We have a LG Nexus 4 that worked wonderfully until it took an impromptu dunk in the toilet (ew, gross, I know).
Did the whole "bag with dry rice" and "freezer" for a few days to try to dry it out. Plugged it back in, got a red light instead of the usual white charging light (online I found this referred to ominously as the "red light of death").
Inspired by MMM's article about how to fix cars, I looked around online and found a guy showing how to disconnect and reconnect the battery. I disassembled the phone, unplugged the battery, reattached it, nothing. Well, more red light.
The question now becomes: try to find someone to diagnose the problem, and then search online for cheap replacement parts? Or just by a new battery and hope that that's the problem? Or just junk the whole thing and buy a new used phone?
As an aspiring mustachian, I'm trying to figure out what the most mustachian course of action is. I'd hate to throw away most of a working phone, but then again I'd hate to pay a technician or whoever to just tell me what seems to be staring me in the face. And I would hate most of all buying a new battery but still having that not fix the problem. In the meantime, using an older/loaner phone, but will have to eventually give it back.
I would love to do any sort of repair/diagnosis myself (am currently looking into replacing a broken side mirror on the car by myself, also inspired by MMM), but while I'm pretty handy with a screwdriver, my knowledge of electronics is limited.
In terms of phone functionality, the "must haves" are: gmail, google docs/sheets, waze, whatsapp, VLC. So the Nexus 4 was great since while not being top of the line/newest, it did have all of those bases covered. I don't need the newest/sexiest/whiz-bangiest device, but having that functionality while on the go is a great productivity boost.
Also, I'm cognizant of Moore's Law constantly driving us forward in terms of technology, so perhaps all this brouhaha is all a waste more appropriate for someone who is cheap than someone who aspires to frugality. I just hate throwing things out.
I'd love to hear thoughts/advice from other mustachians out there.
Thanks in advance for your inputs,
Shmadas