Ohhh Nooo...DUST!!!

bp328i · Mar 19, 2011

This seems like the thread I need. I just noticed this on my Thunderbolt this morning. I thinking about going back to Best Buy and having them switch it out for a different Thunderbolt. At the bottom of my screen there is two little dots of light that come through, it's driving me nuts.

I guess my question is would anyone else exchange the phone over this? I did pay full retail for the phone.

LoBatt · Mar 19, 2011

Anyone else notice dust under the screen? Checked another forum and no one has brought it up yet. Maybe a bad production unit?

sean76 · Mar 19, 2011

bp328i said:
This seems like the thread I need. I just noticed this on my Thunderbolt this morning. I thinking about going back to Best Buy and having them switch it out for a different Thunderbolt. At the bottom of my screen there is two little dots of light that come through, it's driving me nuts.

I guess my question is would anyone else exchange the phone over this? I did pay full retail for the phone.

The problem is...who knows how widespread it is? I have some light peeking through, a bit of dust in the top and bottom corner, a volume key that is so recessed its amazing it made it through inspection, and some serious lag within the browser...especially while posting on our beloved Android Forums...lol! Yea this is not my idea of a Flag ship phone, that I just signed away 2 years for. My advice to you would be to wait about 7-10 days until Best Buy or vw gets new stock. It's a crap shoot with HTC, so its a chance you take to maybe get a better one, or worse a phone with more issues then the original. I'm going to wait a week or so and do an exchange, if the new one has any or more of the same issues, I will just get a refund , use my Fascinate for now, and patiently wait for the Moto Droid Bionic.....to me its looking like that's the phone worth waiting for. :cool:

Tempusfugit · Mar 19, 2011

LoBatt said:
Anyone else notice dust under the screen? Checked another forum and no one has brought it up yet. Maybe a bad production unit?

Its been out for a couple days and 4 people have noted either dust, light leakage, or poor sealing. This is just one thread on one forum.

Also, with the EVO, light leakage usually happens after a period of time. My girlfriend's was fine for a month, and then one day light was poking out. I'm imagining as time goes on we'll be seeing more and more of these threads. If some came unsealed out of the factory, you can bet the seals are going to break with normal use.

BzB · Mar 19, 2011

Tempusfugit said:
I'm insinuating no standards beyond what HTC is contractually obligated to in the warranty they wrote and offered with new phone purchases - you are hyperbolizing your inference.

Also, when apple makes mistakes, they fix them. HTC pushes it off to the carrier who inevitably will begin denying valid warranty claims.

What can I say, ignorance is obviously bliss.

You do realize the only thing the TB and EVO have in common besides being made by HTC are the dimensions right? Different guts, processor, screen, memory size, kickstand, camera, etc. But yep, I suppose they're still 99% the same. Lol

And Apple phones also get dust under the screen you know. Let's not even bring up the antenna fiasco. What was stevie's response? Here's a case, deal with it. Ha!

And about the ignorance part...calling names is the last resort of the small brained when things don't go their way. Not stooping to your level. Have a good day!

nkd said:
I have had plenty of phones, and yes TB build quality around the screen edges is pathetic. yes you heard that right. I dont complain about phones. Yes no device is perfect, but what the hell was HTC thinking? Have the not learned from EVO mistakes? There is no excuse for the build quality on the phone that has been hyped so much by HTC. Why not just use glass over the front face? This is my first HTC phone, yes it is fast and yes I love the phone for 4g, but hey if HTC doesn't improve on this design issues it will be my first and last htc phone. I looked at droid incredible, that phone had beautiful design and I dont know why it is so hard to use the same build quality on your flagship device.

I love the phone but I am not blind to the fact that this phone is not living up to hTC standards that they brag about.

I guess I still don't understand. I haven't seen one manufacturer that doesn't have the issues you mentioned. I'm not saying you shouldn't whine about it, or even expect better. I'm just trying to understand why you put up with it. If I got a little dust under my screen it really wouldn't bother me much. You know, the whole rooster thing.

And don't hold your breath for the bionic to be perfect either. I've had two different moto androids and they both had build quality issues of some sort. Didn't kill me though.

trophynuts · Mar 19, 2011

HTCThunderbolt said:
Yep what I was thinking

go heels!

