Had one which went through the wash. We let it dry but even after a few weeks it would reset every few minutes. I bought the tool to open it, an replaced the battery with a new one. Total cost for tool and battery, $10.36, including shipping. Apple would have charged $200 for the repair.

If you crack your screen or whatever - you can buy the parts and fix it.

I've had good success with: http://www.ifixit.com/
They have the odd-ball tools and parts needed, as well as good instructions and videos.
I replaced the battery in my iPhone 3GS. It really wasn't that bad and it's extended the life of the phone.
I may even skip the 4S and wait for the next one.

Tag. But hope I never need to look up this thread again.

I have replaced a few broken screens

iFixit would have been almost 4x the price compared to what I paid.

Had a hardware issue with my 4s. The volume would not work on apps, iPod or recorded video. The ringer worked fine if someone called. Called up Apple, tried a couple things with no success. Set up appointment with a genius, gave me a brand new one out of the box. He said they don't refurbish them? I thought they did.

silencertalk wrote:iFixit would have been almost 4x the price compared to what I paid.

I posted mainly due to the how-to videos and instructions.

TypeR632 wrote:Had a hardware issue with my 4s. The volume would not work on apps, iPod or recorded video. The ringer worked fine if someone called. Called up Apple, tried a couple things with no success. Set up appointment with a genius, gave me a brand new one out of the box. He said they don't refurbish them? I thought they did.

He's wrong, I'm posting this from my year old iPhone 4 purchased from AT&T. I got the 32g model for $180.

Yes, I did use iFixIt instructions.

So maybe I did not fully fix the phone. It did not charge last night. I may also have a fried charging circuit.

It did stop the main problem of resetting every few minutes.

my experience replacing the touch sensor is that they are inferior to OEM & supposedly to come in different grades too.

glad to hear the iPh4 wasn't an issue to break open. Need to get my replaced as it's taken a beating & has become glitchy

Maybe I need to do this next:

http://fonefixer.webs.com/apps/webstore ... ow/2684671

Looks hard - a very small chip and requires soldering.

I took it they weren't refurbing the 4s.

silencertalk wrote:Had one which went through the wash. We let it dry but even after a few weeks it would reset every few minutes. I bought the tool to open it, an replaced the battery with a new one. Total cost for tool and battery, $10.36, including shipping. Apple would have charged $200 for the repair.

If you crack your screen or whatever - you can buy the parts and fix it.

Did you buy a Chinese battery direct shipment over the web? I've had the best of luck with them. Every time I get a new phone or camera I order a stack of $3.50 batteries for it. Only downside is shipping is 2-4 weeks. I also hate smartphones that are not only battery hogs, but you cannot easily replace the battery!

edit - and they always work well.

silencertalk wrote:Maybe I need to do this next:

http://fonefixer.webs.com/apps/webstore ... ow/2684671

Looks hard - a very small chip and requires soldering.

There are tutorials on Curious Inventor: http://store.curiousinventor.com/guides ... _Soldering

I got the battery from Amazon.com with Prime 2-day air shipping for $6.