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Take Apart

Anyone know how to get the front bezel off this thing?
It's begging for a paint job.
Thx!

and perhaps a generous application of rubber cement. I had ONE creek point when i bought it - annoying but livable enough (plus the fact all the bad hours of xmas I was working I never had time to return it in the 30 day period to best buy). now almost 2 months latter theres three...
theres a teardown thread or two on here somewhere but the search button seems to be failing (or my browser....)
- Will.

It must pop off, but I don't want to be the guy to try it...

In the tear down I remember seeing roughly 10 small philips screws holding it from the inside to the metal sub structure. To tighten it you need to remove the back of the device then you will see the screws running around the perimeter. I also remember the screen is held to the bezel with a form of double faced tape.

waremaster said:
In the tear down I remember seeing roughly 10 small philips screws holding it from the inside to the metal sub structure. To tighten it you need to remove the back of the device then you will see the screws running around the perimeter. I also remember the screen is held to the bezel with a form of double faced tape.
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Its funny because the guy at Best Buy was trying to pull the back off of the one I returned... No idea why he was trying to yank the back off of it...
I guess if he had succeeded I would have seen the screws..

Funny enough the display model NookColor at my local best buy was practically falling off. When I first looked at the device I nearly did not buy one because of that but then getting one in my hands at B&N changed my mind.

The front bezel is a "tape and cover" paint job. The screen is glued to the frame pretty solid. I had mine apart to fiddle around and to get the back off for a mold. Most of the screws are Torx #5 or #6. Tape it off good and you should be ok as far as the front bezel. The rear and metal frame you can easily get to by proper disassembly.

Here's the zdnet guide,
http://www.zdnet.com/photos/nookcolor-teardown/487636?seq=21
Here's what I did.
You'll need a torx 5. After you unscrews the 2 screws by the sd slot, use your nail along the chamfer corner to lift the back siding up. Then use a credit card to lift the back up and run along the edge to unhinged the back.

techboydino, are you going to make a new front bezel? might be a small after market for such things. I'd pick up a more solid one if the price was right.
actually metal front and back pieces would rock...
- Will.

I would like to see a silicon back cover case that has a kickstand..

WillCameron said:
techboydino, are you going to make a new front bezel? might be a small after market for such things. I'd pick up a more solid one if the price was right.
actually metal front and back pieces would rock...
- Will.
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Click to collapse
I was really considering metal but the fact that most would have to really take special care to actually seperate the bezel from the screen really kind of set me off that. making a case for this is rediculously hard. (compared to my attempts at other devices. if you ever seperated a screen for a cell phone from the glass then you know what I mean. I am trying to replace the back with aluminum and wanted to do a carbon fiber front. so far everything is too thick or just plain looks bad.

Ever heard of masking tape?
3M BLUE painters tape FTW

Glad to find this post!!!
This maybe a little off the subject but does any know where I can purchase a replacement faceplate frame cover.
I accidentally drop my nook color and now it has a nasty crack...
Thank you all in advance!

i took the kickstand off a picture frame...white glued it and had one. Then took it off to fit my new cover...replacement kickstand not put on yet..

nookme said:
This maybe a little off the subject but does any know where I can purchase a replacement faceplate frame cover.
I accidentally drop my nook color and now it has a nasty crack...
Thank you all in advance!
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Your best bet is probably to pick up a smoked one off EBay or one with a cracked screen and a good bezel.
Actually post up WTB (want to buy) dead Nook Color in the XDA market and link to it in this thread. I seem to recall a couple readers here who have more than "gently used" Nooks....

Tiny bulge under SIM slot after 6 days

I just noticed this evening that I have a little bulge under my SIM slot. The rubber protrudes about 1mm, and is about 1/4" long. It happens to be exactly above where my ring finger rests when I hold my phone, as if my finger (over the past 6 days) has forced the separation. It's nothing a bumper or case won't fix -- but I don't have a bumper or a case.
Hopefully it's an isolated case **He naively says starting at the screen lift on his Nexus 7**

ralexand said:
I just noticed this evening that I have a little bulge under my SIM slot. The rubber protrudes about 1mm, and is about 1/4" long. It happens to be exactly above where my ring finger rests when I hold my phone, as if my finger (over the past 6 days) has forced the separation. It's nothing a bumper or case won't fix -- but I don't have a bumper or a case.
Hopefully it's an isolated case **He naively says starting at the screen lift on his Nexus 7**
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Click to collapse
I dont see it. Can you get a closer picture?
Sent from my GT-P7310 using xda premium

ctowne said:
I dont see it. Can you get a closer picture?
Sent from my GT-P7310 using xda premium
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Buy specs mate. Or get a better monitor.

