor signal area this will happen....
If you want the n1 get it, all the droiders are just posting non sense...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=5622550#post5622550

GNOve said:
You would think they opted out of including the radio in the same spot for every device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this design has been in play for a while; i guess HTC had our brain's best interest in mind, lol. i had 2 HTC Touch HD's (UK and Telstra versions) and the manual specifically states touching the bottom of the phone would impact antenna performance.
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I've said this a million times but..
I have an N1, my cousin has an N1. My wife has my old MyTouch. I recently sold my G1 that I've had since it released. I drove around Dallas, Texas with all three and they all have the same signal strength 100% of the time. Every time the N1 went to Edge...so did the MyTouch and G1.
99% of people only have an N1 and just complain about how they "Dropped to Edge"..yeah...welcome to cell phones. You don't have 3G 100% of the time. Just because you're in a 3G coverage area doesn't mean you have 3G at all time. If you lose 3G, you get Edge. I don't have any problems with my Radio. I travel across Dallas county every day to and from work. There are some 3G dead spots but it happens. It was the same on my G1 and MyTouch.
Some people think they have an issue and they don't.

dumbestcrayon said:
I've said this a million times but..
I have an N1, my cousin has an N1. My wife has my old MyTouch. I recently sold my G1 that I've had since it released. I drove around Dallas, Texas with all three and they all have the same signal strength 100% of the time. Every time the N1 went to Edge...so did the MyTouch and G1.
99% of people only have an N1 and just complain about how they "Dropped to Edge"..yeah...welcome to cell phones. You don't have 3G 100% of the time. Just because you're in a 3G coverage area doesn't mean you have 3G at all time. If you lose 3G, you get Edge. I don't have any problems with my Radio. I travel across Dallas county every day to and from work. There are some 3G dead spots but it happens. It was the same on my G1 and MyTouch.
Some people think they have an issue and they don't.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right on man. I've been trying to say this for days, but people seem to not get it. The antenna placement obviously contributes to a decrease in signal, but it's not the main issue. The main "problem" is T-mobile's 3G saturation in a lot of areas. Again, here inside my Toledo apartment, I easily get the phone to drop to Edge by holding the phone low. Sitting in the middle of my sister's apartment in Chicago (Lincoln Park), I can't make the phone drop to Edge no matter how I hold it. It's obvious that T-mobile has more "towers per capita" in Chicago than here in Toledo. That's the crux of the issue people are seeing, plain and simple.

Same here in New York. I discovered its a design flaw and NOT a issue with software. I did some testing and come to a conclusion that its purely network strength!
If I am in my apartment, I get 2-3bars of 3G. If I put my hand at the bottom, it switches to edge or no signal(depending on my settings). Where as if I'm in Times Square in an building, I get full signal. But regardless of how I cover the phone it will not loose 3G, the most would be a 1 bar lost. ALL N1 has this problem! The videos on youtube are very inconsistent with demonstrating the problem with holding the phone and coverage area. Even the rep I spoke with said he didn't have a problem with his N1, but in truth he had full bars in a strong area. This is theory though, can be proven with 4 N1s in the same area together.
If anyone willing to give this a shot let me know...

uansari1 said:
Right on man. I've been trying to say this for days, but people seem to not get it. The antenna placement obviously contributes to a decrease in signal, but it's not the main issue. The main "problem" is T-mobile's 3G saturation in a lot of areas. Again, here inside my Toledo apartment, I easily get the phone to drop to Edge by holding the phone low. Sitting in the middle of my sister's apartment in Chicago (Lincoln Park), I can't make the phone drop to Edge no matter how I hold it. It's obvious that T-mobile has more "towers per capita" in Chicago than here in Toledo. That's the crux of the issue people are seeing, plain and simple.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is what I've been saying to everybody and they just don't get it. It's not HTC or Android. It's T-Mobile. I've had T-Mobile for over 5 years. I've had the G1 since it released, the MyTouch since it released and the N1 since it released.
They're all the same. It's not the phone or the OS. It's T-Mobile. They just don't have the power that AT&T does in that aspect. I'd like to have AT&T's network but I don't want to use only Edge. Also I pay less with T-Mobile even with my AT&T discount.

cortez.i said:
this design has been in play for a while; i guess HTC had our brain's best interest in mind, lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which is too bad, I'd rather this phone melt my brain than drop my signal. haha
EDIT: Indeed, this IS TMobile's fault. But I can assure you without a doubt that this problem is more prevalent in this phone. I'm in the Cleveland area, 3g sucks around here. I started actually picking up a 3g signal in July of last year, after owning the phone since November. This problem will be based completely on your location, and most of you will never encounter it. (unless you plan a trip to the lovely state of Ohio or some equally flat, economically deficient area)

So does the iPhone have its radio at the top of the phone?
I agree this is a design issue. Sure having the radio at the top might affect your brain etc. But what about when you want to use the internet? The phone will be away from your head, so it doesn't matter. Or people who call a lot, but use BlueTooth headsets?
They should have put it at the top, and I think from now on ALL phones should do so to avoid this problem in the future.

HighTech216 said:
Which is too bad, I'd rather this phone melt my brain than drop my signal. haha
EDIT: Indeed, this IS TMobile's fault. But I can assure you without a doubt that this problem is more prevalent in this phone. I'm in the Cleveland area, 3g sucks around here. I started actually picking up a 3g signal in July of last year, after owning the phone since November. This problem will be based completely on your location, and most of you will never encounter it. (unless you plan a trip to the lovely state of Ohio or some equally flat, economically deficient area)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes... the problem may be more prevalent in this phone... but again, as you admitted, that's because T-mo has poor network coverage. This phone is the thickness of a pencil and practically all screen. Places to put the antenna are limited, and I'm betting putting it anywhere else wouldn't result in better service, but worse.

Ha! I guess other people just jealous and don't want to see Nexus One doing well, and wanted to find fault on Nexus One. hahahahah

radiowc said:
Ha! I guess other people just jealous and don't want to see Nexus One doing well, and wanted to find fault on Nexus One. hahahahah
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That, or you take this forum too personally.
Simply put: Reviews of the nexus one will have a direct affect on the HTC products of the future.
If nobody acknowledges that there is an issue, it will never be addressed.

Does any one agree with my point above?

Paul22000 said:
So does the iPhone have its radio at the top of the phone?
I agree this is a design issue. Sure having the radio at the top might affect your brain etc. But what about when you want to use the internet? The phone will be away from your head, so it doesn't matter. Or people who call a lot, but use BlueTooth headsets?
They should have put it at the top, and I think from now on ALL phones should do so to avoid this problem in the future.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Cell phones do not effect your brain. That's a myth.

Related

*****BEGINNING OF RANT*****
Came from WinMo 6.5.x HD2 and a former Blackberry user. First go at Android. Got my Evo on launch day and I was super happy with it and the OS in general. Fast forward to a week later and I'm ready to toss it.
1. First there was a dead pixel and yellow streaks on any white background.
2. A little light leaking at the bottom but I had already read about that before buying in.
3. Then now the screen is rising at the bottom. Pressing down on it makes it feel like the screen has suspension; what is this a Blackberry Storm?!?!?!
4. And my fav is the fact that my device likes to reset itself at will. The phone just sits on my desk and all of a sudden the screen lights up and then it begins the reset 4G logo and all that jazz. It's now happened over a dozen times in just the last 3 days (Maybe more while I slept).
Now RadioShack keeps telling me they are getting more in and then they all get sold before I get there. They keep telling me they are going to hold one for me but of course they don't do so and instead make a new sale. Told them just now, that I'm done and am just going to bring my phone back and end my new contract and take my business somewhere else.
I do not trust the Evo! Anyone who has an Evo and says they don't have issues is just setting themselves up for issues later. The Evo has issues sooner or later. For some of us it has been sooner, and for the rest of you, it will be later. I've had 3 HD2's and still have one and they never had any of these issues. The build quality on the HD2 was much better, not to mention the thinness made for a perfect size and feel. If you are used to the feel of the HD2, then you'll miss how this it is once you handle the Evo. Days later and I still dislike how thick the Evo is (all other dim are just fine).
Now the question is what to get next??? I do really like Android but the Nexus One is an ugly little phone to my eyes and all the rest also have screens too small. I guess I don't have little princess girlie hands and so I can't understand the complaints about 4 inch + screen devices being too big. At this point I'm ready to try the iPhone 4G even though the small screen and no removable battery, bug me a lot. So they claim Apple has great build quality and that's one thing I want for sure. Then again I also want to try the Samsung Galaxy S but I can't get confirmation as to when it will be release here and on what carrier first. The Cell Phone Gods are really raining something wicked on this gadget loving dude........
*****END OF RANT*****

Why not just go to a Sprint Corporate store with your phone and have them order you a new one.. Atleast then you won't get the run around from Radio Shack. I agree, you've got some issues there, but that's not to say your next phone will be the same. Sounds like you got a total lemon to me...

