A big thanks to several members of this community, biggest thanks goes to T-R as I followed much of his instructions here
My goal was to replace the back but also place metal plates for my CD tray magnetic car holder.
I ordered three of the factory second backs from SlickWraps, the dark leather, football leather and cork. My first try was going to be with the cork as I figured it to be the most forgiving. I ordered the same plastic sheeting and 3M strips that T-R ordered.
Tools I used:
Hair Dryer to heat back
Library card to help peel off back
Pick to start initial prying of back
1/16th drill bit for microphone hole
Xacto knife to cut plastic sheet
Dremel to cut metal plate
I'm not good at step by step instructions so I apologize for not walking through what steps it took to make this happen. Feel free to ask if you are curious. My first attempt at the metal plate was too big and the back kept popping off. I put only one of the plates back over the little divot under the camera but didn't take pics before putting back on again as I didn't think it would work, seems it did.
My pros and cons and pics.
Pros:
Love the feel of the cork
Feels close to stock when not being nit picky
My slickwrap experience was great, order on Wednesday, in my mailbox on Friday
Fit of the cork back is impressively good minus one issue, see below
Cons:
Buy extra stickers, I screwed up the first and was glad to have a second but will need more if I want to change it
Mic hole is no where near where it should be on the cork back, might be part of why it's a factory second
Stickers are not as strong as the Motorola goop
Rookie mistake:
I had left the screen naked while working on all of this and scratched the hell out of it (my standards, others ask where when they look at it)
thanks for sharing. always love to see pics of what others are doing. what kind of magnetic holder do u use? any pics of the damage to the screen?
sand1303 said:
thanks for sharing. always love to see pics of what others are doing. what kind of magnetic holder do u use? any pics of the damage to the screen?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried taking a pic of the scratches and they don't show up well; they are probably not as bad as I make them out to be. I switched over to this mount because it has the strongest magnet I could find in a CD mount holder.
I'm tempted to switch the back out for one of the leather ones, I'm never satisfied.
No matter how nice it looks, it's certainly not worth scratching the screen for. I never put my phone face down on any surface that is not soft and I've never scratched the screen on any of my numerous phones. I hate screen protectors because they always look and feel horrible but I am super careful about the screen. That's the bit you interact with all the time and it would really bother me to have even the slightest scratch on it.
Otherwise, good job.
Was curious on how the plastic backing under the skin was holding in terms of sticking. I was thinking about doing the same thing and wanted to know how good the plastic/tape combo was at holding over time. Any lifting occur?
Jawrduhn said:
Was curious on how the plastic backing under the skin was holding in terms of sticking. I was thinking about doing the same thing and wanted to know how good the plastic/tape combo was at holding over time. Any lifting occur?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My first install was my learning exercise and I can't say it would have survived long term, started popping up on the edges. Just this past week I installed the football textured leather back and am very happy with it. Thus far it is not popping up anywhere but I had learned a lot from my last install. New learnings:
Have a brand new x-acto blade, works so much easier making the plastic template back
Scuff the plastic backing before applying the sticker, it comes shiny and smooth
I bought a heat gun and found out quickly the plastic back can warp easily so be careful when heating it
Still heat it though and hold for a good 30-60 seconds after
Leave a small gap around around the sticky tape after applying to the back, if you try to cut it perfect you land up with a bare edge
Install the plastic back first to the phone, leave it for a day if you can. If it pops up, heat the hell out of it and hold as strongly as you can for a minute or so ( I wore gloves)
Heat again after applying the leather back, heat really helps the application stick
If you buy the regular leather be aware it's not treated with any water resistance or proofing and any water will mark it.
If you are buying the Factory Second versions buy a couple, they are only $10 each and $2 shipping total.
The bump near the camera is from the metal plate I installed for my car mount, I couldn't fully conceal it.
thepktrckt said:
My first install was my learning exercise and I can't say it would have survived long term, started popping up on the edges. Just this past week I installed the football textured leather back and am very happy with it. Thus far it is not popping up anywhere but I had learned a lot from my last install. New learnings:
Have a brand new x-acto blade, works so much easier making the plastic template back
Scuff the plastic backing before applying the sticker, it comes shiny and smooth
I bought a heat gun and found out quickly the plastic back can warp easily so be careful when heating it
Still heat it though and hold for a good 30-60 seconds after
Leave a small gap around around the sticky tape after applying to the back, if you try to cut it perfect you land up with a bare edge
Install the plastic back first to the phone, leave it for a day if you can. If it pops up, heat the hell out of it and hold as strongly as you can for a minute or so ( I wore gloves)
Heat again after applying the leather back, heat really helps the application stick
If you buy the regular leather be aware it's not treated with any water resistance or proofing and any water will mark it.
