http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/ Engadget Comments for Nokia N900 micro-USB connectors prone to failure? http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/Feb 10th 2010 7:55PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/
Toyota says "Welcome to our world B****"]]>Feb 10th 2010 8:25PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/I've had 2 N900s since Nov, and they've been airtight and worry free. This isn't a widespread issue, and I wouldn't worry about it much. If you were planning on getting one of these, worry more about the microphone, not the USB. That has been the only real issue, and it was fixed with software.]]>Feb 11th 2010 12:43AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/
I don't know all the Nokia phone, but my 5800XM has screen failure(best known for multi color line screen, google it, it is widespread.), and the Nokia Care center wants to charge me 60 Dollars to fix the problem which is not made by me. the 5800XM also has the signal issue... anyway, I won't buy any more Nokia phone in the near future... perhaps 5800XM will be my last stupid nokia phone ever...

Hope you guy out there best luck with your N900. ]]>Feb 11th 2010 3:54AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/
For much that I hate the constant bashing from Engadget towards Nokia I think this is post is more than well deserved. Whatever company that actually treats this kind of problems as a consumer problem is alienating its own consumer base. Apple is handling this issue with the iMacs in rather a good way...

Kudos for Chris (but I still dont love you).]]>Feb 11th 2010 6:49AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/Feb 11th 2010 1:02PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/
"Nokia responds to reports about the N900 micro-usb port getting detached"

http://discussions.europe.nokia.com/t5/Maemo-Devices/Nokia-responds-to-reports-about-the-N900-micro-usb-port-getting/td-p/629019#

---------------------------

We are aware of reports that under certain conditions, the micro-USB port of a very limited amount of Nokia N900 devices can be detached. Product quality is of utmost importance to Nokia and we are investigating this issue further. Consumers who experience this issue should contact their local Nokia customer care. The same warranty applies to the Nokia N900 as with any other Nokia device. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

---------------------------
To find contact details of authorized Nokia Care points globally, please visit

www.nokia.com/repair
]]>Feb 11th 2010 1:49PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/
/s]]>Feb 10th 2010 7:57PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/UPDATE: Nokia reports that the problem was fixed for production devices. I do not know details.]]>Feb 10th 2010 7:59PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/

yeah, i dunno why this is news now because the for starters the post was posted back in Dec 2009! Most of the people reporting problems were early models sent out to be reviewed. Not a lot of problems have been reported with production models.]]>Feb 11th 2010 4:29AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/
Mine works just fine. MicroUSB is a bit tighter than MiniUSB but it's not a problem.

Now what is a problem is that I can't use the MicroUSB port in Host mode and would have rather have a separate power connector so I could put the MicroUSB jack in host mode.]]>Feb 10th 2010 7:59PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/Feb 10th 2010 8:02PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/
You returned the device based on the fact that you might have a problem with it and you know someone from a forum that had the problem? I sure you must return every singled device because as far as I know there isn't a device that is 100% problem free. Or as someone mentioned a rock might be.

I also don't understand why warranty wouldn't cover a fault like this. Where I come from a "warranty" is something manufacturer gives as a "bonus" like a hassle free way to deal with defects. _But_ if there's a problem with the device even if the warranty has expired they are still obliged to fix the problem if it's a manufacturing problem.

For example TV's should last longer than 2-3 years, so manufacturer must fix the tv still after 3 years even if the warranty was only 1 year. The same is true for mobile phones, but at least here Nokias warranty is already 2 years.]]>Feb 11th 2010 7:34AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/Feb 11th 2010 9:16AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/
I know, I know, this isn't the connector's fault, nokia screwed something up. But still, they never did seem that strong to me... I really like Mini USB, but i guess everything's gotta get smaller when it comes to phones.
-Taylor]]>Feb 10th 2010 8:03PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/Feb 10th 2010 8:04PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/Feb 10th 2010 8:04PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/
At most junctions Nokia chooses the path that gives them the worst PR.. I don't get that company, sometimes
http://discussions.europe.nokia.com/t5/Maemo-Devices/N900-hardware-fault-mini-USB-port/m-p/627925/highlight/false]]>Feb 10th 2010 8:09PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/
1) Nokia.
Nokia designed this product as compact as possible and sourced a microUSB connector that did not have any extra support other than its' five contacts to the board, which, in the world of surface mount, are already as small as is.

2) The end user.
The end user should be more careful with their device - after all, spending upwards of $600 on a device should make it a little bit more careful to handle and NOT force connectors or simply yank on them to disconnect them.

The solutions?
1) Nokia needs to either...
A) re-design the USB connector, or
B) find another part that offers additional support much like full sized USB B has.
2) The end user needs to not yank on the connectors as hard. Be gentle - after all, $600 is an investment to last.]]>Feb 10th 2010 8:09PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/
1) Nokia
2) Nokia

For not doing enough product testing. How do you know end users are "yanking" the connectors? Did you do your own study?]]>Feb 10th 2010 8:15PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/
While you are correct in that people should take more care of their device, it doesn't matter. Plus, how do you know the failed units were abused?

The point is, phones, especially expensive ones, simply have to be designed with a certain amount of expected abuse. Plus, we all know Nokia's reputation for making sure their phones can take a beating and keep going.

My guess is that the original engineering and prototypes were fine, but maybe they switched to another manufacturing facility late in the game, and someone (or some machine) got lazy or cheap with the soldering (or however these SM connectors are put on) and well... here you go. ]]>Feb 10th 2010 10:26PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/
Hey you don't try to be a nice smart ass OK?