Oh nevermind I see it now. I would send it back. He said under so i was looking under. That is more like above it.
Sent from my GT-P7310 using xda premium

Looks like the rubber band warping. Not sim slot.
I ordered a nexus 4 and all I got was bo.

Yeah, that looks like a clear defect. I'd definitely have Google replace it.

I've had mine for over a week. It doesn't have that issue. Thank God.
That's a definite defect. Get a replacement ASAP.
Sent from my Nexus 7

At least it still works mine is lifeless

Hi
Might just be clip on the back cover that hasn't engaged. Can you clip it back in by squeezing the back at that point against the front?
Regards
Phil

PhilipL said:
Hi
Might just be clip on the back cover that hasn't engaged. Can you clip it back in by squeezing the back at that point against the front?
Regards
Phil
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Nah, it's surprisingly stubborn. I've put quite a bit of pressure trying to "pop" it back into place to no avail. I really do hope this isn't a mass problem. I'm going to do an RMA (also have the rattle & hiss). The next one I'll have a case from Day 1.

Hi
ralexand said:
Nah, it's surprisingly stubborn. I've put quite a bit of pressure trying to "pop" it back into place to no avail. I really do hope this isn't a mass problem. I'm going to do an RMA (also have the rattle & hiss). The next one I'll have a case from Day 1.
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Click to collapse
The rattle is just the plastic lens in the camera related to auto focus, a lot of phones have the same rattle, search for "camera rattle". Hiss is caused by the DC-DC power converters in the phone, it's a known issue with low power equipment such as mobile phones, just do a search for the terms "dc dc converter audible noise". These are not faults, just side effects of the technology that most people will ignore or not notice.
Such is the variable nature of these components you may get another phone that appears better or just the same or even worse, but very likely the rattle will always be there as that is just how the cameras are at rest with nothing powering the magnetic servo of the lens.
Obviously the bulge in the side of the case shouldn't be there, certainly a reason to get it replaced.
Regards
Phil

OP - I finally received my phone yesterday and noticed that I too have the same little bulge. Mine is on the opposite side of the phone. It does look like it's just a clip that didn't engage. However, like you, I tried to push it in to no avail. Since there is nothing else wrong with my phone at all I am holding off on sending it in for an RMA because I'd be afraid to get a phone with worse defects. This one is so minimal that I can live with it. Especially since I REALLY have to look for it to see it.
With that said, I'm contemplating just removing the backing, which I have read is super easy (just remove the two screws at the bottom and the sim tray and it pops off). I was thinking about doing this to inspect that little section to see if something is just protruding a tiny bit that can be easily corrected. I'm going to wait until I see others have successfully removed the backing before attempting it myself.
Just wanted to let you know that you are not alone.
UPDATE: I called Play Support and told the rep about the issue. He said I'm not the first person to have the small bulge and recommended an RMA since it's considered a defect so I went that route.

I returned a Nexus 7 that had the same problem. There was no screen lift, so I hesitated, but after taking the back off and seeing that internal components were pressing the bezel outwards (and the screen had been attached onto the already-bent bezel, leaving the bulgey spot without any adhesive to speak of even if I could get the bezel straight) I decided I didn't want to wait for dust to start creeping in and took it back. Glad I did, my replacement was perfect. Hope you get the same result with a new N4 (whenever they get around to having a new one for you :| ).

Damn I have the buldge to Don't know if i'm just noticing or if it's been there all along. I've decided i can live with the tiny amount of hiss in the ear piece and the camera rattle (which i've been told and believe is normal and not a defect). Can't decide if this is something that'll worsen over time or just live with this in fear of getting a device with worse issues. DOH

marnel47 said:
Damn I have the buldge to Don't know if i'm just noticing or if it's been there all along. I've decided i can live with the tiny amount of hiss in the ear piece and the camera rattle (which i've been told and believe is normal and not a defect). Can't decide if this is something that'll worsen over time or just live with this in fear of getting a device with worse issues. DOH
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Don't fret. I called Google about this issue since I have it too. The rep told me he had a few reports of this and recommended an RMA for it. It won't get worse but if it does bother you just call and have them send you a new one. The process is really easy. I've done this in the past with other Nexus devices as well. They send you a new one within 3-5 business days and put an auth charge on your card for the full price of the phone. Then, when you get the new phone you put the old one in the box and send it back to them. When they receive the phone they remove the auth hold. This way you are never left without a phone.

