Database Users

8525 Got Ran-Over ***Pictures Added***

I'm trying gather opinions for my sister on what one might do if their device (8525) got ran over. The lower right corner of the top is smashed a bit, disfigured in the right area where the keyboard slider doesn't open perfectly (but it still opens/closes), the worst damage however, is that while the touch screen is intact - not a scratch, what is underneath has been damaged - all you see is backlight, and ironically, what looks like an image of a tire mark on the bottom of the screen. So, I can't tell if the OS is loading, but the screen lights up in response to the power on button. It will dim after 10 sec's, and get bright upon screen tap.
1) Is this a no-brainer on what parts need to be ordered, and can it be self serviced? If so, what and where would you go?
2) Does this sound like HTC, or PPCTechs, etc. could fix for a reasonable amount?
3) Would you just sell it for parts only on eBay? Then use the money toward the Kaiser/Tilt/8925/et al when/if it comes out?
4) Other?
Thanks in advance for taking the time to offer your opinion.

scharnet said:
I'm trying gather opinions for my sister on what one might do if their device (8525) got ran over. The lower right corner of the top is smashed a bit, disfigured in the right area where the keyboard slider doesn't open perfectly (but it still opens/closes), the worst damage however, is that while the touch screen is intact - not a scratch, what is underneath has been damaged - all you see is backlight, and ironically, what looks like an image of a tire mark on the bottom of the screen. So, I can't tell if the OS is loading, but the screen lights up in response to the power on button. It will dim after 10 sec's, and get bright upon screen tap.
1) Is this a no-brainer on what parts need to be ordered, and can it be self serviced? If so, what and where would you go?
2) Does this sound like HTC, or PPCTechs, etc. could fix for a reasonable amount?
3) Would you just sell it for parts only on eBay? Then use the money toward the Kaiser/Tilt/8925/et al when/if it comes out?
4) Other?
Thanks in advance for taking the time to offer your opinion.
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Click to collapse
ppctechs.. htc would probably send it back
dont waste your time with ebay. unless you get a loaner in the meantime and are preordering the 8925 from cingular. let us know what you decide.

Buy a new one...no..wait for the Kaiser and buy that!

I suggested as an option she SELL the 8525 for parts on eBay to offset some of the cost of a new phone, as there are so many people out there that know what they are doing, and can salvage it (ie the battery cover, battery, stylus are fine - and I'm guessing the keyboard and lower internals are fine).
How do you pre-order the 8925 from Cingular/Att? I haven't seen it as an option! She was "this close" to running to CompUSA for the Advantage, but they soldout. Someone suggested the iToy, um, I mean iPhone, but the specs don't compare - and having Push/Exchange is critical. The 8925 really seems to have "all that and more". She'll probably wait for the 8925, unless it isn't released soon to the 9/3 estimation. We'll check into the PPCTechs, and see what they think in the mean time.

scharnet said:
I suggested as an option she SELL the 8525 for parts on eBay to offset some of the cost of a new phone, as there are so many people out there that know what they are doing, and can salvage it (ie the battery cover, battery, stylus are fine - and I'm guessing the keyboard and lower internals are fine).
How do you pre-order the 8925 from Cingular/Att? I haven't seen it as an option! She was "this close" to running to CompUSA for the Advantage, but they soldout. Someone suggested the iToy, um, I mean iPhone, but the specs don't compare - and having Push/Exchange is critical. The 8925 really seems to have "all that and more". She'll probably wait for the 8925, unless it isn't released soon to the 9/3 estimation. We'll check into the PPCTechs, and see what they think in the mean time.
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oh okay, i didn't fully read your post i guess. selling for parts is a waste of time imo. i say fix the phone via ppctechs and then sell it before the 8925 comes out. use the money to help pay for it.