A lot of the issues you describe seem to be specific to one particular hardware revision of the EVO. If you search around on the forum you will see that people with units from earlier batches seem to be plagued by this stuff. My experience has been exactly the opposite, with the only unwanted resets occurring when I've been hacking the phone. If you can hold out for a replacement from a newer batch, I'm sure you will be a lot more satisfied.

They have a 30 day return period, right? It is there to remedy users like you feeling like they are stuck with a device they don't want. *edit* Maybe not since you indicated you bought at the crap shack. I'm not familiar with their return policy as I bought online from Sprint direct.
Even jailbroken, I will never be on the iPhone band wagon with you, but I hope it works out on your end.
As far as XDA goes, if you stay you will be isolated in the iPhone general forum here.
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WOW....you know whats funny?..The same story your telling happened to me, BUT i had an HD2. The HD2 was the biggest POS i have ever owned in my entire life. The EVO has treated me well and i have NONE of the issues stated.
Clearly you have a bad phone. I say you either try and wait to snatch up a good working phone OR jump ship, iPhone 4. I had an iPhone for 2years...its a great phone!

what will ranting do? we see these posts daily on android forums, ppc geeks and xda.... htc nor sprint are looking at these posts.
look, if you are not happy with the device, return it for a FULL REFUND. then go to bestbuy tomorrow and pre order the iphone4. easy peasy lemon squeezy...

marctronixx said:
what will ranting do? we see these posts daily on android forums, ppc geeks and xda.... htc nor sprint are looking at these posts.
look, if you are not happy with the device, return it for a FULL REFUND. then go to bestbuy tomorrow and pre order the iphone4. easy peasy lemon squeezy...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Funniest thing i have heard all day

Thanks for your input guys!
Last night I read page after page on all the popular forums and blogs. It seems that these issues (mainly the screen rising) are happening to many folks out there. Some people are claiming the same things are happening on replacement phones as well. And again, I'm sitting here playing around with both the Evo and HD2 and I just keep wishing that the Evo will look over at the HD2, get inspired and suck in its stomach to be a little thinner like the HD2. Ha!
The pictures of the glue being the issue with the screen, really leads me to believe that it's just a matter of time until it happens to all of the current Evo's sold or about to be sold. I'm sure they’ll fix the issue with yet to be assembled Evo's but I don't trust the current batch to stay solid. I just don't want to invest hours and hours of my life tweaking the heck out of a device and then have to get rid of it in a few months. As I type right now, I thought my phone was about to start ringing but nope it was the resetting again.
Oh well......Gotta do something though because having a working phone is a must......

marctronixx said:
what will ranting do? we see these posts daily on android forums, ppc geeks and xda.... htc nor sprint are looking at these posts.
look, if you are not happy with the device, return it for a FULL REFUND. then go to bestbuy tomorrow and pre order the iphone4. easy peasy lemon squeezy...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Relax! Just letting off a little steam and sharing my experience with the rest of the class. After all this is a forum for sharing the good, bad and everything in between........
If I do go for the iPhone, I think I'll be the only person who gets a case just to cover up the Apple logo on the back. I really dislike doing the popular phone. Around my town, there is a whole breed of kids who drive Volkswagen Jetta's (or BMW 3 series with lease payments they can hardly afford); shop at The Gap and drink Starbuck daily if not hourly and all have iPhones. I'd like to stay away from becoming more and more like them. Okay all joking aside, I'm not an Apple fan but I would like to just stick with something nice this month.

If you do switch...
Which I think if you just try one more time, you'll stay.. If not then I would get the Iphone 4, It looks pretty sweet. I came to this new Evo from being a 3GS PROUD owner, I loved that phone, there wasn't a thing that I couldn't do with that phone. or a single App, widget or way I couldn't make it behave. (sorry)
I used and abused that phone. Battery worked like new after 2 years of abuse and tethering. Not one single problem with that phone. As for jailbreaking future, they will have 4.0 broken, they already do. and thats all you need to get everything you want.
What I would do is, and I'm startin to think about it too...
Go up to the main store like dude up top said, and give it a try, if you still have like a week left you can slow play it out to the last second and if they don't get it or refuse, then just cut it off. Get your money back and go get a freakin Iphone! and even tell em when you leave, "F*** THIS! I'M GETTI'N A IPHONE!!

have to agree that the hd2 build quality blows the evo away. most people wouldn't notice the things i notice but the power button on my evo is uneven and the camera is slightly crooked. not a deal breaker just bad quality. i did return my first unit because of a dead pixel.

BAleR said:
Which I think if you just try one more time, you'll stay.. If not then I would get the Iphone 4, It looks pretty sweet. I came to this new Evo from being a 3GS PROUD owner, I loved that phone, there wasn't a thing that I couldn't do with that phone. or a single App, widget or way I couldn't make it behave. (sorry)
I used and abused that phone. Battery worked like new after 2 years of abuse and tethering. Not one single problem with that phone. As for jailbreaking future, they will have 4.0 broken, they already do. and thats all you need to get everything you want.
What I would do is, and I'm startin to think about it too...
Go up to the main store like dude up top said, and give it a try, if you still have like a week left you can slow play it out to the last second and if they don't get it or refuse, then just cut it off. Get your money back and go get a freakin Iphone! and even tell em when you leave, "F*** THIS! I'M GETTI'N A IPHONE!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been using 4inch + screens since 2004 (HP Pocket PC's) and I'm not sure I'll be able to go smaller so right now that's my main issue with the iPhone. Going to the 4.3" screen of the Evo, could you see yourself going back to a 3.5" screen?

Sounds like you have a lemon. No need to *****, bring it back to sprint or radio shack and get a new one or your money back.
Simple solution. If they don't have one ask sprint to order it for you.

AshMa said:
Days later and I still dislike how thick the Evo is (all other dim are just fine).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hate to admit it but you are a much better man than I.
I cannot tell a 1.7mm difference in my hand when not holding both together, side by side, even then it's tough. (considering that a microSD card is approx. 1mm in thickness). Nor can I tell the difference of 13 grams in weight (.4585 ounces).
You must have superhuman senses or a micrometer.

Aridon said:
Sounds like you have a lemon. No need to *****, bring it back to sprint or radio shack and get a new one or your money back.
Simple solution. If they don't have one ask sprint to order it for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So just to be clear; if someone goes to a forum devoted to a device and begins to explain their experience with said device, it is *****ing as long as said experience is negative in nature? However, should one's experience be positive; then those comments are not to be considered *****ing? Okay, glad we're all on the same page here. Makes all the sense in the world......
Again as I've already stated; I ported in from T-Mobile. If I return my phone to RadioShack, then I will be ending my new Sprint contract and have to start a new contract elsewhere and in doing so, I will most likely not be able to keep my number of 10 years (not an option or risk I can take).

misticjeff said:
I hate to admit it but you are a much better man than I.
I cannot tell a 1.7mm difference in my hand when not holding both together, side by side, even then it's tough. (considering that a microSD card is approx. 1mm in thickness). Nor can I tell the difference of 13 grams in weight (.4585 ounces).
You must have superhuman senses or a micrometer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha! Really, I'm 6'1 and I'm guessing I have pretty big hands because I don't think any 4"+ screen device is too big. And the Evo can fit in my shirt or pants pockets with no problem. But after 2 months on the HD2, I really do miss how slim it's profile feels. I just picked them both up and I can't see how you or anyone else couldn't feel a difference. It may not be a big a big deal to many and would be even less so to me, had I never had the HD2 first.

boredmug said:
Why not just go to a Sprint Corporate store with your phone and have them order you a new one.. Atleast then you won't get the run around from Radio Shack. I agree, you've got some issues there, but that's not to say your next phone will be the same. Sounds like you got a total lemon to me...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed, you got a lemon, go back and replace it. Sprint is good on that except since there is a shortage you might have to wait a bit... :\
good luck on the next one. It's honestly a good & cool phone. All the phones i have seen in person hasn't had any of these issues.