Anyone opened theirs up?
Sent from my Nexus 4

Front Camera Problem (Hardware)

Just to let everyone know what to potentially expect in the future, the front camera can come loose for some reason.
Bought on April 21st and noticed it on September 29th. Basically it looks like the camera or a shim dropped in front of the camera. The end result is attached. I didn't have another camera to show you what it looks like but you could tell it had a physical problem. Took it back to ATT for a warranty replacement.
I am a front pocket user but placed upside down, and the phone has always been protected with a case and tempered glass. Dropped 1 time on concrete from 3 feet. Been in the shower about 5 times with it. Downloaded a fishing game that required a lot of shaking. Not sure what caused it but it happened. Not a selfie kind of person so just discovered it today.
http://i1011.photobucket.com/albums/af240/tabascoz28/20140929_152302_zpsf24a4871.jpg
The image above is of a corner of the room. Baseball bat on the bottom and my shadow on the wall. The 1/3 of the top of the image is obscured by the shim or the camera drop.

I had the same problem had to go to att repair center to get a replacement. Very quick process. The person working there told me it's a very common issue.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using XDA Free mobile app

Happened to me about 2 months ago. Got mine at Walmart so it was out of warranty and my other option was to send it to Samsung. I ended up very carefully lifting that side of the glass with a thin guitar pic and used a flat needed to move it back in place. Just like new.

Adhesive failure ??....and what model ??....the active or standard S5 ??
Good information OP...thank you for sharing. ...g

Standard for me, the originator. Nice to know that if we had to, we can go in and do it ourselves.

zingzongzang said:
Happened to me about 2 months ago. Got mine at Walmart so it was out of warranty and my other option was to send it to Samsung. I ended up very carefully lifting that side of the glass with a thin guitar pic and used a flat needed to move it back in place. Just like new.
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Did you have to heat the glass up? Was it the camera that moved or some sort of shim? Did you put your own adhesive when you were in there?

Same problem here. I have the standard S5. Been thinking of going yo AT&T and getting a replacement.

tabascoz28 said:
Did you have to heat the glass up? Was it the camera that moved or some sort of shim? Did you put your own adhesive when you were in there?
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nope i just was careful and used steady pressure. It was the gasket that surrounds the front facing camera. No I moved it back in place and used canned air to clean the dust if any and then pressed it back down. The glass is flush again and I haven't had a problem since. That being said it's probably not sealed anymore.

Front Bezel chips & flaking

So I have had the Z3 Compact since first week of release and from day 1, it had a tiny chip (could call it a nic) on the leading edge of the front bezel just above the magnetic port. I decided to keep it, but the number of these indentations has increased to 12.
One of these nics has flaked further to almost 2mm diameter by the top left corner.
All of the marks are on the front leading long bezel, both sides.
I always put my phone in a pocket without other items
I always lie my phone face up.
I don't use any kind of stands or holders in the car
No other phone (Moto X, Nexus 5, Nexus 4, Razr I) has ever suffered anything like this.
There are no marks on the back or front faces (cheap screen protectors on both, which usually scratch/mark easily)
I suspect its poor adhesion of the top black paint layer on the bezel, but cannot prove it obviously.
I can send it back to Sony, but they may say its not manufacturing fault and thus charge me £25 for sending it back without repairing (I find this disgraceful)
I have little experience with Sony customer service or care so it's a risk I don't really want to take.
Question, has anyone elses phone suffered in a similar way?
Or have positive (or negative) experience with Sony UK?
Thanks in advance.

You can send it back to Sony, most of the times they charge you with shipping costs yup.
Manufacturing error or not, but also try to look from their side, if it were easy to get your device repaired without costs or even replaced, more people would do it, even if it was their mistake.
So in the end they can't just believe everyone.
They will repair it when you send them, but thy might ask for repairing fees.

I'm noticing the same thing. I keep the phone in my pocket as well, but I do keep it with a leather keyholder (pretty soft leather), so I'm surprised that there are any chips/nicks at all. I actually have 3 right now, first one in just about the same place as you (above the magnetic charging port), a smaller one above the power button, and the last one in the bottom right corner of the phone.

I always assumed the metal bezels on these phones was powder-coated aluminum, which is pretty tough. Anyone know what is actually is?

Dsteppa said:
You can send it back to Sony, most of the times they charge you with shipping costs yup.
Manufacturing error or not, but also try to look from their side, if it were easy to get your device repaired without costs or even replaced, more people would do it, even if it was their mistake.
So in the end they can't just believe everyone.
They will repair it when you send them, but thy might ask for repairing fees.
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Click to collapse
Yes I understand that, but I know that these ever increasing faults are not of my doing, but I cannot prove it.. Therefore, it is possible (maybe probable) that Sony will offer an expensive repair or simply send it back with the total cost to me being close to £30.

pipspeak said:
I always assumed the metal bezels on these phones was powder-coated aluminum, which is pretty tough. Anyone know what is actually is?
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I believe they are painted plastic but I might be wrong.
I've said before that this is one of the few annoyances I have with the build quality of this phone. The Z3 doesn't have the front and back plastic bezels as the metal frame attaches directly to the front and back glass. I don't mind the transparent plastic on the sides of the Z3C but I don't like that they needed to use plastic front and back bezels.
To answer the OP's question, i also have light scuffs and small chips on the front plastic bezel of my Z3C but the back is near perfect at the moment. If I'd have known the build quality in these areas was lacking I'd have waited until I had a case before i used it but it's too late now.

