Just bought a new n900
 

I loved my n810, although it was kind of slow due to the lack of hardware acceleration, I liked having a real Linux computer in my pocket. My current phone is an HTC HD2, which is a neat phone for hacking, it runs all sorts of mobile OSs and also will run Ubuntu (badly) but still not a computer-in-your-pocket. So I went to eBay and got an n900. I see from the threads here that the Hong Kong seller I bought it from, cellphonesforever, has a bad reputation, I hope mine turns out OK. Got it for $162, but I paid ~$10 in order to get expedited shipping. I feel some regret getting it from a seller that I now see is problematic, but there really aren't that many other sellers of n900s on eBay other than "used" (i.e. not refurbished) ones at that price. I am reluctant to get a used one, as not only might it not be in good condition in general, there's the USB port problem to worry about.

Re: Just bought a new n900
 

I hope it will be OK. Let us know if there's any problem or you have any questions!

Re: Just bought a new n900
 

Someone on IRC said I should ask for a checklist of things to look for as far as damage goes. Rather than start another thread, I'll try asking here in my thread about the new device. Anyone want to post one?

Re: Just bought a new n900
 

Re: Just bought a new n900
 

A new device should have a clean crash log:

mtd2 doesn't get wiped on a reflash.

Re: Just bought a new n900
 

There are problems, I charged it to full successfully, flashed it in order to wipe it (it wasn't wiped when I got it), then used it for a bit until it was fairly low in charge. Then I put it on the charger, while it was on the charger, it said it needed charging and shut down. Now all it will do is either boot-loop on the charger, or off the charger not turn on at all. :(

Re: Just bought a new n900
 

try charging the batt using an external charger. may be you're on a flat batt.

Re: Just bought a new n900
 

Unfortunately I don't have an external charger. Any recommendations? I just got one on eBay for $5, but I'm scared I'll get burned a second time by an eBay merchant like I did with the phone. I didn't see any chargers for this battery that looked better via google or Amazon though.

Re: Just bought a new n900
 

The cellphoneforever phones are fraudulently sold as new but are actually used/repaired but they do have a new plastic shell and new non-standard fake Nokia accessories. AFAIK the repaired board is the only Nokia thing in the whole package. Some will work fine for years mine worked badly for two weeks then bricked, but if you ever open one up you will see the scorch marks from the sloppy repairs.
You will probably want to flash the phone to clear off any unwanted porn, files, apps , contacts, and call history from the previous user.

It sounds like the phone came with a broken USB port, typical cellphoneforever. Contact eBay and Paypal to at least leave an amended comment.

Re: Just bought a new n900
 

I just contacted the seller. If they give me the usual B.S., which I'm sure they will, from what I see now on this forum regarding this seller, I'm going to send it right to paypal. I do have to contact them first though according to paypal,so I guess I should so paypal will give me less grief about it.

Re: Just bought a new n900
 

This makes me really upset you know, I was looking forward to having a UMPC in my pocket instead of an app-phone.

Re: Just bought a new n900
 

@MobyTurbo,

But you said you did manage to charge it (at least once?). Try removing the battery for a few minutes, then put it back on and plug the charger. If you don't see any LED activity try to move the cable a bit in case it's not connecting properly (I have 3 N900s and 3 chargers, in some combinations of N900 and charger I have that issue).

Please describe exactly what you see on the LED (blinking red/orange, solid yellow, etc.)

Re: Just bought a new n900
 

I did manage to charge it once. OK, I'll try that. The LED is solid yellow (amber) for a while, then blinks red/orange when it starts doing the rebooting thing. Maybe it was repaired poorly and just plugging it in a couple of times worked the solder connection loose again?

Re: Just bought a new n900
 

OK, it's back to boot looping, after having the battery out of the cell phone over an hour. (I'd packed it up and started using my old phone, as part of the packing, I'd removed the battery.)

Re: Just bought a new n900
 

It was amber at first while charging, boot looped with it flashing amber, now it's flashing red.

Re: Just bought a new n900
 

There, I've left negative feedback. Of course, cellphoneforever's sock puppets will leave positive feedback in response. (One purchaser buys half a dozen unrelated items from them and leaves glowing feedback is the pattern to their positive feedback it appears.)

After getting burned like this, I'll think twice before I buy anything significant on eBay from a seller thousands of miles away.

Re: Just bought a new n900
 

Now process a fraud claim against them with Paypal, you should get your money back, and on Paypals command, the satisfaction of smashing the phone(on video) with a hammer to destroy it.

Re: Just bought a new n900
 

@MobyTurbo,

I guess either the microUSB port is faulty, or the battery is fake/wasted. If you can get your money back, fine. Otherwise you might try getting/borrowing a new/original battery and see if that improves the situation.