If she is already hinting at getting new phone, sell this one as broken and use funds for new Kaiser once its available. If you think you can fix it, buy a broken one and swap parts like housing, ribbon cable, etc. If she values the data on it either connect to computer and save what you can in files or try hard reset.
"what looks like an image of a tire mark on the bottom of the screen" sounds like a really cool screen btw, sorry Im not helping am I?

this thread is useless without pictures!
carnage=Cool

"this thread is useless without pictures"
-- I wanted to take a picture before she left, but forgot...I'll ask her to drop by and I'll add some
"If she is already hinting at getting new phone, sell this one as broken and use funds for new Kaiser once its available."
--I suggested the idea of PPCTechs, so we'll see. I think she is wavering between fixing and keeping, or selling as parts and getting the Kaiser/8925/Tilt. Getting an upgraded phone through this would take away some of the pain.
"what looks like an image of a tire mark on the bottom of the screen" sounds like a really cool screen btw, sorry Im not helping am I?
--Actually, it is quite cool...she saw it as tree's, I saw a tire track...sorta like the ink blot psychologists use.

Back in the wizard days i bought one that was damaged for $75 off ebay.. I salvaged it out and took the piece i needed and then sold other parts individually and ended up making money... total amount i got for all the parts was around $125...
I don't know how pocketpctechs price their work, but i got my JasJam repaired with them through the i-mate warranty and wasn't too pleased... they didn't fix the issues on top of that they didn't replace the "warranty void if removed" sticker. But i'd believe that they are going ot charge a lot of repair.
well best of luck and i 2nd the request for pics

Pictures are now added at the first post.
An update on her thoughts - if she sells it, is there any way to erase her data first. Also, any opinions on what she might ask as a fair price? This info might help her in deciding what is the best solution.
Thanks for all your help!

selling as is? 50 bucks

I recommend using My Mobiler, it's a remote desktop software where you can remote connect to your PDA using your PC, easy to use and installs itself on your PPC automatically. http://www.pdagold.com/software/detail.asp?s=1493
scharnet said:
Pictures are now added at the first post.
An update on her thoughts - if she sells it, is there any way to erase her data first. Also, any opinions on what she might ask as a fair price? This info might help her in deciding what is the best solution.
Thanks for all your help!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

thank you for posting the pics!
but I was expecting way way,waaay worse damage
at the same time damm these are tough units hopefully mine nevers sees the tread of a a tire.
good luck.

just received shipment of new, and seal tag is broken...

i've just bought a new nexus s from cpw, and the seal tag is broken, but with another seal tag put over the top. i'm guessing this isn't normal and the phone has been used before and a new seal has been slapped over the top. anyone else experienced this?
i'm sure i'm in my rights to reject this.

I would reject it. My first Nexus S was from Best Buy and they tried to sell me the display model. The screen had a dead spot in it. They were baffled when I returned it a few days later as to what could have been the issue with that. Its a display model, and you:
A) didn't tell me that
B) didn't offer me some sort of open box discount as it was essentially used
C) didn't bother testing it to make sure it worked properly
I took it to a different store and they exchanged it for me right away and I am much happier.

after 20 mins phone tussle with cpw the advisor didn't understand that i bought a sim-free phone and kept telling me about my upgrade would be cancelled, that my contract would have to be cancelled too, and that i have to take it back to the store - at my expense - to return it and wait 3 days for a refund. i could then buy another phone instore though... after a bit of to'ing and fro'ing it looks like i can now actually walk out with a new phone, without 'purchasing' a new phone.

to cpw's credit though, i now have a new phone in my posession even after travelling to the store. so all's good (i hope)
also - not sure how true this is - but after i said that sim-free's usually have an extra seal inside the box, and i didn't think it was kosher - she pointed out that this is only with htc devices, and not samsung, and only samsung would have put that seal on over the original box as 'they' don't have samsung stickers...
which also kinda hints that they do resticker other brands.

mine was like that, I wasnt bothered to be honest

Mine was like that as well, seems to be widespread

The ones from Best Buy dont even come sealed. It drives me crazy

[Q] Best way to prep for return?

