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[Q] Repair Nexus 5 or get Z3 Compact

So my N5 is pretty messed up after the phone was physically bent. It is hardly noticable if you just glance at it but if you look closely it doesn't lie flat on the table when I place it on the screen and you can see glass is actually lifting off of the phone a bit. Now the real issue is the display and the touch response. As you can see in the attached pic, I can hardly see anything on it because of the black vertical lines covering 80% of the screen. For the first few days of using it after the damage, this was the only issue. The other day it started over heating pretty badly while I was using it until it completely drained its battery really fast. In the same day I noticed the glass lifting off (possibly result of the overheating?) and the touch response started getting pretty bad too. Now it randomly reboots a couple times a day.
Initially I thought it was only going to be an LCD replacement but it looks like it'll be more than that. Any phone repair experts have a clue what parts are damaged based on my description or how much I'm looking at for repairs? I'm just hoping it'll be reasonable (250 or less) or else I might as well move on and get a new phone even though I loved this phone.
I know that realistically the cost of repairing these problems are gonna be ridiculous so I've already started looking into different phones. After the announcement of the N6 with the size and price being confirmed I think I'll pass on that. It looks like it'll be the Z3 compact if I decide to get a new phone but I'm just afraid of the non stock skin and there doesn't appear to be any nice stock looking roms for it yet.
Any suggestions on what you guys would do in this situation?

Since it's bent, LG will most probably return it with a message saying it's beyond repair.
After yesterday's announcement, looks like Google has no plans on replacing the Nexus 6 with the 5 (like 7 made way for the 9). So, if I were you, I would probably get another Nexus 5 (may be with a different color). I love stock android and quick updates/tons of development and also the budget is an important factor for me. Hence, I would surely suggest you to buy a n5 again.
Ahh well, it's just me I guess. TBH, no one can tell you what to buy, it really comes down to your liking, budget and what you expect from your device!

vin4yak said:
Since it's bent, LG will most probably return it with a message saying it's beyond repair.
After yesterday's announcement, looks like Google has no plans on replacing the Nexus 6 with the 5 (like 7 made way for the 9). So, if I were you, I would probably get another Nexus 5 (may be with a different color). I love stock android and quick updates/tons of development and also the budget is an important factor for me. Hence, I would surely suggest you to buy a n5 again.
Ahh well, it's just me I guess. TBH, no one can tell you what to buy, it really comes down to your liking, budget and what you expect from your device!
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Personally, I would never buy a 1 year old phone, but thats me and I always like the latest. The Z3 compact actually looks really good, if you can go down in screen size.

rootSU said:
Personally, I would never buy a 1 year old phone, but thats me and I always like the latest. The Z3 compact actually looks really good, if you can go down in screen size.
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I would exchange my n5 wid a z3 compact any moment. .
I find n5 a bit large ...plus 4-5hrs sot was a downgrade from i9082 which easily touched 7hrs sot...
So if my nexus was damaged ... Z3C would be my choice

I want to send it to LG to repair just to get an idea of how much it'd cost but would they charge me for the shipping and labour of taking it apart to look at it? I won't go through with repairs if it costs too much. I'm rooted and running a custom rom but none of my damages are covered under warranty anyways so I don't know if I still need to unroot before I send it in or anything.
I love the N5 but not enough to buy another one a year after its been out unless someone is willing to sell their mint 32gb for under $250. Like rootSU, I just can't buy a year old phone if I'm shelling out money for a new phone.

cee-ach said:
I want to send it to LG to repair just to get an idea of how much it'd cost but would they charge me for the shipping and labour of taking it apart to look at it? I won't go through with repairs if it costs too much. I'm rooted and running a custom rom but none of my damages are covered under warranty anyways so I don't know if I still need to unroot before I send it in or anything.
I love the N5 but not enough to buy another one a year after its been out unless someone is willing to sell their mint 32gb for under $250. Like rootSU, I just can't buy a year old phone if I'm shelling out money for a new phone.
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Wasn't Google replacing Nexus 5s for free no matter what happened to it?
If you're in the US you might wanna call GOOGLE and check.

humzaahmed155 said:
Wasn't Google replacing Nexus 5s for free no matter what happened to it?
If you're in the US you might wanna call GOOGLE and check.
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I tried that. Unfortunately, Google doesn't like Canadians very much.

