Database Users

BL**DY XDA2 (Brushed aluminium coating) - HELP PLEASE?

Well it went and happened last night...
While getting out of a car, the belt clip release button got pressed in by my stab-proof vest that I wear for work (this is a design flaw in it's own right, in that any other belt clips like this I have seen, slot the handset 'down' into a channel, and not hang on a hook like the default XDA2 one does - this means that at least then, if the button release becomes pressed, it still needs the device to defy gravity before coming detached - with the XDA2 belt clip, as soon as the button is pressed, as it's just a hook, it falls off).
So my XDA fell just a couple of feet, if that, onto the ground. And even then, it had its standard leather cover on. But of course, the standard cover is less than cr*p, in that it leaves nearly all of the sides exposed!
And now I find I have a slight dent on the side of my previously impeccable XDA2. But worse, slight scuffing or scratching too.
And this is where my issue comes from. With any other device, a rough scratch could be polished out. But with the bl**DY stupid XDA2 material, this is the opposite, in that the normal finish is a brushed, fairly matt aluminium.
But if it gets even slightly scuffed, what actually happens is that it reveals the under layer, and produces in effect, a shiny polished scar. So polishing it is no use at all.
I have owned 28 mobile phones, blackberries, and various other devices in my time. And this is the first device I have ever owned, that has been scuffed beyond apparent easy repair. And worse, I have only owned it a month at most.
I am foaming about this - especially given the series of shortcomings with the device and cover/clip etc, that lead up to this.
But what I need to know now, given that my XDA2 works fine, is this:
Has anyone yet discovered a good way to 'get rid' off minor scratches or scuffs on the material of the XDA2, to cover the shiny material that gets exposed, and leave it with the same sort of brushed matt finish the it normally has, or any paints/primers/touch up cans, that match it?
Please help anyone!
I've attached a photo below, but it doesn't capture it too well, especially as what I HAVE done, is cover it all in lead pencil, then rub it in.
This has reduced a lot of the shine, but of course, this will soon polish off again, so I need a proper solution.

Not sure how to get the dent out, but just get another leather case, a better one than the free one in the box. That should cover the unsightly mark and you won't have to look at it any more. Either that or claim off the insurance if you have it, but then again they may not pay out for cosmetic damage

Some fair advice there mate - cheers.
Only thing is though, you can see it all to well when its on the cradle, and I don't like it cased up too much (both issues of perception I know).
Additionally, I do have insurance, but it's an extension to Home Contents, so my premiums would jump up next year, they would not pay for cosmetic damage, and if I were to even consider a failed ROM upgrade death by pulling power half way through (and I wouldn't dream of that now would I?), then the problem is, the scratches would make it look like the (THEN) failed unit was caused by dropping it.
So I couldn't do a warranty claim, and would be back to the insurance one.
So, given that I can live with the minor dent, has anyone found any cure or solution for scratches, to cover it up back to the original finish of the XDA2?
There must be some solution, paint, primer, filler, or something out there?
Sob sob...

This is funny... I have some scratches too (my XDAII I mean ) but underneath these scratches ale looming some dark material, nothing shiney at least.
I couldn't get rid of the scratches, but polite polishing removed the jagged edges so I won't cut my ear anymore while on the phone.

You could try going for a radical approach and give it a paint job.....either a can of spray silver/aluminium effect, or metallic or matt black - WOW. There are some great effect paints (although less is more in my view).
Use insulation tape (or masking tape) to cover off the screen, buttons, holes etc. You can use the covering as you see fit - you might want to leave some areas (top) silver.....

Hows about getting a dummy XDA II and swapping the cases over?
There is one on ebay at the mo
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4183588276&category=32242

Is it the same real aluminium, and is it difficult to swap over?
Has anyone done this, can give me an idea what is involved?

Although i haven't done it before, i would have thought it was a few torx screws on the back of the case to undo?
Dummy phones are usually proper phones without the internals, usually display models in shops. From my experience the ones in shops are the full casing, just without the inside.
Best thing to do is ask the seller what his is before you bid any money for it. Also ask the conditoin, as if its been mauled in a shop, it could be scratched as well

Ex-display shop ones also usually have some sort of anti-theft bolt through them, which might be less visually appealing than a little scratch on the side. :wink:

sublimatica said:
Ex-display shop ones also usually have some sort of anti-theft bolt through them, which might be less visually appealing than a little scratch on the side. :wink:
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Yeah - that's the bit that worried me too...
I'll ask about.
Also, to remove the torx screws, means puncturing a Warranty Void label, which is a bit steep for a scratch.
Oh well...

