Database Users

Long time HTC user goes to AT&T and gets a little Focus

It's been a long journey for some of us with smartphones/pdas. My journey began with XDA and moved to the 8125, 8525, Tilt, Fuze and Tilt 2.
Today I join the ranks of the qwerty-less and HTC-less folks on the XDA as I now have a focus SGH-i917.
First impressions:
From reading various reviews I was thinking the Samsung Focus was going to be a plastic, piece of junk. I feel it is better than I expected. With an exception, the back cover and the way it attaches to the device. Instead of it being a slide, click & lock like an XDA/HTC this thing is a click. It is hard to explain but the back cover looks flimsy and like you should choose to rarely take it on and off. It snaps into place and snaps out of place, the snaps are very tiny little plastic tabs. Not galaxy tabs but plastic tabs. It reminds me of an older motorola phone where if you dropped it once, broke all those tiny plastic attachment tabs then your cover would never stay attached.
Accessories:
So far the body glove case that AT&T was selling at my store works like crap, as it keeps pressing in the power button. I am going to take a Dremel tool to it and report back in, I am going to shave the interior portions to make them slimmer.

Thresher said:
I
Accessories:
So far the body glove case that AT&T was selling at my store works like crap, as it keeps pressing in the power button.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had the exact same problem.. lame case.. should have know not to buy it.. but the phone is great. I agree with the back cover, but I think the IDEA is that you only need to open a few times to insert SIM or SD card..

surfnet said:
I had the exact same problem.. lame case.. should have know not to buy it.. but the phone is great. I agree with the back cover, but I think the IDEA is that you only need to open a few times to insert SIM or SD card..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lame case! At&t Gel Case from Body Glove.

I saw the cases they had and told them I would wait for better ones. As for the tabs, I had the same exact thought. Better to keep the back on and hardly take it off. I was worried they could break easily, but other than that the phone is really nice.

I too had (and really liked) the 8125, Tilt, and Tilt 2, and just got the Samsung Focus today. I really like it so far, and agree taking off the cheap back cover was scary.
I guess I'm keeping my Tilt 2 until someone comes up with a tethering app so I can use it while travelling.

MarcBate said:
I too had (and really liked) the 8125, Tilt, and Tilt 2, and just got the Samsung Focus today. I really like it so far, and agree taking off the cheap back cover was scary.
I guess I'm keeping my Tilt 2 until someone comes up with a tethering app so I can use it while travelling.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hehe...8525, Fuze, Tilt2, HD2. I just picked up the Focus today, was the last one left in the store. I am in the same boat as you with tethering, hopefully ATT wont charge to use it.

I was a lot more worried about the screen side than the back side. I've owned a lot of Windows phones (HTC WinMo and that awful LG piece of crap AT&T was selling last year) and, invariably, the screen was plastic and fairly easily scratched and damaged. Not the Focus. I've read it has Gorilla Glass and given how rigid it is and how tapping it sounds the same as tapping the iPhone, I believe it. I'm not so worried about the back because I've had phones with "snap on" backs before and they were surprisingly sturdy if you applied a little care when removing and replacing the back. What I don't like about the back is how the camera pokes out, making it a greasy fingerprint magnet which leads to lousy pictures. It would have been nice if it had been recessed even 1/2 mm so it was at least a little more difficult to trash the glass. I'm sure a case would fix it but I don't have a case and from I've read above, I won't be getting one quite yet.
I can't say I've committed to the phone yet since I have 30 days to return it and I'm coming from a relatively feature rich iPhone 4. But since buying it....yesterday....I've already bought Slingplayer (the fastest I've EVER seen Sling Media do ANYTHING, ever, by several magnitudes!) and new apps are appearing quickly. So far so good!
Oh...per tethering, each system has it's own schedule, of course, but I can tell you it took a LONG TIME before the iPhone got tethering and oh yeah, you BET AT&T charges out the ass for it. $30 a month for 5 GB? What a swindle. If you jailbreak the iPhone you have better options, such as a $30 app that does it "for free" in that AT&T doesn't know you're tethering, but who knows if something that like will be an option with these WP7 phones in the future? You may want to keep in mind the old saying "Buy a phone for what it does now, not what has been promised in the future" because it may be a LONG TIME before there's WP7 tethering.

People are reporting too many accidental power offs, the location of the power button and the volume buttons and the power button in general is a detractor.
Solution:
The case I reported was so lame may be dremelled even further to make ' notches ' where the buttons are, removing the plastic case over that button. This would force my fingers to have to depress a bit.

markgamber said:
and how tapping it sounds the same as tapping the iPhone, I believe it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The iPhone does NOT use Gorilla Glass. It uses an inferior glass that's somewhere between normal and Gorilla.

