Database Users

Considering getting an M3100 off eBay...is it still worth it?

I have a Wizard (XDA Mini S) and O2's Trion doesn't seem to be to appealing seeing as how much it could cost me (not to mention lock me into another contract).
After poking around on eBay, I see M3100s going for 50 to 150++ and it is very tempting to get one as Kaiser seems far off. To my knowledge the M3100 has autofocus (some like the Qtek one don't?) and I also like the black body and key layout (no other reason for this specific variant).
I am just curious whether or not it's still worth going for one (if I can get it on the cheap) and what is drawing me to the hermes over the wizard (I love the keyboard and the rest of it):
- 3G
- Speed (apparently the samsung can be overclocked?)
- Better camera (Wizard's lack of macro makes it a pain to photograph chip markings)
- Jog dial
The nice to have GPS and FM radio are hard to find and the Kaiser will have a high markup (I am not looking for the latest and greatest right now as I waiting for something newer before I drop a lot of dough). So will the Hermes suit me and will an investment of around 100 pounds be a sound one (is it too much and also seeing as I can unlock it myself...I should have no problems right?)
One thing bugging me is the screen alignment issue but if it's a recent one I doubt it should be there and warranty for stuff off eBay (how do I deal with this?)?

Well worth it
The alignment issue is not persistent in all devices, I've just had my Vario II replaced and there is not sign of it so far (touch wood).
When the issue was there it was bareable...
Also worth baring in mind that the Vario II/ 3100 is still less than 12 months on the market, so it would be under manufacturers warranty = just walk in the shop and let them sort it out....
Personally It's a cracking unit, and if you can get a good deal off e-bay it'll last you a long time.
Personally I wish I'd found this forum sooner as I've been a long time smartphone/ pocket PC owner, there are loads of excellent resources here mate.
UPDATE:
MDA Vario II @ 400MHz (no over-clocking for me thx)
WM6-Professional (CE OS 5.2.968 (Build 17736.0.2.0)
ROM 3.23.0.2
Radio 1.40.30.00
HERM300

I have been looking around a fair bit but I'm a little lost why some eBay sellers say the Vodafone V1605 doesn't do 3G sims. I know it supposedly needs a firmware update to get HSDPA but except that is there any issue with the 3G uSIM?
Has the Hermes really been on the market for under 12 months? It feels like I've seen it around for ages. The one thing pushing me towards the M3100 is the color (really don't want another siliver one) as I said but I can't seem to find a detailed list of differences between the various models (checked wiki and there's no mention of the 3G thing above or for that matter differences in camera if at all).
Funny thing is, I'm normally the type to patiently wait and then buy something but after going on eBay, that patience has vanished...also the numerous v1605 units going on the cheap are pretty tempting. I will also probably end up buying a black silicone case as well so I'm not too sure if the color will be a major issue.

There are no real differences between any of the variants. The camera is the same, the processor is the same, etc etc.
Yes the 3100 is the best looking one. I would go for it.

Thanks for the heads up but the M3100s seem fairly pricey (at least most start high...) maybe I'll strike a deal somewhere...some how. Oh well, keep looking...44 items being watched on eBay

AsGF2MX said:
To my knowledge the M3100 has autofocus (some like the Qtek one don't?)
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No autofocus on either, afaik. It does have the lens slider to switch to macro though.
The camera is "okay". I recently took it on a skiing holiday where it got completely confused with the white balance and all the pictures came up with a very strong blue tint.
In general use, apart from exposure issues when there is high contrast and the flash being near-useless (I'm sure it's mistimed with the exposure), it takes a reasonable picture. Certainly no substitute for a dedicated camera though, imo.

Just got one
Hey i recently[09/04/07] got an Orange SPV M3100 + 2GB card + BT gps + extra screeen protector + cradle + extra battery for 240 quid (pounds sterling) including first class next day shipping off Ebay UK. Unfournately i recieved a unit with the screen allingnment issue and was totally unware about it being a common problem till i read you post... anyways still love the device and if your in a area that recieves HSPDA coverage its well worth it!
Yes black does feel very sleek, compared to my silver vario !
UPDATE [ i am reading the wiki and working on my options ]

