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Well it went and happened last night...
While getting out of a car, the belt clip release button got pressed in by my stab-proof vest that I wear for work (this is a design flaw in it's own right, in that any other belt clips like this I have seen, slot the handset 'down' into a channel, and not hang on a hook like the default XDA2 one does - this means that at least then, if the button release becomes pressed, it still needs the device to defy gravity before coming detached - with the XDA2 belt clip, as soon as the button is pressed, as it's just a hook, it falls off).
So my XDA fell just a couple of feet, if that, onto the ground. And even then, it had its standard leather cover on. But of course, the standard cover is less than cr*p, in that it leaves nearly all of the sides exposed!
And now I find I have a slight dent on the side of my previously impeccable XDA2. But worse, slight scuffing or scratching too.
And this is where my issue comes from. With any other device, a rough scratch could be polished out. But with the bl**DY stupid XDA2 material, this is the opposite, in that the normal finish is a brushed, fairly matt aluminium.
But if it gets even slightly scuffed, what actually happens is that it reveals the under layer, and produces in effect, a shiny polished scar. So polishing it is no use at all.
I have owned 28 mobile phones, blackberries, and various other devices in my time. And this is the first device I have ever owned, that has been scuffed beyond apparent easy repair. And worse, I have only owned it a month at most.
I am foaming about this - especially given the series of shortcomings with the device and cover/clip etc, that lead up to this.
But what I need to know now, given that my XDA2 works fine, is this:
Has anyone yet discovered a good way to 'get rid' off minor scratches or scuffs on the material of the XDA2, to cover the shiny material that gets exposed, and leave it with the same sort of brushed matt finish the it normally has, or any paints/primers/touch up cans, that match it?
Please help anyone!
I've attached a photo below, but it doesn't capture it too well, especially as what I HAVE done, is cover it all in lead pencil, then rub it in.
This has reduced a lot of the shine, but of course, this will soon polish off again, so I need a proper solution.
Not sure how to get the dent out, but just get another leather case, a better one than the free one in the box. That should cover the unsightly mark and you won't have to look at it any more. Either that or claim off the insurance if you have it, but then again they may not pay out for cosmetic damage
Some fair advice there mate - cheers.
Only thing is though, you can see it all to well when its on the cradle, and I don't like it cased up too much (both issues of perception I know).
Additionally, I do have insurance, but it's an extension to Home Contents, so my premiums would jump up next year, they would not pay for cosmetic damage, and if I were to even consider a failed ROM upgrade death by pulling power half way through (and I wouldn't dream of that now would I?), then the problem is, the scratches would make it look like the (THEN) failed unit was caused by dropping it.
So I couldn't do a warranty claim, and would be back to the insurance one.
So, given that I can live with the minor dent, has anyone found any cure or solution for scratches, to cover it up back to the original finish of the XDA2?
There must be some solution, paint, primer, filler, or something out there?
Sob sob...
This is funny... I have some scratches too (my XDAII I mean ) but underneath these scratches ale looming some dark material, nothing shiney at least.
I couldn't get rid of the scratches, but polite polishing removed the jagged edges so I won't cut my ear anymore while on the phone.
You could try going for a radical approach and give it a paint job.....either a can of spray silver/aluminium effect, or metallic or matt black - WOW. There are some great effect paints (although less is more in my view).
Use insulation tape (or masking tape) to cover off the screen, buttons, holes etc. You can use the covering as you see fit - you might want to leave some areas (top) silver.....
Hows about getting a dummy XDA II and swapping the cases over?
There is one on ebay at the mo
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4183588276&category=32242
Is it the same real aluminium, and is it difficult to swap over?
Has anyone done this, can give me an idea what is involved?
Although i haven't done it before, i would have thought it was a few torx screws on the back of the case to undo?
Dummy phones are usually proper phones without the internals, usually display models in shops. From my experience the ones in shops are the full casing, just without the inside.
Best thing to do is ask the seller what his is before you bid any money for it. Also ask the conditoin, as if its been mauled in a shop, it could be scratched as well
Ex-display shop ones also usually have some sort of anti-theft bolt through them, which might be less visually appealing than a little scratch on the side. :wink:
sublimatica said:
Ex-display shop ones also usually have some sort of anti-theft bolt through them, which might be less visually appealing than a little scratch on the side. :wink:
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Yeah - that's the bit that worried me too...