So I'll be taking this unit back to Staples soon (before the 14 days) for a few reasons, and I was wondering what the best way to clean this thing was? I'm rooted, so I will have to unroot. I changed the wpasupplicant file and added some Transformer widgets/wallpapers, should I remove those too? Or should i just press the side reset button? If you have ever returned one please let me know what you think I should do. Thanks, always appreciate the help.

cdkizzle said:
So I'll be taking this unit back to Staples soon (before the 14 days) for a few reasons, and I was wondering what the best way to clean this thing was? I'm rooted, so I will have to unroot. I changed the wpasupplicant file and added some Transformer widgets/wallpapers, should I remove those too? Or should i just press the side reset button? If you have ever returned one please let me know what you think I should do. Thanks, always appreciate the help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unroot and restore. Should be good to go.

Alright sounds good. If they don't let me check fornthis bezel lift right in the store I think Ill just wait for the Sammy 10.1 or just put the money towards a new laptop.
I think the device is great, really not many complaints, but after a bit of use and reflection I think I need a laptop more. Maybe ill buy this Acer again once all the fancy Tegra 3 devices come out and this has gone down a bit. It rrpeally is a great tablet IMO.

Im a staples easy tech. we do returns all the time. just an fyi. if your store is anything like mine. we dont care what condition its in. or what software is on it. if you bring it in. its in the box. its within 14 days, and you have the receipt or proof of purchase. we dont care. we ship it back anyway. we return laptops, desktops, and tablets and dont even bother to turn them on. we mark them as returned and put them in the back for shipment. so you should have no worries.

gh123man said:
Im a staples easy tech. we do returns all the time. just an fyi. if your store is anything like mine. we dont care what condition its in. or what software is on it. if you bring it in. its in the box. its within 14 days, and you have the receipt or proof of purchase. we dont care. we ship it back anyway. we return laptops, desktops, and tablets and dont even bother to turn them on. we mark them as returned and put them in the back for shipment. so you should have no worries.
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Same here i work at staples as a easy tech as well.. In my store we just make sure the serial numbers match nd if they do u have the reciept and box we take it back within 14 days.. we end up playing with it ourselves sometimes =] Lol free testing haha but yeah

I am a manager at a staples and while we do not check for root status we do... at my store... check the condition of the unit, that it powers on, and that all the accessories are in the box. If it is physically damaged it is not returned. This is store policy. Anyone here found to be in violation of policy will be written up... if enough times they are not asked back. We like our good sales numbers and weed out the bad apples effectively. Honestly I think it is a shame our own employees talk down about their stores. Anyways you will not have any issues returning it with the root status.
On a lighter note we have not had many returns from the acer... mostly the xoom with the chief complaints involving price and the lack of a functioning micro sd card slot. I am personally waiting for the Toshiba! Keep an eye out!

fredderf81 said:
I am a manager at a staples and while we do not check for root status we do... at my store... check the condition of the unit, that it powers on, and that all the accessories are in the box. If it is physically damaged it is not returned. This is store policy. Anyone here found to be in violation of policy will be written up... if enough times they are not asked back. We like our good sales numbers and weed out the bad apples effectively. Honestly I think it is a shame our own employees talk down about their stores. Anyways you will not have any issues returning it with the root status.
On a lighter note we have not had many returns from the acer... mostly the xoom with the chief complaints involving price and the lack of a functioning micro sd card slot. I am personally waiting for the Toshiba! Keep an eye out!
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Lol if your talking about mine and the other staples workers comments.. Then i think you took it the wrong way buddy.. We're not talking down the stores we're just saying ovcourse the OP know's no store will take a return back for a damaged item so we don't even have to put that point out there its clear to everybody.. Other than that nobody here posted anything to downgrade the staples brand it self.. Anyways since your a manager whats the release date on the Samsung and the Toshiba? And which ones.. Cuz my GM told me before but i totally forgot.. So i wanna know so i can maybe return my acer and wait for the toshiba or samsung..

Done this two times now due to wifi and sleep mode issues, so I am a veteran
1. Use Astro to delete the sdcard (internal space), since a LOT of your data will be there and people tend to forget about this space. A reset does NOT clean this space. Astro deletes the content, but not the actual parent directory (it can't) so the device is not "harmed".
2. Reset the device to stock (in setting options) and reboot.
The A500 should reboot and be in set-up mode, just as when you first started out of box.