wats the trouble ... ?
why dun you just get the casing REPLACED?! you had already paied 800usd for your machine ... another 100 bucks will get u a new casing. :idea:

Er no - I paid a mere £120 british pounds (around 150-170 USD?) for it on contract.
And more importantly, as I just put in one of my last posts, that would invalidate the warranty.
So if I HAD paid that much for it, there's no way I would invalidate the warranty for a few scratches.
They bother me a lot, for sure. But spray, or paint, is a bit different to invalidating the warranty on a one month old XDA2.
Cheers for the input though.

your damaged xda2
you can buy a new O2 XDA II Aluminium case athttp://www.mobiledatadirect.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=136_129&products_id=975
ok try that

Er thanks, but that's, well, er, a CARRY CASE, not the phone shell itself mate.
Cheers though.
And the correct link is:
http://www.mobiledatadirect.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=136_129&products_id=975

Strip of Rubber on T Mobile Battery Cover

The small sliver of rubber that is stuck horizontally towards the bottom of the back of my Vario has fallen off.
I bought the device in the UK but am now out of there and the devices sold locally to me don't have this piece. Does anyone have details of a 'spares' company that could sell me this ridiculous 'part'? The stamp for the envelope will definitely be worth more than the piece of rubber but it's so handy and I want it back!

well, i would try calling the factory in taiwan, hah! (or making your own piece of rubber)

Yeah...mine fell of too...but I don't miss it at all, maybe that I will make my own peace of rubber sometime, but for now it does not bother me a single bit

if you live in atlanta i can give you mines i doubt anyone sells that piece, just buy the battery cover.

mine fell off too but I didn't really care. just get a black marker and color that part of the battery cover where the rubber used to be. it will look brand new again! lol

Egrips. check em out

Replacement battery covers cost $7 from HTC. Google them or search this site for contact numbers.

I'm just gonna search for a little piece of rubber and cut it to the correct size.
Then I'm gonna glue it to the battery cover of my Wizard. Only then I am sure it will never fall of again
Molski

I have a broken battery cover with the rubber part still on it. PM me your address and I'll post it to you.
First come first served.
Steve.

Body Glove Case Issues

Anyone else buy and have problems with it? I searched around after thinking I saw a complaint on it like I've got but couldn't find.
Basicly, I put it on started noticing the top was putting pressure onto the screen I think. THe touch screen got extremely laggy, unresponsivess, and just seemed to go crazy. I'm going to try sanding it down on the inside but I think that just sucks.
On top of that the phone fell out of the back/belt clip half one night and caused a nice freakin dent in my phone and allowed the battery to flip out almost down a sewer.
Anyone care to give me a positive review so I don't just throw this thing out?
Also - is it possible to buy a new physical case to replace a scratched/dented case? Not the body glove I mean the actual phone casing.

chibahawk said:
Anyone else buy and have problems with it? I searched around after thinking I saw a complaint on it like I've got but couldn't find.
Basicly, I put it on started noticing the top was putting pressure onto the screen I think. THe touch screen got extremely laggy, unresponsivess, and just seemed to go crazy. I'm going to try sanding it down on the inside but I think that just sucks.
On top of that the phone fell out of the back/belt clip half one night and caused a nice freakin dent in my phone and allowed the battery to flip out almost down a sewer.
Anyone care to give me a positive review so I don't just throw this thing out?
Also - is it possible to buy a new physical case to replace a scratched/dented case? Not the body glove I mean the actual phone casing.
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Click to collapse
I have this case and had the same problem. I have read that many others have had it too. Honestly I dont know why a company would put out a product like this. They all should be recalled, however me being me decided to just fix it by Taking a dremel tool and shaving some of the inside part of the screen protector off, making it put less pressure on the screen. It fixed it immediately. The case does a great job in protecting the phone, just a major flaw that can be fixed if you have the time and tools. If you dont, ***** to the company and get your money back and try something else.

Praygo said:
I have this case and had the same problem. I have read that many others have had it too. Honestly I dont know why a company would put out a product like this. They all should be recalled, however me being me decided to just fix it by Taking a dremel tool and shaving some of the inside part of the screen protector off, making it put less pressure on the screen. It fixed it immediately. The case does a great job in protecting the phone, just a major flaw that can be fixed if you have the time and tools. If you dont, ***** to the company and get your money back and try something else.
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Yes I could see that the inside casing was a bit rough so sanding should stop the problem - but seriously that's a major issue.
Have you found that it holds the phone well though? Because I'm very upset that my phone fell out of it once already but maybe it was an error on my part and it wasn't secure enough...