I'll ask about.
Also, to remove the torx screws, means puncturing a Warranty Void label, which is a bit steep for a scratch.
Oh well...
wats the trouble ... ?
why dun you just get the casing REPLACED?! you had already paied 800usd for your machine ... another 100 bucks will get u a new casing. :idea:
Er no - I paid a mere £120 british pounds (around 150-170 USD?) for it on contract.
And more importantly, as I just put in one of my last posts, that would invalidate the warranty.
So if I HAD paid that much for it, there's no way I would invalidate the warranty for a few scratches.
They bother me a lot, for sure. But spray, or paint, is a bit different to invalidating the warranty on a one month old XDA2.
Cheers for the input though.
your damaged xda2
you can buy a new O2 XDA II Aluminium case athttp://www.mobiledatadirect.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=136_129&products_id=975
ok try that
Er thanks, but that's, well, er, a CARRY CASE, not the phone shell itself mate.
Cheers though.
And the correct link is:
http://www.mobiledatadirect.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=136_129&products_id=975
Does anyone know if these are actual phones with just no working parts? I don't know if the outer plastics are real or if its just formed plastic. Does anyone know?
Its a dummy phone.
A non-working phone.
Only for display in stores or fun for your children.
Sorry I should have clarified. I'm looking to buy one for the plastics. So I can paint it and then swap the casing with mine. I just don't know if all the casing and buttons are real or not.
In that case I do not know.
I believe the buttons do depress but as far as the inside the dummy phone I do not know if it would have the additional plastic to make the button actually function against a real motherboard.
You, if it comes apart, could probably use the housing for painting and use your original buttons from your phone.
The best advice I could give you is to go to a phone store and look at a dummy phone up close and personal, or buy a new housing. Which you would still have to use your own keys..look>http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?from=R40&_trksid=m37&satitle=8125+housing&category0=
the dummy phones aren't the same as an actual mda...they are just displays that are suppose to give you the idea of size and look. The plastic of the dummy phones are very cheap quality...and buttons don't have the same feel whatsoever to an actual phone.
i though i would share my thoughts on this case cover that i just bought. cost less than 5 bucks shipped from hong kong shipped (sambo-store). got it in 8 days from the time i ordered it.
fit was nice, not loose and easy to clip on. i was a bit concerned when i bought this because of the cross bar. i though it would interfere with the soft keys but to my suprise it really didnt. i press the soft keys anyways with the nail on my thumb so its no bother. if you use just the flesh of your thumb, then it will interfere. there is another case cover that you can buy without the cross bar. i bought one of those too but havent got it yet. i bought the case cover without the cross bar from a california company (ebay), for less than 8 bucks shipped and w/ california taxes. right now im happy with the cover i got on know and if for some reason it brakes, i got a spare.
even though the ad didnt say it, the case has a rubber coating on it that makes it feel grippy. also, the case does not add a lot of bulk to the phone.
my phone, x1a silver, and does not have any cracks. i can see that this case, nicely fit, can protect the phone and maybe prevent cracks. i say this because the case covers the area prone to cracking. i can see how phones may crack near the area of the battery cover because of the way the plastic angles to a thin point. i can imagine this area getting caught on the fabric of the pants or coat pocket and maybe causing the cracks. also maybe it can protect the area by the stylus by the way it kind of adds additional support around the area. it though may not help if you kind of stress the area if you happen to reinsert your stylus in a wrong manner.
if you have cracks in your phone already and tired of shipping or dont want to ship your phone back for repairs, then this case would pretty much cover the cracks. either that, get your phone repaired and then try one of these cases.
as for durability, i read that these cases break easily. i can see some truth to it becasue just by feeling around the case, i can feel and see how the edge of the case could get caught on something and would tend to pull the top cover and snap the little flimsy clips that holds it to the phone.
as mentioned, i have an x1a silver and the black case really acents the phone nicely. also, if wanted a black x1 but for some reason or another you got a silver one, putting this black case on pretty much makes it look like a black x1. most of the silver is covered and the chrome trimming is what is mostly showing.
the picture below is the type of cover that i bought even though it was from that paticular vendor. i just use the photo because it mostly matches what my phone looks like with the black case on. heck for 5 bucks, what have i got to lose.
