Database Users

Top row (function-) keys click/sound funny

Just picked up a Snap. (Euro model)
The top row keys (menu keys, home, back, etc..) make a funny sound when I click them. They feel very "wrong". It sounds like it makes a click before I actually push it all the way in. So there is a sorta plastic-y double-click sound.
I rushed back to the store and the guy opened another box to compare and that was making the same noise too. He suggested it's new and will break in with time. (The display model was good but it has been "broken in" by a lot of customers.)
(QWERTY part of keyboard is fine.)
I'm inclined to think BOTH phones had a problem and it makes me feel uncomfortable.
I had a similar experience with a laptop's touchpad button once and it got worse over time. So this is why I'm pessimistic.
Has anyone else had this problem/issue?

here i'm. same problem on my italian htc snap.
is there something that can we do to fix this problem?

Well it's good to know.... but also sad news because apparently HTC screwed up something.
After using mine for 24 hours the problem was worsening so I just returned it to the store.
I don't know how old is yours (and if it's getting better or worse), maybe you can also return it?
I didn't get another one because frankly I was not awed by the Snap.
Coming from an Excalibur (S620) and based on specs I was expecting to be blown away by the performance of Snap.
But with 3VOLUTION's latest 6.5 ROM on my trusty (and beaten) Excalibur I could not see any improvement. (minus, of course, 3G and GPS)
Maybe I will buy another Snap in the future but going to wait until this hardware issue gets acknowledged/fixed.
PS. It is important to point out, the phone they had on display -abused by a lot of people- was PERFECT. Strange.
@an.ghezzi - please let me know the age of your phone and how this issue develops over time.

i've bought the snap just a week ago and the problem is always here.
not worse, not better. let's wait, maybe someone can tell us what's wrong.
: )
PS. the "funny sound" came only from the "call" and "home" buttons. the others sounds ok...

Just an update.
I picked up a second Snap a couple of weeks ago. Tried the keys in the store and they were not perfect but almost.
Lately I'm getting pissed off with them again. They are just as bad as the first one was. And I know this is a minor problem - probably not even a problem for most people - but I get so frustrated by it. This damn thing feels so cheap. Cheap crap plastic. My Excalibur is 3 years old but still rocking stronger.
I'm not happy.

Same with me. I have a T-Mobile Dash 3G and was wondering why this was happening. It's happening on my left softkey button and home button. I'm gonna take it back to T-Mobile on Tuesday.

Yeah I'm very pissed about this. This new phone (second one, after returning first) is just sitting in my drawer and I'm back on my Excalibur. Squeaky cheap plastic is my pet peeve.
Unfortunately I'm through the 14 days return so I'm stuck with it.

I have one of the first HTC Dash 3G's, got it from Customer service before they were even available for sale online or stores, I have no problems with the buttons what-so-ever, no clicking, just smooth presses. I wonder if there was a shoddy batch that went through to some areas.

Try some rubbing alcohol
On my Ozone, I've noticed a bit of trouble with a few of the keys on the top row feeling spongy. I used a alcohol wipe to kind of loosen up the keys which worked great. I also had noticed the battery cover recently started creaking, so I tore a business card in half and placed it over the battery, which tightened that right up.

same problem here!
Now i know why there are less stocks of snap in asia! i have the same soft key problem, even after one to one exchange! am really disappointed with htc on this, not sure how many others have this problem and if there is anything we can do to fix this? maybe even take it apart??? arghhh...

I ended up selling my second Snap too.
Besides the sticky keys I just did not like it :-/
ookba's custom ROM made it a lot nicer but I just could not get used to the device. Yes the keyboard looks great but the overall design is odd (screen too small compared to the whole unit), it just did not feel balanced.
I have a bad feeling about the fate of the "standard" WinMo (non-touch) edition. The new professional devices are getting nicer. They need to get a new finger friendly OS and a proper capacitive touch screen - once they do that, non-touch will go extinct.
I guess it took me until now to see how Microsoft ignored mobile development for so long. What was killer technology in 2006 is just a mess by now.
I still love my Excalibur, I dare to say it was the best phone I ever had.
Here is how I imagine the perfect phone: Blackberry makes the hardware. Ookba joins Microsoft and they release WinMo 8, or so. XDA community builds GUI.