arghness said:
No autofocus on either, afaik. It does have the lens slider to switch to macro though.
The camera is "okay". I recently took it on a skiing holiday where it got completely confused with the white balance and all the pictures came up with a very strong blue tint.
In general use, apart from exposure issues when there is high contrast and the flash being near-useless (I'm sure it's mistimed with the exposure), it takes a reasonable picture. Certainly no substitute for a dedicated camera though, imo.
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Aww man, the autofocus thing would be handy but well, macro shots are little important to me and as for dedicated camera, I don't have one on me right now but looking at what some people have taken, I doubt I'll be complaining about it for now. If it beats my wizard, I'm sold.
stryker1355 said:
Hey i recently[09/04/07] got an Orange SPV M3100 + 2GB card + BT gps + extra screeen protector + cradle + extra battery for 240 quid (pounds sterling) including first class next day shipping off Ebay UK. Unfournately i recieved a unit with the screen allingnment issue and was totally unware about it being a common problem till i read you post... anyways still love the device and if your in a area that recieves HSPDA coverage its well worth it!
Yes black does feel very sleek, compared to my silver vario !
UPDATE [ i am reading the wiki and working on my options ]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well some of the sellers don't reveal the serials...at least I've had no luck and mind you, I'm trying to score one for under 100 - because I can't just spend and spend (have one wizard housing and silicone case on the way). Based on the fact that all these M3100s/V1605 are supposed to be under warranty, a walk into Orange/Vodafone should resolve such issues, However one thing I am hesitant about is how do I register the phone under my name once I acquire it?
Also does the GPS in the radio chip stand any chance of working? I've seen the the engineering thread and based on the pin setup (the fact that pins are tied to ground and such to disable the GPS portion) of the hermes, it doesn't sound practical but on the other hand I've seen one or two odd posts that it is only a crippled antenna.

Buy it already!
AsGF2MX said:
Also does the GPS in the radio chip stand any chance of working? I've seen the the engineering thread and based on the pin setup (the fact that pins are tied to ground and such to disable the GPS portion) of the hermes, it doesn't sound practical but on the other hand I've seen one or two odd posts that it is only a crippled antenna.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Got my v1605 for 175 quids, sim-free.
I wouldn't bother too much about the GPS hype, it isn't worth the trouble.. No screen alignment issues for me. Used the stock ROM for a couple of weeks and upgraded to numerous roms since.
Currently on Black v2.0 (WM6) and lovin' it. Yes, the TyTn is indeed a wise choice. I live in an area with full HSDPA coverage and I have since disconnected my ASDL broadband service (HSDPA seems to be wayyyyy faster).
I have push e-mail and other pop-access accounts. This device is indispensable for me as I travel a whole lot.
Cheers from Frankfurt.

175 from where? I know my price point maybe a little low but since it's eBay, I suppoe there's a chance but I do see some of them who have one bidder raise the price 3 times or more in a row (i.e from 50 pounds to 150) and now that bothers me.

AsGF2MX said:
Well some of the sellers don't reveal the serials...at least I've had no luck and mind you, I'm trying to score one for under 100 - because I can't just spend and spend (have one wizard housing and silicone case on the way). Based on the fact that all these M3100s/V1605 are supposed to be under warranty, a walk into Orange/Vodafone should resolve such issues, However one thing I am hesitant about is how do I register the phone under my name once I acquire it?
Hey with regards to the warranty issue, i am gona have a go at it (since i am experiencing the sreen alightment issue). I will message my ebay seller and ask him if he can spare me the original reciept so i can possibly make a warranty claim at a orange shop, dont know if its gona work though.
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Now this is an issue, how does one register a change of ownership of the handset? Well I am looking forward to you updating this thread with what info you get and also what did Orange say?

no reciept
AsGF2MX said:
Now this is an issue, how does one register a change of ownership of the handset? Well I am looking forward to you updating this thread with what info you get and also what did Orange say?
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Sorry the ebay seller wasnt kind enough to send me the receipt or he may have "Lost" it. Did follow the steps of loosening screws and the screen alignment issue is much better now

Buying an 8525 from Craigslist for $100

This seems like a fair price to me. Is it? What hardware issues should I be looking for, common wear/tear's etc?
Thanks guys! This will be a nice (slightly heavier) upgrade from my Blackjack2 and 2125.

