Thank you for your technical help. I will be sure to ask you more before I can do anything once I actually get to the job of replacing it. I will be returning to the USA the 22nd and will post back. Can you provide pictures of what you mean? Although I believe I get it I definitely want to be sure.
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White iPhone 4 Prototype purchased from eBay
- Thread starter Mars478
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Thank you for your technical help. I will be sure to ask you more before I can do anything once I actually get to the job of replacing it. I will be returning to the USA the 22nd and will post back. Can you provide pictures of what you mean? Although I believe I get it I definitely want to be sure.
They're two completely different beasts. One is a mass produced device which you can go buy at a store any day, what I have is a one time device, with a story, before all the other mass produced phones you can go buy at any store were even out. It's not about having a white iPhone 4 (I converted my black launch era iPhone4 to white... so white iPhones bore me by now, my current iPhone4 is yellow), it's about having a prototype which is extremely rare. Of course it would be less "hassle" but it's DEFINITELY not even close to the same. This phone will not be used daily, it will most likely end up displayed or sold to someone. I do intend on fixing it... and trying my best to bring it back to working condition.
Of course this is a niche product... you have to be a deep Apple fan to spend 400$ on a device that you will not use daily. It's not for everyone... I am one of the one's it is for.
You don't seem to be very Apple oriented. Of course, there will be those who do not care, and then those who do, as evidenced by some replies on this thread. You make Apple sounds like a government... which it is not.
And in the end regardless of the value it will always have the bare parts value... melted down metal always has value...
More than likely if Apple is ever "dethroned" these things will become more valuable fyi... because other Apple models that were discontinued or not very widely available (Mac Color Classic 2 and many others) have a good amount of value.
That was all I wanted to know
Haha.
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Only on MacRumors you will get hassled about buying a rare prototype from the company this site is dedicated to...
traditionally, Apple prototypes have red logic boards...this is true of apple computers, not sure if it transfers over to their mobile devices. Should be interesting to take a look at (you wouldn't be able to tell from the pictures, as the logic board is entirely covered up with components on the iPhone, since everything is packed so tight). If it turns out to be red, you not only have a prototype for sure (or a conversion from someone who is way to committed, but then they'd know what it was and market it as such most likely), but you definitely won't want to replace the logic board, as that will be the draw of the device
and as for the proximity sensor being the same as the conversion kits...the conversion kits are based off the original white iPhone components (and originally, using actual components), which had that differently styled proximity sensor (several small holes instead of a single black sensor cover). The sensor was changed before the phone hit retail, so a prototype would have this different styled proximity sensor, unless it was a final RTM prototype
and as for the proximity sensor being the same as the conversion kits...the conversion kits are based off the original white iPhone components (and originally, using actual components), which had that differently styled proximity sensor (several small holes instead of a single black sensor cover). The sensor was changed before the phone hit retail, so a prototype would have this different styled proximity sensor, unless it was a final RTM prototype
Alright Guys, I'm back. My Camera is charging but in the meantime some initial impressions.
-Glass quality is on par with new iPhone 4's
- Rear lettering is crisp and real
- Front "DF3184" lettering is mostly crisp, except for a few minor extensions on the "D" and the "8".
- Home button is real
- The phone shows no signs of having the front glass removed... all of the side screws have not seem to have been removed.
-This is possibly the most interesting one, the "connect to iTunes" logo is pixelated, and seems like it's on the old resolution, and so is the Apple boot logo. What should I do? Should I restore over this firmware or try to use it?
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Since this is strictly a prototype phone, here is the Serial number as found on the SIM tray.
8801403VFRY
Comes up as unknown on Apple's site. Anyone care to decode this for me? I'm too lazy...
-Glass quality is on par with new iPhone 4's
- Rear lettering is crisp and real
- Front "DF3184" lettering is mostly crisp, except for a few minor extensions on the "D" and the "8".
- Home button is real
- The phone shows no signs of having the front glass removed... all of the side screws have not seem to have been removed.
-This is possibly the most interesting one, the "connect to iTunes" logo is pixelated, and seems like it's on the old resolution, and so is the Apple boot logo. What should I do? Should I restore over this firmware or try to use it?
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Since this is strictly a prototype phone, here is the Serial number as found on the SIM tray.
8801403VFRY
Comes up as unknown on Apple's site. Anyone care to decode this for me? I'm too lazy...
Sounds to me like you have been scammend, and well done for giving Apple your identity to chase up with Mac Rumours and eBay. They [Apple] don't take too kindly to people handling stolen goods.
I'm pretty sure you don't know what you are talking about. I bought a prototype, I got a prototype. I have not been "scammend" because this is what I bought.
And by the way, who are you, Steve Jobs? I'm so scared...
SlideShow of Hi-res Pictures.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mars478/sets/72157627368941519/show/
A sample of the better pics.
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DSC_1085 by Mathias Rios, on Flickr
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DSC_1079 by Mathias Rios, on Flickr
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DSC_1077 by Mathias Rios, on Flickr
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DSC_1074 by Mathias Rios, on Flickr
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DSC_1073 by Mathias Rios, on Flickr
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DSC_1071 by Mathias Rios, on Flickr
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DSC_1070 by Mathias Rios, on Flickr
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DSC_1066 by Mathias Rios, on Flickr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mars478/sets/72157627368941519/show/
A sample of the better pics.