I really wonder how many people are facing this issue... sigh.
So far, it seems its happening all over the world. I have tested and changed 3units. The current one is a bit better ... at least the call button does not creaks as much. But I miss the e71 in terms of built quality. I was hoping there is some hack we can perform to fix this.

Hi guys
I bought my HTC Snap from Singapore. Experienced the same "weird" feeling, but only on the Call (Green) and End (Red) buttons.
Seems to be getting a tiny bit better after using it for a week (or maybe i've become accustomed haha)
Agree with you on the screen proportion thingy. I still love my old E61. Keyboard + Screen was spacious and lovely. Fast forward a few years and this is the best HTC could come up with?
Still scouring the forum for applications to customize my home screen (panels). WinMo 6.5. Any tips? Thanks in adv!

Sprint Hero silver faceplate defect?

Hi everyone,
So I just received/activated/started using my new HTC Hero this week, and I really love the phone. Just today I noticed a strange new phenomenon that I hadn't seen or felt up until today. Wondering if anyone else has the issue, because I'm considering returning my phone to get a replacement - I've had it less than 5 days.
My front silver faceplate, where all the buttons are, seems to be a bit loose on the left side (by the Menu/Home/Send) key. When I press down on it ever so slightly, it makes a very quiet clicky noise - similar to a regular button press but much softer. The right side of the silver area also presses down, since it is just plastic, but makes no noise - just the left side.
This makes clicking the Menu and Home keys much less pleasureable considering it almost feels/sounds like I'm getting two "clicks." This is the type of hardware behavior I'd expect after having the phone for 6 months - not 5 days! To make matters even weirder, the problem seems to come and go, and I haven't figured out a definitive pattern to that yet. Should I return it for a new phone?
Anyone else noticing this (or any other type of physical defect) on your Sprint Hero?

I think you are just over reacting... Mine phone also does this and I have had it a month before release without any problem. I think it is just how the button is designed flush with the rest of the other buttons all in one plate.

I believe it's supposed to be that way as well. You're more to welcome to go to the retail stores and check out other Heros there to confirm.

Yes mine does this and it makes the phone feel a bit cheap. But I'll live.

I have 3 hero's in my family. One of them was creaky and drove me nutz, swapped it out at BB. New one works awesome..... I could not live with the creaky buttons. felt like my refurbed touch pro.... ewwww

Swap it out. It may be true that many DO do that but they SHOULDN'T and it represents a defect. Don't be told otherwise. My didn't/doesn't do that, my gf's did and we swapped it out for a working one. Have them open the boxes to find one you like. Sprint phone boxes are not sealed or taped shut, they just open so try till you find one (will probably be the first one you try out.)

I guess what bothers me the most is that it didn't do it when I first got it, I feel like my pressing the menu key too many times is what did it! It seems like a pretty bad design flaw... hoping they don't give me a hard time when I try to return it on Wednesday.
Thanks guys!

tduck said:
I guess what bothers me the most is that it didn't do it when I first got it, I feel like my pressing the menu key too many times is what did it! It seems like a pretty bad design flaw... hoping they don't give me a hard time when I try to return it on Wednesday.
Thanks guys!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Hero comes with a warranty. If it's truly a design flaw, then HTC will repair/replace the phone for the length of the warranty.
Like other people here say, all our phones do that, it's not that big a deal. I'm more concerned with the trackball. I mean, there's no way to remove it (that I've seen) to clean the mechanisms underneath. And if any of you remember when your mouse used to have a ball and not a laser pointer, those little wheels get really dirty and gunked up really fast. That's just sitting on your desk, I can only imagine how messed up the track ball will get going in and out of my pocket and being touched by filthy dirty oily thumbs all the time.