View attachment 165334
i have the same case.. but that case cracked relatively easy.. so i bought another one. it's the same kind but it's transparent. the material for the transparent ones are different in the sense that it's stronger and i must say it looks better too. it reveals a lot of the x1a's shine.
I am a pretty big perfectionist when it comes to cases. I want something that doesn't add steps to the process of using the phone, and something that is durable as well.
I've been through the hard cover cases and found that they look terrible after a few dings. I also found that on most hard cover cases there is a certain point of weakness where the frame is smaller to compensate for port access, which led my case to crack.
Anyways, I just ordered the O24550LCST1BK from CarryMobile.
Google search O24550LCST1BK and click the first link to see it.
When will I have my url restrictions lifted? I've been a registered user for a bit now...
From the pictures it's just what I was looking for. It isn't blocky or otherwise ugly. I really like the rugged appearance and the metal hook on the back for misc usage!
The only downside is that it doesn't have a way to use the keyboard (thats another model that they offer though). I use mostly touch friendly apps anyways so I won't notice it.
When it arrives I will let you know what I think!
Is this the one you meant?
http://www.carrymobile.ru/all_HTC_HTC+Kaiser_HTC+TyTn+II+Sleeve+Type+Black.html
Doesn't seem very svelte. And having to take it off to use the keyboard is a big negative for me.
The O24550LCBSPBK-4550 may be more along the lines of something you would be interested in. I'm debating changing my order for that one and just removing the front cover flap.
Thx but all these cases are a waste of time and money. Just don't throw your phone on the floor and it stays fine. It's all common sense really. If you drop it, well that's your fault isn't it. Take care of your phone and it will last for years.
stuntdouble said:
Thx but all these cases are a waste of time and money. Just don't throw your phone on the floor and it stays fine. It's all common sense really. If you drop it, well that's your fault isn't it. Take care of your phone and it will last for years.
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I can agree with your point of not dropping it being the number 1 way to make a phone last, but in my situation I need a case for both the protection and belt clip usage. I am normally pretty good about taking care of my phone, but I've had a few run ins with people bumping into me.
I know I am perfectly capable of taking care of my phone, but it's the other 'crazy drivers' im worried about. I'd think differently if I hadnt already had to replaced most of the internal components of my phone XD
I use Seidio hard case with local branded leather pouch (vertical, with flap magnetic cover). Pretty handy. Tried not dropping the phone, it's now 3 times already. All due to my own absent mindedness.
However, the Seidio holds up well, it hasn't cracked or anything. Phone working fine still ..
I had PDAir Aluminium on my SE M600 previously, but given Kaiser's bulk & weight, I decided going lighter. Besides I read somewhere the aluminium reduces signal quality (on M600 doesn't matter, not doing any Wifi - it doesn't have one but it matters for Kaiser, both GPS and Wifi)
Its similar to the case I had by SENA for my HTC 8525/HERMES. The only difference it had a flap the covered the entire screen/keyboard and did fully protect the phone. The only problem was you had to remove the phone for the keyboard. Generally didn't use the keyboard so it was perfect. Unfortunately SENA doesn't make one for the KAISER otherwise I'd buy it. Did protect the phone fully.
stim141 said:
Its similar to the case I had by SENA for my HTC 8525/HERMES. The only difference it had a flap the covered the entire screen/keyboard and did fully protect the phone. The only problem was you had to remove the phone for the keyboard. Generally didn't use the keyboard so it was perfect. Unfortunately SENA doesn't make one for the KAISER otherwise I'd buy it. Did protect the phone fully.
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did you look at the O24550LCBSPBK-4550 model? Sounds like what you describe, except you can open it up and the keyboard keys are protected by a plastic layer. I finally broke down and got this case, so I am just waiting on it to arrive from hong kong now
Hi Guys,
I just wanted to see if anyone else had this problem. I pre-ordered the Atrix and got it Feb 23rd. Since then I have been very happy with the phone. Then yesterday, while at work I pulled out my phone (which has a permanent home in my front, left pocket) and I noticed a crack in the lower, left hand side that starts from about a third of the way up the left side of the phone down to the bottom, beneath the "home" button.
Anyhow, I have no idea how this happened. I have been incredibly careful with the phone. I got the Speck case first, but didn't like how it was too bulky and have been using the BodyGlove TPU case ever since I got the phone.