MikeyMike01 said:
The iPhone does NOT use Gorilla Glass. It uses an inferior glass that's somewhere between normal and Gorilla.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not what I've read elsewhere. It was even posted here, I believe, that Samsung stated on twitter that it was Gorilla glass. Whatever, as long as it's not cheap plastic that scratches when you look at it twice in the same hour I don't really care.

I was still on a 8125 Wizard until monday. What a shocking change when I turned on the Focus.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x91cmj_dP_4
He says it won't scratch. It must be similar to gorilla glass.

I too have been a very loyal HTC user. I got a lot of use out of my tilt and tilt 2 especially, but when it was announced that HTC was going to be launching with a phone that features a slide-out speaker instead of a slide-out keyboard, it was like a slap in the face. Maybe it was ATT that made the call (idk) but i wasn't going to pick up the LG Quantum (whenever it does come out.)
So, HTC has lost a customer and Samsung has gained one and i'm liking it so far.
Also, has anyone tried placing a Captivate gel case on the Focus? i curious to see how it fits - not that i think it'll be perfect, but i'm interested to see how much modification would be required to make it decent.

Not gorilla glass in my opinion
He says it won't scratch. It must be similar to gorilla glass.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have a iPhone4, Captivate and now the Focus. The focus' glass on the front is just like the Captivate (obviously, both Samsung made). The captivate survived in my pocket for over 2 months with no case or screen protector on it and the screen looks good as new.
The iPhone on the other hand with a case on it and no screen protector now has what appears to be a surface abrasion in a 3/8 by 3/8 square spot, from what I assume was the other phone rubbing on the screen while in the same pocket. It is light, but noticable in direct light. Gorilla glass, I don't believe it is.

/signed
I went from an 8125 to the Tilt, and now the Focus. I didn't care much for the build materials either but it's starting to grow on me. I wish I could find a decent case though so that there's something to actually hold on to.

I am in the same boat. I am a VERY happy HTC owner since the StarTrek, to the Tilt and Fuze. I was stunned when att opted to go with a qwertyless HTC model, or maybe HTC is just over att and no longer providing cutting edge design or tech. The att sales rep who sold me my Focus claims that Samsung R&R dwarfs HTC's and that att is redirecting its smartphone relationship to Samsung. Whatever. Back on point.
I picked up a Focus on day one, feeling a little dirty to be dipping my toes in Samsung's waters. And now, I love this phone.
Build Quality: I agree that the plastic is disappointing, but I am not feeling it really when I hold the phone and I am a very tactile person. The phone feels nice. Would I like a nice metal battery case, yes, but the antenna works so maybe that lack of drama is the pay off.
Screen: This thing is what is really making my Fuze feel like it was a toy. It looks better, it feels better, heck it even has a nicer appearance when the phone is off. My only issue with the screen is the small ridge between it and the phone body. If that was smooth or imperceptible the feel would be sublime.
Typing: I love qwerty physical keyboards. I also love the lightweight Samsung feel right now and I am slowly getting used to the virtual keyboard. The key is using the suggested word which I am getting used to. That way you don't really need to fix every mis step. Will I go back to a physical keyboard? That was my plan originally, to bail the Samsung and get the first NICE HTC that cam along, but I love this phone. I am learning to deal with the virtual keyboard.
I won't get into the WP7'isms. The OS has a great feel and has room for updates but those are being discussed in other threads.
I love HTC, I have transitioned to Samsung and it was actually easy and enjoyable. I will now be very curious to see what is on Samsungs 2011 roadmap and yes, I will keep an eye on HTC in the distance.

MarcBate said:
I too had (and really liked) the 8125, Tilt, and Tilt 2, and just got the Samsung Focus today. I really like it so far, and agree taking off the cheap back cover was scary.
I guess I'm keeping my Tilt 2 until someone comes up with a tethering app so I can use it while travelling.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Samsung Focus CAN tether:
http://www.amitbhawani.com/blog/enable-usb-tethering-windows-phone-7-samsung-devices/
Steps to Tether :
Open the phone screen composition
Enter the code: # # 634 # > Press Call
This will open a new screen will be similar but in test mode
Then type in the code * # 7284 # > Press Call
See the screen that you see in the picture > Select Tethered
The phone will restart
Attach the USB cable to your phone and PC and wait for it to install drivers
You will see the phone modem and you can configure the data connection
number: *99***1#
user name: [email protected]
password: CINGULAR1
Click on connect and the Internet tethering would start, while if it does not work for the first time you should retry it a few times before which the connection would successfully work.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

First of all...Wow. Not the phone, but the fact that there are so many formerly loyal HTC users that jumped ship to Samsung with the Focus product. My story is just like everyone else, owned an HTC this and that, was holding out with my Fuze for something better on AT&T than the Aria. Before my visit today I had no knowledge of the Focus, but had researched the Captivate quite well. My Focus is still in the box, I'll break its hymen when I get everything backed up in my Fuze. Reading through the forums I was pleased to hear the reactions of many of you Focus veterans. I have been a lurker for the most part on XDA, but I feel that with so many like minded and experienced members here, I'll do my part to contribute monetarily and with any effort I can provide. Cheers to all and our new phones!