I know how bad a trackball can get I just got the Hero after having a BB Pearl 8130 for 1 1/2 years, I don't use the Hero's trackball anywhere near as much but I can see it has already picked up dirt from my fingers I just hope it doesn't turn into a problem like the trackballs on the BB Tour

that is normal, every SPrint hero i have seen does that, but like they said above, you can go to the retail store, (not a privetly owned one, they will make you go to the retail store) and see if it is a 'defect'

Mine doesn't do it. If it did I would return it.

I don't have this but my green phone button seems lower than the red one, making it a bit harder to press (especially cuase I have no nails due to biting them like crazy)

Loose Back and Search Buttons

I have been using a LG Optimus 7 phone from Telus for the past week, and since day one I felt that the back and the search button were a bit loose. There is basically a extra noise other than the clicking, kind of like a piece of plastic chipping, that comes out if I do not press the key right on the chrome-embedded symbol. The same is true of the search button, but to a lesser extent. Basically, the button presses were not "consistent".
I thought this was normal, until I visited the Telus store I bought it from. I tried the demo unit, and it felt normal, no extra clicky feeling. I asked the rep, and he brought a live unit from the back, and the same story, it was normal, and not like mine. So I am taking my handset back and replacing it with a new one tomorrow.
Anyone else experienced the same? If so, I recommend you do not compromise, and take it for replacement or "repair", as it can get annoying, given the sheer number of times the back button is used.
EDIT: I have replaced the unit, and the new one feels a lot better than the last one. I finally understand what some review sites were talking about, when they spoke of the very neat clicking of the tactile buttons.
However, I hate Telus, and their ****ty customer service. I was assured that the unit given to me was a new one. I was too concerened with checking the functionality of the keys, that I did not bother to look at the software. Basically, the handset given to me was a demo unit that was brought from the back to be shown to potential customers, or so I presume, since there was a live account already signed up on the phone, and obviously, I did not get the welcome screen upon first boot. Another anomaly I should have noticed in the store was the fact that the battery was already in the phone, and there was a lot of greasy fingerprints both on the screen, and on the back cover (inside and out). Now I am pissed, and taking the unit back for some "discussion" with the sales rep and the store manager. This was absolutely unacceptable. I bought the phone out of contract as well, so I will not be making compromises simply becuase of the amount that I paid for this phone.
PS: There were two tiny scratches on the back of the phone as well, as if the metal came was dragged on a table or something. Seriously, WTF TELUS!
EDIT 2: So, I exchanged this second handset as well. I really want to love this handset, but Telus and LG are making it extremely difficult. The store rep, obviously frustrated with my second product exchange, made it clear that "this is where we draw the line" on the exchanges. He brought FIVE brand new devices that had just arrived. I tried every single one, and EVERY SINGLE ONE made a different noise when clicking the buttons, some were loose and wobbly, others extremely quiet, but hard to press. Talk about consistency! I finally chose the most solid one that I found to be working well. Yet, after one day's use, the START BUTTON now is quite loose and wobbly. I think I will go back, or just hit up LG on possible solutions.
I wish there were tear-downs of this phone out there, so I could have possibly fixed it myself. I just don't want to be adventurous with the dis-assembly process.
Also, an issue that ALL the phones had was that the LED backlight has a problem at the bottom of the screen. To see this for yourself, put backlight brightness on low, and bring up white or grey screens. It is too obvious to miss...

I really wish this had gotten more attention, as it is a serious problem, so a slight BUMP!
Edit: I will never buy a product with physical front buttons again. Seriously, WTF?!!
And the vibration is also really weak. I was using a Samsung feature phone before, and my whole body would shake on the vibration, but now, I barely ever notice it, even if it is in my front jeans pockets.
Otherwise, I really like Windows Phone 7, wish the updates would flow sooner and faster and periodically to add features though.
And I like the phone. It is solidly built, and has a great feel to it when you hold it. The LCD is also very sharp and has nice contrast. If it wasn't for the buttons, and perhaps it had buttons similar to HTC Desire or something similar, then I would have loved this phone.

I have the same things on my LG. More on the back button than search. It is quite annoying and about the only thing that feels "cheap" on the phone. Seems lika really stupid design when everything else is so solid.
Haven't decided what to do yet. Hopefully the button will wear down a bit so it won't make the clicky noise when it connects to the bottom frame.
Now the bluetooth headset pairing not working is pissing me off waaaay more tho.

