yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[HD2 General] crossmission:
The truth is that keys on hd2, and every other phone/device for that matter, do die, some easiers thatn others. My power off/screen lock key died in the first two months of having it when there was no android on the horizon yet. Still works but feels like it stays in all the time, not causing any problems though. Another truth is that as much as I love my hd2 iI'm already thinking of replacing in with either a Hd2 t-mobile(1gb ram) or desire hd. The first is a cheaper choice the latter being the new kid on the block. Sorry for rumbling but the point is that devices have an expiration date, change is usually good so don't overthink it, just buy another phone.
[HD2 General] raziel123:
Off topic remark

You have a rather sick mentality,

next time post something useful and relevant to the topic, or keep your trap shut ...

the Issue raised about the HD2's buttons wearing out is a valid one, but If I am not mistaken, someone else has already created a thread to discuss this matter.

regards.
[HD2 General] raziel123:
The problem is excessive use of the Hard buttons can wear them out ...

mines o.k so far,

regards.
[HD2 General] JonSolo:
This is the most insane concept ever. To say that one uses the hard keys in Android more than in WM6 is base-less. It makes no sense. In fact I would venture to say I use the hard keys LESS in Android than in WM6 because most of the apps in Android have been thought out and perfected. I also use Launcher Pro and have my most used apps available to me at the mere touch of a screen.

This is NOT an Android issue. Period. Morons.

Someone close this nonsense thread.
[HD2 General] odoss:
hahahahahaha :D
[HD2 General] xtorm80:
alot of application in android is without close option, only thing to do is use the back or home button. hence the tittle....
[HD2 General] pack21:
How many of us, don't have in the drawer, phones like new, and for what? For souvenir collection?

Enjoys well HD2, without stress, until don't go to drawer or sells for a few bucks.
[HD2 General] MartyLK:
I use the hard keys less in WinMo than I do in Android. In fact, before using Android, I rarely ever touched any of the hardkeys except for the power button. I have worried about the continued usage of the hard keys with Android right from the early days of HD2 Android.

I take it very easy and hope mine won't give out before they produce a touchscreen control panel...which I hope will be coming soon.
[HD2 General] HarnicGreeras:
CATS LIFE

Keys dieing during android? maybe because of heavily using of hard keys?! possible , why not? but can not confirm ...

:}

people think, that one cat has 9 lifes, so do not worry :} at least you have some times more! Seems funny anyway! Thanks
[HD2 General] Dizzle:
Prior to using Android, I was using WM6.5.3 and removed the start icon and back button on screen so was and am used to using the buttons regularly.

The buttons were made to be used :)
[HD2 General] rr5678:
All I'm gonna say is this:

Home, Menu, Back.

Can't quit an application without pressing back or home. Can't access more settings without pressing Menu. Derp.

In WM, you have the start button which can go to home and most applicatons in WM have soft keys for settings.
[HD2 General] aenedor:
Just my 2cp, surely the issue is the UI, install MIUI and you never need touch a hard key again :P :P :P
[HD2 General] Wampirate:
EPIC hehhehehe
[HD2 General] shankville75:
+1 I completely agree.
[HD2 General] InitialG:
Well, in any case, it's not like it's that hard to replace the hardware buttons...

But yeah, I think it's just the way you're using the phone regardless of what OS you're using on it.
[HD2 General] Monrad:
LOL this thread is funny :p Of course keys will beak if you use them a lot. That doesn't depend on android. I used to press the windows and home key a lot in windows. The same happened with the answer key.

Thread title is just wrong. It should be something like: Your hard keys will die using them.

And there's nothing to worry about. Be careful paranoid people, your shoes are wearing out every time you walk!!!!
[HD2 General] MMAwarrior:
Ofcourse i understand ur phone wont last forever i get that.. the ones who complain and uses names like "morons" obviously dont have a life.. anyways for the ones that can have a normal discussion.. my point of view is based on my own expierences and the ones i spoke with that have the same issues.. all i want are some usefull tips how to avoid the excessive use of buttons, and maybr if a dev would offer to insert an workaround..

i will try the miui release

thx for the tip...
[HD2 General] jae-v:
Agreed, my power button is almost out of commission i've gotta figure something else out
[HD2 General] hotter:
It makes perfect sense, maybe just not for you. I don't use hard keys in WM, but I use them in android a lot.