I've had HTC phones for years, the last one being the Fuze. And I was going to have a choice to make if the Dell Lightning had come out on AT&T and not T-Mobile, but as it was just the Focus and the HTC speaker model, the Focus was a no brainer. I was worried about it feeling like a toy after reading the pre-release reviews mentioning that's what it was made of, but I don't notice it and everyone who grabs it to check it out only comments on how light it is and never mentions any plastic feeling. They all seem to love it.
Like a previous comment, I wish the camera was a bit down in the body more...it seems I always get my finger on it when pulling out of my pocket, but so far the pics have still been great. And after my horrible pics experience with the Fuze, it's night and day better. (My camera on the Fuze just kept getting worse and worse as time went on. Even after wiping the OS, the camera lagged and every shot would be blurry. And that was my second one after the first one developed mysterious spots on it and was replaced while still under warranty)
Samsung has a new fan!

Ditto man, that little ridge on the front screen could potentially be problematic (i.e. I can see little specs of lint and stuff possibly getting in there).
The phone is great, but the build quality of the plastic back leads me to believe I really need a good case.
With my iPhone 3G, I've used a Griffin case that has really held up. It's basically leather-coated plastic, which I think would be perfect for the Focus. Here's a link: http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/elanform3g.
If anyone finds a good case, please post it! Thanks guys.

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.

[Q] [DISCUSS] HD2 Damaged - Opinions Requested!

So over a trip I went on, my beautiful HD2 stopped working. I have my suspicions as to what caused the damage, but they still come off as odd. Basically, I had my HD2 working perfectly ... I went into the bathroom to take a shower ... and I guess it was steamier than usual [since I was in a different climate than usual] ... the next day the device would vibrate to indicate boot but only display a faint logo onscreen of the ROM I am using [meaning backlight broken] then it would turn off after trying to boot I guess. I checked out the phone, looked for damage or water or anything ... couldn't find anything significant. I did notice that the tags on the phone and batter, which I learned are for water detection, had turned red. That struck me as odd because it wasn't the first time I had the phone in the bathroom with me. In any case, at this point the device won't even turn on ... plugging in the charger does nothing. It is basically dead.
NOTE: AT NO POINT DID THIS PHONE GO INTO THE SHOWER OR TOILET OR WHATEVER. IT WAS PLACED DOWN ON A DRY SURFACE BEFORE THE SHOWER.
So I am going to T-Mobile tomorrow, see if they will be kind to me haha. I highly doubt it, because the tags don't lie .. regardless of whether or not I feel it was a valid case of "water damage".
So, if they give me warranty and provide me with a new HD2, then this thread will be useless, but under the assumption they don't ... I was wondering if the HD2 is the phone to stick with.
I think it is great and all, but I always wonder if there is something better.
I was reading that the Nokia N8 can be run on T-Mobile USA when unlocked, I am not sure of the truth behind that ... but the specs on that device look pretty awesome. I just don't like that it is a huge switch from WinMo/Andro/WP7 capabilities. It also doesn't have that XDA-Developers community backing.
That is basically all I was thinking in terms of alternatives ... any other thoughts?

Man that really sucks about your HD2, and that is very curious that the water indicators turned red. I also don't think you will get much love from T-Mobile either because of the water indicators. But I say get another HD2, I know it is starting to become a older device now but to me there is just no other phone out there that can stand up to the awesomeness of the HD2. Besides you know if you get anything besides a HD2 you will be kicking yourself in the butt later on for not getting another HD2.

The Nokia N8 will not keep you happy, there are issues with both the software and hardware, similarto the issues Nokia software has been displaying from the 5800/5530 software fiasco.
I would never go near a top range nokia - they have lost the plot over the last 2/3 years. all imho of course

I have a myTouch 4G/HTC Glacier and the phone is a beast. screen looks awesome(but not as big as hd2), hspa+, 768mb RAM, front facing camera, etc...lots of nice ROMS and great devs. Im running cm7 rc4 on mytouch and get 30+ hours on a full battery charge