If you are buying the Factory Second versions buy a couple, they are only $10 each and $2 shipping total.
The bump near the camera is from the metal plate I installed for my car mount, I couldn't fully conceal it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Awesome, thanks for the tips. I'm actually using a skin from TOAST so I'll see how everything pans out.
thepktrckt said:
My first install was my learning exercise and I can't say it would have survived long term, started popping up on the edges. Just this past week I installed the football textured leather back and am very happy with it. Thus far it is not popping up anywhere but I had learned a lot from my last install. New learnings:
Have a brand new x-acto blade, works so much easier making the plastic template back
Scuff the plastic backing before applying the sticker, it comes shiny and smooth
I bought a heat gun and found out quickly the plastic back can warp easily so be careful when heating it
Still heat it though and hold for a good 30-60 seconds after
Leave a small gap around around the sticky tape after applying to the back, if you try to cut it perfect you land up with a bare edge
Install the plastic back first to the phone, leave it for a day if you can. If it pops up, heat the hell out of it and hold as strongly as you can for a minute or so ( I wore gloves)
Heat again after applying the leather back, heat really helps the application stick
If you buy the regular leather be aware it's not treated with any water resistance or proofing and any water will mark it.
If you are buying the Factory Second versions buy a couple, they are only $10 each and $2 shipping total.
The bump near the camera is from the metal plate I installed for my car mount, I couldn't fully conceal it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is it a formed vinyl patterned or really leather? footballs are supposed to be made of pig leather right?
I'd like to see ostrich
LOL haven't seen Ostrich yet. It's definitely textured bovine leather not plastic and looks like it is treated as I haven't had any water stains yet.
Forgot to ask, when you said your first attempt had he edges raising, were you referring to the plastic or the leather?
lotus49 said:
No matter how nice it looks, it's certainly not worth scratching the screen for.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree. Even the slightest hint of a scratch and I would lose a bunch of sleep. But unlike you, I use a glass protector which feels like the phone screen.
Jawrduhn said:
Forgot to ask, when you said your first attempt had he edges raising, were you referring to the plastic or the leather?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Both but most of it was the plastic peeling off of the back of the phone. It was applied twice though and I'm certain that impacted the adhesion.
My Nexus with Cork back from Slickwraps.
http://kryon.smugmug.com/Purenexus/i-bRKJdsk/0/O/OPERATIONPNbanner5x1.png
Has anyone installed this without the replacement back? and if so can I get a pic?
How is the cork back holding out for you. Can you post any pics after wear and tear.
Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk
I am at work so I can't post pics but I made the jump and got one a couple weeks ago. I like the way it looks but if you tend to work on cars or have dirty hands from working, this is not for you. My cork back is filthy but not too noticeable unless you've seen it beforehand.
I'm diggin' the cork look!
Related
I was thinking about purchasing an Invisible shield at a mall nearby, but just to make sure before i buy it, are there any bad things about it?
davidst3r said:
I was thinking about purchasing an Invisible shield at a mall nearby, but just to make sure before i buy it, are there any bad things about it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I only use it for the screen, not the full body coverage (thought it looked better unglossy)
It applies really well if you take your time and follow directions.
Looks as if you didn't use a screen protector at all.
Nice texture, nothing funny feeling.
Not really plastic more of a rubbery shield that doesn't break.
Doesn't blur or scratch (scratches can be buffed out basically.
Can easily be replaced through zagg (they will send you a new one for almost any excuse haha)
Only funny thing is that it kind shows a different looking effect when viewing at a small angle and when the phone is off (not a problem at all really...)
If you get it professional installed (like I did) it's well worth it. I got the full body and I notice that the little pieces that are cut to fit around corners come up over time, and the corners can fill with dirt and also peel up.