superultra said:
This seems like a fair price to me. Is it? What hardware issues should I be looking for, common wear/tear's etc?
Thanks guys! This will be a nice (slightly heavier) upgrade from my Blackjack2 and 2125.
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There's quite a list of things to look out for. Be aware that there are quite a few being dumped on the net because of pretty serious issues. Having said that, there are good ones around.
You should not buy one that:
1
has ever had a white screen or fading screen problem
2
Shows a "No GSM" error
3
has a screen alignment issue (even a minor one)
4
has a slide out keyboard so loose that holding it up to your ear makes it slide out a little (this fault is fixable - but not entirely straightforward)
5
switches completely off from time to time (may be a minor battery contacts fault, but can be cracked solder joints on the battery connector.)
6
has ever suffered from applications closing for no reason or the start menu opening for no reason. (can be a sign of alignment issues or contamination under the screen bezel)
7
ever had charging problems or other issues with the USB socket. This can be replaced but the cost is probably not worth it unless it's DIY
8
a loose stylus is a hassle. Some are so loose they just fall out. I have instructions to fix this but easier to avoid the issue.
Im sure other folk can think of a few other things.
It may be worth buying one that is cheap if the rear speaker or front speaker is not working. The rear speaker is of just a loose connector and is just under the rear casing. The front earpiece speaker can be faulty due to loose spring connector (fixable, but a major dismantle - it can be replaced if necessary with a relatively cheap motorola alternative)
Mike
PS I am not up on current prices. Just the other day someone got one at $120 which was not thought to be a bargain. However with the Hermes, I'd rather pay a few more dollars for one that works ok rather than one that has one of those white screen or alignment problems.

That is a great answer. Thanks very much Mike. I'll post here how it turns out.

thats where i found mine, turned out great. this may not seem like the obvious , but one of the main reasons i like craigslist purchases is that they are usually meet face to face affairs. people that are going to scam you by selling you junk are less likely to do so face to face, at least thats been my experience. I think thats price is fair if its in halfway decent shape.

go for it, not a bad price if specs check out like Mike said...

Picked it up, checked for all issues and asked some questions. Seller was mostly tech-illiterate but I dropped her down to $80.
Thanks so much for the advice all. I'll off to upgrade this puppy!

Excellent! Happy Flashing

HTC ONE Buyers Guide

Hi guys,
as most of you here, I`m planing on buying THE ONE as soon as it gets to the stores in our country.
Because of that I started checking and reading the general ONE forum almost 15 times a day . One of the most important things for me, when I buy a phone and give like 600+ euro, is for the phone to be as perfect as possible at least the first couple of months.
That`s why I decided to make this thread as a guide that explains the main things you should watch for when buying the phone from your store !
1. Take a look at all sides of the phone and see if there are any GAPS or OVERHANGS, cause its a "unibody" design after all. Here are some pictures and link to original thread, where this problem is discussed:
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-...AAAAAAFc/34GVNAI3mKc/s661/20130319_152241.jpg - GAP
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h18/djbenny1/DSCF8356_zps0597f759.jpg - OVERHANG
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2197732 - Original thread
2. See also if there aren't any gaps near the volume rocker, and if it doesn't stick while you press it (incl. the power button). I remember that one member here had a similar problem, but cannot find the OP.
3. After you power on the phone try to connect to internet (all major stores have free wifi) and download a Dead Pixel Test app from the store. Then check for any dead pixels on that gorgeous screen !
4. I bought a nexus 7 tablet some months ago and got a replacement, because of a bad headphone jack design. What that leads to is a cracking sound from headphones, when you just plug them and navigate through menus or slide through main screens, but don't listen to music or watching video. Many devices suffer from a problem like that, so I test that always in the store, either with the pair of headphones in the box, or with my own ones. In many cases that means poor shielding and can affect more parts in the phone itself.
5. Camera firmware (latest batch) : According to a camera test published here - http://www.hardwarezone.com.sg/review-htc-ones-camera-tested , pre-production units had some kind of a hardware issue and that's why many photos taken with the device seemed blurry on the edges.
So it's really good to know, how can we check if the unit we are buying is from the latest batch or not ... will update this when I have more info.
OP can be found here : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2206222
6. Phone display: this is where I`m a bit confused really. Here is the thread, where I read that the ONE can have different display characteristics in terms or color temperature, contrast and brightness.
Would be very happy if someone can explain that in details and suggest if this is something we must watch for, before buying our unit.
Original thread can be found here : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2202869
That covers the main things that I`m aware of till the moment. If you have any more suggestions, I would be happy to update the OP.
Also some more clarifications about 5. and 6. would be great :cyclops:
And one really important question which I would like to ask and don`t want to make another thread for : how does the heat affect the casing and is it a problem if the device gets too hot (cause I love to use it for gaming sometimes). In other words: Could a GAP or OVERHANG occur after some usage, because of the phone reaching high temperature?
Here you can see a thread, where guy speaks about a 44,4°C device temperature : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2207645
UPDATE :
5. According to https://plus.google.com/+PhilNickinson/posts/BkaNVpcNySN it seems like its a software update after all, and not a hardware one ...
And here is a good guide on how to check if your phone is from a later batch or not : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2209277

Great write up. Will definitely use this guide.
Sent from my EVO using xda premium

Can you really even see a dead pixel on this screen? I have one on my EVO 4G LTE and I can only see it if I use the Dead Pixel Test app.

