Database Develop

HD7 build quality annoyances.

power button: Too recessed and flat, to the point where I now have to use my fingernail to power on the device.
volume button: Flimsy to the point where I can literally slide it up and down. I can also hear it jingle when the device vibrates.
Backcover Flimsy, moves around too much and is never tightly secured.
hardware: When I unplug my device from the charger and the screen is getting ready to time out, it flashes green, then times out... (this looks like it's going to create bigger issues down the road)

Power button: 1 in 20 HD7's I have exhibited the behavior you mention. It went away however. I would advise against using your fingernails if at all possible.
Volume Button: Again, 1 in 20 have this, and unfortunately it's the one I carry around. Two other HD7's I personally used did not have this.
I'd try to get it replaced if I were you.

I'm 2 for 2 on the first two annoyances (power and volume button).
I'm getting it replaced again (for the third time) tomorrow morning. I've also noticed these problems with the store models at various T-Mobile stores.
If I have the same problem with my third device, I'm returning it and getting my refund. Omnia 7, here I come.

Hmmm... I don't care much for the power button placement, but I haven't seen any of the other things you mentioned.

jimbonics said:
Power button: 1 in 20 HD7's I have exhibited the behavior you mention. It went away however. I would advise against using your fingernails if at all possible.
Volume Button: Again, 1 in 20 have this, and unfortunately it's the one I carry around. Two other HD7's I personally used did not have this.
I'd try to get it replaced if I were you.
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Click to collapse
regarding issue #1, how did the problem go away? did some mechanism inside shift causing the power button to pop out more? just wondering?
i also have the loose battery cover. very annoying.
also about the screen... havent seen this mentioned before. i have a slight gap at the left and right edges of the screen where it meets the chrome-ish border. its pretty easy for particles to get stuck in there. compared to the hd2, this gap is pretty noticeable.

I thought I was the only one with these issues lol, figured the recessed power button was just a design oversight
@jimbonics: just wondering, but why do you advise against using your fingernail?
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App

jimbonics said:
Power button: 1 in 20 HD7
Volume Button: Again, 1 in 20 have this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seriously? I checked a batch of HD7 in malaysia, and exceptionally, all of them had this issue. You're just so lucky you dont have it
daaango said:
why do you advise against using your fingernail?
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Click to collapse
Maybe because of this ?

Thanks Shu and daaango.
I knew I wasn't crazy in thinking this was an issue only I was experiencing.
I've also read several phone reviews, and a lot of the reviewers mentioned about the power button being recessed and stating frustration waking up the device.
I don't know how HTC can fluff up something so important. I mean, what good is a product if you can't power it on; wake it up? One would think they would put emphasis on having a solid foundation on the power button.

Melcali: Yeah, on one phone the power button managed to become flushed, to the point the user had to use their fingernail (even though i found it easy to turn on with the flat of my finger, almost like it was capacitive). However, next day it had 'popped out' a bit and had become less recessed and hasn't been a problem for him since.
daango: In addition to what Shu posted, using your fingernail is likely going to cause you to press the button in harder than it needs to be, which would likely cause the button to be crammed in more and more over time. If it can't be prevented, it can't, I'm just advising against it.

I've got two unopened spares. I'm going to crack them open and see if the volume button jiggles.

Ah, thanks shu and jimbonics for explaining that
Honestly, I don't think it can be helped. Maybe my fingers are too round or something, but using my fingernail seems like the only option right now. I might try adding layers of tape on the button so its easier to press but idk yet... it might take away from the aesthetics
Sent from my T-Mobile G2 using XDA App

All five units I've come across so far -- my defective original (corrupted memory), my current one, a second defective one (also corrupted memory), its replacement, and an in-store demo phone -- have the same issues:
Recessed power button
Very difficult to press camera button (basically useless)
Loose volume rocker (the case opening is about 0.8 mm too long for the rocker, so it moves around)
Imperfect battery cover fit (the plastic cover flexes from the opening process, so usually doesn't fit perfectly)
Weak screen support in bottom-right (press a bit on the search key and you'll see waves on the LCD)
On the two that I've had long enough to use, the clear coat on the kickstand is flaking off, and the Windows Phone logo, which was barely visible to begin with, has almost completely faded away on one of them.
Kind of sad that HTC screwed up so badly given that the HD7 is a barely-modified HD2, which was among the best-built phones on the market.