+1 for thread
[HD2 General] palakat:
love how people like to point out the obvious, but saying that android specifically KILLS the hard keys makes it funny. seriously nothing is made to last forever, just learn to use it without breaking it. period.
[HD2 General] 2000impreza:
Replacement part

As others have mentioned, this "issue" is really just normal wear and tear. After 5 minutes of searching on ebay, I found the replacement part ranging from $15 to $30.

http://cgi.ebay.ca/Keypad-Flex-Keyb...602728?pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item3cb0b3abe8

I've replaced plenty of worn out home buttons on the i-phone 3g and 3gs and IMO this is no different.
[HD2 General] pablo11:
A quick search and it seems someone has already started working on this: http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?t=841559
[HD2 General] i1magic:
What you mentioned does make some sense.

This is one aspect that iOS is pretty good in. You will realised that MOST if not all their apps has a "Go back" button on the top left. I personally feels that this is a good design path.

Hopefully Android will adopt something like that.

Or ... if they could allow "backward slide" as "back" would be good too.
[HD2 General] :
button remap

is there an app to remap our buttons in android?.....i would use the volume up as the power button and down as home, i have volume slider widget to take care of sound.
[HD2 General] motoman234:
I think everyone here has a good argument with this thread, yes the keys do go out but this isn't the right section for this type of thread. The keys do get worn out but it's not always the users fault. It can be a couple of issues. (1) The prong behind the buttons either break or they just get withered down. (2) There is little metal squares under most keys that brace the button prongs, if they break then your buttons will just go all the way in eventually being completely useless. In my case, this is what happened to me. My power button and my menu button (Windows key) don't work one single bit, they don't even press in at all anymore. The only way to fix something like that yourself is to have your own soldering kit, which most don't have.
[HD2 General] neonstorm:
Absolutely not a moron. I've used WM since my TMO MDA back in what? 2006? Upgraded to the Wing when it shipped, then got a G1 on launch day.

Obviously Android isn't KILLING the hard keys, but it DOES rely on them much more. WM has soft keys for close, launcher (start menu), and soft keyboard. Android does not.

My HD2 is about two months old, and is about to get swapped due to worn, spongy Windows (start) and back buttons. As mentioned above - need to open a keyboard or change settings? Windows button. Need to close a program or go back a level? Back button. They get pressed A LOT.

I think anyone who thinks the OP means Android is killing the buttons is a moron, likewise if one can't see the simple reasoning behind the accelerated wear hypothesis.

Everything wears out, and using it twice as much wears it out twice as fast. :rolleyes:

Ryan
[HD2 General] JonSolo:
Please tell me then sir the title of this thread?

He said it, I didn't draw conclusions. TMo-Ron.
[HD2 General] Monrad:
Android has been out since when? Do you hear people complaining about their phone buttons? A lot of people brings their G1s to my office and it's NEVER a keyboard issue. The only G1 I had to fix with a keyboard issue got wet, it had nothing to do with heavy usage.

I think it's a nonsense argument. You can't make an argument like that based on 2 or 3 people with defective keyboards.

A better start would have been: my soft keys died I need a soft to emulate them on screen. Instead of that we got: "OMG Android is killing your hard keys!!!".

If your keyboard died using Android, it could mean 3 things to me:

1) You're too hard on your keyboard. It's just a little piece of thin metal that will break when applying too much pressure on it.

2) It just got wet, don't carry your phone in your pocket.

3) Your soft keys are defective, it happens all the time.
[HD2 General] cteta3:
Maaan, yall rough on phones!! LOL. I know some friends that just tear up phones faster than most, heavy fingers, rough. whatever it is, stop abusin' the poor things.... I've had my HD2 since day one, android from day one, and no problems...maybe I'm a lucky one!
[HD2 General] jaidedfocus:
Ummmm....yeahhhh...I've been using Android on my HD2 since July or August and haven't had an issue with the hard keys once. I prefer them in all reality.
[HD2 General] CM2002:
Dunno, sounds like basic wear to me...I've been using android since the first darkstone builds and have 0 trouble...I suggest you exchange your phone
[HD2 General] xirtam92:
Now, wait...

