Screen lift: what to look for?

**The Prophet** · 10-29-2012, 11:12 AM

I just reserved my 32gb at Staples but I am concerned about this screen lift/separation issue I've read so much about. I plan to open the box there and check the unit - so what should I look for? Are there tell-tale signs that the unit is going or is experiencing the problem?

**still1** · 10-29-2012, 11:19 AM

the screen-lift issue has been fixed months ago.
do you see any threads created for screen lift issue recently?? NO there is none these days.

also update to 4.1.2 as soon you get it. it has fixed a lot of software issues.

**aarora610** · 10-29-2012, 11:22 AM

Originally Posted by still1

the screen-lift issue has been fixed months ago.
do you see any threads created for screen lift issue recently?? NO there is none these days.

also update to 4.1.2 as soon you get it. it has fixed a lot of software issues.

8
Not true. I purchased a 16 GB from Staples less than two weeks ago and it had the same issue.

For the OP, press down on the outer edge and listen if it sounds "creaky"

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**tmaze** · 10-29-2012, 12:09 PM

Run your thumb from the edge toward the glass. You can feel where the glass is higher than the frame. Pressing on the glass at the edge will feel squishy.

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**mr_nobody** · 10-29-2012, 12:28 PM

And the key thing no 1 has mentioned is that it happens on the left side of the screen when in portrait mode.

**natehoy** · 10-29-2012, 12:57 PM

I have it on my 16GB. Here are the symptoms I get:

1. Start with a visual inspection. Look carefully at the two longer sides of the screen. The metal bezel should be perfectly even with the top of the glass. If the glass sticks out a teeny bit on one side but not on the other, then you may have a screen lift problem. The difference may be very subtle.

2. There is a "flexible" feeling if you gently squeeze the middle of the left side of the screen (when held in portrait mode) between thumb and index finger. You don't need to apply much force at all. The worst of the flex is located just below the midpoint, but there's some flex over about half the screen height, give or take. There is no corresponding feeling of flexibility on the right-hand side of the screen, or the top or bottom. As far as force, I have a hard time estimating it, but even a very gentle squeeze should do it.

2. Even a gentle compression of the area just below the midpoint and down to the bottom third of the screen will result in a distortion/discoloration of the screen image, similar to what you'd see if you pushed on the LCD screen on a laptop computer or LCD monitor.

3. A slightly heavier compression (again, still not much) might cause the screen to stick properly seated briefly, then come loose from the glue with a "tick" sound. This is more pronounced at a point about 2/3 of the way from the top of the screen, 1/3 from the bottom, again on the left side only when in portrait.

Had mine for 10+ weeks now, and I have to say it hasn't bothered me all that much. Once my 10Terra bamboo case comes in, it should hold the whole thing pretty solidly and I won't even be aware of it any more because the area I can introduce the flex to will be inside a solid wood frame.

But it is worth taking 5 minutes to inspect it in the store, even if they appear to be vanishingly rare at this point. Why buy a device with a problem you can avoid, even such a minor one?

**aarora610** · 10-29-2012, 01:13 PM

Originally Posted by mr_nobody

And the key thing no 1 has mentioned is that it happens on the left side of the screen when in portrait mode.

Had mine on the right

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**natehoy** · 10-29-2012, 01:45 PM

Originally Posted by sixers_610

Not true. I purchased a 16 GB from Staples less than two weeks ago and it had the same issue.

Had mine on the right

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Interesting. The problem with yours appears to be either a new problem or a one-off, then. On initial release, all of the separation issues were, without fail, on the left side of the screen as you held it in portrait orientation. And starting with the July build (C70 models and later) the problem completely vanished. Mine is a C60 (first batch), and the separation issues were relatively common in that batch.

Out of curiosity, what are the first three digits of your serial number?

**The Prophet** · 10-29-2012, 01:46 PM

Thank you all! I plan to check carefully prior to purchase even though Staples assured me I could return it for 14 days. I plan to apply all updates prior to doing anything else.

Reports later.

**aarora610** · 10-29-2012, 01:46 PM

Originally Posted by natehoy

Interesting. The problem with yours appears to be either a new problem or a one-off, then. On initial release, all of the separation issues were, without fail, on the left side of the screen as you held it in portrait orientation. And starting with the July build (C70 models and later) the problem completely vanished.