I've never had the phone fall out of the body glove case.

i mangled my body glove case.
someone bumped into me and the phone fell out of the case AGAIN.
i ripped it to shreds and left it on the side of the road to rot into plastic hell.
i dont recommend this product.

I returned mine. I had the exact same issues (screen and phone falling out). It also didn't attach properly on the top left corner, it was always bowed out. I don't recommend it either.

Anyone got any else to share?
I was THIS CLOSE ( || ) to buying it. lol
Is there anything out there that's similar to it in design, but better?

returned
When all the way snapped on, mine pushed the top left corner so hard the entire screen would not respond to touch. Returned it.

My friend and i had the same issue. We just took it off messed around with it and put it back and it works fine, SOMETIMES it happens again but we just take it off and put it on.
Since there is not any other case that provides this type of protection we are keeping it. I rather my phone be safe than anything else.

I just ordered mine yesterday so I'm anxiously awaiting its arrival.
What exactly did you have to mod to get it to work? According to my readings, you just need to sand down the edges that connect with the screen right?

I may just buy the case and sand down what was mentioned. I like the design of the case..only one so far I really like.

I've been using one for about two weeks and am very happy with it. Had read about the screen pressure issue on other posts (searching helps folks), and scraped down the top corners before I put it on. Don't need a dremel tool or sandpaper. No problems, fits perfectly. The only warning is that it's a little dicey to take off once it's on -- it really fits snugly.

Yout're talking about the "sand texture" clip-on case, right? If so, yes, I bought the case too. The top cover was too tight and caused the screen issue people are mentioning. That was an easy fix by shaving down the edges that were pressing too hard (actually, I just cleaned off the coating from the plastic that was causing it... The bottom of the case however wouldn't fit at all. no matter what I tried, I couldn't get all of the clips to lock over the edges of the phone. I removed the felt lining and still had issues. I got around it by using thin double sided tape (for a temporary fix until I got a new case). I wouldn't trust the belt clip with the double stick tape though. I ordered the rubberized case on ebay and the fit is perfect. Just get that one. I sent an e-mail in to Body Glove and have had no response yet. We should all get our money back on these cases, or at least a redesigned bottom case that fits correctly. Right now it was just a complete waste of money. It's a shame, because I really liked the feel of the case.

Torkrench said:
Yout're talking about the "sand texture" clip-on case, right? If so, yes, I bought the case too. The top cover was too tight and caused the screen issue people are mentioning. That was an easy fix by shaving down the edges that were pressing too hard (actually, I just cleaned off the coating from the plastic that was causing it... The bottom of the case however wouldn't fit at all. no matter what I tried, I couldn't get all of the clips to lock over the edges of the phone. I removed the felt lining and still had issues. I got around it by using thin double sided tape (for a temporary fix until I got a new case). I wouldn't trust the belt clip with the double stick tape though. I ordered the rubberized case on ebay and the fit is perfect. Just get that one. I sent an e-mail in to Body Glove and have had no response yet. We should all get our money back on these cases, or at least a redesigned bottom case that fits correctly. Right now it was just a complete waste of money. It's a shame, because I really liked the feel of the case.
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Could you give us the link for the ebay one please!

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-RUBBERIZED-...5|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318|301:1|293:1|294:50
That is the one I ordered, and the fit is perfect. The only thing I wish it had was the belt clip insert for the case included. I don't know where to find one, but I mostly keep it in my pocket anyway.

you guys want a good case that protects? check out the monaco aluminum case, it comes with a clear lens on it which I haven't removed but you could if you wanted quick access to the touchscreen. I work in the construction field and have yet to have it fall off my clip. I also dropped my tilt (when I used it) from about 8" off a ladder and it was perfectly fine. The aluminum case for the fuze isn't any more bulky than the body glove case either.

bilbobrian said:
check out the monaco aluminum case
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I've got one of these as well...and while it does protect the phone very well it will also lower your signal strength. I've had these type cases for the Wizard and Tilt and now the Fuze...whenever I'm in an area where the signal was a little iffy to begin with I WILL either drop the call or be unable to answer with the metal case. So, stay away from the aluminum ones if you go into lower coverage areas (and no...the slots they cut in the back to help improve the signal don't actually help.)

Can I wash and reuse factory screen protector?

That's pretty much my question. I read the thread talking about doing this with aftermarket ones, and wish I had read it before I applied mine. I got dust under mine. basically want to know if I can wash the one that came with the Fuze and put it back on, before I spend 20 bucks to have a new one shipped to me.