US play store purchases only.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

rootSU said:
US play store purchases only.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
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I called today about my N5 that went for a swim with me and got the cold shoulder. I'd like to know how everyone is just getting a new device. Are you calling a certain support line I don't know about?

[Q] Verizon Warranty Exchange

I have a Warranty dilemma that I thought maybe someone else has experienced.
I had a legitimate warranty issue, called Verizon and they sent out the new phone next day overnight shipping. Currently no exterior damage to the old phone. Literally the day that the new phone is supposed to be coming I dropped my old phone and even though I have never cracked a screen before fate would have it that I crack one the day I am supposed to be exchanging it.
First of all it is a very fine crack in one of the corners of the screen and you almost can’t even see it unless you really look closely or feel it with a fingernail. There is also a small scratch on the corner of the aluminum case now.
Option 1: Should I just send the old phone back anyways and hope that they don’t notice the crack in the screen and scratch on the case? I’ve read on this forum that all they do is see if the phone turns on and then they move on to the next one? Could result in paying the $229 fine for the phone being damaged.
Option 2: Call Verizon tell them what happened send back the phone they sent me and instead do a cracked phone replacement through HTC's website which supposedly does a onetime replacement phone for things like breaking your screen.
Option 3: Keep the new phone without sending back the old phone and hope they dont notice. I actually did this in the past once and they never charged or contacted me about it. Ive heard that they dont really track to see if you turn in the old phone but that was some time ago and I dont know if that is still the case.
Sure would be nice if they had a way to still do a warranty exchange for the legitimate issue while also paying them a lesser amount to pay for the cracked screen but I guess they dont have that option.
Any advice would be much appreciated.

Wulf01 said:
I have a Warranty dilemma that I thought maybe someone else has experienced.
I had a legitimate warranty issue, called Verizon and they sent out the new phone next day overnight shipping. Currently no exterior damage to the old phone. Literally the day that the new phone is supposed to be coming I dropped my old phone and even though I have never cracked a screen before fate would have it that I crack one the day I am supposed to be exchanging it.
First of all it is a very fine crack in one of the corners of the screen and you almost can’t even see it unless you really look closely or feel it with a fingernail. There is also a small scratch on the corner of the aluminum case now.
Option 1: Should I just send the old phone back anyways and hope that they don’t notice the crack in the screen and scratch on the case? I’ve read on this forum that all they do is see if the phone turns on and then they move on to the next one? Could result in paying the $229 fine for the phone being damaged.
Option 2: Call Verizon tell them what happened send back the phone they sent me and instead do a cracked phone replacement through HTC's website which supposedly does a onetime replacement phone for things like breaking your screen.
Option 3: Keep the new phone without sending back the old phone and hope they dont notice. I actually did this in the past once and they never charged or contacted me about it. Ive heard that they dont really track to see if you turn in the old phone but that was some time ago and I dont know if that is still the case.
Sure would be nice if they had a way to still do a warranty exchange for the legitimate issue while also paying them a lesser amount to pay for the cracked screen but I guess they dont have that option.
Any advice would be much appreciated.
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I've done plenty of warranty exchanges with Verizon. Best bet is to call Verizon and tell them what happened. Send the old one back. This way you don't feel guilty or have to lie about certain things. VZW won't care. Or another option is to just send it back without calling them. I'd advise you to call them though so they can note it in your account. They don't play as fast and loose as they used to. They sent me 2 HTC Thunderbolts and when I called they said I could sell one if I wanted to. It costs them a good amount of money per warranty exchange. That's why there is a $100 deductible now with the $10/mo warranty.
Sent from my Big Red M8