Hating my Evo now but still loving Android
So I have issues with my Evo and a hunch that I'm not alone in having problems. But does posting about it, make me a troll? That would be strange considering I wrote the below post right after I got my hands on an Evo.
My Evo experience from another post, BEFORE the issues started:
"I should be thanking you one last time for making the best ROM for the last and best WinMo 6.5 device which should go down in history someday. I'm already missing this thread; the email alerts and all of your updates you do here, plus the regular peeps around here have been real helpful and nice here on your thread.
I'll send you a PM about my HD2 for sale. I figure I'll sell it and add a lot of my paid apps along with it on a disc and then give away the rest to anyone who wants/needs them.
I don't want to turn you or anyone else away from the HD2 because I still really love and respect it. However, I thought I'd share some of my thoughts today after getting to know the EVO.
The thinness of the HD2, beats the EVO as you hold them both, you can feel the extra bulk of the evo, even though the weight difference is not much, not too bad as the reviews I've read. A pretty big difference for me right off the bat, was that the evo' screen def looks brighter than that of the HD2. Not just at first glance but all throughout today, I keep checking them out and I say wow what is it about the evo screen as if it's brighter and has a higher resolution. But I thought they both had the same screens?!
I've been tapping away on the evo screen all day and I also have to say that even though the screen is glass, it DOES NOT feel as thick/solid (for lack of a better word), as the one on the HD2. If you tap your fingernail on the evo screen and then the HD2 screen, you can feel that it seems thinner, almost, almost seems just a bit plastic like. Perhaps people, who aren't used to the HD2, might not notice this. And then again perhaps it's all just in my head from a lack of sleep (was on my way to Radio Shack at 5:30AM after 3 hours sleep).
Moving on to things that I know you guys can relate to here on this thread. MESSAGING!!!! It works VERY WELL and looks just fine. Fine as in very good. No more of the messaging tab (no tabs at all). Swype is framed right and seems to work a bit faster and smoother than on the HD2. Also the HTC keyboard, by a huge leap, works much better on the evo. I don't know why that is but I can use the HTC keyboard now and be pretty fast, fast enough to think twice about always using Swype. Really guys, the keyboard is much improved somehow. And the best part of the HTC evo keyboard is the voice to text WORKS REALLY well. I got a text while I was driving on the freeway with the A/C mid speed, I hit the speech button and spoke 120+ characters and it got them all right. And yes I know I should not be looking at my phone while driving (which makes the whole speech thing that much more useful).
This morning I was driving to get the evo and I started to wonder if I really wanted to walk away from WinMo and my HD2. I thought about all the apps I love on the HD2 and how there are a number of things I can do with the HD2, that can't be done or done the same on Android. I would keep the HD2 because I like it that much, but at the end of the day, I'm not a wasteful person and I do appreciate the things in my life, so I figure I shouldn't just burn $400.00 (cost of the phone plus the T-Mobile early termination fee) for a device I've had for only a couple of months. I think all the flashing I did, made the HD2 feel old to me because I don't feel like I've owned it only since March 24th.
The HD2 is smooth in terms of hardware/design and even the OS (thanks to Kumar), but the evo is even more smooth in all the same ways and then some. I wouldn't have known just how much I like the device and even the OS, until I brought the device home. No longer having to worry about any app or OS feature being finger friendly, seems to matter to me, more than I realized.
Again, I'm not trying to sell anyone here on the evo. Rather I'm just sharing my thoughts and excitement about this beautiful device, which happens to be related to another beautiful device known as the HD2.
I've already rooted the evo (was a very painless process) and now comes the painful part in testing 100 apps and all that tweaking stuff......
BTW' Kumar, It's too bad about the CDMA thing because that would have been really nice, if you were doing your work on this device, right alongside the HD2.
Sorry for this novel size post"

danknee said:
They have a 30 day return period, right? It is there to remedy users like you feeling like they are stuck with a device they don't want. *edit* Maybe not since you indicated you bought at the crap shack. I'm not familiar with their return policy as I bought online from Sprint direct.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, no need to get derogatory Radioshack has the same 30-day window that everyone else has; can't sell a phone without it, part of standard negotiations with carriers. That said, replacing a defective phone is generally very easy, but with the EVO, the way it's flying off the shelves, it's not easy to get ahold of one.
Here's the problem: if a store gets ten preorders, they might get five extra phones. When those phones come in, EVERYONE who missed out before KNOWS it, because they've been asking all week, and they show up bright and early. Things can get a little hectic. If you had one set aside for exchange, oftentimes not ALL of the employees are aware (unfortunately, this sometimes happens), and said employee sees a phone and sells it. It's a risk you take with a phone like that; I personally will never buy a phone in its first batch partially because of that exact issue.
What you need to do if contact the store you bought it at, tell them to take down your name and number on a large piece of paper, and write "HOLD EVO FOR EXCHANGE" on it in huge letters. Ask them to inform EVERY employee so there can be no mistakes. That way, when the phones come in, they can physically put it aside (hide it if necessary) and call you so you can do the swap at your leisure.
Some stores just don't do many wireless exchanges, so they space things off, I'm sad to say. Sorry you've had such a miserable experience so far.

AshMa said:
Haha! Really, I'm 6'1 and I'm guessing I have pretty big hands because I don't think any 4"+ screen device is too big. And the Evo can fit in my shirt or pants pockets with no problem. But after 2 months on the HD2, I really do miss how slim it's profile feels. I just picked them both up and I can't see how you or anyone else couldn't feel a difference. It may not be a big a big deal to many and would be even less so to me, had I never had the HD2 first.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mostly just funnin' with ya... you'll notice in my signature that I own an HD2 as well (Telstra ATT 3G). Running an ENERGY ROM on it and love it as well. Problem for me is that WinMo has run its course and I really like Android. At the end of the day they are both nice phones, perhaps a small nod to the HD2 for design, but not enough to keep me away from the EVO.

So we all been reading about the death grip on the vibrant like the iphones, but speeds are still good and calls don't drop...
Now I think we do lose some speeds as all phones will but I think it reads wrong, heygrl found a secret menu that confirms we're not losing as much signal as the bars are reading....
So what's your opinion...
P.s. I meant to cancel this and make it a poll.. O well....
Disregard thread

temperbad said:
So we all been reading about the death grip on the vibrant like the iphones, but speeds are still good and calls don't drop...
Now I think we do lose some speeds as all phones will but I think it reads wrong, heygirl found a secret menu that confirms we're not losing as much signal as the bars are reading....
So what's your opinion...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dunno. I can't reproduce it, maybe I don't have enough deathgrip practice.

designerfx said:
Dunno. I can't reproduce it, maybe I don't have enough deathgrip practice.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Gotta be in a not so great coverage area.... I can only reproduce this sometimes... Great reception I can't get it to drop bars...

I have amazing coverage, and I can get it to drop simply by touching the bottom of the phone with a single finger. If I'm on a 3G call, it will eventually drop to EDGE (and sound like ****). All that I'm doing, is letting the phone rest naturally in the seat of my palm. Only the bottom half of my pinky finger makes contact with the bottom.
Data speeds are cut in half by the same practice. If I uncomfortably hold the phone horizontally (as if it's in a GPS cradle), and pinch the top to grab it, I pull down 5Mbps and upload at 2Mbps over 3G. When I apply a single finger to the bottom of the phone, those speeds are more than halved, and the latency goes from 56ms to ~400ms.
From the looks of it, I'm guessing it's hardware. It seems as though the phone may be too sensitive. What a shame.
I keep hoping that it's something that can be addressed in hardware, but who knows. It's disappointing that no major reviews are really out for the device, and that no news sites have reported the issue.
I love this phone, but I don't think I love it enough to spend $500+ on something that can't properly lock onto GPS, has a faulty compass and 3G sensitivity issues to boot.
Still, I'll ride out my Buyer's Remorse period in hopes that something is announced. In the meantime, the rest of you should call T-Mobile and Samsung to express your concerns.