Tempusfugit · Mar 19, 2011

BzB said:
And about the ignorance part...calling names is the last resort of the small brained when things don't go their way. Not stooping to your level. Have a good day!

While I would normally agree with you, I'm not calling names. You are ignorant of facts pertaining to this situation, which is making you unable to understand the concerns put forth in this thread. I've explained why its a big deal, and you and others continue with the whining comments(which, by the way were the first signs of ad hominem in the thread)

BetaMan · Mar 19, 2011

Well, I've had mine since BB opened on launch day. Coming from the Incredible which I had ZERO issues with, although some people did experience issues with blown speakers, pink screens, etc, I never did and I'm a heavy user!

I think some phones may have and issues that should've been caught during inspection that weren't for whatever reason. Making millions of ANYTHING will have some that don't quite measure up.

Having said this, I KNOW you're disappointed with the dust/light issue and SHOULD take it back for another! I know I would. But don't write off HTC or the Thunderbolt because 1 phone had a build issue. Take it back and get another.

It took SO LONG for this phone to come out! Get a replacement and enjoy the awesomeness that is our new Thunderbolt!

sean76 · Mar 19, 2011

@bzb

My man, no reason to go to war with anyone over this...the reasons have been laid out why some of us are upset, yet you still continue to come forward with...there is nothing wrong with the build quality of the TB... Listen that is cool if you really like HTC and your happy with your new TB, hey if you got zero issues, enjoy it! However some of these issues are a rekindle of the EVO issues, and I know first hand, I had the EVO..and these issues that are popping up only 2 days into the TB launch, are mirror images of the EVO'S. Anyway no reason to go back and fourth...these problems exist, and as it looks now, HTC did zero to correct any shortcomings of the EVO with the TB.

Tempusfugit · Mar 19, 2011

BetaMan said:
Having said this, I KNOW you're disappointed with the dust/light issue and SHOULD take it back for another! I know I would. But don't write off HTC or the Thunderbolt because 1 phone had a build issue. Take it back and get another.

I wouldn't write a company off for one phone.. I am writing HTC off because this phone is having the EXACT problems the EVO has been plagued with, and no real fix was ever offered.

I wish you all better luck with "take it back and get another" dealing with verizon than I had with sprint.

BzB · Mar 19, 2011

Tempusfugit said:
While I would normally agree with you, I'm not calling names. You are ignorant of facts pertaining to this situation, which is making you unable to understand the concerns put forth in this thread. I've explained why its a big deal, and you and others continue with the whining comments(which, by the way were the first signs of ad hominem in the thread)

Not to beat a dead horse, but ignorant of what issues? 1 person so far has a build quality issue with their TB. Understood. Legitimate concern. The TB 99% same as the EVO? Not exactly, for the reasons I already mentioned. Hey, all I'm saying is these issues happen to every manufacturer. No biggie to me. :shrug:

sean76 said:
@bzb

My man, no reason to go to war with anyone over this...the reasons have been laid out why some of us are upset, yet you still continue to come forward with...there is nothing wrong with the build quality of the TB... Listen that is cool if you really like HTC and your happy with your new TB, hey if you got zero issues, enjoy it! However some of these issues are a rekindle of the EVO issues, and I know first hand, I had the EVO..and these issues that are popping up only 2 days into the TB launch, are mirror images of the EVO'S. Anyway no reason to go back and fourth...these problems exist, and as it looks now, HTC did zero to correct any shortcomings of the EVO with the TB.

Actually, just to clarify, I did not say there were no build quality issues. I did say they aren't any different from issues you see on other phones. I never had an EVO but I'm aware of some of the quality issues it had. Seems HTC solved the biggest one on this phone, being the charging port. The screen sealing that some might have isn't as easy to get right consistently.

You guys should lighten up a bit. Yeah I was ribbing you guys a little bit, but just some light hearted fun. I know you have your concerns, and they may be legit, but this is just a phone. There are much more important things to worry about, like roosters under the screen! Lol

destardi · Mar 19, 2011

sean76 said:
Man , i have to agree on your whole statement!