Since InvisibleShield comes with a lifetime guarantee against anything, it's well worth it. You can get it replaced anytime, question-free, just a $10 fee for installation. I've gotten it replaced 3 times over the 7 months I've owned my phone and it's well worth it :]. Fun to show off too!
i bought it online when they were running a promo on it (full body+screen).
after a afternoon of chilling and bbq'n i decided i would install it that same night.. bad move. i mean a few beers weren't gonna hurt right? lol
Its easy to install "after" you have tried it with a few pieces lol.
took me like 45mins and it came out good overall. the back corner piece does suck and is peeling off somewhat.
i would do this again but would rather have it done by a pro though
if your gonna do this yourself make sure you get it really wet and don't pull too hard on the material when your peeling it off the paper as this will look bad when you install it and after it dries.
lol i got a shieldskin, pretty much same thing as the invisishield, it covered 95% of the phone. A few weeks later i dropped my G1 on the pavement and it landed on a small jagged pebble on the 5% that wasn't covered. FML.
Anyway, I ditched that for a full body case. Better coverage for a bigger phone, im okay with it.
i put the whole cover on, screen piece is excellent..feels good, doesn't scratch, can't even tell its there. the other parts are ok, the corners do collect a lot of gunk, and it is a fingerprint magnet, but easily cleaned up. kinda tricky to install yourself though. if you just set it down all over, or put it in your pocket, its great, if you're the kind of person who drops things a lot, go with something else for the body and just get the screen piece.
I personally cannot stand invisible shield. I have never had any luck with them. They always end up feeling like orange peel to me. I know that its not me, because when I install a bodyguardz it never orange peels. Its always perfect. Plus you get 2 for the price of one!
I recommend Bodyguardz hands down.
http://www.bodyguardz.com/T_Mobile_G1_p/tmobileg1.htm?Click=9481
I like mine, a lot
I have on on my ipod that I guess I gave to my four-year-old. It's tough stuff.
I think it sounds wacko, but I am convinced the skin absorbs a little of the impact of a drop. It really is scratch proof, and if you put them on right, it should cover all of the unit except of the corners of the battery cover &($11 on ebay). It's 3D curved, so there really isn't a way to engineer it perfectly. I took my glasses off (hard core near sighted) and dabbed a bit of fingernail top coat in the cracks to match the sheen and protect a little. It hasn't chipped or peeled in the tiny cracks that were left.
Yes, eventually they do peel up, particularly if you're sliding it in & out of another really tight case, but even so, they stay put pretty well despite a corner or two coming up. If it's intsalled correctly and there are no regular spots where it's worn really hard, I can't imagine anything peeling up unless you pick at it.
I put mine on myself, entirely sober and well-slept. I was really concerned about the job I did at first, but the skin settles into place after a day or two. Now it looks pretty good (i.e. I'm happy with it, so it's notably invisible to other people).
I like the "StickyPad" effect it has, particularly on the back, but it's handy on the front for when I have it face down (I like Face of Ring in market). It's very rubbery, so it doesn't slide around on a desk, nightstand or dashboard, and with foam on car mounts, etc. it really stays put.
If anything, I would get a screen protector from another manufacturer that isn't so glossy. It has a bit of a wavy texture if you look closely, so on the screen it looks a little odd if you're thinking about it, and looking at it. A slippery screen for finger gestures makes more sense, but I'm leaving mine in place becuase I know it's rock solid screen protection (and it's cut to fit the rest of the skin).
I'm looking forward to putting on my next one because I know it'll turn out better. I'll put the screen protector on first, then line up the surrounding screen-edge side peices to match it at the top and the bottom of the screen, so that then I can line up the top-edge and bottom edge pieces with a straight line from the screen side & corners, rather than the bottom edge of the screen assembly. The rest was really straightforward, tedious, and not for people who don't have a knack for fine motor movement and estimating sall measurements fairly acurately. But I can't even pay someone to replace my brake pads, much less put on a phone protector.
And what that other guy said: REALLY, REALLY WET. I think I'll be more liberal with the spray next time. You can slide it around for about a second without stretching it. If you have a lint free towel, it handy for keeping the spray out of the unit but still have enough to slide around until it's right.