It's a software issue much like the GPS and Compass.
Some people are upgrading from old phones that ever saw the speeds the Vibrant can get over T-Mobile's HSPA+ network. The network has ALWAYS been setup to switch calls from 3G when the signal gets low enough.
Is it software or hardware? You tell me! This is on a non-HSPA+ tower.
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I guess some people have this issue and some don't. Looks like you have a bad one Jon C if you are losing a signal by only "applying a finger" to the bottom of your phone. I personally kind of find that hard to believe and would love to see a video of you recreating this problem.
In my case, if I cover the entire bottom half of the phone with my palm, my bars drop but my data speeds increase every time.
Bottom line, I've had the phone since day one and still haven't dropped a call so I highly doubt it is anything hardware related.

I actually had an issue with my phone and constantly dropping calls when I was on the headset and come to find out that it was because task manager was actually the signal (please do not ask me how) I un-installed TM and my dropped calls ended!!

Jon C said:
I have amazing coverage, and I can get it to drop simply by touching the bottom of the phone with a single finger. If I'm on a 3G call, it will eventually drop to EDGE (and sound like ****). All that I'm doing, is letting the phone rest naturally in the seat of my palm. Only the bottom half of my pinky finger makes contact with the bottom.
Data speeds are cut in half by the same practice. If I uncomfortably hold the phone horizontally (as if it's in a GPS cradle), and pinch the top to grab it, I pull down 5Mbps and upload at 2Mbps over 3G. When I apply a single finger to the bottom of the phone, those speeds are more than halved, and the latency goes from 56ms to ~400ms.
From the looks of it, I'm guessing it's hardware. It seems as though the phone may be too sensitive. What a shame.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1. I'm experiencing the exact same thing in the Los Angeles area. Doesn't seem like a software issue, though I hope I'm wrong.

jrwingate6 said:
I guess some people have this issue and some don't. Looks like you have a bad one Jon C if you are losing a signal by only "applying a finger" to the bottom of your phone. I personally kind of find that hard to believe and would love to see a video of you recreating this problem.
In my case, if I cover the entire bottom half of the phone with my palm, my bars drop but my data speeds increase every time.
Bottom line, I've had the phone since day one and still haven't dropped a call so I highly doubt it is anything hardware related.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I mentioned below (or above), I'm experiencing the same thing that Jon C is experiencing.
Not only do the bars fluctuate depending on how I hold the phone (and I'm not talking about any type of "death grip"...normal hold), but SpeedTest shows me that the data speeds are affected as well.
I can do a video, if you really want to see it. Believe me, I wish I was not having this issue, and have zero reason to be making it up.
That being said, the jury is still out as to whether or not this is affecting me in "the real world". I did have a dropped call tonight (the other person was on a land line, so I know it was me), but other than that one, my calls have been pretty stable.

laphoneuser said:
As I mentioned below (or above), I'm experiencing the same thing that Jon C is experiencing.
Not only do the bars fluctuate depending on how I hold the phone (and I'm not talking about any type of "death grip"...normal hold), but SpeedTest shows me that the data speeds are affected as well.
I can do a video, if you really want to see it. Believe me, I wish I was not having this issue, and have zero reason to be making it up.
That being said, the jury is still out as to whether or not this is affecting me in "the real world". I did have a dropped call tonight (the other person was on a land line, so I know it was me), but other than that one, my calls have been pretty stable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Make the video.
If your signal strength is lowered the data speeds are affected.
Once again, the bars are obviously COMPLETELY off. Dropping bars as a measurement to whether or not this phone has a hardware issue is a completely unreliable point to make. You and him both must have defective phones because regardless of the number of bars I have I ALWAYS have connectivity to the network.

What reasons would anyone have for making something like this up? I just decided to go out and buy a $500+ phone so I could come here to personally troll you?
The only video camera I own is on the actual phone, so this would be difficult to record. I suppose you'll just have to take my word? I assure you, it is happening.
I'm hoping that it is correctable by firmware update. There are leaked firmwares, which some German users have been testing out. From what I've read, not a single person has had any success, so long as the phone makes contact with their bodies. Every single person (so far) says that, once they touch the device, the GPS becomes unpredictable and unreliable. Otherwise, they are saying that performance indoors increases, and that the overall accuracy and speed seems to be somewhat improved. But again, as soon as the device is handled, not so much. They also mention problems with the compass and overall reception.
Great.
Link to various resources regarding leaked firmwares for Europe.
So, that's not the greatest news. I guess the only upside is that we're not alone. But then again, this isn't the first time a product has launched with issues that were widespread, but never properly addressed.
Anybody else find more encouraging news? I'm still waiting to hear back from my Samsung rep. I'll be emailing back in the morning to get an ETA on the news...

Just drive around town and the bars do drop.. But speed tests are exactly the same as with full bars... Sure some people lose full signal but that's depending on where they live and the bar thing is a coincidence.... The nexus one did the same but it would switch to edge instantly....
I believe it may lose some signal but not as much as the bars perceive... It don't effect my speeds at all and don't many as we'll.... Surely its miscalculating the signal....if it lost calls or signal I'd return this fast.... My test show its miscalculating and not really issue.....
Ill put money that says it's software... Why else does the secret db menu show different reafings than the 4636 one?

I think the reception bars is software but I'm very concerned about the GPS/compass. GPS is a deal breaker. I've been a G1 owner since day 1 and have used GPS extensively and really expect this phone's GPS to work as well or better. OK... enough venting.
G1 had GPS issue with the first rev of software so maybe we are ok......

I too get the dropped bars, it even seems that the phone goes into Edge a lot more than the G1 did for me.
BUT at the same time, I'm getting vastly improved speeds. The G1 would get me to 800kbps down/500 up, maybe once since 2008 have I been able to get up to 950 down or so. The Vibrant is usually around the 3200 down/1800 up area, however I was able to get it 4400 down/2000 up, and that was when I had 0 bars of 3G showing.
And I've yet to experience a dropped a call or sinking in voice quality.
And you know what? For the most part, the dropped bars go away when I put the phone in a case, or even hold the phone with my shirt or something.
So yeah, it seems like a software issue of reporting signal strength. Same thing with the Iphone software problem, except it's in reverse...you are actually getting a better signal than the phone is showing you, as the attenuation from your hand isn't effecting the service as much as it says it is. That's at least my experience so far.
Compared to the G1 this thing is FLYING on the web and with downloads. I downloaded the 7 MB demo of Asphalt 5 in about 10-15 seconds tops. It took me about 45-1 minute to download the 3 MB Facebook app on the G1. So, consider me a happy customer.

I should note that I've been using a silicon case from day one. Issues remain.

I've made, received, and searched the web on 3g (with the up and down arrows glowing), while [supposedly] having no signal. I've always suspected the V of reading it wrong.

I know I've posted in all of these treads about signal drop, but I do believe the problem is hardware (in particular just the antenna location in the phone). Sure the phone is probably not showing the correct number of bars, but I get severe data speed reductions, data freezes and dropped calls. Just today I had 2 dropped calls where my phone was on my desk and started ringing, when I grabbed it to answer it, my signal dropped and disconnected my call. At that same desk I used to answer calls all the time with my G1 and have no issues. The signal isn't amazing at my work, but it's a stones throw from google and in silicon valley so it's not like I am out in the boondocks.
I'm with Jon C here about riding out the buyers remorse and then returning the phone if these things aren't fix. Paying $550 after tax for this thing and getting reduced functionality over my G1 is leaving me a little bitter.
Oh and FYI, I doubt the people here that are complaining have rare defective phones. Look around the web, there are tons of people on other forums and on t-mobiles boards complaining about this stuff. I've also tried several different store's floor models and seen the same problems inflicting them. I just think that we are all in different situations when it comes down to signal quality. The ones of us who have to use these phones in areas where signal isn't stellar seem to be the ones having the most trouble.

