Having had my Z for little more than ten days I managed to separate the USB port cover from its tether! It still fits and seals ok but it is at risk of getting lost any time I put the Z on charge. As we all know this can be a frequent event! I had already managed to scratch the screen protector that Sony fitted. I had not realised that it was a plastic screen protector until the helpful Sony customer service lady pointed it out. Much to my relief because I had thought I had some how managed to scratch the "scratch proof" glass! I had fitted the protector that came in the box but the bubbles irritated me so I removed it and within hours the deep scratches mysteriously appeared! Sony lady said she could send me a replacement Sony protector as it was just a peel off and owner re fit-able. Just like the one I had put on before. That is all fine and wonderful but here is my gripe. Back to the port cover. I got back to Sony and they told me that sadly I was not the only one to have this mishap but the only solution was to send the Z back to a Sony service centre and lose it for five days or more! This seems a little OTT to me. I did a little research and found a company in the Netherlands that sold spares for the Z! ( http://rounded.com ) They also do a Youtube showing the disassembly of the Z. Frankly I do not suggest that any one attempts this as it will void the warranty but it is instructional and most importantly shows how the port covers are fitted. This company say they will be able to supply these in the near future. In fact the port covers are retained by a tough plastic tether that is secured by a barb. This means that to replace the cover one simply pokes the new ones retaining tether in the hole and it is secured! No warranty destroying disassembly required. I got back to Sony Customer service and suggested to them that as they can supply replacement protectors already as a courtesy that they also offer port covers in the same way. Apparently not. They seemed to think that an owner performing this extremely simple task might somehow put the Z at risk. I pointed out that most of their other phones have removable back covers and removable lithium batteries and that messing with lithium batteries can be very hazardous! Yet they have no problem with owners performing these potentially tricky operations. Yet somehow putting a small plastic tether in its intended hole is a problem!! The thing is those covers are as fiddly as can be. So the problem I have had will be a frequent occurrence. Come on Sony please show some common sense. It is to your and your customers advantage.
Now on Ebay UK . Free post from HK . Search for "Black Audio Jack Micro SD USB Sim Card Slot Port Cover For Xperia Z L36H New" These are the port covers for the micro USB, Micro SD, Headphone and SIM ports.. Easy to fit. They just push in.
