[steach]

My USB port is damaged, the female plug just moves around freely, so obviously I can't charge the phone via the USB anymore. I bought the phone 3rd party, so I have no warranty on it. I have a couple questions, if anyone can help.

a) Anyone know what they charge to fix one usually is?
b) Are external Battery chargers worthwhile?
and if so, do you know any retail outlets that sell them, since I
can only find them online.
c) Which charging device uses the side prongs to charge the batter?
d) Any other suggestions?

Thanks for the help!

[rambo47]

a. Call or email Horizon Wireless for a quote.

b. An external charger will do the job, but it's a pain to swap out batteries every day. That will get old real fast! An AT&T store might have them if it's a big enough store, not some independent shop or mall kiosk.

c. The only charger I have seen that uses the side contacts to charge is the [Blackberry Power Station, and at $99 it's an expensive solution.

d. Getting it fixed is the only thing I'd recommend. If it costs less than $99 to get it done then it's a way better solution than c. Getting back your USB port is a big deal, for usage and for resale. Without the USB port, you can only resell it as junk, for parts.

[Vito117]

I too had a broken charge port...and though....oh crap.....I'm screwed now.

However............
I do have to give Verizon some props though.
I brought the phone in to the VZ store thinking....Oh great here we go.....I can hear it now...." Sorry sir....out of warranty....have to purchase new one..your shite out of luck.....blah blah blah..."
The Verizon guy behind the counter was helpful and understanding. In 10 minutes I was handed a brand new phone . No 62 pages of paperwork to fill out, no extra cash to fork over, no 2nd born left as collateral.....Amazing.
Thumbs up to VZ.

[mike2160]

I charge my batteries with an external charger. I hardly ever use the usb port now am glad after reading all the posts on usb ports broke. The battery life is not that good on my 8830 with 4.5 but I find changing batteries pretty easy.

[Big_T]

The USB port on my 8320 was broken so I purchased a charging cradle at the T-Mobile store for $6.99 (they are on sale from $29.99). It works great for charging!

I have obtained several quotes for repair ranging from $50-$90. I still want to be able to transfer data etc.... so I will need to get the port fixed.

[Bizeau]

I know that Cell Phone Fixed in Seattle, WA, does local repairs as well as mail order repairs for broken USB / charging ports. Google them to find their website.

[jessep28]

How was it damaged? Is the port eligible to be fixed under warranty?

[jfkeith]

I've had the USB port break on 3 different devices. Seems to be a sensitive piece of the phone, and its a serious pain when it does break...good luck

[manofice]

Originally Posted by jfkeith

I've had the USB port break on 3 different devices. Seems to be a sensitive piece of the phone, and its a serious pain when it does break...good luck

I've seen a bunch of 8830's usb port break/malfunction

[jfkeith]

I wonder if the USB port is something they will keep unchanged, wouldn't be a bad thing for RIM to maybe put it somewhere else on the unit, or go for a stock holster/stand option, been thinking about getting one for a while so I don't have to deal with the cords laying around.

[jfkeith]

Originally Posted by manofice

I've seen a bunch of 8830's usb port break/malfunction

Just as a funny little note, after this conversation I was looking at my usb port on my 2 week old 8820, and it's already bent to a side. Ironic, and somewhat pisses me off a little, but such is....