Can't figure this out - center button & LEDs

johnnyappleseed · #1 (**permalink**) 12-10-2008, 06:44 PM

Random thing I noticed today (Sprint version FWIW) while sitting in a "meeting":

If I touch the center button on the front of the TP with anything besides my finger, the LEDs under the home/back/send/end buttons do not light up. I can put pretty good pressure on it with the stylus, a pen, paperclip, etc. and nothing. But if I BARELY touch the button with a finger, the LEDs light up.

I'm stumped, what gives?

Thanks
johnny

**thacounty** · #2 (**permalink**) 12-10-2008, 06:50 PM

It is a capacitive touch area. Meaning it is capable of registering more than one touch, but it is not based on the pressure of the touch like the resistive touch screen. A capacitive screen needs the electrical grounding of sorts that your fingers have.

**CozBoogie** · #3 (**permalink**) 12-10-2008, 06:50 PM

It's a capacitive touch screen that conducts electrical current across it...that's why it works with your finger and not a gloved hand or stylus, etc.

late,
Coz

**CozBoogie** · #4 (**permalink**) 12-10-2008, 06:51 PM

Just beat me to it Mr. county!

late,
Coz

**thacounty** · #5 (**permalink**) 12-10-2008, 06:55 PM

Haha nice! Well explained Coz!

**CozBoogie** · #6 (**permalink**) 12-10-2008, 06:57 PM

Nice explanation as well!

late,
Coz

xtkxhom3r · #7 (**permalink**) 12-10-2008, 07:01 PM

haha i figured thats what it was

#8 (**permalink**) 12-10-2008, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xtkxhom3r

haha i figured thats what it was

As an additional note, the home, back, send, and end keys are also a full capacitive surface too... As far as I can tell there's only a couple hardware buttons under there, and it determines what you're pressing based on the capacitive input, try it!

Press the call end button with your fingernail in the very bottom right corner, it won't hang up! Same goes with home, if you push it on the very edge with something non-capacitive (fingernail), it will do nothing... I've had to re-teach myself, I always push the very most corner so I don't accidentally press something else... I just need to deal with it and press it where a normal person would :P

xtkxhom3r · #9 (**permalink**) 12-10-2008, 07:20 PM

oh wow thats some crazy **** lol

oh wait nm i knew that too i was just makin sure you knew :P

jmkendrick · #10 (**permalink**) 12-10-2008, 07:30 PM

Yep looks like there is only one button under both "buttons" on one side of the d-pad...if you put your finger on the phone button but don't press, then press the home button with a fingernail, the phone will register that you pressed the phone button. Same with the end and back buttons.

Jeff