amb9800 said:
All five units I've come across so far -- my defective original (corrupted memory), my current one, a second defective one (also corrupted memory), its replacement, and an in-store demo phone -- have the same issues:
Recessed power button
Very difficult to press camera button (basically useless)
Loose volume rocker (the case opening is about 0.8 mm too long for the rocker, so it moves around)
Imperfect battery cover fit (the plastic cover flexes from the opening process, so usually doesn't fit perfectly)
Weak screen support in bottom-right (press a bit on the search key and you'll see waves on the LCD)
On the two that I've had long enough to use, the clear coat on the kickstand is flaking off, and the Windows Phone logo, which was barely visible to begin with, has almost completely faded away on one of them.
Kind of sad that HTC screwed up so badly given that the HD7 is a barely-modified HD2, which was among the best-built phones on the market.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wow, you have had a lot of problems. I'm still on my original hd7 since second week of november.
1. power button is slightly recessed, but no problems pushing it with my finger (not nail)
2. camera button does have some orange on it, but it functions properly.
3. volume buttons work fine, maybe a little slide to the rocker, but doesn't effect controls
4. no flaking of clearcoat, no wp7 logo coming off, no lcd discoloration no matter how hard I press on the search or back buttons.
5. Back cover fits properly. I haven't had much reason to pull it off after initial placement of sim card, thanks to phone not constantly freezing. There is a slight gap where the back cover meets the smaller cover.
What are you subjecting your phones to???
I agree the hd7 build quality might not be iphone, but it's holding up well for me. It's not like we have a lot of choices on t-mobile, the dvp has way more problems at this point.

amb9800 speaks the truth. I went through 3 different units that had defects to varying degrees. I had similar issues with the EVO as well. HTC are notorious for shoddy craftsmanship.

I have the same problems they started AFTER my 30 days .. So i havent tryed to go and change at my local T-Mobile!! Is there any loop in the contract or something that would let me change it for anither phone and pay difference/get a refund xD

have the same problems as the op

[Q] Flat power/wake button?

So i just got my HD7 yesterday, and the first time i try to turn it on i found out that the power button is extremely hard to press, and the position of it is horrible for a right-handed person, should've been on the left top corner instead.
Problem is the power button is too flat that i have to press few times in order to wake the device up, this is really annoying.
My idea is, is it possible to wake the device up by pressing the middle home capacitive button? So it's like the "Activator" on a jailbroken iPhone to change keys around to fit your needs. It really will help us to save the power button from being jammed. (well at least it looks like its going to get jammed if you keep pressing it)

No.
But you can always take your phone back to the store for a refund.

Most HD7's, if not all, have the power button almost flush. You'll find it doesn't take a hard press at all to turn it on. It's almost as if it's a capacitive button itself.
As for the positioning, most right handed people hold the phone in their left hand, and the power button is perfect for the left index finger.

With the power button i find that although the button you push is very wide, the actual button component underneath is very small and situated to the far side of the button area. (see Attached).
If you press it right there, you'll probably notice hardly any force is needed at all

with some time now with the hd7 Im glad the button is flushed as it is or else it would be going ON while in your pocket all the time.

The old HD7 i got the button was hard to press, and same for the camera button. the new one i have is good though. and that attatchment helped! haha, ive been pressing on the middle, when you press on the left its much easier.

I bought a case from T-Mobile (not sure which brand, but has transparent back side) and it came with it's own little button the interacts with the one on the phone, making it MUCH easier to press. It seems all these phones are plagued by the same problem. You'd think a $500 dollar phone would be put together a little better, eh?

Yes they are and its due to capitalism that we see all these flaws. They cannot wait to pump out a new model to justify the 499 price tag. Anyhow I have the same issue as the OP fortunately I have a case that makes it easier to press.
sometimes it feels like I'm gonna break it trying turn it on but the case I bought from SEIDIO helps guide my finger to the button
HD7 unlocked

Have the same problem here. My buttons all work, but they are pretty squishy. I generally use my fingernail on the power button when it isn't in a case. Otherwise, it's not a huge problem.
HTC actually fixed my camera button (they even honored the warranty, which was nice considering I'm not the original owner). If it's really driving you nuts, you might send it in. Not sure if the power button issue will be solved though...sounds like that's more of a design flaw.
More on topic, I really wish it had the one physical button (Windows button). The Samsung Omnia 7 has this and looks amazing. Would really make it much easier to wake the phone.

Yep, had the same problem with the first two HD7's I had. The first time it was the camera button and software problem. Replacement they sent me then had the flush power button. Took me 3 times sometimes to get the phone on. Cases I own make it much better, but I don't always have or want my case on my phone. Needless to say, the last one they sent me is perfect and you notice a different kind of "clicky" feel when you get one that's made the way it should be. Send it back, get one that works.

[Q] Replacing Power Button

Hi..I got my HD7 from another user and the power button seems too pushed down and doesn't seem tactile enough.
Does anybody know if there is any way I can get the power button replaced or buy parts online ?
Also can the HTC Repair people do it ?? Any experiences or ideas ??

Hi!
Same problem for me. Button seems like pushed in and not responsive enough, you have to really push on it to bring phone back from sleep.
Have any of you tried to fix this button?

