Damaged JB phone - help please

[rapidj]

My son's iPhone recently hit the ground, and while there is no outward damage, the bottom third of touch screen no longer responds. The slide unlock doesn't work, nor do the apps in the dock or the bottom row of apps. Everything else, from there up, works fine. It's a jailbroken/unlocked phone and its about 6 months out of warranty. I reset to factory settings hoping it might be a software issue (I know, a longshot), but to no avail. It seems as though something may have been jarred loose inside, but I don't know. I plan to take it to the Apple store this weekend to see what they say. Has anyone has this experience, and does it seem like something that could be fixed for a reasonable amount? I now turn to these forums for advice. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

thanks
Kory

 

[LoMonkey]

Since you dropped it, don't expect much help from Apple, aside from a $199 or $299 replacement (not sure). If you want to go a cheaper (and a little more dangerous route), you can buy a new LCD/Touchscreen online for around $80-$90 and install it yourself. The install isn't very difficult, but be sure you know what you're doing.

So, first take it to the Apple store. They will probably just offer a replacement. This would be the safest way, but most costly. That is, however, if they decide to service your out-of-warranty phone.

 

[rapidj]

I looked online and found a lot of options ranging from about $130 to $170. Can you point me the direction of a reputable dealer as well as maybe a link to directions on how to actually replace the screen. I found links on how to disassembe but none on how to actually replace the screen

thanks

 

[benflick]

RapidRepair has had a good reputation from what I have heard.

 

[bytethese]

My son's iPhone recently hit the ground, and while there is no outward damage, the bottom third of touch screen no longer responds. The slide unlock doesn't work, nor do the apps in the dock or the bottom row of apps. Everything else, from there up, works fine. It's a jailbroken/unlocked phone and its about 6 months out of warranty. I reset to factory settings hoping it might be a software issue (I know, a longshot), but to no avail. It seems as though something may have been jarred loose inside, but I don't know. I plan to take it to the Apple store this weekend to see what they say. Has anyone has this experience, and does it seem like something that could be fixed for a reasonable amount? I now turn to these forums for advice. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

thanks
Kory

Time to buy a new device. It's out of warranty and has faulty hardware. I wouldn't recommend purchasing 3rd party Hardware and paying someone to take apart your phone to replace. Being that it's 6mo out of warranty, it must have been the original iPhone. You should be able to buy a new iPhone 3G for the discounted cost. Unless of course by unlocked you mean you took it to T-Mobile. If so, then unfortunately I think you may be SOL.

 

[rapidj]

Talked with Apple this morning. My option from them is getting a refurb for $199. Evidently a refurb for them is refurbed guts inside a brand new case. Seems like a better option than rolling the dice with a repair. I can't make the repair myself, and paying someone would likely cost more. Guess my son better start saving his money.