Keyboard is dying, can it be fixed? - G2 and Desire Z Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I think the keyboard on my Desire Z is beginning to die, it started a month ago where the spacebar would sometimes not respond. It still at times doesn't work, but now also when pressed may insert 2 spaces instead of one. The responsiveness of the rest of the keyboard is generally hit and miss, sometimes it seems to work other times it feels slow and like I have to press harder then before.
I treat the phone pretty well, no big drops, but I did buy it used. The keyboard worked perfectly when I bought it however.
Is it possible to fix this or is the phone just showing it's age?
Thanks.

Sure, a new keyboard is around 30$, but you can usually just open it up and clean it thoroughly, let it dry completely, and most often you are as good as knew
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

demkantor said:
Sure, a new keyboard is around 30$, but you can usually just open it up and clean it thoroughly, let it dry completely, and most often you are as good as knew
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
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Click to collapse
Is this something a layman can do? I'm not totally inexperienced, but I do not trust my ability enough to not potentially ruin my phone. Also is there a guide to disassembling the phone around? Last question, if a new keyboard is around $30, would it be more worth it to do a full case replacement while I'm at it?
Thank you.

Look up g2 dissasembly or screen replacement, terms like that, in google and on youtube. Pretty easy so long as you are even slightly handy. I think it would be another $40 or so to replace the casing. And you would need to go more in depth on what you are doing including swapping the digitizer. Its more work but not too hard. It would be up to you if its worth it
Sent from my HTC Vision using xda premium

Related

I know yall are sick of Hinge questions but...