Hi!
I got mine last week - I am little confused about this as well. It does give it cheap feeling. I got a question besides the buttons, regarding vibration - How do i set it to high - Cause I think I have it ON high but I cant even feel it. Seems really weak. IF I am doing something wrong in settings please let me know. Or let me know the settings you have used I will give that a try. I like windows OS but not extremely happy with LG product.

Now the plastic cover on the windows/start button is starting to wear off in one corner. Wont last long for sure.

:S
same boat as you guys I got mine the very next day, BAM same thing button stopped working and your right telus was not helpful at all the call center agent's advice was "well maybe you dropped it." I went to the store and swapped it out this one works well we'll see for how long.

Should I replace my Epic

I'm about 2 weeks in with my Epic. I love the phone, so I'm not going to get rid of it. I am having some issues and I wanted to ask you guys before I go back and get a replacement.
My top complaints:
1. Slider wobble. I'm pretty good about opening and closing the keyboard with two hands, so I'm not sure why it's wobbling. The left side is ok, but the right side (if help in portrait with the keyboard closed) wobbles a bit.
2. Dust in crevices. Not under the screen (yet?) But in the entire border of the screen, between it and the bevel. Not terrible but will it get worse?
3. Tinny earpiece. It rattles a bit on the high volumes. The speakerphone actually sounds better.
4. Charge time. If I'm using the phone and I'm connected to USB, I don't think it charges at all.

Most epics will have slight wobble. If it is severe wobble then get it replaced.
The phone wont charge on usb bc when we use it it uses more power than it takes in so that's why.
Dust in crevices can be easly cleaned can't it? idk why it ned to be replaced for that problem
Sent from my Epic 4G

I exchanged my first Epic because of a buzzing/rattling speaker at high volumes. Maybe test out another one before knowing for sure it is a defect (not just preference).

You have 30 days to get a perfect phone, so use that. The speaker alone would justify the return.

It took me a few returns before a got a perfect one. I wouldn't keep a phone with flaws. Return it and get one thats perfect.
Just a note, funny thing is, my perfect phone came in a form of a remanufactured phone from sprint using TEP

I replaced it this morning. Both the wobble and the earpiece are better!

Return it for a new 1. I went through about 5 Epics before coming across 1 with the best build quality. Keep in mind that I babied my first phones and they all eventually started to have a severe wobble when opened, and a vertical wobble (up down) when closed. These phones will wobble slightly when closed (screen will be a little loose from the keyboard) by design. With that said I've had this phone for about 3 months, don't baby it at all (but I do take care of it) and it's just as sturdy like the day I got it, no wobble at all. I wouldn't recommend a case since those might actually lend a hand in creating a noticeable wobble. If you're still under the 30 return policy... use it, it's your phone, your money, get the most out of your purchase
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

Yes you should, with an EVO

[Q] Did you have to replace your NookColor due to quality problems ?

I'm more and more concerned about the quality of the NookColor due to countless complaints about the display and charging issues.
I have NC on order and it makes me nerves since I'm not located in US
Did you have to replace your NookColor ?
PLEASE PEOPLE VOTE, even if you have nothing to say to get large sample of users to see if this is real problem
THANKS
107 votes now and about 30% failure rate is very bad Looks like it is not unusual to return the device several times. Shame on the manufacturer to have this kind of quality control!

Yes, I had to replace my NC (Christmas gift) within the first 2 days. However, it was due to a sound issue - also discussed on several websites - and it couldn't have been an easier process. My local B&N said that of the hundreds of NCs they'd sold, mine was only the 2nd exchanged. I think that's a pretty safe ratio. My new one has had no quality issues at all. Given that I've had to replace PCs, smartphones and other electronics for quality issues, this doesn't seem too out of the norm.

I've had to replace mine as well. First due to sound issues. Now the piece of plastic around the "N" button isn't completely flush with the screen. I'm not taking it back for that reason because the rest of the hardware is fine. I do, however, have to get a new NC cable since the one i have now won't charge my NC. If it's not one thing, it's another.

