Broken iPod Touch: Repair or replace?
(Credit:CBS Interactive)
Is there a worse feeling than seeing youriPod Touch smack the ground and hearing the unmistakable crack of glass?
Just one: picking up the iPod and realizing the screen is shattered top-to-bottom. that was one expensive attack of gravity.
This happened to my daughter not long ago, resulting in a fourth-gen iPod Touch that, remarkably, still worked, but really wasn’t usable anymore owing to the spider web of cracked glass.
As the household cheapskate, I figured it would be cheaper to repair the unit than buy a new one. after all, a current 32GB iPod Touch sells new for $299 and refurbished one for $249.
Sure enough, a quick check of eBay revealed “4th-gen iPod Touch glass digitizer touchscreens” for as little as $12 — repair tools included. Sold!
Heh, heh, too bad for the suckers paying $70, $80, even $100 to have their iPods fixed by professionals. I can operate a screwdriver; how hard could the job be?
Before I could find out, I discovered that I’d wasted $12. although only the Touch’s glass was broken, the 4th-gen model is designed in such a way that it’s permanently adhered to the LCD beneath it. even though the latter was still functioning, some online research revealed that it’s close to impossible to replace just the glass. Crud.
(As I understand it, and as detailed in Donald Bell’s story on fixing a cracked iPod Touch screen, earlier-generation models weren’t like this. You could replace just the glass.)
So then I went shopping for a replacement “LCD screen digitizer assembly” (i.e. the whole kit and kaboodle) — and found one (again on Ebay) for around $26 shipped. Still a bargain compared with hiring a pro and paying a huge markup for the parts.
When that kit arrived, I watched a couple YouTube videos demonstrating the screen-replacement process. they made it look fairly easy, but it’s not — especially if the screen is really busted up, which mine was. I ended up removing a lot of individual shards of glass before finally getting the main assembly pried loose.
From there I discovered that a lighted, freestanding magnifying glass is a must. The iPod Touch, a miracle of modern engineering, is packed with tiny components, including screws that are downright molecular.
It took me nearly 2 hours of careful, painstaking work to disassemble the unit, connect the new screen, and put it together again — only to discover that something didn’t work right. The screen lit up, but with only a blank white image.
Was it defective? had I shorted something out? Torn one of the paper-thin ribbon cables? There was no way to know. All I had to show for my work was a lot of frustration and a disappointed daughter.
Moral of the story: unless you’re really adept with tiny electronics, it probably makes sense to pay a pro to handle the repair. that said, I found a couple shops in my area that were willing to do the labor for $20-30 if I supplied the part. given what I paid on Ebay for the replacement LCD, that would get me out the door for around $55 — maybe less.
Of course, even if you pay a service like DigiExpress or Rapid Repair upwards of $100 for the parts and service, it’s still quite a bit less than the price of a new iPod.
Have you ever attempted an iPod oriPhone screen repair on your own? if so, how did it go?
Broken iPod Touch: Repair or replace?
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Categories: iPod, iPhone, Xbox 360 Tags: 4th gen ipod, cbs, crack, household, ipods, touchscreens
New iPhone might not work on old plugs
(WPRI) – Apple iPhone and iPod users could be facing a jarring change when they buy the newest devices — one that could even frustrate die-hard fans.
Since 2003, Apple has been using a 30-pin connector on iPods and then iPhones, different from other cell phone and music player chargers and transfer cables. now, there’s talk the iPhone 5 could be sporting a smaller 19-pin connector once it’s released.
The earphone jack is moving to the bottom, sources have told Reuters.
“Apple is a company that is always looking forward. They’ve always been willing to break from old things, whether it’s hardware or software, they have to move on,” said Larry Magid, a technology analyst for CBS. “At some point they had to move on from that 30 pin connector.
“It’s going to annoy people,” he said.
After the 30-pin connector got ubiquitous in Apple Stores and kiosks, eventually after-market, off-label chargers and transfer cables at cut prices showed up. In other cases, components or appliances for cars and homes used that 30-pin connector to let you play and control your iPod through your home or car stereo system.
Now, the 30-pin connector is all over the lives of some Apple fans, and all those connectors will likely have to be replaced, or special adaptors ordered — either way, it’s expensive consequences. Buy a whole new whole-house radio with the 19 pin connector? a new car adapter?
“It’s a bad thing!” said Apple user Amir Esagl. “You invest a lot of money in these products and you want to use them. I would discourage Apple from doing that!”
“Some people aren’t as tech savvy — I know my parents will have a hard time making the switch,” said Kane Angll. But: “I’m sure over time everyone will get used to it.”
Muddled by micro
Those whose cell phones are not an iPhone could now be chuckling once again. most Android phones and BlackBerrys use a micro-USB connector for charging and communication, after the European Union made a strong request in 2009 to several manufacturers to make things uniform — to pick one common charger and stick with it. Micro-USB chargers and transfer cables can also be found cheaply at some retailers. Apple did start making a micro-USB-to-30-pin adaptor last fall, but an official version isn’t available at the Apple Store in the U.S.
New iPhone might not work on old plugs
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Categories: iPod, iPhone, Xbox 360 Tags: Cell Phone, chargers, die hard, iPod, reuters, transfer cables
iPhone – News You Can Use
If you’re like most people, you’re eagerly anticipating the arrival of the brand-spankin-new Apple iPhone, set to hit stores June 29, 2007. ok, even if you’re happy with your Motorola Razr, you can’t help but wonder what Apple’s newest baby is going to look like and if it’ll even let you download the best mobile ring tones.