So I went to T-Mobile today ... they instructed me to call Customer Care and they should be able to send me a new device. Looks like I am sticking to the HD2.
I am still curious though: I am aspiring to be a Software Developer (actually, Cornell CS '15 ), and for that reason I know the HD2 is a great phone for me [I think it is like 5 different OSes it can run]. I have been curious, because I haven't had the time to sit down and do this myself, which OS is best to have on NAND ... since now the HD2 can do WinMo, Andro, [and WP7?] on boot. I feel like WinMo is a great choice, because then I can use HARET to boot Android ... but then I can't use WP7. And if I choose WP7, then I am stuck with just that. And if I choose Andoird, then I am stuck with just that.
I dunno ... just something to ponder I guess Opinions are greatly appreciated

Keep checking this thread m8 for ppl's views on OS.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1020358

Cyclonezephyrxz7 said:
So I went to T-Mobile today ... they instructed me to call Customer Care and they should be able to send me a new device. Looks like I am sticking to the HD2.
I am still curious though: I am aspiring to be a Software Developer (actually, Cornell CS '15 ), and for that reason I know the HD2 is a great phone for me [I think it is like 5 different OSes it can run]. I have been curious, because I haven't had the time to sit down and do this myself, which OS is best to have on NAND ... since now the HD2 can do WinMo, Andro, [and WP7?] on boot. I feel like WinMo is a great choice, because then I can use HARET to boot Android ... but then I can't use WP7. And if I choose WP7, then I am stuck with just that. And if I choose Andoird, then I am stuck with just that.
I dunno ... just something to ponder I guess Opinions are greatly appreciated
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you choose WP7, you can run Android off SD card via MAGLDR.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App

So its official, adios HD2
I wish the device weren't so darn expensive! Unless I get paid as I am expecting for a little job I did recently, I may have to put off my hopes to get another HD2 for a while.
Anyone have any good recommendations of where to buy a New or LIKE New HD2 cheap? ... I can deal with superficial damage on the back-side, as long as the camera lens and the entire front side have NO damages to them [and of course the phone functions like new]. I have scavenged ebay a bunch today...best offer I could find was about 300$ for a brand new device, 280$ for a Like-New that fits my criteria ... 250$ for a like-new that is a little less appealing.
*note: changing the thread title so it doesn't seem to go off topic

Cyclonezephyrxz7 said:
So its official, adios HD2
I wish the device weren't so darn expensive! Unless I get paid as I am expecting for a little job I did recently, I may have to put off my hopes to get another HD2 for a while.
Anyone have any good recommendations of where to buy a New or LIKE New HD2 cheap? ... I can deal with superficial damage on the back-side, as long as the camera lens and the entire front side have NO damages to them [and of course the phone functions like new]. I have scavenged ebay a bunch today...best offer I could find was about 300$ for a brand new device, 280$ for a Like-New that fits my criteria ... 250$ for a like-new that is a little less appealing.
*note: changing the thread title so it doesn't seem to go off topic
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I may be willing to sell my hd2

So I ended up buying a new [Used] HD2. I was told that the only issue was the metal plate over the batter [which I saved from my old HD2] ... so I was fine with it. I just got it today, it had a few minor scratches on the screen as well as what i think is a tiny Crack. So I am debating putting up with it, or calling the guy up and asking him what is up with that...
I purchased it on eBay ... so I just wanted your opinion on this: I bought it pretty cheap [235$] in comparison to other offers on the site, and the description was:
HTC HD2 (T-Mobile) cell phone
Used but in overall excellent condition
The only issue is that the metal cover on the back has some scratches, nothing major, screen is excellent
Includes phone /w battery and charger only, charger is not the original HTC charger, but it works 100%t
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I called the guy up to ask a few questions: Is it just the back-plate that has superficial damage? Has the device been tested to work as though new? The screen has nothing on it? And the guy basically told me that the back-plate was the only issue. Now that I have the phone, though, there are those minor scratches, and that small crack on the screen, as well as the cover to the earpiece missing/worn so it is silver now, and also the top right and left corners have a bit of damage.
Basically, when I put the soft-shell cover I have over it [stock], I can't see any of the superficial things except the screen, so they don't bother me as much. After all, it was listed USED, so I expected so much. I am just concerned about the SCREEN. If it is a crack on the screen, it will just get worse with time, am I right? If it were a scratch I could deal with it MAYBE, but being a crack I just don't want to have to look towards buying a THIRD device later on due to a cracked screen ...
[by the way, this crack wasn't a result of shipping I think ... it was in a nice thick layer of bubble-wrap and none of the bubbles had popped.]
So what is your opinion? Should I call this guy up, see what the deal is? Or should I deal with it?
Opinions appreciated!
EDIT:: Here are some low-res photos [one close-up, one far away]. I had to use my Exca to take them, I couldn't find my camera
www.chicken-eggsolutions.com/Max/IMAGE_026.jpg
www.chicken-eggsolutions.com/Max/IMAGE_027.jpg