Well, I just ordered a G2 on ebay (YAY!) and I'm not kidding, last night I had trouble sleeping because I am very very worried about a loose hinge. I got this thing off contract AKA expensive and I want it to be perfect.
anyway, my question is as follows, was the loose hinge actually a common problem? or was it only blown up on the forums? I live in Israel where it will be very very hard to replace it if it is defective.
No, people just complain.
Just like when its cold, people want summer. When its hot people want winter.
Its easy to open, people want it tough and firm. When its tough and hard to open, people want it "like the g2". I had the same feeling, its over rated.
I'm talking about the hinge just popping open or closed at weird angles...it would be especially bad for someone like me who texts a lot in bed (and play old gameboy ROMS =])
Durkbeef said:
I'm talking about the hinge just popping open or closed at weird angles...it would be especially bad for someone like me who texts a lot in bed (and play old gameboy ROMS =])
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's not really weird angles, it's only when you hold the phone upside down. Then, the forces of gravity kind of open it for you (or close it, if it's already open). Otherwise, the hinge is perfectly stable, tight and functional. As I've said in other discussions like this one, I've held my phone buy the top piece and shaken it and it has not affected the opening or closing mechanism at all.
Rest easy, you're getting a badass phone lol.
AbsolutZeroGI said:
It's not really weird angles, it's only when you hold the phone upside down. Then, the forces of gravity kind of open it for you (or close it, if it's already open). Otherwise, the hinge is perfectly stable, tight and functional. As I've said in other discussions like this one, I've held my phone buy the top piece and shaken it and it has not affected the opening or closing mechanism at all.
Rest easy, you're getting a badass phone lol.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
he tells the truth lol
Lol, so like 45 degree angle is cool? even for those really loose ones from launch day? that literally just pop the F*ck open
It's not really a big thing. Just use your index fingers to hold up the screen, you type with your thumbs anyways. I thought it was a natural habit, but I guess not judging from all those people who complain.
I'm 100% convinced that the "loose" hinge is the way the phone was designed. Problem is, it's not what people expected, so it gets called a defect. Got to love the internet sometimes....
I'm on my third G2 (not because of the hinge) and all of them have opened and closed exactly the same, regardless of part number.
Your phone will be fine, enjoy it. It's a great phone.
the hinge is fine, just use it the way its supposed to be used and you'll be okay.
Thank's yall, the worst part about this whole thing is that I had to get it shipped to my parents house in TN and I gotta wait for a friend of mine who is visiting the holy land on the 22nd to bring it to me.
my screen doesn't slide down, even though I prop the phone up at a 180 degree angle. I think I am one of the few lucky ones with a tight hinge. I've seen some vids where even at a 45 degree angel the screen slides back close.
I like things tight, and I'm glad I added this phone to my collection, along with my girlfriend.
convolution said:
my screen doesn't slide down, even though I prop the phone up at a 180 degree angle. I think I am one of the few lucky ones with a tight hinge. I've seen some vids where even at a 45 degree angel the screen slides back close.
I like things tight, and I'm glad I added this phone to my collection, along with my girlfriend.
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Click to collapse
So she doesn't ever spend money on you then. *chuckle*
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
People have made an issue out of nothing
yall? You sure you live in Israel? Only american southern rednecks say "yall".
FrenicX said:
So she doesn't ever spend money on you then. *chuckle*
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
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Well played my good man.
It's one of those things where if you see the video on youtube and then go out of your way to hold the phone in that one way that will make it do this, then, yes, it closes/opens.
It's not a bug, HTC would tell you "FAD". No, not "F-off and die", "functions as designed"
In normal use I've never had any issues.
Including in bed during the marathon session of Angry birds or gameboid (advance wars!) when I should have been sleeping
dhkr123 said:
yall? You sure you live in Israel? Only american southern rednecks say "yall".
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Click to collapse
Lol, I grew up in Memphis TN.... I think I have the right to say yall =)
Not an issue for me, but it can be an issue for those who use a holster. When pulling the phone out, you would have to make sure you grab both halves or it may slide open. You could lose your grip on the phone and drop it.
Basically, using a holster may force you to hold the phone in that youtube way. Meaning some people my experience it day to day in regular use.
I personally solved it the Steve Jobs way. I took the little black rubber band that is included around both the headset and usb cable and wrapped it over the trackpad. Boom.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App
there's actually a tear down guide on here about how to make the hinge tighter but it voids warranty and what not. I'd try it myself if I had a torx 6 screw driver.
dietotherhythm said:
there's actually a tear down guide on here about how to make the hinge tighter but it voids warranty and what not. I'd try it myself if I had a torx 6 screw driver.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I want to try this but my rubberband "trick" does me ok lol. I would love a tight hinge to get rid of my rubberband, but not quite enough to further void my warrenty. I already rooted and Romed, but that's reversible. Taking the phone apart isn't. I'm fully capable of accomplishing it though.
Sent from my HTC Vision using XDA App

What is the material called that is soft-textured?

Well, like most G2/Z users, I am suffering from the bronzing of the soft-textured parts of our devices. I barely even use my keyboard in fear that it'll get worse. Usually I wouldn't care about such a thing but I plan on keeping this device in good condition so it has a better re-sale value. I want to sell this so I can get a dualcore device as soon as they become available.
So I want to find out what its called in hopes that I find a remedy to cure this bronzing lol. I might not find anything that can remove it, but it won't hurt to try
Thanks for any input guys.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
Its called *RUBBER*, and you keep it clean by WASHING YOUR HANDS.
dhkr234 said:
Its called *RUBBER*, and you keep it clean by WASHING YOUR HANDS.
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Actually, every review I've read says its a type of plastic, smarty. Seems to me that its too hard to be rubber. Although there are tons of various rubber formulations.
http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/06/t-mobile-g2-review/
dhkr234 said:
Its called *RUBBER*, and you keep it clean by WASHING YOUR HANDS.
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Click to collapse
I'm sorry, but I don't always carry a sink around me.
It also usually happens to most people regardless of how clean you keep your hands.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
durps said:
Well, like most G2/Z users, I am suffering from the bronzing of the soft-textured parts of our devices. I barely even use my keyboard in fear that it'll get worse. Usually I wouldn't care about such a thing but I plan on keeping this device in good condition so it has a better re-sale value. I want to sell this so I can get a dualcore device as soon as they become available.
So I want to find out what its called in hopes that I find a remedy to cure this bronzing lol. I might not find anything that can remove it, but it won't hurt to try
Thanks for any input guys.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
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Click to collapse
It's the first time I hear about that problem. I haven't found anything on xda and Google. I probably haven't used the appropriate terms
Do you have a link or what are the usual terms that are used to describe that problem?
As far as I know it's just rubberized plastic. But if it's bronzing on its own it might be a bad batch of the plastic. This happened with a lot of products, most famously the SNES (Super Nintendo). Sometimes the chemicals won't get mixed properly, etc.
missparker76 said:
It's the first time I hear about that problem. I haven't found anything on xda and Google. I probably haven't used the appropriate terms
Do you have a link or what are the usual terms that are used to describe that problem?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are a couple threads about it right here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=884092
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=822093
It's a super soft plastic. The more plasticizer you put in say, polyurethane, the softer it becomes. They use a similar product when prepping a car bumper before they paint it in order to increase the chance the paint will stick.
Anyway, that's my best educated guess. A soft polyurethane coating. Basically, soft paint.
Its called Soft Touch Plastic a favorite with HTC though I wouldn't know about the discoloration.
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App
Is it not teflon coated If not... wrong phone

