oh **** my N800 screen is ruined :(
 

I just took my n800 out of my bag and badaboom. Huge scratch in the surface of the screen. Looks like a zipper mark. left side of the screen. 1,5 cm long. It doesn't affect the screen in any ways. It's working perfectly but the scratch is there. You can see it, feel it.

What to do now? A new screen is 95 euros. Dammit :(

2 bad nokia didn't ship the leather cover I ordered over a month ago.

The big question is:

Can I replace the touch sensitive surface on the top, or do I need to replace the whole screen to fix the damage?

Re: oh **** my N800 screen is ruined :(
 

Could you please show this post to all those smug people who keep claiming screen protectors on the Itablets are a waste of money?

Re: oh **** my N800 screen is ruined :(
 

Well the damage is so deep that even the screen protector would not have helped. Maybe 2 much stuff on my backbag. Just those reminders to buy a leather case for equipment. :)

I looked at the scratch again, and yes it feels while using the pen. Yes, in some angle you can see the scratch. But it doesn't affect everyday use. Maybe this is the right reminder to buy protective case + gear at the same time.

Unless someone can find me a discount replacement screen I have to just deal with the issue.

Re: oh **** my N800 screen is ruined :(
 

. . . and this, folks, is why you should use screen protectors!

I seem to recall the touchscreen being a single unit, so you're probably going to have to replace the whole thing.

Screen protectors are of a harder material (generally) than the screen itself, so it's incredibly unlikely that something is going to cut straight through it to get to the screen (unless you happen to carry your N800 in a bag full of steak knives).

Re: oh **** my N800 screen is ruined :(
 

well ... you may be right. In finland there is only 1 place to get the new screen. What other places is there to get the part?

Re: oh **** my N800 screen is ruined :(
 

Before replacing the screen you may want to try repairing it with a cd repair or sunglass repair kit. Or check the web for repair techniques and materials specifically for PDAs - I know I've seen some stuff around...

Re: oh **** my N800 screen is ruined :(
 

Unfortunately no, you cannot.
It is one single, sealed component. And in case you are wondering, no, it is not compatible with the 770 one. Nor it is with one in the n810.

Re: oh **** my N800 screen is ruined :(
 

ISTR that there are products on the market that claim they can "fill up" scratches. Not sure how much truth there would be in such a claim, or even if it wouldn't make matters worse.

On the beloved Newton, there was a trick where you could use a mild domestic abrasive cleaner and polish the entire screen. It would remove the "feels like paper" layer and take the scratch away. I never did this, because

a) I liked that paper-ish layer and
b) my Newton screens are scratch-free, BECAUSE I USE SCREEN PROTECTORS! ;)

Also, there is a distinct possibility this method might turn your Itablet's screen into a matte moodlight.

Edit: Many screen protectors have the amazing capability of hiding even quite ghastly scratches. Since you're probably going to be a protector convert anyway, why not buy a screen condom first and see what result it gives. It's bound to be cheaper than a new screen...

Re: oh **** my N800 screen is ruined :(
 

I keep mine in my Nokia supplied pouch. I hated my pouch because the N800 wants to fall out so easily (ever hear of elastomeric polymer additives to increase friction, Nokia?). I especially hated it the day that my pouch + N800 fell out of my bag (oh no!) and using my quick reflexes I caught the whole thing (way to go!) only to have the N800 then slide out of pouch and crash into the parking lot completely unprotected, screen side down (sadness). Off to Nokia for repair to get the face plate to stay on.

Now I've fixed the problem. I took a 3/4 in x 3/4 inch square piece of velcro tape and stuck the "soft" fuzzy piece on the back of the N800 in the upper left hand corner (viewing from the back). I placed it just behind the stylus opening. I put the matching ("bristle") side just inside of the pouch opening where the slot comes down the side. I secured it there with two staples. Now when I put the N800 in the pouch, the two halves of the velcro tape match up and stick, holding the N800 securely in the pouch.

Re: oh **** my N800 screen is ruined :(
 

You really don't have to rub it anymore. I feel bad allready :D

But I will order pair of protectors asap :)

I was not ready to order a protector before, because I had allready ordered original leather case. Damn you nokia. Why is it so hard to ship it on time. I think the scratches are so deep that nomatter what I do, I cant' repair them.

Anybody got a link for new screen. The 90 euros, the finnis comppany is asking, is bit too steep.

Re: oh **** my N800 screen is ruined :(
 

In case anyone might be interested, I bought this from Expansys many moons ago. It's almost laughingly cheap for a (split) leather case, fits the N800 almost like a glove (but not the N810, hi hi hi) and has even a pocket for a (midget) phone or -- in my case -- earbuds.