And when you have a phone without touchscreen? You don't send SMSs because you don't want to "kill" the hard keys?! That's pretty hilarious!! However, i have 2 years of warranty in my phone, if hard keys will not work anymore, i'll format by pc and get my telephone back to the shop

So, don't worry ;)
[HD2 General] Fedr0:
XDA hero of the day! :D
[HD2 General] bountygiver:
Don't use your keyboard!!! It will worn out eventually!!!!! Your mouse too!!!!

damnit.... these things are meant to be used aren't they? Everything got a lifetime, nothing is immortal.
[HD2 General] kuttyjoe:
This is an interesting post and I have to say that I believe the problem is that the hard keys were built very poorly right from the start. I immediately noticed that if you press the keys too hard, they do a sort of "double click" and doesn't register the button press. Do that too many times and I'm sure the buttons stop working altogether. I sent that phone back for other reasons. I got a new one that the buttons were just "broke" when I received it. The click action was like, no click. Just touch the Windows button and it registered a press. Press too hard on the home key, or a little to the right and it would register a Windows key press instead of a home key press. I sent that one back within 30 minutes of taking it out of the packaging. My 3rd HD2 has the same shoddy buttons, and I always press them carefully and it's sort of aggravating. I took out my Samsung i8910 just to press the buttons again for comparison. The difference is night and day. The buttons feel perfect. No fear of pressing too hard or breaking the buttons. So if you say that Android causes a lot more button pressing, I guess that makes sense. And that it will lead to faster wearing out of the buttons, that certainly makes sense given the poor quality of build from the start. If the phone had normal quality buttons, you'd probably never be able to wear them out in years of use.
[HD2 General] Volsfan:
My windows key is shot. Without it you cannot access menu's in Android. So I do think the OP has a valid point.
[HD2 General] Slicerwolf:
Personally After running android for a few months, my screen becomes unresponsive when i press the end key. I heard of a fix to format your sd card and factory reset your device. Any one with similiar problems.
[HD2 General] neugroove:
Yes... My dad's phone did the same thing. It was was fine as long as we didn't hit the end key. And honestly, I've had my phone replaced after theft, and these new buttons feel spongy the closer you get to the Windows button. I'm semi scared these are gonna fail sooner than later.
[HD2 General] Bixx:
Never considered using the hard keys would ever be a problem.

I have used Cleanex 6.5.x roms since February just so that I

could

use the hard keys!

However, I do agree that soft keys could help those who are experiencing problems.
[HD2 General] Sichroteph:
I am using them intensively for more than a year without problems.
[HD2 General] javolin13:
This thread make me LOL .... wooow... really?!

Hard keys dont ware down due to software... they have triggers underneath the plastic that may get worn down and make it unresponsive... but that is like ANY phone with physical hardware keys...

way to set up a stir of commotion.... 2012!! December we're all going to die!!
[HD2 General] StephanV:
You have absolutely no clue what you're talking about, are you? Always funny when people laugh at other people, not realising they're the one being stupid.

I'll enlighten you a bit. Android is built to rely more on hardware buttons than WinMo (well, I can't confirm because I've never really used WinMo but I suppose it's true if people say it). This implies that the hardware buttons will experience heavier usage, because you just have to. Heavier usage equals faster breakdown, and with the already poor build quality, this is a potential problem.

Savvy?
[HD2 General] zarathustrax:
I've also been having problems with my back and windows buttons. I rarely used buttons at all with winmo, but since using android the buttons are necessary. I've always treated my device with care and never pushed buttons too hard.... my hd2 is in perfect condition except for the buttons starting to fail. It would be great if a software solution is made for making soft keys or for reducing the amount you have to press the hard keys.
[HD2 General] jetsetwilly:
My dad always said, "if you play with it too roughly you will break it..."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mI-Emsl2r4U

Or go blind.
[HD2 General] JonSolo:
So. Um. So. If, uh, I say something you will suppose it as true?