I feel like there must have been some defect with the glass or something. Perhaps a micro-fracture that got worse in my pocket? Has anyone else had this problem of seemingly spontaneous cracking? It's a single clean crack. I can't find any damage anywhere else on the phone (in case someone else dropped my phone without me knowing). Other than the crack the screen is working perfectly.
Today, I contacted ATT (for 4 hours!) and tried to get some sort of resolution to my problem. I was told that I was SOL and if I want, they'd "help" me out by selling me a non-contract Atrix.
I have been so ticked off since I found the crack that it's all I can think about it. I wouldn't even be so angry if I'd drop it, but this seems like not my fault at all. I bought their case and I kept the phone safe. Am I the only one this has happened to? Do you guys think I should just chalk it up to the phone gods and accept it or should I keep calling Att to complain?
Hard to say, really. I'd try taking it in to a store. calling someone... they can't really SEE the phone first hand... so they're probably just assuming you dropped the phone which caused a "crack".... which would actually usually cause "Cracks". I'm not saying it's a definite... but you MIGHT have better luck taking it to an AT&T store. I mean, insured or not, i'm pretty sure phones usually have a limited warranty for this type of stuff.
Well the digitizer screen and lcd are seperate so it should be a cheap fix. There are places online that will replace the glass for around a $100.
cracked screen
I had my replace called onsite cellular repair and they charged $140 for it.
Sounds like you leaned against something without realizing it. I too keep my phone in front left pocket and have caught myself leaning against tables and the like with my phone. I doubt very much it was a defect.
Sent from WinBorg 4G via Tapatalk
You do realise it's Gorilla Glass, right? i kinda doubt something as simple as leaning against something would do it in.
If you have insurance and can go without a phone for a couple days you could pull your sim card out of your phone and report the phone lost/stolen. You will probably have to pay a fee to the insurance company. Im not sure if that would be cheaper than just having it fixed though.
I preordered one and have been using it and picked up another on eBay with a cracked screen and replaced it. If you are interested in having it repaired I would be willing to do it. I've done iPhone 3G repairs since it came out and 3GS. That was my first Atrix. Had no issues and worked perfectly after
elementaldragon said:
You do realise it's Gorilla Glass, right? i kinda doubt something as simple as leaning against something would do it in.
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Gorilla glass does not equal indestructible, and yes, leaning against something with your body weight can cause damage, especially if you lean close to a corner. Do some research on Gorilla glass.............it takes only 4000g (4kg/9lbs) of pressure to induce radial cracking, and 800N (80kg/175lbs) to induce complete failure. So, you see, it is entirely possible to crack the glass by leaning against something!
CaelanT said:
Gorilla glass does not equal indestructible, and yes, leaning against something with your body weight can cause damage, especially if you lean close to a corner. Do some research on Gorilla glass.............it takes only 4000g (4kg/9lbs) of pressure to induce radial cracking, and 800N (80kg/175lbs) to induce complete failure. So, you see, it is entirely possible to crack the glass by leaning against something!
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Click to collapse
Well.... the video's i've seen of tests on gorilla glass seem to show more pressure required even when weakened with sandblasting. I know it's not indestructible, but it's a lot harder to break than standard glass. And even the numbers you mention seem a bit odd. 9lbs to crack, but 175lbs to fail?
Even if all that IS true.... if you, too, are one to keep your phone in your pocket, you should know that typically people who DO make one of their front pockets their phone's permanent home (Which is odd, cause it seems to almost always be the front left pocket), they generally know not to lean with something pressing against the phone. I keep my phone in my front left pocket. And it's not even basically an idea of telling one's self not to lean against it. it's basically done subconsciously. And if that's not enough, when you feel that rather large square gently pressing against your thigh.... you tend to get the idea really quick that you shouldn't be doing what's about to be done.
Dr. HerbLove said:
Hi Guys,
I just wanted to see if anyone else had this problem. I pre-ordered the Atrix and got it Feb 23rd. Since then I have been very happy with the phone. Then yesterday, while at work I pulled out my phone (which has a permanent home in my front, left pocket) and I noticed a crack in the lower, left hand side that starts from about a third of the way up the left side of the phone down to the bottom, beneath the "home" button.
Anyhow, I have no idea how this happened. I have been incredibly careful with the phone. I got the Speck case first, but didn't like how it was too bulky and have been using the BodyGlove TPU case ever since I got the phone.