Swapping just the one piece is harder than swapping a glass digitizer screen combo, since to get them apart involves baking the phone for so many minutes at (I think it is) 60 degrees, then you will need to glue the new one back to the digitizer.its not just a simple swap. Plus the screen is the last piece in the stripdown process, EVERYTHING comes apart before you get to the screen.
If I were you I'd consider asking for some money back and live with the crack, or if he wont go for that tell him you want full refund. But you need to be quick, eBay will support your claim but leave it too long makes it look dodgy.
as for cracked screen getting progressively worse, that's not necessarily the case. I dropped mine ages ago (several months) and it now has around 8 or9 large cracks, all the way through the glass radiating from one corner all the way up to the top, and they are no worse now than when it happened, (i have a screen protector to save my fingers from possible sharp bits) though the rigidity has suffered greatly, and it now creaks and groans when it gets pressure in my pocket.

Yeah, I figured so much about the screen ... Turns out what I have is screen+digitizer, but the cable for the digitizer isn't in any condition where it will work again, haha. I didn't expect/want to do a screen-replace when I took apart my broken HD2.
Yeah, I know I have to act quickly for eBay to hold up a better case, in case the guy doesn't want to be easy about it. I just got the phone literally an hour ago in the mail.
I'll try to have some more higher-res photos up by tonight because I am still not sure if it is just a nasty scratch, or a crack...and as you can see my Excalibur doesn't exactly take a good picture haha. What I find odd is that usually a crack starts at the edge of the glass and progresses inwards, but this one starts in the middle of the screen and has like 3 little 'legs' of it coming out. I'm not scratch/crack expert so I can't really say ... I'll just have the photos up later.
Otherwise, I'll probably call the guy up tomorrow, see what the deal is/is going to be.

I would demand a Partial refund if you are happy enough with the phone.
If you get it, buy a zagg invisible shield screen protector to preven the crack from getting any worse. Had some good and bad luck with ebay purchases, but thats a story for another thread

Could be a pressure crack, I have a friend with a desire HD and he sat down with it in pocket, and a lighter against the screen, and he has a similar sounding crack, a few small cracks radiating out from a tiny central chip.

Okay, so I got the higher-res images ... the links are as follows:
www.chicken-eggsolutions.com/Max/IMG_0278.jpg
www.chicken-eggsolutions.com/Max/IMG_0279.jpg
www.chicken-eggsolutions.com/Max/IMG_0280.jpg
www.chicken-eggsolutions.com/Max/IMG_0281.jpg
I think that 280 shows it the best, the others give you a view of it in respect to the whole phone. It isn't huge or anything ... decently sized. When the screen is on, I really have to look to find it. Besides feeling it with my finger as I swipe over it, I wouldn't really be bothered by its being there. My friend said it seems more like a surface scratch, but unlike the other scratches, I can actually feel this one [which is why I think it is more like a crack]. Ohh semantics!
In any case, just another curious question. Seeing as I just got the phone, I haven't put on any custom ROM or anything, assuming I would have to settle an issue potentially, but I realized when trying to hook the phone up to my computer that the SD card didn't register. It had registered just fine earlier today, and at my friends house. Then I didn't use it for maybe 4 hours. Then just now it didn't register. It was fixed with a reboot. Is this likely an OS thing that will be fixed with a new flash of a better ROM [this is running a STOCK rom by the way]. This phone would be pretty limited without its MicroSD Card slot. I just want to make sure that if that is a hardware issue, I bring that up.

I guess this will be the final post/update:
I talked to the guy, and he offered me either to ship it back at my expense [but still get a full refund], or he could give me $25 for the inconvenience/hassle. Having really thought about it, looked at the scratch/crack. I took him up on the latter offer.
I guess it just means I should be more careful when using the phone. After all, its like I said: I can't notice it unless I look for it when the device is on. Its a shame that there was a crack on the screen, but for $200, I think it is a darn good bargain. Also, the MicroSD card slot has been working just fine...I think it was an OS thing. If the MicroSD card slot does turn out to be an issue, hopefully it is within the next 40 days, haha, so I can still get it covered by Buyer Protection. Further, I simply cannot find a price as good as that
So, I guess this is the end of this thread. Thanks to anyone who helped

Sigh.. Am I being too demanding?