Nexus has the same issue I think when the antenna is at the bottom were gonna have to deal with it... C here's n1 doing it also http://www.google.com/m/url?client=...8QFjAB&usg=AFQjCNGfcgwLevuT85WMxP2YocdLUlsm-w
Flip the phone upside down having the radio up top.... Now hold it.. You will notice you d don't drop much bars if at all.....
Difference though nexus switches to edge and it does actually lose speeds... In my experience vibrant drops bars on 3g and doesnt switch to edge or lose any speeds

To explain why some people are dropping calls and some aren't, perhaps it has to do with the level of 3G coverage in your area? There has to be some other reason why all of our handsets show decreased bars, but only some experience data dropouts and dropped calls, and others are perfectly fine.

laphoneuser said:
As I mentioned below (or above), I'm experiencing the same thing that Jon C is experiencing.
Not only do the bars fluctuate depending on how I hold the phone (and I'm not talking about any type of "death grip"...normal hold), but SpeedTest shows me that the data speeds are affected as well.
I can do a video, if you really want to see it. Believe me, I wish I was not having this issue, and have zero reason to be making it up.
That being said, the jury is still out as to whether or not this is affecting me in "the real world". I did have a dropped call tonight (the other person was on a land line, so I know it was me), but other than that one, my calls have been pretty stable.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Take your phone back and get a new one. I'm not experiencing this and that can only mean you guys got DUDS. Like I said, I haven't had a dropped call yet and I talk on my phone almost my entire commute from Baltimore to Washington D.C 5 days a week. When using my Nexus, the calls would always drop in the same to areas on my way to and on my way home from work. I guess the Vibrant has a stronger signal which is helping it not drop connection.
For your information I am using a Gel-Skin. I do not know if this effects it but I will be driving to work today with out the Gel-Skin on.

Let me start by saying that this thread isnt intended for ranting or anything like that. Im starting this page to collect anyones experience with this signal issua and to submit it to a friend that works in customer care with T-mobile.
Please include the following info.
* How often does it happen?
* Where are you gripping the phone?
* Do you have a kungfu grip on the phone or are you barely holding it?
* Do you loose signal completely or does it just dip a few bars?
* Do you ever drop calls because of this?
* Also include a brief explanation of times this has happened
NOTE: BEFORE YOU REPORT THIS SIGNAL ISSUE, PLEASE CHECK TO SEE IF YOU ARE IN A GOOD COVERAGE AREA! you can check here
Ill go first
1. This happens all the time whether im inside or outside.
2. I'm gripping it like any normal person would, at the bottom.
3. It happens when i have a kungfu grip, a very lite grip, or simply placing a finger near the bottom of the phone. Holding my finger a quarter inch away from the phone makes the bars drop all the way to nothing.
4. Usually it dips to no bars whether its on 3G or on Edge.
5. I have not dropped a call yet from this, but im keeping a close eye on it.
So when i use the phone i normally just hold it at the bottom, but i have a very lite grip on the phone. Actually, my palm isnt even touching the phone. My hand is sort of cupped around the phone with my fingers gripping the sides. Holding it this way my signal drops completely to nothing, but i dont drop a call (not yet). If i hold it at the top the signal comes back, but then i need to use two hands to use my phone......not ideal for a lot of people. Even then, if i dont have my hand just right, it will stilll effect my signal. I did a lot of testing going back and forth between the system test screen and the signal strength screen build into the phone, and the strength was the same between both screens, and the bars pretty much matched up perfectly with the signal levels. These tests were done in different areas, and all areas were the highest signal level possible according to T-Mobiles data coverage map. I hope this can be resolved by software, but after looking at this more and more im worried its just the hardware. Again thats just my guess
Thanks for the input guys. As soon as i have a few people reporting the signal issue, ill submit to T-Mobile.

Without even typing my own comment I'm just going to cut and paste your report because its pretty much the same thing.
1. This happens all the time whether im inside or outside.
2. I'm gripping it like any normal person would, at the bottom.
3. It happens when i have a kungfu grip, a very lite grip, or simply placing a finger near the bottom of the phone. Holding my finger a quarter inch away from the phone makes the bars drop all the way to nothing.
4. Usually it dips to no bars whether its on 3G or on Edge.
5. I have not dropped a call yet from this, but im keeping a close eye on it.
Ive more or less learned to hold it near the top or palm it when I'm playing on the net. I've grown so accustomed to holding it in my right hand and using my right thumb to navigate now I'm holding it in my left and using my pointer finger. Totally not what I'm used to, but I guess if I want to keep the phone I have to bend to its will. Software issue I doubt it. I'm guess its just retarded sheilding around the antenna and we are more or less screwed unless they are going to say its some kind of tilt sensor problem. Who knows
As for the good signal. Comparing it to my G1 I would be maxed out in bars since the closest T-Mobile tower to me is 900-1200 feet away.

1. How often does it happen?
Everytime I grip the phone from the bottom, the signals bars drop, and it even states I get knocked down to Edge (that rarely happens, though), however I am experiencing no data connectivity/speed loss and no dropped calls.
2. Where are you gripping the phone?
Thumb and forefinger rest on the middle of device, the bottom of my hand is resting comfortable just above the lip on the bottom
3. Do you have a kungfu grip on the phone or are you barely holding it?
Holding it so that it won't fall out of my hand but not too tight.
4. Do you loose signal completely or does it just dip a few bars?
Dips a few bars, sometimes dropping to Edge, but again, I don't think it's really losing as much signal as it's showing, which is what I believe to be the entire issue.
5. Do you ever drop calls because of this?
No
6. Also include a brief explanation of times this has happened
All of the time, indoors and outdoors, although it seems to happen less outdoors.

1. Happens when I'm inside.
2. Gripping it normal way at the bottom.
3. Sometimes I lose all bars, sometimes I only have one bar left. Speedtest still shows in the thousands.
4. No dropped calls so far.
5. Something I have noticed today in T-Mobile store.. when I held their display phone the bars didn't drop at all, and neither did they drop on my phone.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

in regards to your number 5. A lot of t-mobile stores have mini towers in the store. So that why it probably didnt happen in the store

That's not true.

s15274n said:
That's not true.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
it is at least in IL. A really close friend of mine is the manager at one of the local Corp Stores and he has shown it to me at 3 different stores he ran. So ya its pretty true here at least.

I am getting the same thing as you guys i was really mad when i found this out i was making fun of iphone for this. But i still have hope samsung will fix this I too dont get any dropped calls and my network still works even when its showing 0 bars (which is about 80% of the time). so im thinking that this might be a software issue and the bars are not showing correctly. does anyone know if the same thing is happening to the captivate or any of the other phones?

well, im inside right now and I held the phone lightly like it would be browsing the web or something and i only drop 1 bar. But I think that's mainly because I'm right at the 3/4 bar threshold. Outside, i have no drops in bars, but I'd check the actual decible reading later.

Its the bump on the bottom of the phone. O well prolly gotta get a zenus case. They look sharp.
O btw I'm still gunna make fun of iPhone users. They are such fanbois

For me it happens inside when I hold the phone. Keep in mind that this is WITH a silicone case. It is quite disheartening. =\
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

I own the Captivate and this happens to me as well, half the time I have this phone I have 0 bars, but still no dropped calls, and better sound quality and download speeds than the htc aria I had for 3 weeks which would show 2-4 bars where the captivate shows 0-3. I think where apple for years overestimated iphone bars samsung is underestimating bars with the galaxy s so i am not really worried about it at all.

I haven't experienced any dropped calls or call quality degradation. The antenna status is always fluctuating, and it was always the case with my retired N95 as well.
As for the data, I got a pretty bad 3G signal in my apartment and office, but outside I haven't notice any degradation of service whichever way I am holding the phone.

This happens when I hold the vibrant horixontaly it drops down to greyed bars and sometimes to edge
when I hold it horizontaly I am on the web browser or watching a video but no drop calls

Someone should try one of these lol...
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The bump on the bottom of the phone holds the antenna. It is designed poorly. They should have put the antenna up at the top of the phone where very few people hold it.

swatspyder said:
The bump on the bottom of the phone holds the antenna. It is designed poorly. They should have put the antenna up at the top of the phone where very few people hold it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not always an option besides I rarely have my hand over the antenna because the phone is so big, you have plenty of places to hold it at. At least it doesn't give you a false sense of a good antenna like HTC.

I've noticed signal dropping down to nothing when I hold it but I've never dropped a call or had data crap out. The software doesn't reflect the service you're actually getting.
Sent from Samsung Vibrant using XDA app.

0 Bars
I have the same situation. I mostly get 0 bars at home but I use my WiFi. I have never had a very strong signal in my house, may 1-2 bars on average. When I use the Vibrant, I get 0 bars but I can still receive sms and phone calls. I haven't had any drop calls. So I would have to say it is a software issue not a phone related issue.

You can't put the antenna on top anymore, it is the law, at least here in the states.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App

I'm glad that lasted all of two months, since you know, it's not like vibrators are a new high-tech feature in phones.
Its been getting weaker this past week and today it died.
Anyone else's getting weaker?
Sent from my EVO

Not to hijack your thread, but I was snickering reading the thread title. And no, my vibrator is just fine.