I feel like there must have been some defect with the glass or something. Perhaps a micro-fracture that got worse in my pocket? Has anyone else had this problem of seemingly spontaneous cracking? It's a single clean crack. I can't find any damage anywhere else on the phone (in case someone else dropped my phone without me knowing). Other than the crack the screen is working perfectly.
Today, I contacted ATT (for 4 hours!) and tried to get some sort of resolution to my problem. I was told that I was SOL and if I want, they'd "help" me out by selling me a non-contract Atrix.
I have been so ticked off since I found the crack that it's all I can think about it. I wouldn't even be so angry if I'd drop it, but this seems like not my fault at all. I bought their case and I kept the phone safe. Am I the only one this has happened to? Do you guys think I should just chalk it up to the phone gods and accept it or should I keep calling Att to complain?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Buy cellphone insurance from them, and replace it a week later. Then if that doesnt work, you may want to try this link for new glass.
http://www.globaldirectparts.com/Motorola-ATRIX-4G-MB860-Touch-Screen-p/mot1039620.htm
And then try this manual.
http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Motorola-Atrix-4G-Teardown/4964/1
elementaldragon said:
Well.... the video's i've seen of tests on gorilla glass seem to show more pressure required even when weakened with sandblasting. I know it's not indestructible, but it's a lot harder to break than standard glass. And even the numbers you mention seem a bit odd. 9lbs to crack, but 175lbs to fail?
Even if all that IS true.... if you, too, are one to keep your phone in your pocket, you should know that typically people who DO make one of their front pockets their phone's permanent home (Which is odd, cause it seems to almost always be the front left pocket), they generally know not to lean with something pressing against the phone. I keep my phone in my front left pocket. And it's not even basically an idea of telling one's self not to lean against it. it's basically done subconsciously. And if that's not enough, when you feel that rather large square gently pressing against your thigh.... you tend to get the idea really quick that you shouldn't be doing what's about to be done.
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Click to collapse
Got the numbers right from Cornings white papers. 9lbs is a lot of pressure on one point, and 175lbs is pressure applied with impact at an angle of 45 degrees. I might add that sandblasting will not put stresses into materials in the same way a scratch or point pressure will. Sandblasting will weaken in a more uniform manner, (and is generally used for stress relief), whereas a scratch is more localized. When you see these manufacturer videos, advertisements, etc., you have to remember they will always make things look the absolute best, so will show what is perceived to be abuse, when in actual fact a scratch or "dent" is much more normal for everyday use. I don't know about you, but I have never accidentally sandblasted my phone, but I have dropped them, scratched them, and applied pressure to them in various ways.
In my work, I lean over and into areas a lot, and that's when I sometimes feel the pressure on the phone against my thigh. I don't like holsters. Had Otterbox for my iPhone, and it dropped more with that than anything because it always got bumped off. If I remember, I remove my phone from my pocket before activities where it can have pressure applied to it.
As for the left front pocket, with men..........that's probably because users are predominantly right handed, and hold their phones with their left hands, using the right hand to swipe, etc. (You might find that women tend to put there phones mostly in their rear right pockets also when using pockets).
Hey Guys,
Thanks for the replies. I guess it could be from the leaning. I don't think I would have ever leaned on it in a way that I would have thought should have caused any damage. If it was due to leaning, I am very disappointed in the quality of that glass. And from the look of the crack I wouldn't have guessed leaning was the culprit, but since no one else has chimed in with spontaneous cracking, I only have myself to blame I guess.
Also, thanks for the tips on how to fix my phone. I did not get the insurance so that's not an option. As for the warranty, that only applies to defects that aren't physical, which is kinda bollocks because they assume there's no such thing as physical defects. I did look into the screen replacement. Sites online charge as much as I paid for the phone which is lame and buying the screen to do myself requires the purchase of 3. Anyone else need a replacement screen or have an extra to sell?
you can get screens on ebay for 60 a piece.
Hey neotekz, thanks for your tip! I went on ebay and found lots of digitizers. Is that the part I need?
To anyone who's done this already, do you have a recommendation of which one to buy? There seems to be lots of different prices. I guess I want to get an official OEM, but almost all of them say OEM. Do you think there's a big difference between them?
Also, do you guys think there's any problem with not fixing it right away? Will it cause other problems? Thanks for your help.