I see what tempus is saying...

I looked at the bottom of my phone and the plastic 'lip' underneath the buttons is chintzy...just touching it pushed it down and I can see more light leakage.

The thing that bothers me, is the light leakage you can see when looking down from the top at an angle. If the gap at the bottom allows dust in, it can migrate sight on up to the spot above the touch buttons.

I'm not letting it bother me though because:

I have a warranty, insurance, I love the phone, and I switch phones so often (except I like this phone more than all the others combined so might keep it around longer if it lasts).

Also, dad had the evo since day one, and ZERO issues.

mlee21 · Mar 19, 2011

Left Coast DJ said:
Can be easily fixed with a screen protector and a Seidio Innocase, no?

A screen protector definitely will not protect against dust getting underneath the screen.

If you look at your screen the thin space between your screen and the edge of the phone is where all the dust collects. A screen protector doesn't/shouldn't reach that far out.

I don't have an Innocase, so I can't say say for sure, but even cases really don't fully protect against dust. Unless it creates a air tight seal over that space and you never open.. then sure.

nkd · Mar 19, 2011

I have light peeking through the bottom too, but it is bearly visible and during the day I cant see it at all, at night may be a little on the right hand corner. To those who think people should just live with it, yes you are right. At the end I am not going to keep exchanging a phone while everyone seems to have the light poking out the bottom and mine is not that bad and only visible in a dark room. To those who have it worse then I do, there is no need to live with it. Its just a personal preference.

Air Force One · Mar 19, 2011

Just wanted to post a link to my experience with this fix I used for the bottom light leak:

Bottom Button Light Leak? - Page 7 - Android Forums

Guys with EVOs have been using this fix since it first came out and I can confirm it works GREAT. I'm absolutely thrilled and have a perfect device with no dust going to get in from the bottom light leak area.

I know most aren't going to want to try it but for those that do and are careful, the rewards are fantastic.

HTCThunderbolt · Mar 19, 2011

Air Force One said:
Just wanted to post a link to my experience with this fix I used for the bottom light leak:

Bottom Button Light Leak? - Page 7 - Android Forums

Guys with EVOs have been using this fix since it first came out and I can confirm it works GREAT. I'm absolutely thrilled and have a perfect device with no dust going to get in from the bottom light leak area. I know most aren't going to want to try it but for those that do and are careful, the rewards are fantastic.

Could have just got a screen protector :rolleyes:

Air Force One · Mar 19, 2011

HTCThunderbolt said:
Could have just got a screen protector

You would be wrong...how is a screen protector going to cover holes that are recessed from the edge of the screen? You really make yourself look not very knowledgeable saying that. The Thunderbolt screen is RAISED from the frame at the bottom of the device...a screen protector will do NOTHING to prevent dust.

Oh, and I do have a screen protector on it already. That's for preventing scratches, not fixing light leak... :rolleyes:

Since you were too lazy to read the linked thread, here is a direct link showing the issue:

http://forum.androidcentral.com/htc-thunderbolt/68773-bottom-button-light-leak-2.html#post732637

It has NOTHING to do with the glass. It is where the glass MEETS the frame, there is a small space(s) there. It needs to be filled or it is going to let dust in. Period.

sean76 said:
Guys , seriously now! I been around long enough to understand how this stuff works. First off, a screen protector will not stop any dust from getting under the screen. It's most likely entering through the bottom border, and the screen....there is a space that separates the 2. Nobody is crying wolf here!

The problem is some of the people posting in this thread have no idea what they're talking about if they think it can be fixed with a screen protector.

My advice to you is to return the device with the dust and try and get one with as little leak as possible and then do the silicone fix. It works perfect man.

mlee21 · Mar 19, 2011

Air Force One said:
You would be wrong...how is a screen protector going to cover holes that are recessed from the edge of the screen? You really make yourself look not very knowledgeable saying that. The Thunderbolt screen is RAISED from the frame at the bottom of the device...a screen protector will do NOTHING to prevent dust.

Oh, and I do have a screen protector on it already. That's for preventing scratches, not fixing light leak...