[Q] Rinsed my phone, now touchscreen not working

This morning I rinsed my z3 off in the kitchen sink, all the ports were closed and I only have ever used a magnetic charger so theres no way I damaged the rubber seals. After rinsing the phone off for about 15 seconds I dried it and tried to use it.
The screen comes on and all of the buttons (power, volume, camera) work but the touchscreen is completely unresponsive. I've rebooted it with power button + volume up and now it's sitting in a bag of rice while I'm typing this.
This is obviously especially frustrating given the fact that the phone is supposed to be WATERPROOF up to 5 feet of water and mine was only under the faucet for 15 seconds or so.
I have the extended warranty but I dont want to use the extended warranty on something that I feel isnt my fault when I might need it later if I drop it or if I damage it somehow. (the warranty can only be used once)
Also I've had a terrible experience with Sony customer service in the past so I'm really trying to avoid dealing with them at all costs. Unfortunately this might be my only option.
Has anyone else had a similar experience? did the rice work or did you have to send it back?

I've rinsed my phone off several times and never had a problem.

I've had mine underwater a few times and rinsed it in the sink lots of times with no ill effects. Is yours the T-Mobile version by any chance? I've read about quite a few problems with at least one batch of Z3s T-Mobile received.

torquelift said:
I've had mine underwater a few times and rinsed it in the sink lots of times with no ill effects. Is yours the T-Mobile version by any chance? I've read about quite a few problems with at least one batch of Z3s T-Mobile received.
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No this is the unlocked variant bought straight off of the sony store. The fact that there is nothing else wrong with the screen makes me think it was just something wrong with the phone and i happened to rinse it off at the same time that it stopped working. I've never dropped this phone, I've only had it for a week and a half. It's gotta be from a bad batch.

I had one of my Z3s with massive light leak all along one side of the frame, looking closely you could see bits of glue in intervals. If yours has a similar issue, water may have entered.

abhinav.tella said:
I had one of my Z3s with massive light leak all along one side of the frame, looking closely you could see bits of glue in intervals. If yours has a similar issue, water may have entered.
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Yeah I was thinking maybe there was some leak on the body or frame but It's weird that the picture is fine and it's only the touchscreen that's completely unresponsive. I would think if there was some water damage then the picture would be distorted or it wouldnt turn on properly. I'm on the phone with Sony right now, hopefully they decide that it was defective in the first place so I can dodge this ridiculous 15% restocking fee.

UPDATE**
After speaking with almost every compartmentalized department of Sony I was finally brought back to the sony store help line where the rep told me that I would be able to return the phone for a full refund. Now I'm deciding whether or not to buy another Z3. The phone was great when it worked but after mine broke down I found a lot of people online with problems like mine. This leads me to believe that this phone is very delicate and not at all as durable as I originally thought. I wish I could know if it was just a defective one out of the millions they will produce.
PS If you use your Sony warranty do not expect a replacement or loaner phone while you wait for your phone to get fixed. I ended up just buying a galaxy S4 from bestbuy to use until my new phone gets here. 14 day return policy!!

fujimori1780 said:
UPDATE**
After speaking with almost every compartmentalized department of Sony I was finally brought back to the sony store help line where the rep told me that I would be able to return the phone for a full refund. Now I'm deciding whether or not to buy another Z3. The phone was great when it worked but after mine broke down I found a lot of people online with problems like mine. This leads me to believe that this phone is very delicate and not at all as durable as I originally thought. I wish I could know if it was just a defective one out of the millions they will produce.
PS If you use your Sony warranty do not expect a replacement or loaner phone while you wait for your phone to get fixed. I ended up just buying a galaxy S4 from bestbuy to use until my new phone gets here. 14 day return policy!!
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Darn. I was planning on getting the Z3 too next month as part of a contract with one of the carriers in Canada. Looks like a great phone in terms of battery life and performance.
Don't think I can/will wait until Q1/Q2 of 2015 for a new phone. I could, I just don't know if I would. :|