I had trouble with the corner opposite the camera button. The phone curves in the back, and the dart (the v-shaped cut to make the corner) wasn't quite deep enough, so I used Swiss Army knife scissors and trimmed the extra that just wouldn't stick down because it was just too much. I'm glad I did.
I know there's lint under my screen protector, but I can't see it. The bubbles, if they're tiny, just seem to disappear. It's really a cool material, and worth a try just to see the stuff.
Besides, it fits inside another case.
(I do sew, but I refuse to knit.)
Refer to the following thread where a person used a spray on material to create a soft touch battery door for a Nexus S. I wonder if this could be used on the rear cover for protection?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=881062
Cool idea. Most hardware stores I've been to have it, but its not always in spray form. I wouldn't mess with the dip stuff (often used for keys, tools, etc.) I might have to pick some up myself. Comes in some different colors as well sometimes.
I've had a key on my keychain that has been dipped and after 3yrs its almost ready to come off completely. Of course, I only used it to tell them apart.
I did it. Edit: Finally got the photos up.
I took the four screws off and removed the back panel. Used four small pieces of painters tape to cover up the screw holes, but actually let the rubber go underneath so the sides of the corners were covered and continuous as much as possible.
I put about five or six coatings on. Only bad part is that you need to wait 30+ minutes between coatings. I let it off gas a little before putting it all back together. It does stink a little, not headache inducing though, at first. After about 12hrs it just smells like rubber and isn't noticeable.
$7.50 or so at Lowe's for a can. I did this and a phone and there is still some left in it I believe.
Like the Nexus post says, it works best if there are few noncontinuous parts of the rubber to get snagged on things. This was part of the reason I removed the case.
No responsibility for messing yours up, etc. etc.
vsc said:
Refer to the following thread where a person used a spray on material to create a soft touch battery door for a Nexus S. I wonder if this could be used on the rear cover for protection?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=881062
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This looks sweet vsc. I like my carbon fiber rear cover, but a soft rubberized grip would definitely be better.
Just added some photos up above. I forgot to add that the back case goes on just as easy as it came off. Buttons still work, and the little door still opens correctly. It *almost* looks like it could have come this way. Its actually thin enough you can still see a slight bump from where the sticker for the serial number is (not in the pictures though, sorry). I think it looks a bit better now than having all those extra words on the back of the case. My case had already started to get rather scratched up even when I was careful.
I'll try to update on durability if it starts to look bad.
One other thing. My corners don't look the greatest because the first time I did it I let it dry with the corner tape on and then had to exacto knife the plastic and tape off once it had dried. I think it would do better if you made nice rounded tape areas, or just bought some rounded stickers or something. But definitely put them on lightly and take them off between each coat so the corners dry without the tape/stickers.
Hello,
Have any one noticed that the Droid RAZR surrounding plastic border, at the back, color gets dim from putting it on your desk or table. It's not very obvious, you wont see it except in strong light, but it's obvious enough to bother me every time I look at my RAZR
I have attached a pic I found online which has the same problem as mine and I highlighted the scratched or the dim parts on the plastic border.
Is there a fix for these scratches?
What were you thinking in, Motorola. Why didn't you choose a stronger material around the phone, I mean you did a great job by choosing gorilla glass to protect the display and Kelvar fabrics on the back, and the coating which protects the internal body parts. Yet you made the material which gets the most damages and is highly vulnerable out of plastic...
If you ever owned an iPod with a stainless steel back you'd know that being plastic or metal won't change the eventual appearance of fine scratches. Glass stays shiny and doesn't scratch as easily, but we all saw the crap people gave Apple for making the back of their phone out of that.
I doubt that the scratches can be removed even if they could be you're just going to get them back by putting the phone on your desk again. If you have to go out of your way to look for it under a strong light, it sounds like you either need a case, a hobby, or both.
There actually is a method for removing scratches:
1. Fine grain abrasive paper
2. Abrasive paste
But that will eliminate the paint on your backplate and you should re-paint it with an acrylic paint (like spray paint).
If you're so brave to do that...well..do it...but consider the idea of taking your RAZR as it is and to not put it directly on your desk but like me, put it on its pouch.
The fact that it's going to be scratched is absolutely normal... it's a phone..!
The coolest thing you can do would be to take out the back plate and sent it to a powdercoater. That's what I would do but I think it will mess up the warranty. it would be so cool though.