The short answer is "Yes"
Lukewarm water is a good place to start, and don't bother to try to get the "down" side (the sticky side) completely dry: just flap about a bit until most of the water shakes off.
Might find it works better if you have some non-greasy soap around - note that most of the soaps available today will leave their OWN residue behind!
Another handy trick for removing spots of DUST is to simply pick them up with tape. This technique is particularly worthwhile if your only complaint is a small number of dust spots that you can remove (with the tape) by only having to lift one corner of the cover.
Find that a microfiber cloth does a good job with the Exterior service of the screen cover, with a bit of "Safe For Coated Lens" cleaner sprayed on the cloth if the cover is particularly grimy....

Why would you when they only cost a few pence!!!!

I just use regular seetrough tape, apply it all around, rub it on tight, then pull it of. after that apply it imidiatly to the phone, otherwise it'll collect dust again.
water didn't work on mine.
@jim: you would because this is FREE, no trouble and no waiting for your products (some people can only order them online from other countries and have to wait a week (or 2) ). + I think the factory one is the best (I have a differrent one but I liked the factory the best)

Thanx for the help. I heard the factory one was the best as well, that is why I wanted to stick with that one. That being said, I was using my phone in the car the other day,(not whilst driving) and forgot I left it on my lap, and well got out. long story short I guess I'll have to order a new one anyway. the phone made it alright, just 2 small chips. lucky i had the screen protector on though. Any one know of any as good as factory?

I just put a Martin Fields protector on my Fuze and love it. It's definitely on par if not better than the factory one.

Have an Exim screen protector on its way, but don't expect to receive it until early (hopefully) next week.
Have also been pleasantly surprised by the included screen cover - but wish they had included a protector for the keypad area as well. At the moment, intent is to mount the Exim's keypad cover once it arrives and save the screen cover until ready to replace the OEM one.
Pricing on screen covers varies widely: have had good luck with Boxwave covers for my Axim, but am ready to try some of the less expensive options with the Fuze.

Mattijn106 said:
I just use regular seetrough tape, apply it all around, rub it on tight, then pull it of. after that apply it imidiatly to the phone, otherwise it'll collect dust again.
Click to expand...
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you can use the steam trick, go into a small bathroom and run the hot water until there is a lot of steam. This will drop the dust particles from the air, ensuring you don't get any dust on the screen or protector while applying.

bboyneko said:
you can use the steam trick, go into a small bathroom and run the hot water until there is a lot of steam. This will drop the dust particles from the air, ensuring you don't get any dust on the screen or protector while applying.
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I hope you mean just the screen protector...
taking your phone in a steamy room is just stuipid

gbueh said:
I hope you mean just the screen protector...
taking your phone in a steamy room is just stuipid
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Click to collapse
im sure nothing will happen to your phone in a steamy room
unless condensation occurs inside the phone, you're fine
i have so many phones
i always bring them into the bathroom,
i just leave it on the counter
i have never had a broken phone due to steam

not a porn site ;-)
These are reasonable priced and offer excellent protection.
http://www.bestskinsever.com/servlet/StoreFront

it's awesome way to remove dust by tape so i tested it and success with me

Camera scratches easily? Fixable in any way?

I have a small mark on my Camera already, and I've been handling my camera with extreme care this whole week/weekend thus far. I already have a pretty small scratch (not across the lens thankfully?) and I have no idea how it happened! Been moving my phone around very gently.
Is there anything I can do about the tiny scratch, or do I just have to live with it? I get pretty OCD about small things like this, so I need to make sure there's nothing I can do to try and remedy the scratch before flipping out.
Thanks everyone.

Kooper113 said:
I have a small mark on my Camera already, and I've been handling my camera with extreme care this whole week/weekend thus far. I already have a pretty small scratch (not across the lens thankfully?) and I have no idea how it happened! Been moving my phone around very gently.
Is there anything I can do about the tiny scratch, or do I just have to live with it? I get pretty OCD about small things like this, so I need to make sure there's nothing I can do to try and remedy the scratch before flipping out.
Thanks everyone.
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The Silicone Sleeve sprint sold me for $11 after 25% off (Premier) and Tax lifts it up off any table

Relax. You and everybody else's phone will become dinged up. You are carrying it around with you all day everyday.

You can use the kickstand to keep it off the table or desk and use a case or pouch for carrying.

Use a liquid lens fixer like for glasses.

I cut a little piece from some old cheap screen protectors to cover mine. I'm sure there is some effect on the picture quality, but no current phone is going to compare to a Cannon anyway.