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fujimori1780 said:
UPDATE**
After speaking with almost every compartmentalized department of Sony I was finally brought back to the sony store help line where the rep told me that I would be able to return the phone for a full refund. Now I'm deciding whether or not to buy another Z3. The phone was great when it worked but after mine broke down I found a lot of people online with problems like mine. This leads me to believe that this phone is very delicate and not at all as durable as I originally thought. I wish I could know if it was just a defective one out of the millions they will produce.
PS If you use your Sony warranty do not expect a replacement or loaner phone while you wait for your phone to get fixed. I ended up just buying a galaxy S4 from bestbuy to use until my new phone gets here. 14 day return policy!!
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thr can be faulty device for all brands
for example someone broke its Galaxy S4 just by putting it in pocket!
If you want real durable device the Xperia Z series is the best and the original Xperia Z was better than others
it had durable frame + light weight + beauty
:good:

Geeks Empire said:
thr can be faulty device for all brands
for example someone broke its Galaxy S4 just by putting it in pocket!
If you want real durable device the Xperia Z series is the best and the original Xperia Z was better than others
it had durable frame + light weight + beauty
:good:
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Yeah i just ordered another z3 about 10 minutes ago haha i can't go back to a sub par battery now

Went to the aquarium yesterday and took some cool pics, unfortunately my touchscreen doesn't work now...
14 day wait time

xxquicksh0txx said:
Went to the aquarium yesterday and took some cool pics, unfortunately my touchscreen doesn't work now...
14 day wait time
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I dont know if you have a backup plan in place while youre waiting but I strongly suggest going to bestbuy and buying a phone to use in the meantime since you can just take it back within 14 for a no questions asked return. It's basically a free phone rental service. :good:

fujimori1780 said:
I dont know if you have a backup plan in place while youre waiting but I strongly suggest going to bestbuy and buying a phone to use in the meantime since you can just take it back within 14 for a no questions asked return. It's basically a free phone rental service. :good:
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Seems kinda lame to buy a phone from someone with the intent to return it like this.

helpmejeebus said:
Seems kinda lame to buy a phone from someone with the intent to return it like this.
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I doubt BestBuy is going to feel the difference in their wallet. My other option is to buy a 25 dollar flip phone that I'll never use again or keep the 500+ dollar Galaxy S because it's the "right" thing to do. It would be one thing if the damage to my phone was my fault, but it's not and Sony isn't going to provide me a replacement. That is what I'd call "lame".

T-Mobile Z3... dropped/Best way to root new one/Backup old one/Insurance Claim

So I dropped my Z3 on some concrete last night....
Device works just fine but it's ugly. Will they accept the claim provided it's just cosmetic or should I lie and say it is done for? What pisses me off is not the money for the deductible... it's the countless hours I've spent customizing it.
So I'm going to file the insurance claim today. I would like to know the best way to backup my device so that I can restore as much onto the new one as possible. I had the dual backup installed but will never boot into it, maybe ill try to reinstall.
Then as far as the new device... what's the best way to root it? Should I take the update? I have blocked the sony updater on my existing one for fear of it breaking root.
Lastly will Assurant check to see if I rooted my old one? Should I unroot it prior to sending it back.
Thanks in advance for your advice. My big thing is I'm not sending this one in until I get an exact replacement and I can get that replacement rooted. If I can't do that I'll pay $200-300 to get it repaired.

I do not believe cosmetic issues are covered. Granted I did not have insurance (They backdated Jump for me after my 3 refurb so had insurance technically) when I did my exchanges with T-Mobile but they made it clear that cosmetic issues are not considered plus you technically physically damaged it and it was not a factory defect, Unless its affecting the usage of the phone they won't, unless I suppose any damage to the frame affected water proofing, you could make that case if true. In my case of severe light leak on a few of them I convinced them waterproofing was compromised (failed pressure test) so they agreed to replace.
Oh and by the way T-Mobile does not have any new Z3s nor any new ones coming in, you will get a refurb..... And boy does the repair center do a bad job, I had to send 4 refurbs in a row back recently because they had issues ranging from severe light bleed to missing paint patch in bezel which acts like an extra LED near lower speaker on 2 of them to a streak of hot/dead pixels on one....
So basically unless they can get you factory sealed one, you will have to test your luck with refurbs, though depending on how bad your damaged Z3 looks it may well be worth it lol.