The thread titling might have been less then ideal...
But no the vibration on my Evo is just fine

Maybe I'll change it. But what else could possibly be bright to mind by the title on a phone forum? Haha.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

063_XOBX said:
The thread titling might have been less then ideal...
But no the vibration on my Evo is just fine
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh I dunno, gave me a little laugh. Haha.

When I put it in vibrate mode through the volume rocker is vibrates but when I get an incoming call or text it doesn't...

Good point. Mine is still weaker than normal, but I can actually feel it. Other than that, it's dead. Kind of annoying, or different with no vibe with the buttons at the bottom. ;(
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

Hrshycro said:
I'm glad that lasted all of two months, since you know, it's not like vibrators are a new high-tech feature in phones.
Its been getting weaker this past week and today it died.
Anyone else's getting weaker?
Sent from my EVO
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no sir.... Mine is not weaker... or scratched... only one ding where a piece of glass broke off (barely noticeable). Let me tell you, it has fallen well over 30 times... And everything is working great.
I would however like to see the size of the vib. motor.

Totally unrelated to vibration but related to failing, my microphone has ceased to work ....on my second replacement phone. Went from 002 with screen separation to 003 with light leakage and now no mic. Thanks htc for making such quality products.

edtate said:
Totally unrelated to vibration but related to failing, my microphone has ceased to work ....on my second replacement phone. Went from 002 with screen separation to 003 with light leakage and now no mic. Thanks htc for making such quality products.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I completely agree. They make such high quality products. I really wonder how Apple can't seem to keep up with HTC as far as the number of units that all seem to have some sort of faulty units per hundred.

Hrshycro said:
I'm glad that lasted all of two months, since you know, it's not like vibrators are a new high-tech feature in phones.
Its been getting weaker this past week and today it died.
Anyone else's getting weaker?
Sent from my EVO
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have two EVOs. One vibrator motor is very strong, the other is ridiculously weak and in fact feels like it's getting weaker. The short pulses from haptic feedback emit a ridiculous buzz that rattles the whole phone.
What's the solution? Wait until it dies then have HTC replace it under warranty?

download smart vibrator and see if the virbrator actually died.

I honestly dont understand why ppl (usually the same ppl) always have problems with phones, computer parts, monitors.. Not talking to the OP of the thread but everyone else (some that replied so far) you HAVE to be doing SOMETHING wrong when you go through 2+ products. You have to get over microscopic problems that you wont EVER see unless you pull out your magnifying glass.

Jus10o said:
I honestly dont understand why ppl (usually the same ppl) always have problems with phones, computer parts, monitors.. Not talking to the OP of the thread but everyone else (some that replied so far) you HAVE to be doing SOMETHING wrong when you go through 2+ products. You have to get over microscopic problems that you wont EVER see unless you pull out your magnifying glass.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So you're saying it's just OK to accept things as defective? For some people 'good enough' is just fine; others (like me) prefer things to be as close to perfect as possible. I have two EVOs; one is mine, the other is my wife's. When you have two side by side and one of them has an obvious defect, it's difficult to just accept these 'minor' problems as being normal.
There's a big difference between user action causing a problem and quality control issues. You can't blame the user for some of the problems that have been occurring with the EVOs; it seems that HTC's had a chance to improve things with HW revision 003, but the earlier runs most definitely had quality problems from the factory that were of no fault by the user.
The weak vibration motor wasn't always like that - it was strong two months ago when the phone was new. Now it's obvious that it's weak, and I'm concerned that it may break. I'm not getting all upset about this weak motor and I'm not begging for a replacement over it, but if it does completely stop working that's one basic function of the phone that I should expect to work, and I would seek a repair under warranty.
Also, I've owned several blackberries in the past along with several palm devices, and even with my microscope I never had any problems with any of these devices. I'm basing things off my past experiences; for the past six years I've owned PDA-type smartphones and never had any minor problems with any of them, so when I bought a phone that's supposed to be a flagship product, my expectations were very high.
It took me two replacements of my EVO, but I eventually got one that was good enough for me and doesn't have any problems (one had a flaw on the screen printing of the home button that looked like crap and leaked light, the second one had a column of pixels on the LCD that failed; two things that were not caused by me). I'm very happy with the third replacement, as it doesn't have any of those problems.

bassic said:
So you're saying it's just OK to accept things as defective? For some people 'good enough' is just fine; others (like me) prefer things to be as close to perfect as possible. I have two EVOs; one is mine, the other is my wife's. When you have two side by side and one of them has an obvious defect, it's difficult to just accept these 'minor' problems as being normal.
There's a big difference between user action causing a problem and quality control issues. You can't blame the user for some of the problems that have been occurring with the EVOs; it seems that HTC's had a chance to improve things with HW revision 003, but the earlier runs most definitely had quality problems from the factory that were of no fault by the user.
The weak vibration motor wasn't always like that - it was strong two months ago when the phone was new. Now it's obvious that it's weak, and I'm concerned that it may break. I'm not getting all upset about this weak motor and I'm not begging for a replacement over it, but if it does completely stop working that's one basic function of the phone that I should expect to work, and I would seek a repair under warranty.
Also, I've owned several blackberries in the past along with several palm devices, and even with my microscope I never had any problems with any of these devices. I'm basing things off my past experiences; for the past six years I've owned PDA-type smartphones and never had any minor problems with any of them, so when I bought a phone that's supposed to be a flagship product, my expectations were very high.
It took me two replacements of my EVO, but I eventually got one that was good enough for me and doesn't have any problems (one had a flaw on the screen printing of the home button that looked like crap and leaked light, the second one had a column of pixels on the LCD that failed; two things that were not caused by me). I'm very happy with the third replacement, as it doesn't have any of those problems.
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Click to collapse
I wasnt directing it to the people who can explain real problems. My friend i got the Evo from actually returned his 002 cuz of huge light leakage at the bottom. But the people who are on there 5 an 6 Evos because something is broken, or just cuz its not as shiny as they hoped its just annoying. Obviously they are doing something wrong...
The whole reason I said something because I was just reading reviews on Newegg and soooo many people just ***** about things and return return return. Half of them you would think dont even know how to plug something into the wall outlet much less build a computer.. The anger there carried over to here.

The wifes gonna be pissed..

Jus10o said:
I wasnt directing it to the people who can explain real problems. My friend i got the Evo from actually returned his 002 cuz of huge light leakage at the bottom. But the people who are on there 5 an 6 Evos because something is broken, or just cuz its not as shiny as they hoped its just annoying. Obviously they are doing something wrong...
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Click to collapse
D'OH!
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The whole reason I said something because I was just reading reviews on Newegg and soooo many people just ***** about things and return return return. Half of them you would think dont even know how to plug something into the wall outlet much less build a computer.. The anger there carried over to here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think most of the negative EVO reviews I've seen were from the first run; apparently HTC did have some problems there, and that negative press got everyone examining theirs with a microscope. Everyone was making a big fuss about the screen separation, but when I recently noticed it on one of my EVOs and searched the forums, everything seemed to have quieted down right around the time HW 003 was released.

Jus10o said:
I honestly dont understand why ppl (usually the same ppl) always have problems with phones, computer parts, monitors.. Not talking to the OP of the thread but everyone else (some that replied so far) you HAVE to be doing SOMETHING wrong when you go through 2+ products. You have to get over microscopic problems that you wont EVER see unless you pull out your magnifying glass.
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Click to collapse
exactly. Like the hairline crack that people have at the power button. 99% of the people didn't even notice it till someone said something about it. And some of these people had been using the phone for months, and soon as one guy notices and posts it everyone rushes to the stores to get it replaced (which causes all those shortages on phones for the people that do have real problems), just cause of a little crack that is barely even noticeable.

Tell Asurion (sp?) to bill your wife... she CLEARLY abused the vibrate function on your phone to the point of premature failure.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

I am also having the Vibrate problem... i do have hardware version 0003.. it used to work.. but over the last 5 months it has become almost no vibrate at all..
Guess its time to get a new one.. Damn.. i hate starting over..again..lol..