You can once you've noticed the bloody thing. It taunts you. Although on this screen, probably not so noticeable unless it's against a plane background. Annoying all the same.

Surely you can find something that you can convince yourself is a flaw that will make you miserably unhappy with your new One. Then sell it to me...

If the casing heats up so much it distorts, you probably want to put it down. That'll be well in excess of 400°C, no matter what the alloy.

bosotros said:
Surely you can find something that you can convince yourself is a flaw that will make you miserably unhappy with your new One. Then sell it to me...
Click to expand...
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When you pay a lot of money for a device, you expect it to be perfect, right ?

c0rp1 said:
When you pay a lot of money for a device, you expect it to be perfect, right ?
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Yes, but a line does need to drawn...
There will always be a gap, it's not like atoms are physically connected together, even in a solid like metal.

BenPope said:
Yes, but a line does need to drawn...
There will always be a gap, it's not like atoms are physically connected together, even in a solid like metal.
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Click to collapse
You pay 500 odd quid, or what ever, for a device that's been marketed for its build quality and craft....
If you find a flaw, you should have a replacement.
Although I have pre-ordered a HTC One, I'm hoping i get some sort of super batch. Slightly worried, for a phone thats not even out yet, there seems to be many issues.
As long as mine comes with no overlap or gaps and works perfectly, I'm happy.

Unfortunately these items are mass produced and the original batches more than likely will have some flaws in them, mostly minor, but like others have mentioned. You pay this much for a phone, you want it to be perfect.
Awesome write up OP!
Sent from a galaxy far away!

c0rp1 said:
6. Phone display: this is where I`m a bit confused really. Here is the thread, where I read that the ONE can have different display characteristics in terms or color temperature, contrast and brightness.
Would be very happy if someone can explain that in details and suggest if this is something we must watch for, before buying our unit.
Original thread can be found here : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2202869
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We are still clarifying in the thread whether there is a higher contrast version of the screen and what its color temperature is. Just stay tuned. I keep the first post updated with the latest information.

How do I check if its first batch or not?
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2

ksarius said:
How do I check if its first batch or not?
Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you should read this thread here : http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2209277

Need Good Source for LCD/Digitizer + Frame Assembly

Good afternoon.
Currently need for a good source to buy a white D801 LCD+Digitizer + Frame from.
Already replaced my screen 2x.
1. due to the Ebay LCD having dead pixels...that source ran out of white screens and refunded the $$. (Gadgetfix)
2. The next screen I got from another source (smart.usa) is even worse with washed out colors and a darker bottom of the screen. Currently debating whether I want to exchange for another one of their screens or abandon these Ebay sellers altogether and find a better OEM source.
Can anyone assist?

OEM Replacement
I just went through this process and went through 5 screens before I found an Amazon seller that had a quality replacement. The screen matches the OEM that I was used to.
I can't post a direct link, as I haven't posted enough. But the seller on Amazon that eventually worked out was Etopaces Inc, fulfillment by Amazon.
Now might be a good time to order, it is about $25-$30 cheaper than when I ordered a week ago from that same listing; frustrating.

HotSauce Pwns said:
I just went through this process and went through 5 screens before I found an Amazon seller that had a quality replacement. The screen matches the OEM that I was used to.
I can't post a direct link, as I haven't posted enough. But the seller on Amazon that eventually worked out was Etopaces Inc, fulfillment by Amazon.
Now might be a good time to order, it is about $25-$30 cheaper than when I ordered a week ago from that same listing; frustrating.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Man!!
Thank you.
Don't want to go thru that again.
Read my HTC Sensation posts if you search my name for a good laugh.
Will return the ebay screen and order from Amazon.
Did you get one with the frame?

tiguy99 said:
Man!!
Thank you.
Don't want to go thru that again.
Read my HTC Sensation posts if you search my name for a good laugh.
Will return the ebay screen and order from Amazon.
Did you get one with the frame?
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Click to collapse
Yeah, it was the full assembly, so I was able to plug and play. Just ordered some 2mm double sided tape on eBay to seal everything back up.
Hopefully everything works out, just know that you aren't the only one who ran into issues with screen replacements. I started questioning if there were more issues with my device, but it was just the poor quality screens that were being sent.