Had to replace mine too, xmas gift, due to screen quality. There was a lot of light leaking along the bottom edge and a dead pixel. Super fast and easy, even transfered the extended warranty right over to the new serial. New NC is perfect so far.
Those with sound issues what were your symptoms?

Mine's been great. I certainly wouldn't discourage anyone from buying.... I'm not discounting the issues people have had (multiple returns is certainly eyebrow-raising), but I'm sure for every problem you hear about on the forums, there are many with no problems that you just don't hear about.

Mine has been great, aside from one dead pixel. Can't even notice it for the most part, especially since adding one of the anti-glare screen covers.
Sent from my LogicPD Zoom2 using XDA App

I just replaced mine today for sound issues!! Every time it would hibernate I would lose all sounds and the only way to get them back was to reboot.

Not an issue in sight. No screen problems. No sound issues. My biggest complaint is no bluetooth.
Sent from my NC 1.0.1 AN2.12.18

Thanks for all replies folks!
I feel better now
It will be interesting to see more votes in couple days.

No problems at all here 3 weeks in. I visit the B&N forums somewhat frequently and never heard of the sound problem before reading this thread.
My biggest problem is reboots after rooting.

First one dust under screen, dead pixel dead center.
Second one dead pixel lower right corner.
If you look at various sites, you will realize that there really is a quality problem that seems to be more centralized to screen issues/plastic noise.
Also realize that most of the issues are not major hardware failures but simple flaws.
Another thing to notice is that people are willing to exchange multiple times in efforts to find a keeper because the unit is just that good.

3rd one is on it's way! 1st & 2nd one had display issues...!!! Stupid me bought it online & as a bonus, it can't be exchanged in local B&N shops...

Yep ... 5 times. 6th (current) one is great, first 5 all had dead pixels.
I suppose it does say something about how awesome I find the device (once rooted), for me to go through that much trouble driving around getting it replaced ...

Got mine on release day and have had -0- problems ... got a second one a week b4 Christmas and it also was 'perfect' .. no performance or plastic problems ... live in a 'low demand' area I think and perhaps B&N is 'reprocessing' some of the returns that then get shipped to high demand area? Or maybe it's just luck of the draw ... anyway am really pleased with the two I have ...

3 weeks of hard use and no problems, but not rooted. yet.....

My front Bezel starting becoming unstuck at day 12 of the 14 day return period. It was showing the stretching glue on the left side that creaked. I noticed it warping and looked at it in landscape mode from the top.. Surprise!
-CC

Ok, I am B&N is sending my 3rd replacement. (Not Rooted!)
1st one would not boot/reset after plugging it in to recharge.
2nd one reboots and reloads on its own. Called tech. support and had me do a factory reset but the next day did the same thing but came up with an install failure.
My cousin bought one on release date and had no problems with her's.

My first one(Tursday) came OOB with a borked USB port on the NC. I managed to get the cable inserted twice on Thursday(almost took it back the first time that I plugged it in but the cable finally went in as I was about to give up). The next morning no amount fiddling would get the connector to insert properly.
Had a horrible time exchanging it. The idiot at the register kept trying to tell me that it was "fine" and that was how it was "supposed to be" until I made him hook up the power adapter, point out no LED, took it over to the demo unit and demonstrated there, got them to get their charger out try it in the obviously defective one and couldn't insert that cable either. Finally they gave in and deigned to exchange it. After all of that I had decided to check the exchanges connector right then and there, and lo and behold it was just like the demo unit and obvious VERY clearly inserting unlike the defective unit.
B&N have crappy QA, cs, and sales. No wonder they're in trouble... I think that if anything crops up w/this one before my 14d are up its going back permanently. I probably should've bought it from the Worst Buy literally across the street or Walmart for better cs alone.

Who is manufacturing the NC for B&N ?

lifeisfun said:
Who is manufacturing the NC for B&N ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
IIRC correctly , the hardware is by Inventec (Taiwan). As far as problems, none... nada... zero... zilch with mine, nor have I had problems with either of the "classic" Nook ereaders that we have.