[Q] Just picked up xoom at Best Buy. Think it might be used?

Hello everyone,
I was just wondering if my supposedly new zoom I just purchased from Best Buy was actually new or a return. It started up like it was new with all the setup stuff. What seemed kind of funny was when a went into my user defined dictionary there was all kinds of foul words in it like it had been used before. also it had software on it that didn't seem like it would come with a new device. Software like Craps, Blacjack, US presidents Trivia, Vampire Trivia just to name a few. Was I sold a used Xoom as New. Thanks for any help.
Keith

My Xoom case was sealed. The Xoom itself was in plastic i hade to take off. And none of the apps you mention was on mine. I have the Wifi Xoom, maybe things is different on the 3g Xoom.
I would consider taking it back.

When you got it, was the seal on the box broken? Did it have the protective film on the screen? If it wasn't like this video when you opened it, I'd say so. And also, was it advertised as completely new, or new condition?

Thanks for Quick reply. I actually never had the box in my hands. I had them put a Zagg screen protector on it. Sales person took it in back room came out with screen protector on it. I think they tried to pull a fast one on me. Some of the words in the user dictionary were f**king bit*h a**hole amoung others.

kbell8653 said:
Thanks for Quick reply. I actually never had the box in my hands. I had them put a Zagg screen protector on it. Sales person took it in back room came out with screen protector on it. I think they tried to pull a fast one on me. Some of the words in the user dictionary were f**king bit*h a**hole amoung others.
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Click to collapse
Yes....the games installed were a dead giveaway....they sold you a used one, not even reconditioned, because then they would have wiped the data. Someone returned one for whatever reason, and when they took it in back to put the ZAGG on it, they made the swap for some reason.
I would not even bother with dealing with the sales people...take it straight to the manager and raise holy hell. Say your kid had used it for school, found that language in the dictionary...permanently scarred.......going to sue...blah blah. You will come out with a new one and a case AND a giftcard.

Thanks for the help taking back as soon as they open today. I will raise hell with them. This was way out of line. Those salesmen should be fired!

I also have to get all my personal data off here before I return it what a big waste of time.

kbell8653 said:
I also have to get all my personal data off here before I return it what a big waste of time.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Be careful not to wipe any of the stuff that was already on there.

I would either get a new one or keep the one you got with benefits as some money back or free accessories.
A returned device should always be sold at a lower price and the customer has to be informed that the unit is a returned one.

On a funny side, tell them you are like Jackie Chan you don't curse and don't use guns, and you felt awfully offended by the words specially when your kids are insulting you because they are too smart for that tablet and found the dictionary before you.
Just sayin....
hope you get some goodies.

definitely a used one. maybe a demo one with salesteam. Great advice by folks above.
I used to bought one Samsung Galaxy Tab from Queens Mall Center the Srpnt Sales booth .
It was the last one but the sales person spinning his head(seriously, he spins his head to show definite yes to my question "whether it is a new one") promising that is a new/unopened one.
And guess what?
When I open Samsung Galaxy for the first time, there was one video in the device shooting the booth manager talking to customer (shooting from the manager's back).
I took it back, and show them the video. (strongest evidence I ever had and no dispute whatsoever).
And as a result of being disgusted, I just returned Samsung Galaxy and not planning to buy anyone from sprint for a while.

Take it back!
i had some isues with 3 xooms that google books were not working as youtube icon.
Well after i research the solution of my problem thanks XDA. i went to buy a new one.
Well the sales person at best buy offered me a new one on a seal box for regular price... and also had offered me an opem item while he said he had opened by mistake idk if it was return or not.
Well he offered me return item for $519.00 so i went for it. i got a girft card back for my remaining balance... abotu $70. i got my self a Motorola case $39.99 and i still have some balance on my gift card.
Until then i havent got any problems with it. was clean though.. like new..
Like peple had mention above you should be able to bring it up to Manager and come out with some freebies and some discounts.. good luck!

make sure you tell the manager it is illegal to sell used items as new. tell them you want COMPLETE satisfaction and a reasonable compensation for your time wasted, aggregation caused by their store and to help restore your trust in best buy. remember that you catch more flies with honey than vinegar. so stay calm, polite but firm and you could walk out with a major win.