It is the hardware issue, it is THE mistake of the manufacturer.

]]>Feb 11th 2010 3:59AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/Feb 10th 2010 8:16PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/
I have a NAM N85 as well and recently had problems with the micro usb port. Mine had actually fell a couple of times while charging, but still, i don't think that should've caused the connector to fall inside the phone. So i called it into Nokia repair and they had it fixed for free. The only thing now though is that the turn the phone over feature to snooze the alarm or silence the ringer when receiving a call doesn't work anymore - Yes i verified the settings. Also, they screwed up the key lock on the side - it doesn't move anymore. I'm thinking my next phone will be a N900 so i hope this is just a fluke for some units, and that Nokia addresses this accordingly.]]>Feb 10th 2010 11:30PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/Feb 10th 2010 8:21PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/
Another job well done Nokia, world class leader of mobile devices!]]>Feb 10th 2010 8:23PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/
no... its true. happened to me]]>Feb 10th 2010 8:24PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/
I used to like Nokia, Now I distrust them, each time I think they have earned my respect back, they drop the ball again]]>Feb 10th 2010 8:29PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/Feb 10th 2010 8:29PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/
I recently designed a product that had similar issues in the prototype run. It turned out that the manufacturer was using too much solder, which was leaking into the connector making the connection very tight. They fixed the problem and have had no trouble... and trust me, we've been abusing some units for months now.
Our design is slightly different from this one because the microUSB part has pins that actually solder into holes in the board like a traditional solder connection. Otherwise those little feet midway along the shell are soldered to pads on the surface of the circuit board, holding it down. This can be a very secure connection if done correctly.]]>Feb 10th 2010 8:35PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/Feb 10th 2010 8:47PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/
Hey since you have had your N900 for a while can you lend me some advice on flash quality???

The flash video's look terrible. and when i long press on a flash component on a web site(particularly flash video) i am given the option to low quality medium and high quality. It seems to be set at medium quality. so all the video's i watch are really grainy. i had a N810 for the longest and the flash video's worked much better and the quality was better aswell.

i went to the about flash page on adobe's website and it said i was using flash player 9. My nokia N810 had flash 9.4. and the N900 is advertised as having flash 9.4. i am updated to the latest firmware.

whats going on? how do flash vidoe's perform for you? and do you know of a remedy? thanks (please respond)]]>Feb 12th 2010 9:03PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/Feb 12th 2010 10:42PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/Feb 10th 2010 8:50PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/Feb 10th 2010 8:51PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/
Oh sorry, you must have navigated to the wrong site. This is Engadget, not GSMarena, please re-direct accordingly, troll.]]>Feb 10th 2010 8:52PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/
As much as I appreciate you moderating the comments, if you delete one post, might as well delete my rebuttal to it as well. Otherwise it just looks like I'm crazy... :|]]>Feb 11th 2010 1:36AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/
My girlfriends n97 mini is similar, but that can be removed with one hand without feeling like youre gonna bust it open]]>Feb 10th 2010 8:53PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/
"Nokia proprietary OS"?

May want to rethink this statement...]]>Feb 10th 2010 8:55PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/Damn, Android fanboys are the worst kind of fanboys.]]>Feb 10th 2010 8:56PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/Feb 10th 2010 9:00PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/1) The USB port on the N810 is used pretty infrequently, since charging is through a different connector.
2) It sounds like Nokia attached the USB connector poorly on the N900.
3) Even if a part has an unacceptable number of failures, most people won't have a problem, so someone saying "mine's fine" doesn't mean anything.
4) I'd generally heard good things about Nokia's customer service, but this is abominable!]]>Feb 10th 2010 9:13PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/
Based on the Maemo.org poll cited, the problems is impacting just over 20% of owners and that certainly is an unacceptable amount.

It be interesting to know whether the majority those experiencing the problem have pre-production (highlighted in the Tabula Crypticum post) or production units too. I have a production unit and so far so good (after two significant drops of my N900), but I read the earlier poster state that their new unit is problematic.]]>Feb 10th 2010 9:22PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/I'm a member of Maemo.org, and I'll say beware the accuracy of the polls. There is a large faction of Android and iPhone fanboys that simply hang around to disrupt the forums and vote negatively on any polls available. Being open has its disadvantages, in a forums's sense.

It is a problem, mainly because there is nothing to prevent the USB connector from moving, putting stress on the surface mounted module. Evidently Nokia has devised a way to fix it, though it hasn't been a problem on mine.

The prerelease models were hardware complete. The prerelease moniker applied to the software.]]>Feb 11th 2010 12:53AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/Feb 10th 2010 9:15PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4041/4345743664_f009d5ba84_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2762/4345743474_f8bd79f381_b.jpg

I'm one of the most loyal Nokia handset buyers that I know. This happened to mine yesterday. I'll see what NYC flagship has to say about it. I purchased mine in Mid Dec.]]>Feb 10th 2010 9:20PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/
Those photos are making me real nervous. I hope they do the right thing and replace your N900.

I've had mine since the end of November.]]>Feb 10th 2010 9:25PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/
Did you open the phone on those screenshots, the spacing between the bezels is too wide. Wonder what Warranty has to say?]]>Feb 10th 2010 10:28PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/
@Tehuti. I'll report back after tomorrow's visit to the NYC Flagship store.

Cya all tomorrow. Criss your fingers for me! :)]]>Feb 11th 2010 1:20AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/10/nokia-n900-micro-usb-connectors-prone-to-failure/
I am amazed that a company will treat their flag-ship product customers so cheaply.]]>Feb 10th 2010 9:31PM