[Q] Screen Replacement Questions.

I have a broken Screen on a Activated Evo, and another one that is fine but bricked. Am I safe to take the guts out of the broken screen and put them in the unactivated one and stay away from a screen replacement?
Seems it could work in theory. Would like some feedback before attempting.
Basically you'd be swapping the screens which would work if they both have the same kind of connectors the evos have 2 different types of screen connector ribbons, one wide and one narrow
I'm not particularly sure of the answer to your question specifically, but I just wanted to say I replaced my Evo's screen after it took a dive into a mosh pit... it's really not so bad. So if that's the route you have to go, don't be intimidated!
Thanks evil.
What about transferring a screen though? That's what I am doing. When you say not hard. I take it you mean replacing with a new screen.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
I'm not trying to spend any money on a new screen.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
RPDuece said:
Thanks evil.
What about transferring a screen though? That's what I am doing. When you say not hard. I take it you mean replacing with a new screen.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App
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Click to collapse
He already told you. There are two different types of lcd connectors, and the ONLY way to know which one you have is to open the phones up. So if they are the same, then yes, you can simply swap them out.
I personally had to replace my screen recently when my fiance set it on the hood of a truck and it slid off and landed screen first into the gravel. Replacing the screen was easy, I found a step by step video on YouTube for it. Also you mention that you don't want to pay for a new screen, I found one on Ebay for 14.99 with free shipping AND it came with the tools to complete the replacement. Pretty cheap and I got the new screen in about 4 days, can't beat the IMO.
Thanks. Have a used one hopefully the same model. Lol.
Sent from my ADR6400L using XDA App