I have had I think like 5 RMAs all with different things wrong.. My last one SEEMED perfect but it overheated a lot then suddenly developed a really loud creaking of the frame, so I asked for another and now this one is sooo close to perfect but it has minor minor screen lifting on the left, nothing like it was on the earlier ones, just barely, doesn't move much, do you think it will get worse over time or should I just stick with it cause it's mostly fine ? If the screen lift stays as it is then whatever it's not that bad and I plan on getting a new phone soon anyways so I won't be on my tablet 100% of the time, but if the screen lift worsens then it's unacceptable.. What do you guys think? Did anyone with minor screen lift notice it get worse? I might just try the opening the back to fix it myself at this point.

noneabove said:
I have had I think like 5 RMAs all with different things wrong.. My last one SEEMED perfect but it overheated a lot then suddenly developed a really loud creaking of the frame, so I asked for another and now this one is sooo close to perfect but it has minor minor screen lifting on the left, nothing like it was on the earlier ones, just barely, doesn't move much, do you think it will get worse over time or should I just stick with it cause it's mostly fine ? If the screen lift stays as it is then whatever it's not that bad and I plan on getting a new phone soon anyways so I won't be on my tablet 100% of the time, but if the screen lift worsens then it's unacceptable.. What do you guys think? Did anyone with minor screen lift notice it get worse? I might just try the opening the back to fix it myself at this point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would just keep this almost perfect one. I'm in the same situation as you. I RMA'd until I got a nearly perfect N7 with no flaw other than minor screen lift. Mine hasn't gotten worse and it's been over a month now.
Sent from my Paranoid Nexus 7

RockNrolling said:
I would just keep this almost perfect one. I'm in the same situation as you. I RMA'd until I got a nearly perfect N7 with no flaw other than minor screen lift. Mine hasn't gotten worse and it's been over a month now.
Sent from my Paranoid Nexus 7
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well that's promising then, yeah it's not even really bad right now it barely moves just a little high.. And assuming the next nexus isn't made my asus.. I will be getting it so that should offset anything wrong with my N7 Speaking of which though, does anyone remember any manufacturing defects with the samsung galaxy nexus ? Was it bad like this or can we hope for a smooth nexus release and this was just a fluke?

noneabove said:
Sigh.. Am I being too demanding?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes
Its a pathetic $200, dude. Not to mention its built in the third world.
Keep the one you have and start using the dam thing. Geez!
After 5 RMA's Google should cancel all affiliation with you and tell you never to use ANY of their products EVER again.

na, if Google and Asus would of got it right the first time OP would not have to rma so much.
op, how long have you had your screen lift? has it stayed the same? I have had my nexus about a week. and have screen lift still deciding what to do
Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk 2

I just got my 6th Nexus today and I feel the same as you. It has screen lift, stuck pixels, back cover doesn't sit right, backlight bleed, and it has a big LCD mura smudge in the top left corner.
Part of me wants to just give up and get a refund but it would be such a great device if there weren't any faults. I have concluded that none of them are faultless however; many posters here reckon theirs are fault free but I have yet to see one. If you have had 5 RMAs it's only because you, like me, are someone who notices the faults and isn't in denial about them.
Every one of them (but for the smallest percentage) has screen lift to some degree. I'm sure other, more capable manufacturers will be releasing properly built tablets in the very near future though so keep that in mind. You should probably also consider the possibility that the screen lift and the design flaw that causes it will potentially cause other more serious defects to appear like a cracked screen for example.
If the N7 had a direct competitor, there's no way I would buy the Nexus with all the faults it has but as yet, it's the best 7 inch out there all things considered. Won't be difficult for other manufacturers to beat though, just make a tablet with same specs and no faults.
In all honesty if you can't live with the screen lift I would get a refund and wait for something better to come along. You're very unlikely to get one without some sort of fault.

Often people just receive other peoples faulty trade ins. So it might only be 1-2 defective units if that was the case.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

Harry GT-S5830 said:
Often people just receive other peoples faulty trade ins. So it might only be 1-2 defective units if that was the case.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think this makes any sense, can you explain?

I would have given up after the second unit did not satisfy me.I am glad my first one works very well.
A case that covers the bezel takes car of any of those "slight screen lift" problems very well as I suspect it is just cosmetic in nature.jmo

Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.
Albert Einstein
Just saying.
But to answer your question....yes. You will never be satisfied with this device because of your experience, either real or perceived you will always be looking for a flaw. Better to move on with another device that better meets your expectations.
Whatever you decide, good luck.

There is no perfect tablet out there and all of them have something that is going to irritate someone. Get a refund and spend double on the "perfect Ipad" which has no flaws....ever(sarcasm). Again, nothing is perfect in the technology world.