(Update: over 13 people have reported doing this fix and have seen signal strength improvement. 3 Persons saw no change. 1 person broke the contacts, so be careful!!)
I started a new thread to make this easier to find.
I have found a hardware design defect in the way the HD2 antenna is connected that was the cause of very poor signal strength for my phone. It all has to do with the way the main board connects to the antenna which is part of the back cover. There are no wires, its just a raised "flap" of copper that is supposed to press against the copper pads on the back cover to make the connection when the cover is screwed on. The problem is that there is nothing to keep this "flap" pressing firmly enough against the pad, and in my case a simple drop of the phone had enough force to actually separate the connection just a bit to make the antenna weaker.
Here are portions of my other post from this thread:
I figured out that my bad conectivity issues were caused by hardware problem. I say "were" because I fixed it.
It's a bad antenna connection. I realized I had a similar signal problems on my touch pro, caused by the main board contacts not touching the antenna pads on the back cover. I found pictures of a disassembled HD2 here on XDA and saw the same design. I removed the back of my HD2 and sure enough one of the contacts was bent low and not touching the antenna. I bent it back up, reassembled the HD2, and restored full bars!!
Trust me, it's a very simple fix. I'll start a thread with instruction and and pictures if anyone wants it. There's an HD2 disassembly video and pictures available here: http://m.pocketnow.com/hardware-1/of...-videos-leaked . You only need to take off the back 4 screws and pry off the back with a flat plastic stick .
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here is the Touch Pro 2 thread I referenced for some background.
If you have weak signal, where every other HD2 works fine, you should do this simple fix. Its very easy and you got nothing to lose. (Note: you will void your warranty since you cant open up the back without removing the screws. Use all the normal protections when handling electronic devices. Remember, do this at your own risk. )
You will need a Torx 6 screwdriver and a flat plastic edge tool to pry apart the casing.(Note: Several people have reported that it is a torx 5 screwdriver. ) As I mentioned, the official HTC training video for disassembly can be found here. You only have to remove the back cover for this so disregard everything after that in the video.
From the tear down photos found here this is what you will see:
Inside the back cover there are three copper "pads" that are the connections to the three antennas: GSM, GPS, and Bluetooth. I dont know which is which, but I suspect the GSM antenna is the largest one (at the bottom). Make sure all three are clean. (Look at this photo, You can actually see dents where the contacts are made.)
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Now looking at the main board of the phone, you will see what looks like several raised flaps of copper. These are the "feet" that press against the antenna pads on the back cover.
Make sure they are all raised high enough that they are guaranteed to press firmly against the back cover when closed. Be gentle with them, you do NOT what these to break. They should not be standing straight up, but should be slightly curved. In my case, one of the two at the bottom of the phone was much lower than the other. I used a plastic stick to raise it higher. (After I made my fix, I thought about placing a small piece of foam under the "flaps" to act as a "spring". I may do so next time I open up the phone. Let me know if you do.)
You might get an idea what I'm talking about with this picture:
After this, just reassemble your phone, and you are done!!
I was amazed at the boost in signal after doing this. I think HTC just carried over a poor antenna connection throughout their phone designs, never considering that a jolt could actually separate the connection. Luckily the HD2 is so easy to tear down and get to these connection for an easy fix.

nonpaq,
Thanks so much for getting back to us. I was anxiously waiting (and I know quite a few other people as well!) for some guidance on this. I know in principle it's "easy" as far as phone fixes go, but still I was looking for a bit of extra detail especially since a number of other teardown-guides and open-phone tinkerings here on XDA have some inconsistencies and, occasionally, outright false information. But mainly I was interested in more detail because the problem you had (and subsequently fixed) sounds EXACTLY like the problem I'm having.
Anyway, I am cautiously optimistic that with these minor adjustments I can save my beloved HD2 from oblivion. You are the man for even posting your experiences in the first place (even if you didn't do the rest of us an extra solid by posting the long-awaited follow-up)! I can't wait to dive in tonight!!!!! I'll be back to post any results (good or bad) when I'm done....

I'm not sure how much more detail I can provide, I suppied a link to the official disassembly video, and provided pictures of what you are looking for inside.
It actally is very easy. Just take off the battery cover, take out the battert, SIM card, and SD card. Remove the four screws on the back, use a flat plastic edged tool to separate the casing from the front sceen assembly, Look for the coppper "feet" that stick up and make sure they are all the same height, Lift up any that look to low, Reassemble, Thats it.
All I know is this fixed my reception problems. Most likely on of those "feet" was not making enough pressure for a solid connection to the antenna,
I hope this helps.
By the way, mine is the US T-Mobile version of the HD2. I dont know if the Euro HD2 is the same.

nonpaq said:
I'm not sure how much more detail I can provide, I suppied a link to the official disassembly video, and provided pictures of what you are looking for inside.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
nonpaq,
Just wanted to clarify in case you misunderstood my previous post. Any extra "detail" wished for or referred to was in relation to your original post, in the other thread. As I said previously, I think you did a great job with the level of detail put into the latest (updated) post, and I for one don't think any more is necessary at this point
As soon as I have a couple hours where I won't be disturbed, I'm going to be trying it out.

No problem. I posted to the other thread a link to here, so I hope anyone following that one will find the answer here. Let me know if this solves your problem also, because I'd like to post something on the regular HD2 forum as I'm sure there may be some Windows Mobile folk who might also have this problem.

Has anyone done this yet. I'm going to can't find a tool to do this yet errrrrr
Sent from my HTC HD2 using XDA Premium App

which tool... the screwdriver or the fllat tool? The screwdriver is a torx 6, and can be found in stores like radio shack or good elecronics store. Even some hardware store sell them as precision screwdrivers. THe flat tool is nothing. I actually was able to remove the cover without it. You can also get the these on ebay.

I just did it about 20 minutes ago. Still have crappy coverage no matter what ROM or radio I load.

im not saying that what you find is wrong because im sure you seen an improvement in order to make your post here. what i do want to say is that i think this is a software issue & not a hardware issue...or maybe a combo of them both. i had 2 hd2's that as a test placed side by side, 1 with android (nand) on 1 with stock winmo 6.5. i noticed that with the winmo i had much better signal. the android phone only had 1-2 bars while the winmo had a steady 4 bars. well it would drop down to 3 and stay for a sec but then go back up to 4. at all times though the winmo was atleast 1 bar above the Android phone and the phone's would me right next to each other. also there is a dead zone down the street from me where i can not drive through or i will have a dropped call while. every time it drops while on Android but winmo it breaks up a little at times but i've never had a dropped call there.
if i remember correctly i could even tell when i was running sd builds that while i was on winmo i had better service & then when i would run Android from the sd it dropped a noticable amount. im not sure if other people have had the same issue but i can tell you that on 2 different htc hd's i've had the same problem. something must be shutting down to allow winmo to boot Android or maybe something with the drivers.. either way im thinking this is the root of the problem but i could be wrong.