For those that have creeking sound on display's corners

This is actually not a huge issue to be honest but i do remember that it annoyed me. I don't think you can tell you have it, unless you actually check.
I was able to get rid of the creeking sound though. I don't guarantee it works but hey, it is worth a try?
Well basically i just played a game or used my phone long enough for it to get warm. Once the phone has gotten warm enough, i would place my pointer finger on the back side and thumb on the display ( spot where it creeks). Next i would apply pressure. Obviously you are not going to want to apply too much pressure as to damage the display. I have been doing this multiple times throughout the day and now i no longer hear anything.
ps: i even fixed the gap this way(had it at the top of my screen, dust would fill in). Now it is nicely sealed.
I will not be held accountable for anyone trying to apply pressure with a hammer
Good luck
Sounds very interesting, not sure if it would help anybody else. Sounds like some harry potter magic stuff
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
Mine does the same and yeah it is annoying when you pay close to 600€ for such a phone.
So what you're doing is actually warming up the glue and so on..? sounds interesting.mine started to creek after a month of use. I think it's not acceptable for 600e phone
tadas_max said:
Sounds very interesting, not sure if it would help anybody else. Sounds like some harry potter magic stuff
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
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Click to collapse
Well, believe it or not, as i was sceptical about this, but this simple solution did fix my issue with creeking noise. Thanks alot man!
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
Hey man, I bought my hox a week ago and I noticed the cracking today. I tried your fixed, I heated the phone up while playing shadowgun for 10 min and then applied pressure and it seems that the cracking is gone. Thanks for now and I will check back if the cracking appears again(hope not)
Thanks again
I had no creaking on the display side that is until I dropped my phone yesterday luckily no scratches or dents as I had a case on which popped off on the drop.
Will try this out later and try fix it, creaks on bottom left and right.
Glad to hear it is working for others as well. Either way, if you hear any creeking noise again just repeat the steps. At least inmy case after repeating it a number of times it vanished
Does the phone have to be hot
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
I don't think this is a big deal. Does anyone remember how squeaky the nexus s was? Yikes
Sent from my Atari 2600 using XDA
Nitin985 said:
Does the phone have to be hot
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
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Click to collapse
Personally I did it when it was hot or cold. I believe it is more effective when it's warm though.
MO3iusONE said:
I don't think this is a big deal. Does anyone remember how squeaky the nexus s was? Yikes
Sent from my Atari 2600 using XDA
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May not be that much of a deal to you, but I think it is a big deal if you consider that you did pay around 600$ or 550euros for a phone, so you want it to feel like a flagship phone as well.
shadehh said:
May not be that much of a deal to you, but I think it is a big deal if you consider that you did pay around 600$ or 550euros for a phone, so you want it to feel like a flagship phone as well.
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Click to collapse
Completely agree. And I'm gonna give this a try.
Good point!
Sent from my Atari 2600 using XDA
Done it now and will repeat every day for q week and see what happens
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
I dont think many people have had this issue.
I think Polycarbonate is having issues with heat deformation...