Out of curiosity, what are the first three digits of your model number?

Not sure. I returned it due to these issues!

**MJKearney** · 10-29-2012, 01:59 PM

Keep in mind that when there is a screen lift issue, some units are affected more significantly than others. My first N7 had significant lift well above the bezel, with the spongy feeling and creaky sound being quite obvious with a very light touch, all on the left side. In my case, it wasn't a borderline issue; it was obviously defective.

However, others reported more minor screen lift that was within their tolerance level, and that they deemed acceptable and not worthy of an exchange. But the vast, silent majority, had no issues with screen lift (on forums, you mostly hear about problems, not the nonexistence of problems). In addition, it's likely that adjustments to manufacturing methods were made to help reduce the incidences of this problem. Therefore, you'll probably not encounter this particular issue.

So, do the inspection, but keep in mind that because you have been made acutely aware of this issue, there may be a tendency to make a mountain out of a mole hill. Just use your best judgment and your own tolerance level when determining if the device meets your expectations. But most of all, enjoy your new 32gb (damn you!!) Nexus 7!

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**bitseeker** · 10-30-2012, 12:45 AM

My 16GB C09 has slightly higher glass on the left side than the right when in portrait orientation. However, it isn't higher than the frame, doesn't make any noise and doesn't affect the display when pressed. So, it seems like it's OK. Hopefully, it'll continue to be healthy past the warranty period.

**Goodeye** · 10-30-2012, 02:25 AM

I'm sure its not as likely we will see wide spread reports of screen lift as we did with the 7 when it launched in July.

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**carracerz14** · 10-30-2012, 02:38 AM

Just picked up my 16 GB today from Walmart. Thing is solid no screen lift or anything. Im already in love

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**Rodster360** · 10-30-2012, 04:45 PM

HI all I signed up to say the screen lift issues is still there. How prevalent? I can't say. I bought a 32GB from Office Depot. No screen lift issue but I returned it for screen flicker and a spec of dust trapped under the screen.

The replacement has screen flicker and screen lift on the left side. I took it apart and noticed a few screws missing on the left side where the screen pops up. So I moved a couple of screws from the right side and the screen lift was still there. I may take it back a 3rd time. I went thru 4 units when it first launched and gave up. I'll give it another try or I may wait for the N10.

**carracerz14** · 10-30-2012, 07:26 PM

I saw some screen flicker on mine today, figures out it was due to poor WiFi signal. Perfect now

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**gray.fox** · 11-03-2012, 10:08 AM

For everyone saying that after the C60 batch, everything was fixed. This is a complete lie.

For my birthday back in early October I was bought a 16GB which produced a screen bleed in on the left hand side, so we replaced it, only to find that the new model had a slightly raised screen. After this we returned it for a refund, knowing that in a few weeks time the 32GB model was soon to come out...

So earlier this week I bought the new 32GB model, which was a C90 model, and once again there were bleed in issues and a screen separation, where by you could see when holding the tablet in landscape and looking down the face of the screen, the screen was higher than the plastic silver bezel, and by pushing lightly you could physically see it lower. I have taken the tablet back now 3 times only to find each one still has this problem and it is becoming somewhat of a complete joke. ASUS have really disappointed me, and there is no quality control whatsoever.

**MangoPowah** · 11-03-2012, 10:20 AM

Originally Posted by gray.fox

For everyone saying that after the C60 batch, everything was fixed. This is a complete lie.

For my birthday back in early October I was bought a 16GB which produced a screen bleed in on the left hand side, so we replaced it, only to find that the new model had a slightly raised screen. After this we returned it for a refund, knowing that in a few weeks time the 32GB model was soon to come out...

So earlier this week I bought the new 32GB model, which was a C90 model, and once again there were bleed in issues and a screen separation, where by you could see when holding the tablet in landscape and looking down the face of the screen, the screen was higher than the plastic silver bezel, and by pushing lightly you could physically see it lower. I have taken the tablet back now 3 times only to find each one still has this problem and it is becoming somewhat of a complete joke. ASUS have really disappointed me, and there is no quality control whatsoever.

Ditto, except I've learned to live with mine. I got a C80 early last month, and had some slight lift. My friend who got one on the same day as me got a C90 and he has some lift as well.

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