iPod, iPhone, Xbox 360 Repair Sharks

Apple iPad 1 and iPad 2 Repair Information

We have been repairing a lot of iPads over the last two years. Although the iPad 2 has outsold the iPad 1 at this point we still see a fair influx of the iPad 1 models coming in for cracked glass issues, LCD problems, and water damage.  The cost of an iPad 1 is still high and we suspect that this will remain steady going forward. Apple’s products have a higher resale value even after years of use compared to competitor’s products. After all an iPod is still an iPod regardless if it is 1 year old or 8. The device still plays music which is its primary function. The addition of all the bells and whistles is what makes each model more appealing.

A lot of avid iPad users like the iPad 1 over the iPad 2 due to the accessibility of jail breaks that the iPad 1 has had. Not until recently have we seen an A5 jailbreak (Absinthe) that actually works. Will this be the change of tide that will move iPad 1 users to the next platform? Possibly, but we still think there is a lot of value in the iPad 1 that a consumer may want to reconsider upgrading to an iPad 2. With talk of the iPad 3 stirring up in news blogs consumers may feel compelled to jump to the new iPad 3 when it is released. It will be interesting to see the market once there is a 3rd gen model available of this revolutionary tablet. The design has changed drastically from the 1 to the 2 and it is our guess that much of the iPad 2 platform will be transitioned into the iPad 3 models. We still see room for improvement and we believe Apple leaves this gate open for future models, otherwise users would have a hard time justifying the upgrade.

We just repaired an iPad 1 actually that was completely smashed. All 4 corners were damaged severely and the class was actually falling off the device in many areas. We removed the old glass / digitizer, or as we like to call the touch panel, and replaced it with a brand new piece. The corners were repaired individually to allow for the new glass to be installed properly. iPad 1 glass repair is much different than the iPad 2. We wonder what the newest generation will bring to the table.

Due to the complexity of these tablets and the potential for lots of collateral damage we always recommend having a professional repair the iPad 1 or 2. We see many damaged iPads from repair attempts gone bad.  Some of the components are extremely critical to the devices operation and damage to any of the micro sized cables or components can end with a non-working Apple iPad.

Repair Sharks has repair options available for iPad 1 and iPad 2. We will be sure to be re-engineering the repair process for the iPad 3 when it is finally released. If you or a friend needs help getting their iPad repaired give us a call and we can help.

iPad 1 Repair

iPad 1 Glass Repair

February 15th, 2012

Category: iPad Repair

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Android Smartphone Repair vs. iPhone Repair

Android Smartphone Repair

Android Smartphone Repair Sharks Services

For the last year and a half we have been repairing Android Smartphone Screens. We have been able to handle a wide variety of Android smartphones such including brands as HTC, Samsung, Motorola, and LG. Coming from the world of the iPod and iPhone repair the Android phone design has its ups and downs. Since there are so many flavors of Android phones on the market there are also many different designs used internally. Each manufacturer, and even from model to model in the same line, can have layout changes.  If you look at the iPhone 2G to 3G and 3G to 4G model upgrades this is also the case. The designs internally from generation to generation vary greatly.

Here are some of the major differences between the iPhone and Android design that we regularly see when repairing either device.

  1. The internal flex cabling is setup differently. Due to board and battery positioning cabling can vary from model to model. The iPhone 4 for example has an upside down L shaped layout that runs from top to bottom. This allows for a direct connection with minimal cabling for such parts as the LCD and Digitizer screen. Some of the Android models use longer flex cables to make these same connections.
  2. Some of the Android phones are available with slide-out keyboards. These keyboards make it tricky to disassemble at times. There are cables that slide with the keyboard and they are generally intertwined with the phones internal framing making it difficult to remove in some models.
  3. It looks like overall the entire design approach is different from the iPhone. Many of the connector types are similar but the way they are actually placed inside the casing is completely different. Some of the Android phones remind me of doing iPhone 2G repairs. If anyone has ever tried to repair a 2G iPhone then you are familiar with the difficulties of the design.
  4. The screen designs vary from model to model. Some have LCD and Digitizers that are separable newer models like the iPhone 4 and 4s have fused screen designs meaning they come as a single piece from the manufacturer. As a consideration, the screen design can impact the cost of repair in the future and even the cost of insurance.
  5. User replaceable battery in Android models vs. non user replaceable in the iPhone. A big difference especially if you plan on keeping your phone for a few years. We replace many iPhone batteries, although it is rather a straightforward repair it should still be performed by a qualified technician.

Overall both the Android and iPhone models are well performing products.  There is a host of other difference obviously and some are more profound than others. It seems like Android phone manufacturers are starting to adapt their design methods to include new innovations in cable and board manufacturing technology.

Android repair services for HTC, LG, Samsung, and Motorola are available in our repair center. Mail-in or walk-in repair services are available for your Android or Apple iPhone 3, 3gs, 4, or 4s. We are always adding new models to our lineup. Visit our website for more information at www.repairsharks.com.  You can also visit our Android Repair page for more information.

Android Repair Information

February 9th, 2012

Category: Android Repair

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