Since you were too lazy to read the linked thread, here is a direct link showing the issue:

Bottom Button Light Leak? - Page 2 - Android Forums

It has NOTHING to do with the glass. It is where the glass MEETS the frame, there is a small space(s) there. It needs to be filled or it is going to let dust in. Period.

The problem some of the people posting in this thread have no idea what they're talking about if they think it can be fixed with a screen protector. My7 advice to you is to return the device with the dust and try and get one with as little leak as possible and then do the silicone fix. It works perfect man.

Exactly. I said it like 4 posts up.

Screen protectors do NOT prevent dust from getting underneath the screen. If your screen protector overlaps the space where dust is able to fit into, your screen protector wasn't cut correctly.

Air Force One · Mar 19, 2011

mlee21 said:
Exactly. I said it like 4 posts up.

Screen protectors do NOT prevent dust from getting underneath the screen. If your screen protector overlaps the space where dust is able to fit into, your screen protector wasn't cut correctly.

I know... I cannot believe there are people so ignorant of what they are talking about that he would suggest a screen protector AND post a roll-eyes emoticon!

Can you imagine folding a screen protector over the edge of the screen like that?

That would look really nice.

Anyway like I said if I were you I'd return the dust device and get a dust free one, then do the silicone fix. You absolutely cannot tell you did anything and it really works. Hope this helps someone.

sean76 · Mar 19, 2011

Thanks for chimming in Air Force....you gotta admit some of the comments about how to fix a dust problem are classic! Last I remember screen protectors were to avoid scratches...lol, not to prevent dust. And some say it with such passion in they're post...classic!

Anyway...I'm gonna ride it out with this one for a week or so, and probably grab a new one next week...I'll be posting how that goes!

HTCThunderbolt · Mar 19, 2011

The zagg shield covers the whole front side phone.. Maybe YOU should do more research.

Air Force One · Mar 20, 2011

HTCThunderbolt said:
The zagg shield covers the whole front side phone.. Maybe YOU should do more research.

This will be my last post to you on this subject because you simply don't know what you're talking about.

The Zagg will not cover that seam...if you ARE doing that somehow, it looks ghetto and is not what is intended. You cannot fold a screen protector or shield over the lip of the bottom of the screen where it meets the frame. And even if you do, it will not seal it perfectly so as to prevent DUST. The ONLY way to seal that gap is silicone. Or return the device and try and find one without light leak but good luck with that.

HTCThunderbolt · Mar 20, 2011

Air Force One said:
This will be my last post to you on this subject because you simply don't know what you're talking about.

The Zagg will not cover that seam...if you ARE doing that somehow, it looks ghetto and is not what is intended. You cannot fold a screen protector or shield over the lip of the bottom of the screen where it meets the frame. And even if you do, it will not seal it perfectly so as to prevent DUST. The ONLY way to seal that gap is silicone. Or return the device and try and find one without light leak but good luck with that.

hahahhaaahahah. People on this forum take everything so seriously. I dont have the light leak.. Im just saying it does cover it and it will take a while for dust to get in it.. Why dont you put one on and see for yourself?

bp328i · Mar 20, 2011

HTCThunderbolt said:
hahahhaaahahah. People on this forum take everything so seriously. I dont have the light leak.. Im just saying it does cover it and it will take a while for dust to get in it.. Why dont you put one on and see for yourself?

I have a zagg, it's not on the phone yet as I'm going to be exchanging my phone for another one and the zagg only goes to the edge of the glass! It does not cover the full front of the phone.

Again the zagg ONLY covers the glass, the dust and light leaks are coming from where the glass (and zagg) stops and meets the rest of the phone, (you know...the edge of the glass)

HTCThunderbolt · Mar 20, 2011

bp328i said:
I have a zagg, it's not on the phone yet as I'm going to be exchanging my phone for another one and the zagg only goes to the edge of the glass! It does not cover the full front of the phone.

Again the zagg ONLY covers the glass, the dust and light leaks are coming from where the glass (and zagg) stops and meets the rest of the phone, (you know...the edge of the glass)

Once you put it on you will know.... :cool:

Ohhh Nooo...DUST!!!

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