| Author |
Irritating Rubber Covers on S700(i) and Other Models |
maharba
Joined: Sep 04, 2005
Posts: 10
PM |
I am quite concerned about the little elastic flap that covers the charger/data/headset contacts on several recent SE models.
After only a few weeks of use, mine refuses to fix in closed position. Apart from battery charging, I have occasionally (4-5 times) plugged the wired headset to listen to radio (stupid design from Sony, who know everyhting about pocket radios, to require this wire as antenna - and not allow listening to even MP3s via bluetooth - but this is a subject for another thread).
I cannot believe that after so little usage the flap is already refusing to stay closed (!?!). It is perhaps down to microscopic wear/deformation of the buds that fix it in place. If it was so important to protect the contacts from dust why did the Godfathers of miniaturisation and crowned Emperors of product design and quality do such a shoddy job with this component? It is aesthetically ruining their (otherwise brilliant) design/look, and very irritating for the user.
Not known for much care about users or exemplary customer service, I don't even think contacting Sony Ericsson, who have disappointed on previous occasions. My operator is even less helpful (all they could say was 'Why so much fuss about such a minor thing?' - but became very fussy when I asked them to replace the handset they sold me with a new one).
Like posters in other threads, I also think a possible best approach is to remove this cover altogether. I understand the protective function it has, but (a) my pockets are not so dusty, and (b) I rarely swim with the handset.
My only concern keeping me from applying scissors, is that there is a piece on either side of the whole and the thin 'hinge' part. If you remove the outer part, the inner one will perhaps remain loose and start travelling inside the handset. The irritating noise and feeling of something loose inside is one thing, but it may also get in the way of buttons, swivel hinges or other moving parts - and cause damage.
Any ideas about best surgical approach for this amputation - or (that would be great!) alternative solutions that do not require removal?
Cheerz,
A.
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bodum
Joined: Aug 14, 2005
Posts: > 500
From: Malaysia
PM |
don't know about you, mate...but i love the flap on my k700. reckons it makes the phone look tougher and protects the connectors well. no such problems on my flap, maybe just leave it, until it drops off one day? |
EastCoastStar
Joined: Dec 07, 2003
Posts: > 500
From: orlando fl US
PM |
i love it on my s710... stays open when needed... closed when not needed... and protects what its meant to protect... just my opinion... i like it.
what else would they do, if they took these away??
edit: on my s710 i can just pull the little plastic cover out... with no problem
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[ This Message was edited by: EastCoastStar on 2005-09-04 16:56 ] |
maharba
Joined: Sep 04, 2005
Posts: 10
PM |
NEW DEVELOPMENT CHANGES THE QUESTION
I would first like to thank the two posters for their really good answers, although they didn't exactly solve my problem 
In the meantime, while waiting for meaningful answers, I kept investigating the problem and looking for non-destructive and safe ways to remove the non-closing flap.
For anyone with my problem: it is simple! Just pull it out There isn't a large counter-part on the inner side of the 'hinge' (that I was afraid could start rattling inside). It is kept by just two tiny 'dentures' on either side of the thin band, as elastic as the whole thing itself - by design it is meant to be inserted (or pulled out) by slightly forcing it.
The silicon rubber (or whatever resilient material) it is made of is so flexible and durable, that there is no risk that the 'hinge' could tear on pulling harder. (Therefore the suggestion to 'leave it hanging till it drops off one day' would never work, it just won't drop on its own).
Now that I can easily remove it without scissos, and re-insert it at will - the question changes to:
What could be the way to make it snap into closed position, as it was designed to do? (Sticky-tape and Super-glue answers don't qualify )
Thanks,
A. |
jakester2000
Joined: Jul 09, 2004
Posts: 142
From: London & Gillingham, Kent
PM |
The one on my K700 warped pretty quickly and one of the tiny teeth that caused it to clip into place must've broken off. I think it's pretty rubbish myself. |
batesie
Joined: Feb 13, 2004
Posts: > 500
From: London, UK
PM |
i could have told you that!
just pull it at an angle, you can always put it back in after....!
[addsig] | |
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Posted: 2005-09-04 16:48