htccraze said:
im not saying that what you find is wrong because im sure you seen an improvement in order to make your post here. what i do want to say is that i think this is a software issue & not a hardware issue...or maybe a combo of them both. i had 2 hd2's that as a test placed side by side, 1 with android (nand) on 1 with stock winmo 6.5. i noticed that with the winmo i had much better signal. the android phone only had 1-2 bars while the winmo had a steady 4 bars. well it would drop down to 3 and stay for a sec but then go back up to 4. at all times though the winmo was atleast 1 bar above the Android phone and the phone's would me right next to each other. also there is a dead zone down the street from me where i can not drive through or i will have a dropped call while. every time it drops while on Android but winmo it breaks up a little at times but i've never had a dropped call there.
if i remember correctly i could even tell when i was running sd builds that while i was on winmo i had better service & then when i would run Android from the sd it dropped a noticable amount. im not sure if other people have had the same issue but i can tell you that on 2 different htc hd's i've had the same problem. something must be shutting down to allow winmo to boot Android or maybe something with the drivers.. either way im thinking this is the root of the problem but i could be wrong.
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Click to collapse
htccraze,
As you know, there are many things that could cause reception problems: the Rom, the Radio, the Network, interference from other radio sources, or actual damage of some sort to the phone. If you read nonpaq's original post, it is very clear that he neither asserted overtly or even implied that if you were having reception problems it was definitely being caused by the specific issue described in his post. He DID imply that if you have eliminated every other possible issue as causing your reception problems, there could be a good chance that the problem that he described is the culprit.
There really is no point in posting in this thread issues regarding better reception in WinMo vs. Android, or vice versa. That's not what this thread is about. Logic also dictates that if one's reception problems started after installing a particular Rom, or Radio, or Android build, then your problems are probably NOT being caused by "misaligned antenna contacts" as described above.
Now-- I have not performed the procedure so I do not even know if it will resolve my problems. I originally had great reception in both WinMo (all tested Roms: Omega/Energy/Elegancia) and Android SD (American/Cyanogen). And then suddenly, reception strength dropped off the map to the point where the phone became virtually unusable. I performed a series of experiments and tests to try and determine what the problem was. Since I initially assumed it was software/firmware-related, I probably flashed over 20 ROM + Radio combinations, both Windows and Android SD & NAND versions. Finally, since I knew the phone worked perfectly fine (reception-wise) when I first got it, I flashed the original factory ROM & radio so I had a baseline. No improvement. I even took my wife's HD2, installed the identical ROM/radio as mine, and compared them side by side in several different areas. If her phone had 4 bars mine would have 2, if hers had 2, mine had 0; if her phone had 1 bar, my phone had no service at all!
This is the kind of testing one has to do if trying to prove that there is a bona-fide hardware problem vs. a "bad" radio or bad Rom.
Hopefully I'll get to open my phone some time today, and see if fiddling with the contacts solves my problem. If not, it's likely I did some other damage to my HD2 when I dropped it, and it'll be time for a new phone.
Let me just give some friendly advice to anyone that reads this: if you are having reception problems, and you do a lot of flashing, then your first action should NOT be to crack open your phone and poke around. [Although the procedure is simple enough that it shouldn't be particularly harmful]
There are plenty of other threads dedicated to reception problems on the HD2, and you should first start your troubleshooting with them. But please, if you had reception problems, and it was caused by a "bad" Android build or similar issue, there is really no reason to post that story here because then this thread's gonna clutter up real fast with stuff that's not helpful to people trying to learn about this procedure (especially if you are doing it to "refute" nonpaq's post--there's no point: it WORKED for him, and either it works for you or it doesn't). The people considering nonpaq's 'operation' are hopefully smart enough that they have already exhausted other avenues and are now considering more "desperate" measures (like me).
In summary, the OP took the time to describe in detail a procedure that solved a problem with poor reception. It solved HIS problem; it may or may not solve YOURS. This otherwise obvious fact shouldn't be ignored. If someone else does the procedure and can contribute extra info, or a report on whether it helped or not, then DO post that here-- it will help those who are considering this solution.

I have to agree with RDioysus. Cracking open your phone should always be the last thing to try after ruling out every other possible cause. Especially if it is still under warranted. In my case i went from great reception to lousy reception after dropping the phone. Unfortunately that coincided with a new ROM flash and a day of known signal issues with TMobile in some parts, so it took me a bit longer to consider a hardware cause.

BullGawd said:
I just did it about 20 minutes ago. Still have crappy coverage no matter what ROM or radio I load.
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Click to collapse
Was there any difference in the heights of the contacts inside? When i did it there was one that was definately lower than the others. Just goes to show that this is not a sure thing.

@RDionysus
1st thing thats why i put "im not saying that what you find is wrong because im sure you seen an improvement" in the 1st sentince because im sure he did see some improvement with his phone.
2nd there is plenty of reason to post my findings as he did his especially when i also put that there might be a combination of his problem and mine. well hardware issue and/or software
3rd you tell me not to discuse winmo vs android and you top on it yourself so i feel thats quite a hypocriticaly thing to do
4th the testing your refering to i did. not only with the 2 hd2s i have but also several other phones. i dont just have the 2 i have 5. a tp2 winmo better reception, a mytouch 3gs not as great as stock hd2 or tp2, and a g1 which had ok reception but still not great. yes yes im aware different phones will get different reception but i still used for my testing rooted & unrooted phones with numerous changes in radio (a lot more then a small 20 roms..more like 50 over the past year, different kernals, both sd & android nand builds, clk & magldr, all tested over several months...not just a couple hours or days which led me to believe that a winmo phone (on average) tends to gets better signal then a android phone. really not a big deal to me though considering i much rather android over winmo anyway.
lastly i like to give some advise myself. im not sure if you like things 1 sided or your just the person who always likes to put his two cents in but my post was valid and contained information that i was posting of what i experianced in my use of this device. i kept it short and sweet to the point as much as posible which you gave 6 paragraphs....which i feel is rather odd for someone so concerned in keeping the clutter down on XDA.
in summary i would agree with that the radio, rom etc etc will give different reception issues whether good or bad but dont tell me what i have to say aint worth posting. some people have found my help rather informative and useful otherwise i wouldn't have any "thanks." i really feel its people like you who have to be negative on this site that yeah it has its place and time but truly come on now..to some "at times" it really just comes off smug and rude for no reason.
hd2 android ROM sourse i used to gather Android builds found here
the best way to tell if this will work for you and really the most effective way is to go to settings/about phone/network & take a look at the signal strengh. i would suggest to leave it in 1 spot for an hour and every 10 mins check and right down the number under signal strength. average them together. then do what was listed in the 1st post and follow this again. im thinking you should seem some improvement because nonpaq was able to get some but it might be so small is hard to notice unless you get a average base line before and after.

signal repair
Did this to my hd2, great signal now!

you saved me leo, thank You!

So thats two others who have done this and have seen a signal improvement and one who did not.
By the way, when I saw a signal improvement it was with everything else the same. I checked before "the operation" and immediately after. I dont need to compare WinMo to Android signal strength because thats not the issue. I'm talking Android before and the same android after, at the same location.
Plus two identical phones running the identical OS, side by side, one showing good signal the other not, would indicate a hardware issue with the bad one.

you know im not really sure why everyone thinks im saying its for sure an android over winmo bla bla type thing. the 1st sentence says im sure you had some benifit from doing this or how ever i worded it so thats clearly me saying its worth a try. if i thought it was a bunch of b.s. i wouldn't of said i was sure you seen better signal.
To spell it out for everyone that thinks im knocking winmo or android or what ever the case is i definitely can see how this could help someone but only with certain circumstances. i think if you've dropped your phone at some point (which most of us have) this fix really would likely be the best fix for you. when you drop your phone it will jar things around inside causing the connectors to possibly bend or misalign. straightening them out again seems like the obvious thing to do. BUT in doing so you will void your warranty on a possibility of fixing a signal problem. many other things should be checked first. i did see other people comment that this should be the very last thing & everything else should be exhasted 1st so kudos to them. that really is good advise.
again i was only pointing out MY experience with signal problems since i've had many issues with it and what i thought "ONE" of the causes "COULD" be based on my indepth personal testing of several phones. so in recap im saying yes this could work for some people & at no point did i knock or tell anyone not to try this method. reception isnt just radio, hardware, software, model etc but also other things you may not think about like electrical interferance, the way it passes through a building, and the list goes on and on.
here is a easy test anyone can do: walk toward a window or even better yet go outside. if your cell reception goes up a little then "in part" your house, apt may be at fault for the way it passes through it. Some types of construction are worse than others. concrete has "rebar" inside, which interferes with the signal. Stucco walls typically have wire mesh inside them, which also is a problem. Aluminum siding, of course, is self-explanatory. If you have no obvious construction-related issues, you probably are getting interference from something within the house. If you've ruled out everything listed above and you dont mind voiding your warranty then i would suggest doing this because it very well could be the only fix to solve your problem.
i used a small excert from google about cell phone signal problems found here as well as another useful page found here.

Sorry, I dont think you were knocking my idea. Everything you said is validand should be considered before taking a screwdriver to your phone. sometimes we forget that there are some who will quicklly take something from this site and try it without thinking it through.
i'm assuming everyone should know not to compare signal strength between WinMo and Android. Too many factors. This only makes sense to try if there was a sudden change in strength where nothing else can be assumed was the cause. If you have never had good signal, then this is likely not the reason as a new phone should not have this problem.
I would not recommend doing this for anyone who is still under warranty or a carrier's replacement plan as this will surely void it and will not allow you to exchange the phone for this or any other reason in the future. However if none of those apply, why not try it.

Perfectly said
Edit: As I looked at that comment above I didn't want anyone to think I was being sarcastic. I really do think it was well said.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App

8/8/2010
Man i love you! This thread fixed my girlfriends HD2. Full bars and showing H!!!!
Super stocked thank thank thank you!