James-NC said:
I would have given up after the second unit did not satisfy me.I am glad my first one works very well.
A case that covers the bezel takes car of any of those "slight screen lift" problems very well as I suspect it is just cosmetic in nature.jmo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This.
My case worked wonders for my minor lift, hasn't bothered me in weeks xD

Hemidroids said:
Yes
Its a pathetic $200, dude. Not to mention its built in the third world.
Keep the one you have and start using the dam thing. Geez!
After 5 RMA's Google should cancel all affiliation with you and tell you never to use ANY of their products EVER again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That seems a bit extreme.. I use the thing a lot, I love the device itself, I use it with 6+ hours of screen on time every day, I was just wondering if I was extremely unlucky.. This is the best one so far, my last one i thought was the best one but it became really loose after awhile...
motrinHD said:
na, if Google and Asus would of got it right the first time OP would not have to rma so much.
op, how long have you had your screen lift? has it stayed the same? I have had my nexus about a week. and have screen lift still deciding what to do
Sent from my DROID X2 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I'm more annoyed with asus's factories and maybe also google for not monitoring the whole process..
I've had screen lift since the day I opened this one, but like I said it's not bad, it's like just barely reaching the silver part of the bezel, nothing like the original ones where it was above the bezel
Switchbitch said:
I just got my 6th Nexus today and I feel the same as you. It has screen lift, stuck pixels, back cover doesn't sit right, backlight bleed, and it has a big LCD mura smudge in the top left corner.
Part of me wants to just give up and get a refund but it would be such a great device if there weren't any faults. I have concluded that none of them are faultless however; many posters here reckon theirs are fault free but I have yet to see one. If you have had 5 RMAs it's only because you, like me, are someone who notices the faults and isn't in denial about them.
Every one of them (but for the smallest percentage) has screen lift to some degree. I'm sure other, more capable manufacturers will be releasing properly built tablets in the very near future though so keep that in mind. You should probably also consider the possibility that the screen lift and the design flaw that causes it will potentially cause other more serious defects to appear like a cracked screen for example.
If the N7 had a direct competitor, there's no way I would buy the Nexus with all the faults it has but as yet, it's the best 7 inch out there all things considered. Won't be difficult for other manufacturers to beat though, just make a tablet with same specs and no faults.
In all honesty if you can't live with the screen lift I would get a refund and wait for something better to come along. You're very unlikely to get one without some sort of fault.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If this weren't a nexus device, I would have given up on it after the second RMA, hands down, but now the pros pretty much outweigh the cons, if my tablet stays in the condition it is for the forseeable future (until the next nexus tablet? haha) then I have no problem keeping it, despite the existing flaws. Also I'm considering the fact that when they eventually announce the next nexus phone that I will be picking it up pretty much right away, right now I have an older phone (htc desire Z) so I use my tablet like all the time when I'd be using my phone otherwise, even for texting often haha, so when I get a good phone I suspect it will offset my N7 usage and I won't care as much
James-NC said:
I would have given up after the second unit did not satisfy me.I am glad my first one works very well.
A case that covers the bezel takes car of any of those "slight screen lift" problems very well as I suspect it is just cosmetic in nature.jmo
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I need to get a case.. I just have a sleeve right now, I need to figure out which case is best and what I want it for.. I want something that doesn't add much bulk, and maybe one that can be a stand.. I saw one that was a rotating stand so you could set it up in both landscape and portrait and that one seemed cool cause most right now only show landscape :/

Hemidroids said:
Yes
Its a pathetic $200, dude. Not to mention its built in the third world.
Keep the one you have and start using the dam thing. Geez!
After 5 RMA's Google should cancel all affiliation with you and tell you never to use ANY of their products EVER again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Douchebag alert ^
First we (consumers) are spending our hard earned cash on this tablet whether its $200 or $2000. We shouldn't have to settle for a half assed put together product. Their quality sucks period and isn't acceptable. They need six sigma and six S present in their factories. I should be able to RMA till the dumb f#%@s get it right. This is my last Asus product.…

I don't think its demanding at all to expect a product that's not defective right out of the box brand new. If you are within the time period of exchange I don't see why you shouldn't take it back if you aren't happy with what you paid for. It took me 6 exchanges with GameStop to finally get one I'm happy with, that hasn't had an issue out of the box or pop up after a week. If you get a good one this tablet is worth it, at least to me, its essentially a 7" version of my phone which is why I didn't give up looking for a good one. Asus should have better QC in place so I shouldn't have to. I also had the Prime so I can tell you it stinks
Sent from my Nexus 7 using XDA

I dont wish to read all the posts, but my last one had a minor screen lift that I did not notice for 2 days, but I sent it back because we payed for a tablet that doesnt have a screen lift, thats what it comes down to, not to mention any lift does compromise the glass. My second one is perfect.

A TPU case will provide protection and overhang the lip a little so you don't see any lift.
OR
TRY THE WASHER METHOD by making a few little plastic screw tabs. Pulled mine in nice and tight and it's now solid. I had real bad lift too and the bevel was also bowed on the side. Now everything is nice and straight. Great for a 5 minute fix.
As far as returns, returning something 5 times expecting different results is retarded (IMO). It is a manufacture defect where the screws are too long. They "solve" this by simply removing the screws (which is retarded too). So technically your aren't going to get a perfect device because they are all made that way. Sure there are some that don't have this (my first one) but chances are your going to have this on each one. So just fix it yourself. Big deal. It's easy and faster and BETTER then Asus' fix.
Dead Pixels or popped speakers or something that legitimately hinders your usage... yea exchange that sucker. A little screen lift isn't going to do anything.