Isn't it an excess to powdercoat it?
Hey probably in 1 year you won't have it anymore xD
....But I have to admit it would be cool.
Can't polish and compound fix it?
The ones I use for my car =D
mzaza said:
Hello,
Have any one noticed that the Droid RAZR surrounding plastic border, at the back, color gets dim from putting it on your desk or table. It's not very obvious, you wont see it except in strong light, but it's obvious enough to bother me every time I look at my RAZR
I have attached a pic I found online which has the same problem as mine and I highlighted the scratched or the dim parts on the plastic border.
Is there a fix for these scratches?
What were you thinking in, Motorola. Why didn't you choose a stronger material around the phone, I mean you did a great job by choosing gorilla glass to protect the display and Kelvar fabrics on the back, and the coating which protects the internal body parts. Yet you made the material which gets the most damages and is highly vulnerable out of plastic...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same problem with my first Droid Razr. Then returned it to Verizon Wireless because I got the deal from Amazon.
And on second one, I put more care over that plastic bezel and put carefully a slice of transparent tape to cover it.
Though running at the risk of scratching the plastic bezel, I still let it run nakedly because it is the thinnest phone in the world and any cover will blow that title.
Mine scratched in the same places. I used car polish (Meguires Scratch X) to remove them. Just be gentle. I keep mine in my Casemate case now to prevent more.
That! One of the reason I moved from sgs2 because the plasticky body also collect the scratch at the same area (top and bottom). But it turned out razr metal body also can collect scratch... Geezz, i always put in my left pocket together with handkerchief, never ever put any coins or metallic substances near my phone....
And now, while i look closer to my screen, it too has collect two fine scratch line. Small, but i can see it. I think gorilla glass is way overhyped... As i wander around i also found this:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1358493
p.s: can we sue corning? or those guys who hammered their gorilla-glassed phone on you tube with knife?
The title of your thread implies that you already have a fix. You should have it edited.
Otherwise just buy a dang cover/case for the phone or buy little soft towels for every spot you put it down...
Ok here is the deal.
I normally use a gel case on my phones. There fit the phones well and cover everything that needs to be.
But they make the phone a lil bit thicker and hide the phone. Normally I get a phone and want to see it for itself.
Well I brought a metal bumper and it looks nice.
But I see that the camera sticks out and touchs when sitting it down.
My girl says that the camera screen is glass and won't break or scratch, but I still like for the phone to not sit on it.
So I am wondering if there is anything I can put around the camera to protected.
I was thinking of something like a form pad so the camera wouldn't touch but idk.
I know some will say get one of the charger back but then it makes the phone thick and defeats the point.
Whole new lens cover assembly cost about $6 on e-bay and shouldn't be difficult to DIY, but you could get some small piece of thick one sided foam tape, cut it to shape and stick around the cam, why not. If it gets dirty or comes off, make new one. Personally I have not seen anything like that commercially, wait, actually there is lens mount you can glue around cam, it comes with small tele lens that you can attach on top.
pete4k said:
Whole new lens cover assembly cost about $6 on e-bay and shouldn't be difficult to DIY, but you could get some small piece of thick one sided foam tape, cut it to shape and stick around the cam, why not. If it gets dirty or comes off, make new one. Personally I have not seen anything like that commercially, wait, actually there is lens mount you can glue around cam, it comes with small tele lens that you can attach on top.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea I saw the replacements on eBay for like $10ship and I'm a tech person so I can replace it no problem.
And I didn't thing about the lens. I know they have a metal ring.
I'll check into everything.
Thanx.
I have a metal bumper also. I had an extra home button sticker that I sticked near the camera lens. Now when I lay flat down it doesn't lay on the camera lens.
Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk 2
I use skinomi clear skin. They include a skin for the bottom half of the camera. When my phone is laying flat the lens doesn't touch. As a bonus since you're using a metal bumper, the side skins can act as an all around protection between the bumper and the chrome trim. Much better than what the bumper comes with. But you will probably need to remove the ones on the bumper first as it will become too thick and the bumper won't fit properly.
Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk
I am updated to Kitkat,unrooted. so s-view no work for me. Thats why I took the front flap of my white spigen slim armor view out, and let the back side on on white note3 ... gives it some kind of a z10-ish look.
coming back to the point, my case does the job well, apart from protecting the sides from scratches, by keeping the camera lens from having contact when lying flat. well, quite a hefty investment if you want to protect your lens only. but since I already purchased it, it does the job decently, and I dont find it that much of bulky. anyhow, bulky or not, to me - this is a question of habit. i mean, now that I look and take a grasp of my old i9100, it seems very small now, which wasnt the case some months back my two cents
Nitish
N1T15H said:
I am updated to Kitkat,unrooted. so s-view no work for me. Thats why I took the front flap of my white spigen slim armor view out, and let the back side on on white note3 ... gives it some kind of a z10-ish look.
coming back to the point, my case does the job well, apart from protecting the sides from scratches, by keeping the camera lens from having contact when lying flat. well, quite a hefty investment if you want to protect your lens only. but since I already purchased it, it does the job decently, and I dont find it that much of bulky. anyhow, bulky or not, to me - this is a question of habit. i mean, now that I look and take a grasp of my old i9100, it seems very small now, which wasnt the case some months back my two cents
Nitish
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yea i got a normal gel case for the phone. I have always use those without problems but i got a bumper for the note 3. It just feels better, so trying to keep the phone slim.
I thought about putting a dot of hot glue somewhere around it to lift it up. But i just didnt wanna do that to a new phone.
I want a square that would fit right around the camera and stick to the back plate.
Ill keep looking
the replacement lens piece is like $10, just something to think about
Figured I'd start a thread to see how everyone was fairing with their Fold. I'm taking it on a month test run while I travel overseas in Japan and so far it's been a mixed bag. Coming from a Note10+, I greatly appreciate the larger unfolded screen. However, I know this is a device you need to baby, unlike that Note10+. Of course I'm using the case that came with it and I have even bought a microfiber soft pouch to keep it in while it's in my pocket, to ensure that dirt, debris, and pocket lint stay out of it. That being said, there are already numerous scratches on the internal screen. I know it's a soft plastic and to be expected but I'd hope I could last at least one month with out any. At least you can't see the scratches when the screen is on. Keeping the screen clean of finger prints has also been a struggle and I feel my cleaning it has attributed to a scratch or two. Overall, my feelings towards the Fold are one of enjoyment but I feel that I should have stuck with my Note10+ for this trip as it is more durable.
The hinge on my first Fold started to become loose. I thought it was the factory case sliding around, but it was the device itself. The hinge had enough give when the fold was closed, that it caused the soft plastic edge to rub. Super annoying. The replacement was rock solid for about a week, but now I'm starting to notice a little creaking as well.
AfroCreame said:
The hinge on my first Fold started to become loose. I thought it was the factory case sliding around, but it was the device itself. The hinge had enough give when the fold was closed, that it caused the soft plastic edge to rub. Super annoying. The replacement was rock solid for about a week, but now I'm starting to notice a little creaking as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here but did not get it replaced yet
AfroCreame said:
The hinge on my first Fold started to become loose. I thought it was the factory case sliding around, but it was the device itself. The hinge had enough give when the fold was closed, that it caused the soft plastic edge to rub. Super annoying. The replacement was rock solid for about a week, but now I'm starting to notice a little creaking as well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thankfully my hinge is still solid, but that's disappointing given their publicity of how sturdy the hinge is supposed to be.
I've had mine over a month now and have no scratches. I was using the aramid fibre case until last week when I bought a Spigen thin case. That has a ridge around the camera bump so that it offers a little more protection to the camera lenses when you put it down, but other than that offers about the same protection.
I don't have any scratches on the inner display, and I just put it in my pocket as normal, but I do tend to blow the screen when I open it before I use it to remove any dust and debris so that my finger doesn't drag particles around. That's probably habit from all of the plastic screened smartphones before everything went glass.
One thing on cleaning cloths though, when people say microfiber, there are the fkuffynines, and the smooth ones, use the latter, it's harder for particles to stick to the cloth. The fluffy kinds trap dust and dirt and turn in to sandpaper pretty quickly. Never use that kind on plastics even if they feel softer.
As for the hinge, yes, they will all have a little bit of play in them after several days of use. Samsung have said this is normal. A hinge with a little play in it will last longer on something that is being opened and closed a lot.