It does close with velcro (ugh!), but I managed to take off the velcro and replace it with a magnetic clasp, which does a much better job in keeping the case closed.

Funny thing: The magnetic clasp was almost as expensive as the case...

Re: oh **** my N800 screen is ruined :(
 

The opposite is true. The screen is a higher durometer than the disposable protector. The stylus will mar (also spelled marr) the screen protector with use. It takes more to scratch the screen than it does the protector.

http://books.google.com/books?id=17B...KQqFKywiIkJVXs

The protector may or may not have protected against a steel zipper in this case, but keeping metal objects of all kinds away from the N800 screen is prudent.

Re: oh **** my N800 screen is ruined :(
 

As somebody who has professed his anti-screen–protector stance, I hardly see how you're qualified to make this assertion. I have used my N800 with a high-quality protector for 6 months now, and it doesn't have a single scratch on it. Now, compare this to my 770 which went without a screen protector for the first 6 months of its use, and its screen is noticeably scratched.

If you buy disposable screen protectors, yes, you will get disposable quality, but I'd rather have something that might have a chance of saving my screen than nothing.

Re: oh **** my N800 screen is ruined :(
 

I also use the pouch but I also use a silicon case, it still fits the pouch but would never fall out, it works really well.

Re: oh **** my N800 screen is ruined :(
 

I thought about upgrading a n800 with a n810 screen.
You seem to have detailed information about the n810 screen and why it cannot work in a n800.
Could you please share your info?

Thanks

Re: oh **** my N800 screen is ruined :(
 

You have no idea of what assertions I am qualified to make.

What I have professed on this topic in other threads hardly disqualifies me from continuing to inform people here of facts, as opposed to your anecdotal experiences. Your opinions are fine but the facts are that the screen is made of a hard material for a reason, but it isn't harder than most metals. Keep the screen clear of dirt (powdered Earth) and similar abrasives, and only use the Nokia stylus and the N800 screen will be fine. Stop your preaching please. You have been offering this anecdotal evidence and hearsay on your experiences, while some of us have science and experiences to boot that differ from your own.

Re: oh **** my N800 screen is ruined :(
 

Wow... yet another super-ego. Just what we needed after a slow weekend :-)

Re: oh **** my N800 screen is ruined :(
 

Well, there isn't much to share. I work on the tablets, at Nokia. All I'm saying is that the components are different. Not only the flex length and placement, but even the connector layout.
Anyway there is plenty of videos around about gutting the tablets, where you can clearly see what i'm saying (at least about the flex). I'm not aware of any 3rd party selling compatible screen replacements (as often happens for laptops), but I wouldn't be surprised if you could find it. After all at least in one of the devices the screen was Epson, so maybe they are used also in some other device.

Edit:
I might be wrong about the flex: I was thinking about the macroboard I used in the beginning, but I'm not 100% sure about the production units. I'll check it.

Re: oh **** my N800 screen is ruined :(
 

I was addressing your pretentiousness (espousing to know what my qualifications are) as well as your poorly informed notion that the screen protector is made of a higher durometer rated material than the actual N800 screen. Ego aside. Get your facts straight if you want to tangle.

I am biased against those sheets, I freely admit it. It is a matter of the sheets diminishing my enjoyment while using the N800 (and the sheets are unnecessary for some of us).

I act as my N800's screen protector by the way I handle it. I don't shove mine into backpacks and so forth (not a derogatory jab at the OP poor guy who scratched his, I'm just saying that if I scratch mine from being careless that falls on me). I like the leather case thingy, and I'll get one of those soon. I had several for my Pocket PCs and they were good to use.

Edit: Oops wrong guy.

Re: oh **** my N800 screen is ruined :(
 

Just quit it allready... my screen is ruined... period. Just a good pointer to new screen would be apreciated.

Re: oh **** my N800 screen is ruined :(
 

Sorry Man. My Casio E-125 feel from my shirt pocket a few years back . I know the feeling you have right now. That mark on your screen is driving you crazy. For the cost of a new N800, you will probably be better off buying a whole new unit, and sell your unit with the scratch to someone on eBay for $125-$150. I'm guessing you'll get a buyer in that range that will tolerate the scratch. Don't make it worst by trying to buff/polish it.

If you can get sayyyy $140 for yours and buy a new one for ~ $200, you are out $60ish. Fixing your scratched N800 one is going to cost more than $60 I'd predict. When I broke my E-125 screen, I bought a dead Casio on eBay and used it for parts to repair my E-125. It worked. Unfortunately I doubt you are going to find a dead N800 on eBay (that has a good screen).