Not that I would call you a moron, I can't confirm it cause I never met you...

Savvy? :D

Come on guys. Stop making this so easy. The argument does not hold water. If you want to complain about the HD2 keys in general, fine...I might even agree with you. But then post that in the HD2 section, not the HD2 ANDROID section...it is NOT a software issue. Never has been, never will be.
[HD2 General] GunBuri:
The hardware keys on my G1 never died.

Or any other cell phone I've owned.

Stop mashing people.
[HD2 General] StephanV:
I'm not going to even bother to reply to the first part of your reply, it is so incredibly irrelevant, I even dare say childish.

Now the second part. No one ever said it's a software issue, that's about as obvious as it gets. But it is a problem, Android related (because it requires heavier hardware button usage), and it can be resolved through software development. Now what's so wrong about this thread being here?

Anyway I can't really be bothered anymore as I'm currently not having issues, I just hate it when people post dumb stuff while being arrogant at the same time. And that's not directed to you by the way, but my previous quotee. (Is that even a word?)

@GunBuri: well the G1 keys are way more sturdy than the ones on HD2, you really can't compare.
[HD2 General] bazinga:
I don't think he's saying its android issue. What I get is that android uses more hardware key more. For example, WM to go back on the menu, there's a back key on the screen, same as to lock the phone. I've been using android more and I found I've been using the hardware keys more compared to WM.
[HD2 General] dharvey4651:
Is there absolutely any merit to this claim? I've been using my hardware keys more than the softkeys ever since I was running WM. Sure I use them a little bit more now that I'm running Android but I don't see any sign of the buttons wearing out.

Without solid evidence that this is a real issue, I'm going to close this thread in 48 hours.
[HD2 General] beankured:
This thread reminds me of the Atari 5200.

The buttons on the joystick were horrible and they wore out.

Uhm... that is all. :)
[HD2 General] eenbox:
Read my mind... I've been using Andro for about 2 months now full-time AND my keys are totally fine. Besides I need another few months out of it and I am good for another phone; so, after the buttons are dead, my phone goes on sale and another one comes to my hands :)
[HD2 General] zarathustrax:
Isn't the fact that several of us are having issues with the buttons evidence enough to keep the thread open? I don't understand why this thread is bothering so many people... yes, the title should be changed as it can be seen as misleading, and this probably isn't going to be an issue with a lot of people, but I don't see why the thread should be closed.

I think that the buttons were not manufactured to be very long lasting... I've heard people talking about problems with the buttons in various forums since the hd2 was released. Now this doesn't mean that everyone will have issues, but a thread should be allowed to be open so people can see that it can be an issue so they're careful with there buttons, and so that us members that are having issues can help each other with ideas or work-arounds to solve this issue.

I have always treated my phone with extreme care, and never mashed my buttons hard or anything like that... and since using android I use the buttons much, much more than I did with winmo, because its necessary to use them with android... and it has only been since using android that my buttons have begun to slowly deteriorate. This is not directly because of android like some are misinterpreting this thread to mean, but because of using the buttons more heavily. I would assume that most new android phones are using capacitative buttons now because the buttons are much more important to the operation of the os, and they don't wear out as easily. Again, this does not mean everyone will have this issue during their hd2's lifetime, but some of us are, and a thread to discuss it should be allowed to be open... and I don't understand why this thread would bother people who aren't having this issue. If you're not having any problems with your buttons, that's great... you can just ignore this thread. But for us members that are having issues should be allowed to have a thread to discuss solutions. Just change the title and edit the first post to avoid confusion that some people are obviously having. Come on people, lets be adults about this. This thread is not breaking any rules or hurting anybody.
[HD2 General] Danation:
I agree with you... this thread should be closed.

There are two threads on this topic. One is mostly people arguing (this thread) and the other is a thread where people are pursuing a solution.
[HD2 General] sathara:
peoples dies . buttons die . wear and tear damage are often in life even for human beings...
[HD2 General] GreenApplez:
My brother and I both have the HD2, his end call button stopped working all the time due to heavy usage trying to unlock the screen. It was in windows mobile too. When I saw this thread I thought the claim was that android software was causing them to stop working which is completely wrong besides the fact that it involves more button use. But I can see where you are all coming from saying we need on screen buttons.