I've decided to return the phone for repair (hopefully under warranty) and have ordered several cases (I usually do this once I am satisfied that the phone is a keeper). Will keep you posted.

Question About Loose Back Covers

Hello all!
I've been very pleased with my new Nexus so far, but yesterday I noticed the back cover was loose and and had a bit of a gap near the volume buttons. Some quick googling informed me this was a known issue, and is easily RMA'd. I have also discovered there are some very nice skins from Slickwraps and from Toast which can be used in place of the back cover. I find these to be very beautiful, and will most likely use one. Knowing this, is there any useful reason to send my phone in to be replaced? Has anyone discovered a flawed battery causing the cover to lift? If so, was it obvious before removing the cover?

I would be afraid that if I didn't get the phone replaced, it would leak if you ever got around water. I think I would send it back because if you ever decide to sell it you won't get much for a phone that doesn't have a tight fitting backup cover.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

dalegg said:
I would be afraid that if I didn't get the phone replaced, it would leak if you ever got around water. I think I would send it back because if you ever decide to sell it you won't get much for a phone that doesn't have a tight fitting backup cover.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
Those are both good points, but they are somewhat nullified by my plans. I'm going to be removing the back cover to use an aftermarket back. I will, of course, be fully responsible for protecting it from water, and for the damage if I don't. I tend to treat any device, water resistant or not, as if it were the Wicked Witch of the West and will melt upon contact with a drop of water. I also don't sell my old phones. They are way to useful to keep around for projects and such. I still have a couple of Blackberry Storms acting as desk clocks and a Galaxy Nexus doing tattle-tail duty for my home alarm system.
Basically what I'm looking for is any indication as to an actual malfunction being the cause of the back coming unstuck. As it stands, the loose back is a head start on getting it off for an aftermarket.

I say go for it as long as the new back cover fits tight. I am a snob about having a perfect phone.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

Most the skins cover the back cover so need an intact backcover or have the same problem. Will see when remove back cover if it is battery related but then most likely can't RMA as you opened the device. It a catch 22 situation.

prdog1 said:
Most the skins cover the back cover so need an intact backcover or have the same problem. Will see when remove back cover if it is battery related but then most likely can't RMA as you opened the device. It a catch 22 situation.
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I'm looking at the wooden covers. They're a bit thicker then the vinyl skins, and can sit flush with the frame when used without the back. They're rigid enough to do the job, though not advertised as backs, folk are reporting having success.
I am tempted to open it up and have a peek at the battery, but doing so would definitely void the warranty. That's why I was looking for any examples where a battery actually has gone bad. Though, it looks like the battery is pretty simple to replace anyway...

hawkjm73 said:
I'm looking at the wooden covers. They're a bit thicker then the vinyl skins, and can sit flush with the frame when used without the back. They're rigid enough to do the job, though not advertised as backs, folk are reporting having success.
I am tempted to open it up and have a peek at the battery, but doing so would definitely void the warranty. That's why I was looking for any examples where a battery actually has gone bad. Though, it looks like the battery is pretty simple to replace anyway...
Click to expand...
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Usually swells up in the middle and starts raising the back at the mid points.

prdog1 said:
Usually swells up in the middle and starts raising the back at the mid points.
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Does it feel swollen? Can you tell by eye? The only ones I've witnessed having a dying battery had removable battery covers, like the Storm and the old Razr flip phones. My cover is only loose on one edge, and feels very firmly stuck the rest of the way around. The phone itself is functioning beautifully, not at all like the few I've seen the the grow-a-battery of death. They usually sputtered and gave up until I replaced the battery.

hawkjm73 said:
Does it feel swollen? Can you tell by eye? The only ones I've witnessed having a dying battery had removable battery covers, like the Storm and the old Razr flip phones. My cover is only loose on one edge, and feels very firmly stuck the rest of the way around. The phone itself is functioning beautifully, not at all like the few I've seen the the grow-a-battery of death. They usually sputtered and gave up until I replaced the battery.
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Click to collapse
If it's the battery will do the same. Will start acting up and then die. There is a thread somewhere in General I think with pics of expanding battery. Some just the backs come unglued. It is definitely a RMA situation anyway.