[Q] Worst Build Quality of a Phone

I've owned my Galaxy SIII for almost three months now and it probably has the most defects out of any phone I've ever owned. The hardware buttons are loose, the back cover doesn't stay down on all the corners, and the back cover came with hairline cracks already on it. However, the final thing that really made me consider getting a replacement is the fact that the back cover doesn't even hold the battery in all the time. When I set my phone down on a hard surface without being extra gentle, the phone turns off. I temporarily solved this by putting a folded up piece of paper under the battery cover to keep the battery in better, but I don't think this should be necessary for a $200 flagship phone. I'm already over the 30 day return period, but would these reasons qualify for me getting a replacement phone under warranty?
I have 0 defects. My phone costed 549
Anyways call sammy and send it in for warranty
Yea I'd get a new one I paid $649 for mine and its perfect no problems at all!
Sent from my SGH-I747M using xda premium
Boo freaking hoo. Is there a reason you didn't return it for another phone?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda premium
CZ Eddie said:
Boo freaking hoo. Is there a reason you didn't return it for another phone?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda premium
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Click to collapse
Don't be simple.
Best phone I've ever owned...not one defect.
You know what they say in diet commercials...."results not typical..."
I guess that's you.
rpavich said:
Best phone I've ever owned...not one defect.
You know what they say in diet commercials...."results not typical..."
I guess that's you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol this is still by far the best phone I've ever owned, but it doesn't make up for bad quality assurance on Samsung's part. I'm going to get this replaced and hope the next one I get still underclocks and accepts kernels as well as the one I have now.
Yeah man, get it replaced. You got a dud. No issues I haven't caused myself here.
Sent from my SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2
EddyVercetti said:
I've owned my Galaxy SIII for almost three months now and it probably has the most defects out of any phone I've ever owned. The hardware buttons are loose, the back cover doesn't stay down on all the corners, and the back cover came with hairline cracks already on it. However, the final thing that really made me consider getting a replacement is the fact that the back cover doesn't even hold the battery in all the time. When I set my phone down on a hard surface without being extra gentle, the phone turns off. I temporarily solved this by putting a folded up piece of paper under the battery cover to keep the battery in better, but I don't think this should be necessary for a $200 flagship phone. I'm already over the 30 day return period, but would these reasons qualify for me getting a replacement phone under warranty?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for being blatantly sarcastic but loose buttons, cover not seating properly, battery falling out, and cracks? Obviously it was damaged. Before you got it. Pretty sure I'd return a TV with a cracked screen right away before stating it was the worst build quality of any TV ever due to dead pixels and screen flickers and the picture going wonky. I mean, come on man lol. Those defects absolutely would have qualified.. had you reported it right away.
Sent from my SGH-I747M using xda premium
It as a fake!!! Even the spelling was wrong on the phone you bought!! :laugh:
So let me get this straight. It came with cracks and you didnt return it right away?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda premium
It came with crack I kept it and smoked it
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda premium
I agree with the group consensus; is there any reason you're reluctant to bring it back? Do you feel guilty about dropping it or something? If not you should be on your way to the store and hope the phone gods have mercy on you since the 30 day return period is over.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda app-developers app
EddyVercetti said:
I've owned my Galaxy SIII for almost three months now and it probably has the most defects out of any phone I've ever owned.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
EddyVercetti said:
Lol this is still by far the best phone I've ever owned, ...
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Click to collapse
SOMETHING isn't adding up here.
rpavich said:
SOMETHING isn't adding up here.
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Click to collapse
LOL
Since you're pass the warranty buy a new back cover or a case like an Otter commuter, it will keep the battery and button in place...btw still dont get why you didn't exchange it if it came with a cracked back. Lets see pictures of all these defects!
Wow, I did a COMPETE work over on my phone when I was getting it, checked EVERYTHING, the sales rep was getting a little agitated, but I ask her, if she were spending $500+ on a phone wouldn't you check everything? She shut her pie hole quick, and had her get another one once. Oh well.
Unlike some of you, I actually have enough hand-eye coordination skills to keep my phone in my hand. Cases are bulky and for the clumsy. I am still under the one year warranty and the hairline cracks are only visible from one specific angle. They're really not bad defects, but they just add up and get annoying. I'm only asking if this is worth getting my phone replaced because I don't want to restore to stock for no reason.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using xda premium
....... again..... if it had these defects.... and they've "added up" to become annoying.... why exactly did you decide to wait 3 months to try to do anything about it?
And if you think that cases are "bulky and for the clumsy"... then the only cases you must see anywhere are OtterBox Defenders and such. Did you ever hear of TPU? next to no bulk added to the phone (about as thick as a DVD... roughly), and gives the phone a bit nicer feel in the hand. Plus makes it a LOT less slippery than with no case at all. I've never dropped a phone either, but i'm not the type that's willing to risk the off chance that something DOES happen that a little bit nicer grip could have prevented.
The only "issue" (if you can even call it that) that i have with my phone that you are also experiencing is the loose volume/power button... which i'm pretty sure EVERYONE is experiencing. They aren't screwed into the phone in any way. They are slotted in, as they are for just about every phone. Yes, they're slightly loose, but it's not like they're ever going to just up and fall out of the phone.
At this point i'm tempted to ask if the hairline cracks you speak of are actual cracks or if you're just seeing the brushed finish of the back of the phone (assuming you have the Pebble Blue)
Still... why did you wait 3 months? Especially with the battery issue and such. I can toss my phone onto my bed, cover or no cover, and it doesn't shut off cause the battery popped out of place.
I've worked in the wireless industry for over 10 years I've yet to see anyone keep a phone out of the box with parts literally falling off and out of the phone. Hell I've never seen that at all for that matter. I can guarantee you've dropped that phone and I doubt that stuff happened out of the box. You may be in the on year warranty but if it has that sort of physical damage good luck getting it replaced.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk 2

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