I wonder if there is any way to make a build of android that has a permanent panel of buttons on the bottom of the screen that would act as a button at all times.

Someone should look into this. Maybe a new launcher of some sort.
[HD2 General] dharvey4651:
Okay so then the issue doesn't seem centralized with Android only. It seems to be a device issue and not just an Android issue. Some have it, some don't.

Seeing as how that is the case, I'm moving the thread to HD2 General and out of the Android forums.

@OP - Please change the title of this thread.
[HD2 General] Monrad:
My Power On key is dead, I cannot turn on my phone. Next time I buy a phone I'll never ever turn it off again because I proved that turning off and on my phone can damage the power on key...

This is the statement of this thread and its WRONG. I has nothing to do with Android. It depends on several things:

-How much you use your hard keys (I always press my hard keys to answer calls and to hang up in WinMo)

-Quality of your device (maybe you were out of luck and you got one of those devices with faulty hard keys, it happens a lot on lots of devices)

-Do you carry your device inside your pocket? dampness will damage your hard keys and it doesn't matter what device or OS you're using, even Iphone can be damaged like this and they're assembled very well.

If you pay attention to your HD2 plastic keys, you'll notice that they're kind of loose. The GAP between the plastic and touch-screen glass is an open door to dust, humidity, etc. Keys won't survive if you carry your phone inside your pocket. They won't survive if you work in a dusty place.

Try to make sense people, we're making fun of you because your statement is just wrong. You're stating the obvious.
[HD2 General] akq2296:
Well said!

Each phone will have slight differences as it is.. When I replaced my faulty HD2 in August there was a difference in the hard keys operation and even the looks. I thought the ones on the new handset looked slightly less..ahem..cheap, shall I say than my first handsets. They felt a lot better too. They were not so "clicky" but even still, I am finding that indeed mine are trying to go. The back key feels a bit odd to me and I noticed it yesterday actually. The idea of having a single bar button design is going to cause some issues with pressure and whatnot across the whole line of keys which can cause malfunction but thats my opinion..

Since reading this thread I have re-discovered the little soft key on the left side of the home screen that opens the app tray and am trying to be more mindful to use that at the very least to save some of the key pressing. There is also the pressing and holding of the screen for some stuff that might involve a hard key press or two..there are little things that we can do to minimise the amount of use the hard keys get.

I have seen screenshots where the middle button was assigned for something other than the phone and was wondering if that was a setting or something in one of the roms. It sounds like a nice idea to be able to reassign the middle soft key because I know I have been accustomed to just pressing the green hard key whenever I want to use the telephone part. Shame for a softkey to go unused like that. If softkeys could be reassigned that could be an idea. However that would not work well unless we intended to be using the home screens for everything!
[HD2 General] drkalo:
I own my HD2 already a year and use it very intensively, I carry it inside my pocket all the time with the screen facing my thigh. I don't have even a screen protector - only a silicone gel case that even doesn't cover the hardware buttons. I have flashed countless number of WM builds and have installed many, many Android builds! I kept it inside my pocket even when I painted my flat - used it with dusty hands. It's been poured with water several times ... and never had that problem! That's the best device I've ever had!
[HD2 General] conantroutman:
I've always been a little concerned about the hard keys.

The move slightly from side to side and quite honestly feel cheap and shoddy compared to the rest of the device (im including the vol. controls in that too).....

They still work fine though, so..............

Im not a heavy android user though for what its worth......
[HD2 General] Towserspvm2000:
Daley Thompson's Decathlon - now there was a real keyboard masher/joystick smasher.

Other than that, close this thread.

It's pure ****e.

Drivel.

Or let it stand, providing the OP renames it "Your hard keys will die, with use, eventually - doh"

By the time my keys snuff it on my HD2, It'll be running Android 6.5.x and it will be controlled by my thoughts alone, so the keys were obsolete anyway. Android 6.5.x has built in retinal and scrotal identification, so a quick swipe across the exposed gonads and my start menu pops up. Job done.