I'd skip going to the store all together and write a scathing, but well worded letter to Best Buy corporate including the store number and all the pertinent information. Tell them you and your son were deeply offended by the words found in the dictionary. Make up some scenario where you were typing in a recipe for fudge in a text message and the dictionary suggested "****" as an alternative.
I've been in a few of these situations and have always found that going directly to corporate yields the best results. Do some Google searching or gather some intel at at the Best Buy in question and find out who the regional manager is. This is the information age and people's contact information isn't hard to get. Get people above the retail level involved and heads will roll, especially in the corporate structure where back stabbery and employees screwing eachother over is common place.
EDIT: Threatening legitimate lawsuits is a definite attention getter, and your case seems quite legitimate.

Can't you just match the serial number on the box with the one in the Xoom to verify if it was swapped?
Definitely go in and speak to a store manager. Threaten to call the BBB and while you're at it try and secure an OTG cable.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App

gqstatus0685 said:
Can't you just match the serial number on the box with the one in the Xoom to verify if it was swapped?
Definitely go in and speak to a store manager. Threaten to call the BBB and while you're at it try and secure an OTG cable.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
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Click to collapse
Agreed, snatch a free otg cable from them while your at it. It will save you a headache later on... plus you deserve it, I'd be pissed.
I'd be even more pissed if i was that Samsung dude up there.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA App

I'd take it back and demand some sort of compensation. You're most certainly not the first user.
Mine was an open-box return, but it was flawless as far as I could tell and they gave me $50 bucks off. At least tell them you want some accessories or a BB gift card or something.

jase33 said:
make sure you tell the manager it is illegal to sell used items as new. tell them you want COMPLETE satisfaction and a reasonable compensation for your time wasted, aggregation caused by their store and to help restore your trust in best buy. remember that you catch more flies with honey than vinegar. so stay calm, polite but firm and you could walk out with a major win.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would also advise, while saying this do not start taking your pants off. This did not work well for me after following this posters advice.

so what happened?

Check the serial number on the receipt vs the xoom. Tale tale sign.

[Q] Craigslist Nexus4 16gb offer questions

I have an opportunity to buy a Nexus4 16gb locally on craigslist for $400 which is the same price as my Google order that won't come in for another 5 weeks. The seller appears to be legit after getting his name and googling his name. The phone is in the original box with the Google seal stickers on untouched. I asked if I could open and put my SIM card to make a test call but, he stated no since it would devalue the phone if I decided not to buy, which I understood. I asked for his receipt but, he said all I needed for warranty issues was the imei number on the phone.
Please point out anything else I need to be looking/asking for as I will be picking it up tomorrow at 7pm cst based on feedback from all the awesome members in this forum.
Tia,
Ian B

Mr Ian B said:
I have an opportunity to buy a Nexus4 16gb locally on craigslist for $400 which is the same price as my Google order that won't come in for another 5 weeks. The seller appears to be legit after getting his name and googling his name. The phone is in the original box with the Google seal stickers on untouched. I asked if I could open and put my SIM card to make a test call but, he stated no since it would devalue the phone if I decided not to buy, which I understood. I asked for his receipt but, he said all I needed for warranty issues was the imei number on the phone.
Please point out anything else I need to be looking/asking for as I will be picking it up tomorrow at 7pm cst based on feedback from all the awesome members in this forum.
Tia,
Ian B
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Great price, but I would be suspicious on his reasoning on selling it for $400, not much profit to gain (if at all).
2. Googling his name? What does this have to do with anything? Does he own a company or something? This part makes no sense to me.
3. Google seal stickers... very easy to reseal it with black tape.
4. There wouldn't be any devaluing if you were to test the device with a SIM card. This is bs IMO. The only devalue would be if it was truly sealed and then which I can believe him.
5. I'm not sure about the receipt and warranty but depending on when he bought it. Google Play gives you 12 days for a RMA with them before you take it to the manufacturer. I would take the receipt though, as he can easily just report the IMEI and then you get screwed in the end or something.

