BlackBerry Bold: “soft” screen, creaky back?
By Ben Robinson on Monday, December 22nd, 2008 at 2:49 AM PST In BlackBerry, RIM (Research in Motion)
Great device, perhaps it's just mine that has some quirks?
In a similar fashion to the “have you dropped your iPhone” post I wrote the other day, I am today asking “has your BlackBerry (NSDQ: RIMM) Bold got a soft screen, and/or creaky back”? Mine has.
I’m asking for a couple of reasons really – firstly, both issues are quite annoying, and secondly, I am wondering if this is a defective unit, or actually a widespread (and known) issue?
Here’s a quick rundown of each issue:
• “Soft screen” – unlike the Storm, the Bold doesn’t have a push-in screen – but it does have some flex in it. I’ve often found that retrieving the Bold from it’s wallet, my thumb is on the edge of the screen – and when I remove my thumb, a “wave” of pressure goes across the screen. You can (if you choose) replicate this anywhere on screen by depressing with what is really not very much pressure.
• Creaky back – like a lot of handsets, the Bold has a backing that comes away to reveal the SIM card slot, battery, And like a lot of handsets, the back casing is kinda creaky in one area – in this case, in a vertical line on the left underside edge, when you are holding the device in your hands looking at it. Interestingly the weather seems to affect this, since when it’s cold the creaking is much worse – yes I know, plastic has some flex dependent on weather conditions, but then again, for a premium price-point my view is there shouldn’t be any flex – full stop.
Of course, it may just be that my unit is a bit “quirky”, however, a friend of mine has recently had the screen on his device fail completely – obviously negating the use of the phone (or any other) function! So what are your experiences readers? Is your Bold still working, or has it bit the dust…? For a device that is excellent overall, I’m keen to hear your experiences…
It must be your unit, I’ve had the Bold since the day it came out and have had neither problem. On the other hand I don’t keep the unit in a wallet (I’m really not sure how that would fit but keep it in it’s holster.
Dr. Mom
I had used the 8800 before the Bold, and I find the older model was just a touch sturdier, despite lacking all the extra features – battery life was also better. The Storm, however, seems to have outstanding construction so far. The battery door is very secure and the screen is pretty much indestructible.
mine doesnt have that problem with the back. and all LCD screens do that. all the phones i have had, dig cameras and comp monitors do it, its a universal LCD thing. the bolds soft screen helps prevent scratches and shatters.
I think your unit is bad.
I can press my screen, too, but I am not sure that is bad thing unless you break it. The screen cover is easily replaced, and since it is not brittle, it is less likely to break in a fall. The 8800 has a screen cover or lens that is part of the front case, and the actual screen was recessed (which is good for durability, bad for viewability). However, I would suggest that you quit pressing on it. Haha.
The battery back creaking is the part that vexes me. My Bold is very sturdy and does not creak… I have used it all day every day since the day it came out, carry it in pockets, drop it, etc. In fact, setting aside the original Curve (which was indestructible), the Bold is the sturdiest phone I have had over the past 15 years. No creaks from the back of mine.
The 8800, which I had just before the Bold, was the creakiest phone I have ever had (thanks to the side “rails”). If you are really hard on phones, get an otterbox or some other hard case. The Bold is a winner, IMHO.
I’m glad I came across your thread Ben — I’ve also experienced the “wave” you speak of when not a whole lot of pressure is applied to the screen. I find this is most pronounced when I press the bottom volume key on the right-hand-side. From the responses I’ve read, this seems to be a common thing, though I thought RIM would create something more sturdy.
No issues with the creaking.
Like the previous poster “JohnC” says the wave seems to be most pronouced when hitting the bottom part of the volume button on the right hand side of the case. I’m also wondering if you guys or gals notice the bottom part (reduce volume) of the volume button requires more effort to use. In other words have to press harder than if pressing the top part (increase volume) of the button bar. I thought that was the reason mine flezes or causes waves. Thanks!
mms://a1981.v26823e.c26823.g.vm.akamaistream.net/7/1981/26823/v0001/cstvcbs.download.akamai.com/8108/open/usc/08-09/video/m-footbl/12dec/fb-fnv-ucla.wmv
Gee, I wrote a long response but seem to have lost it when clicking the submit botton.
Summary 1) yes mine is most pronouced when hitting the bottom part of the volume button.
Question: Do you guys find pressing the bottom part of the volume button rewuires more effort than the top? In other words, have to press harder? I thought that was the reason for the bottom causing the wave. Thanks in advance.
mms://a1981.v26823e.c26823.g.vm.akamaistream.net/7/1981/26823/v0001/cstvcbs.download.akamai.com/8108/open/usc/08-09/video/m-footbl/12dec/fb-fnv-ucla.wmv
I just got my bold out of the box, and I immediately noticed the creaking (which is why I ended up here) and the flexing screen. I got the bold to replace my curve, and the drop in build quality is quite noticeable.