abhinav.tella said:
I do not believe cosmetic issues are covered. Granted I did not have insurance (They backdated Jump for me after my 3 refurb so had insurance technically) when I did my exchanges with T-Mobile but they made it clear that cosmetic issues are not considered plus you technically physically damaged it and it was not a factory defect, Unless its affecting the usage of the phone they won't, unless I suppose any damage to the frame affected water proofing, you could make that case if true. In my case of severe light leak on a few of them I convinced them waterproofing was compromised (failed pressure test) so they agreed to replace.
Oh and by the way T-Mobile does not have any new Z3s nor any new ones coming in, you will get a refurb..... And boy does the repair center do a bad job, I had to send 4 refurbs in a row back recently because they had issues ranging from severe light bleed to missing paint patch in bezel which acts like an extra LED near lower speaker on 2 of them to a streak of hot/dead pixels on one....
So basically unless they can get you factory sealed one, you will have to test your luck with refurbs, though depending on how bad your damaged Z3 looks it may well be worth it lol.
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Assurant always does refurbs, unless they don't have any they will give you a new one. It's at least a z3 they are sending, otherwise I'd tell to them to f*** off and I'd find a way to repair it.
I'm pissed that T-mobile doesn't carry anymore (some still available in stores). I think half the reason they don't sell is the salespeople at the mobile carriers and best buy are always pushing garbage samsung devices. If you go to Europe you can find accessories for any sony phone in any electronics store or airport shop. My friends in Canada say one in four in their group of friends have an Xperia. I have only seen one other out in the real world... and the individual was from Hong Kong.
I would rather purchase direct from Sony, but T-mobiles coverage is still spotty and I depend on wifi calling in some places I visit regularly.
Guy at T-Mobile said cosmetic is covered. The way I see it they'd probably prefer I pay $175 and get a device that's working just fine. I said the screen was cracked... but technically it's the glass on the back.

It's not T-Mobile's fault, they still sell the Z/Z1, reason they stopped sale of the Z3 is due to quality control issues and numerous returns. A rep told me that after I said I want a new one not any more defective refurbs. As I said I am on my 8th lol plus the 4-5 more (new) TMO store itself went through to get me my 4th so make it 10-12 total TMO sent back to Sony just for me...
Don't get me wrong I love the phone but needing that many returns is just ridiculous.....
The international version seems to have much better consistency in production and quality.
However honestly I'm glad I bought directly from T-Mobile they gave me immediate replacements for my first 4 (in Oct-Nov) which were new and 1 day shipping for the last 4 which were refurbs (recently). Sony support asked me to do a software reinstall to get rid of light leak from frame/glass where glue was clearly missing, facepalm. After that they said 3 week minimum turn around time for replacements. TMO reps seemed more knowledgeable.... They even offered to cancel my monthly phone cost and refeund tax if it happened again....
Well anyway, I hope you get a good replacement. Another idea is in the event you get a bad refurb, try to go through Sony and make them give you the international version instead.