I have not had any issues with mine at all, it is an August build. ASUS products have been good to me though. MY TF101 was also good. The power button was and does feel flimsy on that one though.
5 RMA's makes me think someone is looking at this with a magnifying glass and TRYING to find a reason to complain.

Hemidroids said:
Yes
Its a pathetic $200, dude. Not to mention its built in the third world.
Keep the one you have and start using the dam thing. Geez!
After 5 RMA's Google should cancel all affiliation with you and tell you never to use ANY of their products EVER again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i hope you are joking. If not your screen name fits you well ( Ooops thought it was hemroids) I dont care how much you pay for the device it should have had better quality control before going out to the public.

player911 said:
A TPU case will provide protection and overhang the lip a little so you don't see any lift.
OR
TRY THE WASHER METHOD by making a few little plastic screw tabs. Pulled mine in nice and tight and it's now solid. I had real bad lift too and the bevel was also bowed on the side. Now everything is nice and straight. Great for a 5 minute fix.
As far as returns, returning something 5 times expecting different results is retarded (IMO). It is a manufacture defect where the screws are too long. They "solve" this by simply removing the screws (which is retarded too). So technically your aren't going to get a perfect device because they are all made that way. Sure there are some that don't have this (my first one) but chances are your going to have this on each one. So just fix it yourself. Big deal. It's easy and faster and BETTER then Asus' fix.
Dead Pixels or popped speakers or something that legitimately hinders your usage... yea exchange that sucker. A little screen lift isn't going to do anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah with this one I may just try the washer fix, especially since it seems reversible in the worse case scenario that my tablet breaks somehow.. or maybe I'll just cover it up or both, we'll see haha
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

Quality Control Issues With Moto X Pure??

Hey Guys,
I've been looking into buying the Moto X (I think we are all drooling over it) and I came across some post about some QC issues with defective devices and things like that. I'm wondering how many of you are actually having these issues and if so, how is Motorola customer service and can you easily get a new phone without much hassle?

No issues with mine.
Sent from my XT1575 using XDA Free mobile app

No issues with mine.
There is no device in these forms free of vast complaints.
I have reached a point, where if several reputable review sites have no issues. The complaints to me are outliers.
Dive in and use the return policy if things don't work out.
Sent from my XT1575 using Tapatalk

I don't have my phone yet, but I had quality control issues with my Nexus 6. Motorola support is great. They kept sending me like new phones and each one had a screen problem. After 3 replacements they gave me $50 in Motorola credit and finally sent me a brand new phone. And that's the one I am using now. But yeah their support is really good and they try to help you out.

No issues with mine. Very good build. Feels as good as any phone out there.

Mine is perfect.

I have no issues with my moto x at all, love the phone. Battery life, build quality, cell signal is great, the screen is bright and crisp.

mach01 said:
Hey Guys,
I've been looking into buying the Moto X (I think we are all drooling over it) and I came across some post about some QC issues with defective devices and things like that. I'm wondering how many of you are actually having these issues and if so, how is Motorola customer service and can you easily get a new phone without much hassle?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had a device delivered with a screen that wouldn't turn on. The phone itself was on because I could get haptic feedback and audio tones when I adjusted the volume, but no matter what I did I couldn't get the screen to come on. I spent roughly 4 hours jumping through hoops for tech support before they would issue a replacement. I'm now waiting for that replacement, and have decided that if the replacement is faulty in any way I will be returning it and not giving them a third chance. We'll see. All I can say is it has so far been a pretty awful experience, and I can't in good conscience recommend it to anyone else.

One of my speaker grill covers was VERY lopsided, the left side was below being flush with the surface of the phone and the right side stuck up to where the bottom of it was exposed. I tried pushing it back in, but it fell out instead. I couldn't make it stay after that, so I put in for a replacement and they said it would be at least 2 weeks, maybe more. So in the mean time I super-glued the speaker grill back in and it has held good for the last week. Since that was my ONLY problem, I cancelled my replacement and am going to keep my current one as I'm afraid I may get one with another, worse, issue.

Moto X Pure Return Process Not so Bad
I received a Moto X Pure with a slight imperfection on the display. Half of the screen is a slight shade different than the other half. Everything else on the phone is perfect, and I think it is a great device. That being said, I called Motorola and they are replacing my device with a new one, and it won't cost me a penny. I get to keep using my current device until I receive the new one, and they emailed me a return shipping label for the defective unit as well as a redemption code to go onto Moto Maker to build my replacement device. I haven't received the replacement yet, but I am having a pretty positive experience so far with the process. I say go for it and just order one.