IlmarsM said:
Hi!
Same problem for me. Button seems like pushed in and not responsive enough, you have to really push on it to bring phone back from sleep.
Have any of you tried to fix this button?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
someone suggested to have a rubber body glove cover...which has a raised edge for the buttons...I don't like it so i won't follow it.

I'm having the same problem. It's not that annoying, but sometimes I really hate it. What about a dismantle and see if you can somehow repair it yourself?

markslo112 said:
I'm having the same problem. It's not that annoying, but sometimes I really hate it. What about a dismantle and see if you can somehow repair it yourself?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that's what I am trying to figure out. But don't you guess...we need to have a replacement part for the button or something...
I am still waiting for replies from others...will also call HTC Repair center on Monday.

Reply back and tell us what they told you. The button is probably just pushed down a little, I don't think there's need for a new button.

They're all like this, they are just indented more into the case to prevent accidental power-ons, replacing it will be the same.

Loosenuts said:
They're all like this, they are just indented more into the case to prevent accidental power-ons, replacing it will be the same.
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Click to collapse
that just sounds stupid and makes no sense. if that was the case all phone manufacturers would give pushed down buttons to prevent accidental power ons !
so common think of something new !
---
I have compared the button with a brand new HD7 the button on it is far more better in terms of tactability !! i guess over time its soon gonna become worse day by day...thats just how it is...

Apparently you make no sense. There is nothing wrong with the power button, it is just located futher down into the case than the other buttons hence the reason while it feels like there is not much tactile effect. I did not say it was a "pushed down" button, i said the button was indented more into the case meaning again it is mounted more or lower into the case to prevent the phone from accidentally power-on while in pocket or hand. And yes, other manufactures have incorporated this concept into there designs, look at nokia phones.
backlashsid said:
that just sounds stupid and makes no sense. if that was the case all phone manufacturers would give pushed down buttons to prevent accidental power ons !
so common think of something new !
I have compared the button with a brand new HD7 the button on it is far more better in terms of tactability !! i guess over time its soon gonna become worse day by day...thats just how it is...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse

S-pen faulty?

Hi,
hope someone can help me?
I'm finding it difficult to use the button on the s-pen on my new note.
basically to get the back and menu functions to work i have to press way too hard on the button and apply a lot of pressure on the screen with the pen. Even then i sometimes have to swipe the pen 5 or more times before i get the correct response? Has anyone else had a similar experience or know a way to solve the issue before i return the note to amazon as faulty?
The pen works fine when not pressing the button.
Any advice is much appreciated
Thanks
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA Premium App

The back and menu buttons are not meant to be used with the pen, they are for fingers only.
This is a design flaw in my eyes, I use the pen quite often and find this to be quite annoying.

Nixchecker said:
The back and menu buttons are not meant to be used with the pen, they are for fingers only.
This is a design flaw in my eyes, I use the pen quite often and find this to be quite annoying.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OP meant a different thing with the menu and back function:
I'm sure he meant the according gestures: button and swipe up for "menu", button and swipe left for "back"!
But you'r right, it's a design flaw that the hard-buttons cant be activated with the pen as well!
@OP:
what you experience is the manufacturing lottery of samsung! i owned a lot of notes so far, and besides that screen quality differs MASSIVE (see according threads) also the pressure sensitivity of s-pens differ a lot!
on some devices i had to press the pen really hard to the screen, on some it notices the pen before even touching the screen!
but i have good news as well: this is mostly pen dependent as i found out! you can try to disassemble your pen and re-position the coil (as it's the reason for the different sensitivity) in it, or try another pen!
edit: even if the pen works fine without button press, your problem is still the pen. pressing the button does nothing more as changing the response to the inductive field from the screen, either by adding some resistance or by shortening some wires of the coil

TML1504 said:
OP meant a different thing with the menu and back function:
I'm sure he meant the according gestures: button and swipe up for "menu", button and swipe left for "back"!
But you'r right, it's a design flaw that the hard-buttons cant be activated with the pen as well!
@OP:
what you experience is the manufacturing lottery of samsung! i owned a lot of notes so far, and besides that screen quality differs MASSIVE (see according threads) also the pressure sensitivity of s-pens differ a lot!
on some devices i had to press the pen really hard to the screen, on some it notices the pen before even touching the screen!
but i have good news as well: this is mostly pen dependent as i found out! you can try to disassemble your pen and re-position the coil (as it's the reason for the different sensitivity) in it, or try another pen!
edit: even if the pen works fine without button press, your problem is still the pen. pressing the button does nothing more as changing the response to the inductive field from the screen, either by adding some resistance or by shortening some wires of the coil
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If I'm reading you right, this means that any pen-issues are just the pen and that I shouldn't worry about the digitizer being defective on the phone, correct?