HotSauce Pwns said:
Yeah, it was the full assembly, so I was able to plug and play. Just ordered some 2mm double sided tape on eBay to seal everything back up.
Hopefully everything works out, just know that you aren't the only one who ran into issues with screen replacements. I started questioning if there were more issues with my device, but it was just the poor quality screens that were being sent.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks again for the heads up.
Promptly removed the defective screen and have packaged it for return
Will update back here with full details once I have a chance to install the Amazon screen.

Just got my new screen from Amazon seller 8090team.
First off the packaging was amazing.
The seller even promised to test the screen himself after hearing my story and rushed the screen to me even faster than the tracking # said.
Paid about 68 including the frame with a few extra for shipping.
Let me be the first to say the screen is better quality vs the 2 ebay ones I had.
My original oem screen on the phone had one the best lcds I've seen in the market and I've seen plenty of first and 2nd gen LG g2s enough to tell the difference.
Will go on record and confirm the Amazon screen is better. If I had to do it again I would have gone this route from the beginning.
I will say the aftermarket screens do not have oliophobic glass like the oem screens do. I noticed this with both the ebay and Amazon screens.
No seller lists this as a feature.
Not a dealbreaker but would love to have the option for it

After using my screen for a couple weeks now I notice :
The viewing angles are not good like OEM.
The head on quality is amazing (looks literally as good as the new Galaxy S6...had then side by side last week) however I wish the viewing angle was just as good as the OEM screen.
Going to decide today if I want to remove this one and exchange it again.
I'm the meantime I may take my original perfect OEM LCD and see if I can use professional tools to remove the digitizer glass and replace just that piece.
I swear it seems like only then will I be happy lol

Cracked Screen

Ugh, opened my car door earlier and both of my phones slid out and dropped. Of course, the one with the case is fine (x522). My x720 alas, cracked. It works still, obviosuly, but could worsen, especially the impact spot. Anyone know how much it is to fix the screen, or if its even worth it. Hate to have to look for a new phone...

Sorry to hear that. I have seen screens for as low as $13.00. But I would spend a little more for better quality. Supposedly the all black s1 screen works well and it looks good because its all black and it will modernize the look of the phone.
Use a heat gun to remove the screen you can videos on Youtube.
https://www.amazon.com/Replacement-Display-Screen-digitizer-Assembly/dp/B07318CRM5
If you want to sell it @Distributor might be interested in it.

tsongming said:
Sorry to hear that. I have seen screens for as low as $13.00. But I would spend a little more for better quality. Supposedly the all black s1 screen works well and it looks good because its all black and it will modernize the look of the phone.
Use a heat gun to remove the screen you can videos on Youtube.
https://www.amazon.com/Replacement-Display-Screen-digitizer-Assembly/dp/B07318CRM5
If you want to sell it @Distributor might be interested in it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Are those 13$ screen as good as the original?

Coconut tree said:
Are those 13$ screen as good as the original?
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Click to collapse
I have no idea.
Personally, I would spend a little more and buy from Amazon. With Amazon you not only have the Manufacturer's warranty. You also have a money back guarantee by Amazon themselves. For this reason, I buy most of my online purchases through Amazon.
However, I just found this https://de.aliexpress.com/item/Orig...-X725-X727-LCD-Display-Touch/32819262724.html and according to the description its OEM ( Original Equipment Manufacturer)
So Go for the less expensive one.
Make sure that you order some 3m or professional Smart phone repair tape.
FYI, when you put the screen back on it fits tightly and will stay even without Glue and tape. But you absolutely want tape of even better water resealable glue
Adhesive Sticker Tape
MMOBIEL B-7000 50ML Multipurpose High Performance Industrial Super Glue

https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/cgXokqbm
I got this one (the black one), and couldnt be happier. Dont see any difference vs stock.

trizex said:
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/cgXokqbm
I got this one (the black one), and couldnt be happier. Dont see any difference vs stock.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nice, once you have it installed post some pictures.

tsongming said:
Nice, once you have it installed post some pictures.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its been on for a few months now, I'll post a few later

trizex said:
Its been on for a few months now, I'll post a few later
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please do. Thanks.
Sent from my LEX727 using XDA Labs

i think i might 'upgrade' to the x850 or x950 instead, and get a case this time heh