abhinav.tella said:
It's not T-Mobile's fault, they still sell the Z/Z1, reason they stopped sale of the Z3 is due to quality control issues and numerous returns. A rep told me that after I said I want a new one not any more defective refurbs. As I said I am on my 8th lol plus the 4-5 more (new) TMO store itself went through to get me my 4th so make it 10-12 total TMO sent back to Sony just for me...
Don't get me wrong I love the phone but needing that many returns is just ridiculous.....
The international version seems to have much better consistency in production and quality.
However honestly I'm glad I bought directly from T-Mobile they gave me immediate replacements for my first 4 (in Oct-Nov) which were new and 1 day shipping for the last 4 which were refurbs (recently). Sony support asked me to do a software reinstall to get rid of light leak from frame/glass where glue was clearly missing, facepalm. After that they said 3 week minimum turn around time for replacements. TMO reps seemed more knowledgeable.... They even offered to cancel my monthly phone cost and refeund tax if it happened again....
Well anyway, I hope you get a good replacement.
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As much as I liked the more squarish design of my z1s (though hated the silver accents)... my z3 seemed to be a much more quality device. Scared to try out this refurbed one. I'm charging it up and waiting until I find out the best means for rooting it. Hoping it's not a piece of crap. I remember a friend dropped my z1s, the replacement models vibrator would stop working.
Personally what upsets me most is the bootloaders that can't be unlocked and frustration with rooting. It's so easy on the international versions. And frankly while wifi calling is a nice feature it's a total load that I can't use it on any device and even more upsetting that it isn't compatible with third party messaging apps. I can't get mms to download over wifi calling with anything but that hideous bare bones stock messaging app.
"The international version seems to have much better consistency in production and quality." That right there says it all. If the international version is compatible on your service, why create a dumbed down version?

Regardless it's good to speak to someone that has experience with this, albeit unfortunate experiences. Good luck.

Make sure to check it at night, and look for light bleed and also any LED like effect from missing paint on front glass (That I believe is due to a tool mark), saw this on 3 refurbs.
As I said earlier if it does have issues try the cross model exchange with Sony. I see no alternative devices lol, the Z3 is still the most well rounded device even with the new guys in town.

My phone felt, and now i have a broken screen. Where to fix it.

Hi everybody,
i live in Washington DC Metro Area, and for the first time since i have a cellphone (Since 1995) my phone felt down and i had a big punch in my screen. It only felt 5 inches, but good enough to break the screen.
I have called Sony Support, and they told me to call the seller (amazon) or to contact my favourite local repairing center.
I dont know you but i have and i dont want to have a favourite local repairing center. Do anyone has one?
Where should i go?
i can tell you say something about Sony Xperia phones, i love them, Sony should have a better share of the US Market, but i just learnt why they dont. Because the closest center is in MEXICO!!!!!
So because i have banned Apple and Samsung, and now (while i live in the US) to Sony as well, i will have to go back to Motorola.
unless someone tell me where to fix my screen. PLEASE!!! HELP ON THIS!!!

you live in DC and you dont have a sony center to help fix your phone?
2 options, one youre gonna have to send it to fix and wait a while i dont think the closest is only in mexico i think you should find sony support center in a closer area search a lil more, or call them to ask for a closer area
or if youre gonna give the phone up and buy a new one, then might as well at least try to buy a screen your self and do it on your own i mean if youre planning on switching phones it wouldnt hurt to pay 50-100$ and fix it your self with water proofing glue when putting back the pieces that way youd get back to a good phone with a lot lesser money than to pay for a new phone. but if its about waiting a while for send a recieve that what worries you then you can always get a cheap backup phone to make calls and messages and just send your phone through the post office or through a send out with sony supprt i think they should come pick it up but because of the problems with mexico so im guessing post office is your only choice

What did your phone feel? :silly:
I asked Sony recently about a loose volume button, and they said their nearest repair center (to me) is in Woodridge, IL. That is a bit closer than Mexico, but you are still probably looking at a minimum of two weeks without the phone. Getting the screen replaced is probably cheaper than buying a new phone. You can pop your sim into a old phone you might have lying around or pick up a cheap burner from 7/11 or something to get by for two weeks. Good luck.

UBreakIFix has 3 locations in the DC area. I have used their service in the past and they do a great job. U call them to see if they can help
https://www.ubreakifix.com/locations/washingtondc

Pain, it is on pain
Heinous said:
What did your phone feel? :silly:
I asked Sony recently about a loose volume button, and they said their nearest repair center (to me) is in Woodridge, IL. That is a bit closer than Mexico, but you are still probably looking at a minimum of two weeks without the phone. Getting the screen replaced is probably cheaper than buying a new phone. You can pop your sim into a old phone you might have lying around or pick up a cheap burner from 7/11 or something to get by for two weeks. Good luck.
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I meant fell