zephiK said:
1. Great price, but I would be suspicious on his reasoning on selling it for $400, not much profit to gain (if at all). Not sure on this but he had a 8gb that was also selling for $380. Sounds like buyers remorse or needs money now since they have been listed in craigslist for almost a month.
2. Googling his name? What does this have to do with anything? Does he own a company or something? This part makes no sense to me. He is a starter company advisor locally and well known locally.
3. Google seal stickers... very easy to reseal it with black tape. I will have to inspect case and stickers when I go to buy it. If looks suspicious, will pass.
4. There wouldn't be any devaluing if you were to test the device with a SIM card. This is bs IMO. The only devalue would be if it was truly sealed and then which I can believe him. That is what he told me, the phone box is sealed and unopened. Will inspect before buying.
5. I'm not sure about the receipt and warranty but depending on when he bought it. Google Play gives you 12 days for a RMA with them before you take it to the manufacturer. I would take the receipt though, as he can easily just report the IMEI and then you get screwed in the end or something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
. Will ask for receipt for your reason mentioned.
See my answers above. Thanks for your input.

You can make a deal like, Open it and I will test a call and if works I take it otherwise wont. So opening it and not taking it is not an option

Yeah if he won't let you test it **** it. You can't find the phone anywhere opening the box will hardly devalue it at all, if even. Also you should try and get the receipt because AFAIK you need more than just an IMEI for the warranty.
Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk 2

I would not even consider buying it if you cannot test the phone. The phone might not even be in there for all you know.

THANKS to everyone who responded to my inquiry. Got back a little while ago with the new Nexus4. It is Beauty and the Beast. Already put the case on it and now downloading my apps. The seller was on the up and up, was able to test by making a call, go over the entire phone specially the front and back glass.
Now I get to sit and play with the new toy this weekend. Got to cancel my Dec 8th order and help someone else get theirs quicker.
Ian B

Mr Ian B said:
THANKS to everyone who responded to my inquiry. Got back a little while ago with the new Nexus4. It is Beauty and the Beast. Already put the case on it and now downloading my apps. The seller was on the up and up, was able to test by making a call, go over the entire phone specially the front and back glass.
Now I get to sit and play with the new toy this weekend. Got to cancel my Dec 8th order and help someone else get theirs quicker.
Ian B
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Click to collapse
Congrats. Glad it all worked out and nothing suspicious happened. Happy to hear that the seller changed his mind and let you test it.

I would research the S/N from the box with Google to see if it is stolen. Also if you buy it be sure to get a receipt from the seller to show you bought it and how much you paid.

I bought one from kijjiji $550.00 BNIB 16 Gb Didn't even put a sim in. Broke the seal looked at it that's it.. But I also got a receipt First thing called google had the warranty changed into my name they checked the imei and it was legit :good:
I suggest you get a receipt it has his name on it..
BTW he ordered nov 27 got it on the 29 I bought it dec 16..

Only problem is that only the original buyer can return the device to Google for an exchange if a problem occurs. And they do keep track of who bought them so without the original receipt your only option for the warranty is through LG. What LG does is have you send the phone back to them for repairs which can take a couple weeks and in teh meantime you have no phone. This has been discussed a number of times in several threads already as a few unlucky craigslist buyers found out when they wanted to do an exchange for a defective device.

kzoodroid said:
Only problem is that only the original buyer can return the device to Google for an exchange if a problem occurs. And they do keep track of who bought them so without the original receipt your only option for the warranty is through LG. What LG does is have you send the phone back to them for repairs which can take a couple weeks and in teh meantime you have no phone. This has been discussed a number of times in several threads already as a few unlucky craigslist buyers found out when they wanted to do an exchange for a defective device.
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Click to collapse
No worries, I have his original receipt and google all is well with the imei and receipt for any warranty issues. Love this Beauty and the Beast phone.
Ian B