DSC_1085 by Mathias Rios, on Flickr
DSC_1079 by Mathias Rios, on Flickr
DSC_1077 by Mathias Rios, on Flickr
DSC_1074 by Mathias Rios, on Flickr
DSC_1073 by Mathias Rios, on Flickr
DSC_1071 by Mathias Rios, on Flickr
DSC_1070 by Mathias Rios, on Flickr
DSC_1066 by Mathias Rios, on Flickr
Here's the battery connector damage, does someone want to suggest to me how I can fix this? Video coming soooooon.
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Battery Connector damage detail by Mathias Rios, on Flickr
Battery Connector damage detail by Mathias Rios, on Flickr
I am wondering if a small nib of copper wire might suffice, just make sure you file it so it fits properly into the slot. That, or buy a broken logic board and use a soldering iron to remove one of the connector posts that your missing, and re-solder it!
I'm sorry that I'm enthusiastic.
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I am wondering if a small nib of copper wire might suffice, just make sure you file it so it fits properly into the slot. That, or buy a broken logic board and use a soldering iron to remove one of the connector posts that your missing, and re-solder it!
Yeah this was one of my ideas.... I'm afraid to touch the board.
The last few moments with this device have been some of the most exhilarating experiences I've ever had with taking apart any iPhone. I found incredible stuff on the inside, including 2009 (!!!) trade mark dates on the digitizer connectors, and a DVT_100 (or something like that) sticker on the inside of the EMI shield on top of the CPU. I took photos of all of it so they will be up in a few minutes (will edit this post)
Wow dude, congrats on your gamble. I have read through this entire thread and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Kudos to you for not giving in to the non-believers.
Don't mean to be pushy but its been a few hours. Are they coming soon? Can't wait to see them. I am also possibly interested in buying it, if you PM an offer I can consider.
Sorry about that guys... I fell asleep, long day of traveling. But here they are!
The link to see ALL the photos is here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mars478/sets/72157627368941519/
But I will post the more interesting ones here for the lazy people :roll eyes:
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A4 Proc with DVT marking by Mathias Rios, on Flickr
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DSCN1726 by Mathias Rios, on Flickr
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DSCN1708 by Mathias Rios, on Flickr
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DSCN1706 by Mathias Rios, on Flickr
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DSCN1705 by Mathias Rios, on Flickr
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2009 Trade mark dates on the Digitzer by Mathias Rios, on Flickr
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DSCN1719 by Mathias Rios, on Flickr
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DSCN1693 by Mathias Rios, on Flickr
Small damage to one of the mount points on the motherboard (No, I didn't do this)
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DSCN1720 by Mathias Rios, on Flickr
Testing the battery from the prototype in my non-prototype, and it works, it reported 9% battery.
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DSCN1697 by Mathias Rios, on Flickr
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DSCN1722 by Mathias Rios, on Flickr
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DSCN1723 by Mathias Rios, on Flickr
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DSCN1704 by Mathias Rios, on Flickr
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Interesting BRIB internal antenna band marking by Mathias Rios, on Flickr
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DSCN1710 by Mathias Rios, on Flickr
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DSCN1714 by Mathias Rios, on Flickr
...and for those wondering, yes I did put it back together, exactly as it was. I repair iPhones as a job, so I know what I'm doing I hope you guys enjoy the photos. I'm open to entertain offers for the device, and if you do offer understand everything that has been posted, and what you are getting. But if I don't get any offers good enough I will be keeping this sucker haha
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Your updates are here and sure send me a PM/email.
The link to see ALL the photos is here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mars478/sets/72157627368941519/
But I will post the more interesting ones here for the lazy people :roll eyes:
A4 Proc with DVT marking by Mathias Rios, on Flickr
DSCN1726 by Mathias Rios, on Flickr
DSCN1708 by Mathias Rios, on Flickr
DSCN1706 by Mathias Rios, on Flickr
DSCN1705 by Mathias Rios, on Flickr
2009 Trade mark dates on the Digitzer by Mathias Rios, on Flickr
DSCN1719 by Mathias Rios, on Flickr
DSCN1693 by Mathias Rios, on Flickr
Small damage to one of the mount points on the motherboard (No, I didn't do this)
DSCN1720 by Mathias Rios, on Flickr
Testing the battery from the prototype in my non-prototype, and it works, it reported 9% battery.
DSCN1697 by Mathias Rios, on Flickr
DSCN1722 by Mathias Rios, on Flickr
DSCN1723 by Mathias Rios, on Flickr
DSCN1704 by Mathias Rios, on Flickr
Interesting BRIB internal antenna band marking by Mathias Rios, on Flickr
DSCN1710 by Mathias Rios, on Flickr
DSCN1714 by Mathias Rios, on Flickr
...and for those wondering, yes I did put it back together, exactly as it was. I repair iPhones as a job, so I know what I'm doing
I hope you guys enjoy the photos. I'm open to entertain offers for the device, and if you do offer understand everything that has been posted, and what you are getting. But if I don't get any offers good enough I will be keeping this sucker haha----------
Thank you! I'm trying to be the opposite of the people who buy something interesting and then disappear from the face of the earth... that's always a terrible cliff hanger.
Thank you
Your updates are here
and sure send me a PM/email.
Buyers remorse already eh? LMFAO! I knew it...I'm open to entertain offers for the device, and if you do offer understand everything that has been posted, and what you are getting. But if I don't get any offers good enough I will be keeping this sucker
Thank youNice...
I wish... but you can only get so much right?
Wow, you are really a troll. No, not buyers remorse. I absolutely love this and feel I got an incredible deal on it. I'm saying if someone wants to take it from me they better make it worth my while...