Inside the 8900: Keyboard and Trackball Observations

**aristile** · 03-20-2009, 04:43 PM

I didn't look for it when I had it opened, but I would suspect there isn't much you can do there.

**ClintRo** · 03-20-2009, 04:52 PM

IMO not much you can do about the antenna.....are you having issues?

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

**acerunner** · 03-20-2009, 05:24 PM

yeah, as i've mentioned in another thread. My reception on my BB is very dissappointing compared to my old phone. Compared side by side same location, the old phone outperforms the BB in reception and call quality. This "test" location, is understandably weak in signal strength, lower base level room right next to the garage. The part the bothers me is that my $200 BB is outperformed by a free one. And I'm aware that manufacturer differences apply, but seriously, for $500, BB should put the nice antennaes & RF chips in there.

**aristile** · 03-20-2009, 05:32 PM

I'd look into getting a replacement 8900 if I were in your shoes.

**acerunner** · 03-20-2009, 05:45 PM

what would I tell the reps? They're just gonna say its normal because of the location, and manufacturer differences, etc.

**ClintRo** · 03-20-2009, 05:46 PM

You 8900 should out perform most if not all of the phone out right now. I agree see if you can get a replacement.

The only thing I would suggest is that if you want to (I don't recommend as it will void your warranty) take it apart and make sure the antenna cable is secured to the connecting and the antenna wire is in good shape.

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

**aristile** · 03-20-2009, 05:50 PM

Originally Posted by acerunner

what would I tell the reps? They're just gonna say its normal because of the location, and manufacturer differences, etc.

Try what the others here at Crackberry are doing. Just tell them what your actual issue is, that isn't normal. Also let them know that your other phone does get coverage so its not the area. If that person doesn't help you out, talk with someone else. If that still doesn't work then tell them your keyboard and/or trackball wobbles.

**laydee262** · 03-20-2009, 09:43 PM

Originally Posted by aristile

The Call (Green) and End (Red) Buttons

The second time I took my phone apart, the end button came off. I looked into it and these two buttons are just glued down to the silicon keyboard assembly below it. Yes, nothing more but glued down. I took out some super glue and fixed it easily.

For those who have Call/End keys which are loose and or at funny angles then you probably just received a device that had a poor glue job on them. Either that or part of the glue is coming loose and so the key is tilted at some angle. Again, get a replacement device if you can. Otherwise you may want to try and take the key off of the keyboard assembly below it and then glue it back on straight. Be careful not to use too much force if you do go this route. Also I glued mine back on with the phone disassembled so I don't know how difficult it would be to do this with the phone fully assembled. You may also want to consider just getting a new keyboard altogether.

[

ok so this means the problem can be fixed??? u have giving me some hope!!
my send/end keys are kinda loose and i really hope they just dont pop off one day..
if i have to replace,ill get a refurb and god knows what kind of problems it had..

**laydee262** · 03-20-2009, 09:52 PM

how did you glue it

**ilikeberry** · 03-20-2009, 09:53 PM

good tip, i ordered the black bezel also and glad to hear you got your curve all done up right and working!

**aristile** · 03-20-2009, 10:01 PM

Yep, easy to fix. You just dab a bit of superglue and then put it back in place, hold and then wait 20 seconds or so for the superglue to set. Just make sure the key is aligned properly when you put it in place and then everything should be great.

P.S. I'm not sure if superglue is the best to adhere plastic to silicone but that's what I used and it worked great for me.

**laydee262** · 03-20-2009, 10:05 PM

Originally Posted by aristile

Yep, easy to fix. You just dab a bit of superglue and then put it back in place, hold and then wait 20 seconds or so for the superglue to set. Just make sure the key is aligned properly when you put it in place and then everything should be great.

P.S. I'm not sure if superglue is the best to adhere plastic to silicone but that's what I used and it worked great for me.

ok soo lets say that i was really chicken to take the phone apart,

this can be done without going through all that

**ClintRo** · 03-20-2009, 10:07 PM

i think he is implying that you should do it w/o taking the phone apart!!

**Garz** · 04-01-2009, 06:28 PM

good detailed info! Just read it all

**aristile** · 04-01-2009, 06:38 PM

Originally Posted by Garz

good detailed info! Just read it all

Thanks Garz!!!

... or is it ... what does Cilantro call you? Garb or something?

**ClintRo** · 04-01-2009, 06:48 PM

I call him Garv!!!!!

**aristile** · 04-01-2009, 06:52 PM

Originally Posted by ClintRo

I call him Garv!!!!!

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA ... Yea, that's it!!!

**CurveBoi** · 07-09-2009, 01:29 AM

thank you this has helped me with customizing my bb thanks

**CurveBoi** · 07-09-2009, 01:30 AM

did you also make the video?

**bushako** · 09-13-2010, 02:36 AM

hey, thanks alot for this post. My front top cover was starting to scratch up and im glad i can replace it without having to change the whole front cover, just by removing the 2 top screws. Thank again much appreciated.