Hi tml, thanks for the insight.
You're right i did mean I'm having difficulty with the gesture behaviours when pressing the pen button and swiping to simulate the back and menu functions.
I think I've seen a post on how to disassemble the pen, but would be worried it will void the warranty. however as I'm in the uk, returning my note to Amazon.de (saved money buying from Germany) for the sake of the pen does seem a lot of hassle so i might give it a shot.
I Suppose i could also buy a spare pen off fleEbay and see if it makes a difference?
Cheers
Sent from my GT-N7000 using XDA Premium App

TML1504 said:
OP meant a different thing with the menu and back function:
I'm sure he meant the according gestures: button and swipe up for "menu", button and swipe left for "back"!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol sorry, yes I misunderstood the OP.
I remembered me trying to use the hardbuttons with the pen when I first got the Note and saw him writing about pressing too hard and applying lots of pressure...
I rarely use the gestures since touching the buttons on the device is faster for me than looking at the pen in search for the button, pressing it and doing the gesture.
I got one of those new pens with the grey button so its quite easy to find it (compared to the old pens with black buttons) but being able to find it simply by touching the pen would be much better.
They should have changed not only the colour but the surface of the button too.

PoisonWolf said:
If I'm reading you right, this means that any pen-issues are just the pen and that I shouldn't worry about the digitizer being defective on the phone, correct?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
correct! as to my findings the differences are MOSTLY s-pen related, same s-pen on different device gives almost the same result! the differences could be explained by the calibration of the screen (although no user-calibration is available the screen IS calibrated in some way. you can notice that by turning the "auto rotate" on and off when the pen is misaligned, it will get better through that!) and the hardware differences. The second one I could observe in changing the pen!
@jimsey:
buy a s-pen holder at amazon. this is a holder PLUS a "standard" s-pen! mine from amazon had a grey button (as some other users reported that new batches of the phone come with grey ones) and worked much better than the one which came with the phone!
---------- Post added at 01:39 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:37 PM ----------
Nixchecker said:
They should have changed not only the colour but the surface of the button too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
take a razor-blade and make some "lines" on the button! for me this does the trick!

[FIXED]: Phone Laying Flat, HOME/BACK are Non-Responsive

So you've played with changing button sensitivity, heard about perhaps removing the screen protector, but still don't get it?
I think I might.
Try this, let me know if you guys can confirm, then perhaps we need to send info to HTC?
Unlock your screen
Place your phone on a level surface so its curved back can rock back and forth.
Enter the app drawer, so pressing HOME will actually do something.
As gently as you can, steady the phone with one hand, and touch HOME (It should work)
Now, re-enter the app drawer and press quickly on your phone's HOME key. This will cause it to quickly rock back and forth a bit and shake.
Press the home key all you want, it shouldn't work... especially the more you bang on it.
Wait 10 seconds.
Steady your phone again, press HOME gently. It should work.
The theory? Something is programmed in the phone that if it detects rapid shaking, like maybe in a pocket or being handed back and forth during watching a video... to turn off the buttons to prevent undesired actions. BUT, the curved back of the phone naturally lets this motion occur so it's triggering when it shouldn't.
If you're particularly twitchy, maybe that can cause it from time to time while even in hand too?
SOLUTION:
Run calibration tool a few times until the symptom goes away. Try alternating between pressing more firmly or more softly to make a difference. Take care to center your fingers on the letters.
If you experience bad button behavior while phone is on a flat surface, re-calibrate:
SETTINGS->Language and Keyboard->HTC Sense Input->Advanced->Run Calibration Tool

I couldn't replicate this problem. The home button works as intended while being rocked. I also haven't found to have any button response issues that some encountered.

Long813 said:
I couldn't replicate this problem. The home button works as intended while being rocked. I also haven't found to have any button response issues that some encountered.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
LOL

compact_bijou said:
LOL
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Click to collapse
Heh, come on man... the phone has BOOM Sound, it was meant to be rocked, no?! :laugh:
Serious note though... yeah always have thought the buttons worked fine too and thought other people were crazy...
I lay it flat though casually press them, they go away and don't come back.

Also couldn't replicate it. Basically the home/back buttons work when they want to, which apparenlty is about 95% of the time. The other 5% is just purified annoyingness.
Allegedly HTC has fixed the button problem in 1.29.XXX.12 which so far has only rolled out to unbranded phones in Europe and Asia. However if you have the international phone you can install the newest Android Revolution ROM which is based on the .12 software. Everyone who has .12 seems to agree that the button sensitivity issue is gone.

Re-ran calibration tool pressing normally and it seems to have fixed it.
No amount of shaking or rapid pressing causes the phone to miss a button press.
This is with US Version of phone w/ screen protector.
If you experience bad button behavior while phone is on a flat surface, re-calibrate:
SETTINGS->Language and Keyboard->HTC Sense Input->Advanced->Run Calibration Tool