Resisting Lens Scratch
You can always buy a thick rubber washer and glue it around the camera lens. If you do not want to glue it, you can place it in between the cover and the phone. The solution is not fool proof, but it will work nicely to provide extra cushion and space. This solution is easy and cheap. The washer should not be to tight or small in diameter, so it does not interfere with the camera.
Kurt

kurtwoodfin said:
You can always buy a thick rubber washer and glue it around the camera lens. If you do not want to glue it, you can place it in between the cover and the phone. The solution is not fool proof, but it will work nicely to provide extra cushion and space. This solution is easy and cheap. The washer should not be to tight or small in diameter, so it does not interfere with the camera.
Kurt
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Placing a rubber washer between the battery cover and the phone, would not do anything to keep the camera lens from resting on the surface that would scratch it.

kurtwoodfin said:
You can always buy a thick rubber washer and glue it around the camera lens. If you do not want to glue it, you can place it in between the cover and the phone. The solution is not fool proof, but it will work nicely to provide extra cushion and space. This solution is easy and cheap. The washer should not be to tight or small in diameter, so it does not interfere with the camera.
Kurt
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was thinking something along the lines of this. Basically you just need a ring that rests around the lens.
Something similar to this comes to mind. Of course, you wouldn't need to have a new lens on it. Just a piece of metal.
This could be magnetic, or glued. You could probably rip the phone apart and replace the piece with a more protruding piece to do the same, but that's far more intrusive.
I'm sure we'll see commercial magnet like solutions for this. I mean, come on. A small magnetic ring is all we need. Someone is going to bank on that.

Or how about using hoverboard technology so the phone never touches anything, and hovers in midair? Geez people, buy a case.

Jye75 said:
Or how about using hoverboard technology so the phone never touches anything, and hovers in midair? Geez people, buy a case.
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Why cover the entire phone with a case when you can just put something around the lens?
I don't like cases. I think these devices were made to look and function in a certain way. If they "needed" a case it should have been built more robust.
I've had an iPhone 3G with no case for 2 years. I've also had no regrets.
Phone nudists unite!

ViViDboarder said:
Why cover the entire phone with a case when you can just put something around the lens?
I don't like cases. I think these devices were made to look and function in a certain way. If they "needed" a case it should have been built more robust.
I've had an iPhone 3G with no case for 2 years. I've also had no regrets.
Phone nudists unite!
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Click to collapse
It was sarcasm. I too, like mine naked, the way it was born. I have a leather case on my hip to put it in when I'm not using it. Jabbing at the fact that people actually want an accessory to attach to the camera lens ring just to keep it from touching another surface and getting scratched, like there should obviously be a market for that. Anyone that anal about possibly scratching a cellphone camera lens... I'm surprised they EVER pull the phone out to do anything at all. (again, sarcasm)

Jye75 said:
It was sarcasm. I too, like mine naked, the way it was born. I have a leather case on my hip to put it in when I'm not using it. Jabbing at the fact that people actually want an accessory to attach to the camera lens ring just to keep it from touching another surface and getting scratched, like there should obviously be a market for that. Anyone that anal about possibly scratching a cellphone camera lens... I'm surprised they EVER pull the phone out to do anything at all. (again, sarcasm)
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Haha yea. It's a camera on a phone... My DSLR is in it's nice cushy case. My phone will reside, albeit tightly, in my pocket.

I put mine in my pocket up until today, when I got my HTC leather hip case. I got tired of the pocket lint getting in the earpiece grill.
Tip: use Scotch tape and a blunt tipped object to get the lint out of there.

Jye75 said:
I put mine in my pocket up until today, when I got my HTC leather hip case. I got tired of the pocket lint getting in the earpiece grill.
Tip: use Scotch tape and a blunt tipped object to get the lint out of there.
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I've never used one of those before. I always feel like there's a risk of it falling out. Are they pretty secure?

ViViDboarder said:
I've never used one of those before. I always feel like there's a risk of it falling out. Are they pretty secure?
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It's nice and snug. There's a hole on the bottom for your fingers to push the phone up to take it out. Magnetic flap, no metal button or anything, so no worries about phantom scratches. Stays close to the hip as well, and doesn't feel oversized or anything. Tight enough on the belt that I don't worry about it falling off.

Cool. I'll definitely check that out then. Thanks.

ViViDboarder said:
Cool. I'll definitely check that out then. Thanks.
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The one I have is from Sprint online: Part Number CFH2258R

I got a case for mine simply because I've dropped my iPod touch a few times and I'm pretty sure it'd be damaged by now if it didn't have a silicon skin, the EVO's camera worried me as well... The silicon skin Sprint sells seems a lil' bulkier than it has to be tho, and the button bumps aren't as defined as they could be (my iPod touch's skin actually made the buttons easier to press, quite the opposite here). I'm waiting for a different more glossy/smooth skin from Amzer to ship before I decide if I'll just go naked or what...

i found cameraphone lens protector circles at a store called daiso near by me. works great