My advice is sell your N800, and buy a new one. Sorry I can't be of more help. What you have going in your favor is that your N800 is 100% functional. Someone will buy it at a discount.

Re: oh **** my N800 screen is ruined :(
 

Maybe this is a good point to think about n810 when the price comes down a bit :D

I know I can swap the screen myself, I also know that I can get like 130 euros from my old unit, and the new one costs 240 or so. Damn.... so I would save like 30 euros if I buy new screen. Maybe, if I can get a replacement screen from US then I could save some cash.

Re: oh **** my N800 screen is ruined :(
 

Seriously, try applying a screen protector to your screen first. They sometimes do wonders in hiding scratches.

You don't even have to buy a N800-specific one to test it; maybe a store in your neighbourhood has old Palm (or whatever) protectors lying around that you could pick up for cheap to experiment with.

If it works, here:

http://www.schutzfolien24.de/Display...Serie-n800.htm

They don't scratch (at least not within the first ten months of purchase) and they have absolutely no effect on the appearance of the screen. If anything, the anti-reflective coating makes the N800's screen even better.

Re: oh **** my N800 screen is ruined :(
 

xxM5xx and GeneralAntilles are both right. There are broadly speaking two types of screen protectors: Some are much softer than the screen (the ones PalmOne sold for their Palm PDAs were of this type), and some are harder than the screen.

Re: oh **** my N800 screen is ruined :(
 

Heck, if you're going to spend a bunch of money replacing the screen, why not try a couple other cheap solutions first? novus plastic polish is one possible solution. I won't be responsible for any damage it does, so do your own research before applying.

Re: oh **** my N800 screen is ruined :(
 

I used the soft-type screen protector on my 770 and it has worked fine, but it is scratches almost immediately and will soon need changing.

Karel suggested the 3M Vikuiti screen which sounds really good:

* Double coated (ideal for navigation), scratchproof, bubble free and dirt repellant.
* Scratchproof hard coating with 3H pencil hardness.
* Dirt repellant surface (Easy-clean & anti-fingerprint).
* Light, bubble free application; can be removed without leaving traces.
* Pleasant feeling when writing.

These are claims by 3M, not some HK knock-off shop. Actually finding and buying the right protector in NA seems to be a bit of a puzzle.

http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3...Products/Size/

As far as I can tell, the correct (oversize) for the tablets will be: 98-0440-4382-0 which is 4.90" x 3.70". Is this right?

Or is there a product number for a Nokia specific screen?

Re: oh **** my N800 screen is ruined :(
 

My N800 still has on it the original shipping screen protector (11 months use and no problems, just a little dirty) :)

Re: oh **** my N800 screen is ruined :(
 

Much appreciated; the N810's screen is one clear advantage (possibly the only one? with GPS & keyboard depending on usage patterns) over the N800. I think a lot of us are hoping to upgrade our N800s some day.

Re: oh **** my N800 screen is ruined :(
 

So nobody knows the part number for the screen, or a place to buy a new screen.

Re: oh **** my N800 screen is ruined :(
 

Germany located, expensiveee :( ... look

Re: oh **** my N800 screen is ruined :(
 

I am looking something below 95 euros. I have one at local parts retailer but. I need one asap as the screen is not responding to pen anymore.

Re: oh **** my N800 screen is ruined :(
 

At that price seems to be difficult..I've checked ebay but nothing.. good luck anyway ;)

Re: oh **** my N800 screen is ruined :(
 

Oh **** :D my screen is not ruined anymore. Big hand to thoughtfix. He's guide was an excellent help when I replaced the screen.

Total cost 91 euros, and an excellent lesson on keeping your gear safe :D

Re: oh **** my N800 screen is ruined :(
 

I had finally some time to open an n810: the flex is different from the n800 and even the connector seems slightly different (but i didn't have an n800 to compare against, so this is just a feeling).

Re: oh **** my N800 screen is ruined :(
 

I don't know why I didn't think of this earlier, but I still have 2 LCDs that I'll gladly send to anyone who's suffered a similar accident, just for cost of shipping. BUT-- I don't know if they work or not, and installing them is not for the meek.

So... what was your solution, Jupex?

Re: oh **** my N800 screen is ruined :(
 

So my N800 just slid off my lap and landed screen-down on a motherboard on the floor beside me. :eek: I still had the original dustcover-ish plastic on the screen, but that really didn't help for landing face-first on the metal riser of a PCI card. Big gouge/crack in the upper left, though the display and touch still seem to work.

Do you still happen to have these screens? PM/email me if so. I watched thoughtfix's disassembly on Youtube and I can do that easily enough. I'll take the risk on them if they don't work, since mine still technically does. I'm in the southwest USA.