[kingsleymeyer]

So, the 9700 was an upgrade from my old trusty 8020
And, 2 days after purchase the Z/7 key just drops out
Luckily, it is on the floor & I pop it back in (like those plastic pop beads)
Now, 32 days after purchase, the Z/7 key is gone again

Not dropped, not crammed into a tight sleeve - just using the leather holster RIM provides with a new purchase

You would have to really stick something narrow & thin in between the keys to pry one out - Right?

It is pretty hard to dial the campus phones which all start with 7xxx

Best Yet - AT&T Premier Support says RIM considers it DAMAGED not faulty
(Oh Yeah - I am a University IT Director, so I know the difference between damage and faulty materials/gear)

SO, for $425 they will replace my brand new Bold 9700

Suggestions?

[aiharkness]

Wirelessly posted

I would have returned it the first time the key came loose.

For what it's worth, that's wrong in my opinion. I remember years back a buddy had a key come loose on a 7100t after a number of months, but it was still under warranty and he got a replacement with no trouble. Granted that was T-Mobile.

[devnull]

You could try replacing the keyboard. Not sure how to do it, but you can get the part here:

BlackBerry Bold 9700 OEM black keyboard - AT&T style - Cellular Nationwide Network - Cellular

[kingsleymeyer]

Many Thanks
Haven't disassembled a cellphone yet but digging into laptops hasn't stopped me in the past
Appreciate the link - Part is in stock - Throw in the blue opening tool - Site has a disassembly video ... Good to go

Nice to know OEM parts are available

Kudos to devnull

[devnull]

Originally Posted by kingsleymeyer

Many Thanks
Haven't disassembled a cellphone yet but digging into laptops hasn't stopped me in the past
Appreciate the link - Part is in stock - Throw in the blue opening tool - Site has a disassembly video ... Good to go

Nice to know OEM parts are available

Kudos to devnull

Glad to help. Report back with the outcome.

P.S. I would have directed you to a forum sponsor for the part, but they don't seem to have 9700 stuff on their website.

[aiharkness]

Wirelessly posted

I'm going on the understanding that you bought it new, and it angers me that you have to do this. Did you try talking to anyone else, either at thw store or at carrier customer service number?

[kalikidtx]

that is clearly a defect as you did you cause this to happen. call at&t again and explain how it a defect from RIM. If you complain enough they will replace under warranty (its only 32 days old!). keep calling at&t until you find a rep willing to replace it

[kingsleymeyer]

The new keyboard arrived Monday from Hong Kong (F A S T) and took nothing to replace ($14.95 + SH) well worth the repair
I have spent so much time with Support, #s I just can't be bothered with the hassel
The disassembly videos are all over YouTube so just follow the simple steps
Tools = #5 torq & a small plastic prying tool
There is nothing quite like prying back the bezel of a new phone

[devnull]

Glad it worked out for ya. Maybe, one day I will attempt this as well.

[aiharkness]

Wirelessly posted

Originally Posted by kingsleymeyer

The new keyboard arrived Monday from Hong Kong (F A S T) and took nothing to replace ($14.95 + SH) well worth the repair
I have spent so much time with Support, #s I just can't be bothered with the hassel
The disassembly videos are all over YouTube so just follow the simple steps
Tools = #5 torq & a small plastic prying tool
There is nothing quite like prying back the bezel of a new phone

The fact the repair went well is great. But I'm still angry about the fact that you had to do it. Glad it went well, however.

[hruehl]

Blackberry Bold 9700 9020 KeyPad Keyboard Replace-Black - eBay (item 110490087385 end time Mar-06-10 00:08:17 PST)