[dave30]

so, i picked up my 8130 back in May, and have been kinda been kicking myself for not getting the curve. I was looking around over at cnn.cn for the first time this morning and saw that they sell the cases/ keyoards/ lenses / etc for the curve and the pearl. What i'm wondering, would it be possible to shoehorn my pearl into a curve case? if the lcd and keyboard connectors are the same, i wouldn't think it'd be too hard. has anyone had both a pearl and curve opened up an know if these connectors are the same? and what about the battery? i am an electronics tech by trade, so ripping apart my phone doesnt scare me, i just dont want to wast money on the case if someone know any reason why i wouldnt work.

overall i'm quite happy with the pearl, i'm just wishing i had the keyboard, larger screen, and larger form factor..

[GapBoyPCS]

Why not just pick up a new or used Curve?

I guess I'm a bit confused whether you want to just make your Pearl look like a Curve on the outside, or whether you want to modify your Pearl (both internally and externally) to function as a Curve out of the box.

[seipmoney]

u might be able to come out okay if you sell your pearl on the bay and pick up a used curve, i would get the pearl unlocked first though.

[joe003]

My first thought is that it may not be possible.

Having said that, why not just go ahead and buy a curve? They are not that expensive (new and used). I know you'll enjoy the curve.

[dave30]

More interested in just being able to modify than picking up a new one. For the price of a curve case, I figure it'd be worth it just for the keyboard / screen.

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[Outatime97]

The keyboard that you buy is only the rubber pad, the actual electronics for the buttons are glued into the main part of the units frame. Pick up a parts/repair curve from ebay and see if you could fit your mainboard into that. Good luck

[dredayholiday]

More interested in just being able to modify than picking up a new one. For the price of a curve case, I figure it'd be worth it just for the keyboard / screen.

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I would assume it would take quite a bit of rewiring and soldering as well as an OS change/update? But I don't know for sure. It sounds like a lot of work with a lot of room for complete failure... you have to remember that the curve is qwerty and the pearl is suretype... can you use the same OS on the Pearl with a Curve keyboard?.. I really really doubt it would work..but I'm sure there is someone out there that can do it.. but what a hassle that would be. You'd be better off putting your Pearl up for sale and buying a used curve..the difference in prices wouldn't be much at all.

[Reed McLay]

Interesting idea, but there is no way it would work.

First issue, the keyboard is completely different as is the logic that makes it work. Even if the connector matches, what is SureType going to make of those extra keys?

Second issue, screen size. If the connectors match, the difference in screen size will make the display smaller or completely unreadable.

Third issue, convience buttons, media card, USB port and headphone jack are all in different places, none would be accessable through the Curve case.

Total mismatch.

[dave30]

Persuasive argument.

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