iPhone cracked glass - Rant

[ndsimm]

Ok, I know it was my fault, accident or not, but my phone slipped and hit the ground and the screen cracked. The only thing holding it in place is the screen protector. Of course it still works, it just looks bad. So I take it to Apple and discover that it will cost $200 bucks to replace
If this were any other device, I would just replace it, it the repair cost was more than I paid for it (I got a refurb from ATT about 6 months ago for $99)

ATT was no help at all (and quite rude) since I just got it and I am not eligible for an upgrade (more money for them)
Apple "recommends" other places, that are cheaper, but the void the warranty, so I am stuck with a very unattractive phone until 03/10 when I can upgrade.

Why a 10 minute repair cost $200 is beyond me, but I guess Apple can charge what people are willing to pay....
If I could find an unlocked phone similar to the iPhone, I would consider it at this point and I probably should have stuck with my Nokia

[brad]

My son did the same thing.. limped it through for 3-4 months before it finally started losing pieces and cutting his finger.

Its not just the 10 minute repair.. its also all the equipment, know-how, and expertise required....

.... kinda like photography?

[alamoshutterbug]

Nathan there was a place in San Antonio that did the repair outside of Apple's domain. Not sure what the cost was, but if SA can support a business like that I am sure Houston has one.

[ChristopherCoy]

I've been wanting an iphone for a little while now, and I'm finally within a few weeks of buying one. Only I've heard a lot of bad things about them lately, mostly like you're story. Another friend of mine said that he was getting rid of his because 'he is too hard on them' and the warrant or insurance doesn't cover what needs to be fixed.

Should I rethink this thing and go for a blackberry or similar smart phone? hmmmmmm

[dbphotos]

Here you go. $89 to replace glass and digitizer.

http://www.phonerepairdepot.com/iphone.html

[ndsimm]

I realize that no phone is perfect and I have had other "cheaper" phones that I have dropped and nothing broke on them and if something did happen, it was covered by the warranty that I paid extra for.
I had heard the stories about the iPhone as well, but the risks were worth the features and that was the chance I took

Brad, I understand your point, but at the same time, I have clients that have been loyal to me and have used me for several events, and because of this, I "reward" their loyalty, not make them pay more because they continue to use me...

[brad]

Heh, I didn't mean to be harsh.. and you are probably an exception to that rule. I do extend discounts to some of my clients.. but usually not much of one.

[knowimagination]

Originally Posted by ChristopherCoy

I've been wanting an iphone for a little while now, and I'm finally within a few weeks of buying one. Only I've heard a lot of bad things about them lately, mostly like you're story. Another friend of mine said that he was getting rid of his because 'he is too hard on them' and the warrant or insurance doesn't cover what needs to be fixed.

Should I rethink this thing and go for a blackberry or similar smart phone? hmmmmmm

if you are hard on your phone or worried I would recomend getting the iphone and then getting the otterbox defender case . It is probably one of the best cases protection wise that there is.

Also I have heard good things about the DIY method of replacing screens

[Dobick]

Originally Posted by ChristopherCoy

I've been wanting an iphone for a little while now, and I'm finally within a few weeks of buying one. Only I've heard a lot of bad things about them lately, mostly like you're story. Another friend of mine said that he was getting rid of his because 'he is too hard on them' and the warrant or insurance doesn't cover what needs to be fixed.

Should I rethink this thing and go for a blackberry or similar smart phone? hmmmmmm

I like my iphone and it has held up better than any other phone that I have owned. I have dropped it a few times and it has held up ok. I bought a leather case at the ATT store, and it seems to have protected it very well.

If you abuse your phone, there is a good chance that you will break it -- doesn't matter if it is a nokia flip phone or a blackberry or an iphone.

I like my iphone though.

[S-Man]

I did the same thing to my phone a few months ago. I was steamed. I pulled it out of my back pocket to get into my truck and it slipped out of my hand and fell face-first on the blacktop in my driveway. Smash.
A little research and online DIY tuts and I replaced it myself for like $65. Got the glass and the digitizer (you need both, not just the glass). I also got a case removal tool to assist in the disassembly. Got the parts from PDAparts.com, and they have a youtube video with instructions on how to do it.
It's not real difficult, but I don't want to do it again. Hardest part is pulling the interior plastic chassis apart from the glass. It's stuck on with 2-sided tape that you have to heat up just enough to soften it while not damaging other components.
Have fun with that.

edit: I remember now it was more like $65 and not $95.

[lscottpht]

My daughter has done the same thing 3 different times with 3 different iPhones. She had the last one replaced someplace other than Apple. This happens a lot. I've seen a ton of ppl with broken glass on their iPhones.

[Cajungaltx]

PDAparts.com - I highly - HIGHLY recommend them.

They have videos on youtube on how to do the replacement - and they give GREAT advice. The son of a friend cracked his iphone screen - and I was able to replace it for less than $100. It was awesome! If you are clumsy, or you get 'do it fast' fingers - find someone who is patient and methodical - you have GOT to go slow doing it.

[S-Man]

As was said in a classic Chappelle's Show episode- "Don't drop that $#!*!"
They should make tether holes for them so you can attach them to your belt loop or something. Kind of like a wallet chain but less gaudy.

[Jeffery]

Here's everything you need to fix it yourself for $60

[toverman]

I second Kyle's recommendation of the Otterbox Defender cases. I have one for my Blackberry that makes it a lot more shock-proof and somewhat water-resistant (there's a hole for the track ball, but what can you do?). It does add just a touch of bulk and weight, so if you carry it in your pocket you'll notice it. But the protection is worth it.

I've also got a waterproof case for my iPod, which has been really great. In both of my cases, all the controls/ports/etc. are accessible. Otterbox is a great company, too.