Many Americans and cell-phone users worldwide are scrambling to get their hands on new information regarding iPhone’s capabilities and features. the phone is expected to be sold for $499 and $599, depending on which model you’re interested in. what else can you expect from this snazzy new phone?
oNo need for buttons-the iPhone has a touch-tone screen to make your life easier. Think of it as an amped-up widescreen iPod that can call people.
oThe Apple iPhone incorporates media and wireless Internet into its communication scheme.
oThe iPhone is supposed to be incredibly lightweight and sleek.
oIntelligent keyboard-this feature allows iPhone holders to send messages effortlessly without typing one too many letters or making a lot of mistakes.
oFeatures a 2-megapixel camera and advanced photo management applications
oAllows owners to upload images from PC’s or Mac’s.
oVisual Voicemail-Actually flip through your voicemail box on your screen, instead of listening through those 5 messages from your overbearing grandmother. Listen later Get to the important message from your boss.
oAmbient light sensor-adjusts depending on how bright the room is or isn’t, saving power.
oFeatures AT&T wireless service, Rollover minutes, & more.
oBluetooth Headset available
There is wild speculation circulating the Net regarding Apple iPhone’s downloadable ringtone capabilities. like the iPod, many feel Apple will only provide ringtones through iTunes. However, some feel they will expand their horizons a little and open their usual Apple-access only doors to other ringtone providers.
In any case, for those of you who aren’t into this new contraption or who already love your cell phone service provider, 6StarReviews.com discovered DadaMobile in their cell phone ring tone reviews. they offer downloadable ringtones for over 10 service providers, including AT&T, so it looks like the iPhone would be compatible if Apple gives the go-ahead. Ring tone downloads can be found for virtually all music genres, from country to 3 Days Grace’s I hate everything About You, specially chosen for your ex’s phone calls. happy listening
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Categories: iPod, iPhone, Xbox 360 Tags: Motorola, wireless internet
Smartphone Technology
If one thinks about all the different devices and gadgets that are available on the market, smartphones are one of the gadgets that are really popular and in demand. Compared to devices and gadgets like cameras or gaming devices, smartphones are definitely ahead not only in popularity but in technology as well.
Well-known brands and manufacturers of smartphones, like Apple, Samsung and Nokia, continuously strive to design and create devices that consumers want and those that are innovative. When it comes to technology, the important thing is to always be innovative and offer your consumers something different and unique. that is what makes most of these top brands and manufacturers so popular and successful. People are always attracted to something that’s new and innovative instead of something that they are already familiar with.
The first thing that consumers want to know about a device is what it has to offer. Features are the ones that determine whether a device is popular or not. that is why smartphones these days are offering so many different features that consumers will enjoy and find useful. No matter the look or design of a smartphone, if it has the right features then it will be popular.
The Growth And Advancing Of Smartphones
One can honestly say that smartphones are definitely ruling the technology market. The main reason for this is the simple fact that smartphone manufacturers are constantly providing consumers with new, highly advanced and innovative features and designs. Also, smartphones cater for all kinds of people and can be used for different purposes. There are those that are made specifically for business and have certain apps and features needed in order for users to be able to do their daily tasks and more. Then there are those that are for individuals specifically interested in apps and games, like hard core gamers so they will make sure that they have the right features to meet those needs and wants.
With our world continuously advancing and offering us more and more when it comes to technology, the security risks are also becoming more and more. it is a simple fact that as our technology advances, so do the security risks. so since this is the case, there are now some smartphones that a lot more than others. These smartphones ensure that they provide users with the security they need, especially those users that use their smartphones for business. it is these types of smartphones that ensure that they meet every user’s business needs as well as provide enough control and security. These phones are also able to restrict what certain applications can and cannot do on the device and encrypt data.
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Categories: Technology Tags: Apple, consumers, gaming devices, nokia, popularity
Apple iPhone – Why Do You Need to Have It?
Apple iPhone offers extensive features like camera, MP3 player, PDA, navigator, sensors all in a single portable device. The 3.5-inch multi-touch display screen is the prettiest part of an iPhone. With a finger tip you can make call, play music or switch through applications, which is easier than using small keypad in some cell phones.
The iPhone is one of the top selling entertainment devices in the world. Apple has launched its 8GB and 16GB iPhone model, which is a large storage capacity than normal cell phones. The Apple iPhone has all the features of iPod so by buying an iPhone you do not need to buy iPod. you can download and carry large amount of video and audio files, TV shows, photos, software with you. iTunes has many music contents, videos, movies and podcasts for your iPhone. there is good news for iPhone users that YouTube is working with Apple to provide large amount of contents through its website. The video contents of YouTube can be directly viewed in an iPhone without a need for converting to any other format.
An Apple iPhone comes with different widgets (small programs) like weather forecasts, stock reports, calculator which are very useful. The communication capabilities are excellent features of an iPhone. One can download contact managers and sort all the contacts so that it becomes easier to find when needed. With a single tap, you can make a call, email, chat or SMS to the people in your contacts. This makes easy to stay in touch with your loved ones.
The Apple iPhone posses a high resolution built in camera of two MP for digital photography. you can have a high quality photo shoot with an iPhone and even share it with your contacts with few taps. The memory space is large for a camera and the picture quality is relatively better than other cell phones. The Apple iPhone gives you an opportunity to show your creativity in photo shooting.
Safari is a best browser for surfing in cell phone. Its cool design has made Internet browsing popular in an iPhone. Wi Fi technology is even better in iPhone and you can access Internet through Wi Fi.
I guess you already got the reasons to own an iPhone. if we talk about all other beautiful features of this popular device, then the list may be never ending. Today Apple iPhone has become the fashion statement for the people. they do not care for its expensive price because the money is nothing compared to the features it comes with. if you are looking for a new cell phone then I suggest you to buy an iPhone.
Apple iPhone – Why Do You Need to Have It?
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Categories: iPod, iPhone, Xbox 360 Tags: apple iphone, calculator, music contents, tip 121, world apple
