Work Cell Phone

[James Bond]

Less than one week ago I got a cell phone through my new job. I have it with me every day during work, then usually I just leave it on my desk when I'm at home.

I specifically remember checking email through the phone on Saturday morning. That night, I went with some friends to another city and we stayed the night. I came home the next morning and noticed immediately that the screen appeared to be damaged -- The phone was dead, but it looked like there was ink all over the inside of the LCD or something. I was REALLY hoping that it always appeared that way when dead (so not back lit), but of course, the screen is completely broken now that I have powered it up.

I'm not quite sure how to break this to my boss yet. He's completely nice and understanding, but I'm aware of how bad this makes me look. I sent an email to the only roommate who was home that night to ask him who he had over.

Hopefully there's a warranty.

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2704,1933323,00.asp

 

[FoBoT]

the company owns the phone? don't worry about it, they'll fix it

 

[pstylesss]

Don't worry, they should have a budget for that sort of thing... it won't kill them. Happens all the time here. I've heard stories of blackberrys flying off the top of cop cars because they "forgot" them and having inspectors drop them in a river. All of them claim accidents, I don't believe any of them. Still, my boss has yet to break any kneecaps over it.

 

[krotchy]

"inky" look all over the inside of the LCD is what they tend to look like when they are broken. Do you have any kids/roomates/pets that might have gotten in the room and knocked it off the desk or something. Ive seen plenty of people drop phones and thats what they end up looking like, but it never just happens spontaneously.

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

Whoever they get their cell phone service from probably gives them the phones for free, I wouldn't worry about this at all even if you broke more than one.

Edit: Because this is AT, I'll clarify. It might not be "free" since there is no free lunch, but their basic goal when selling the contract is to sell you that monthly plan, not a one time profit on cell phones.

 

[James Bond]

Originally posted by: krotchy
"inky" look all over the inside of the LCD is what they tend to look like when they are broken. Do you have any kids/roomates/pets that might have gotten in the room and knocked it off the desk or something. Ive seen plenty of people drop phones and thats what they end up looking like, but it never just happens spontaneously.

Yeah, I have a couple roommates. I think he had some people over for some of the football games on Saturday, and some moron probably went in my room and managed to break it.

Thanks for the comments though, that makes me feel better

 

[alkemyst]

Usually they are insured. Still unless you are breaking the phone left and right it's not an issue.

We have had one person that we basically have told they will be responsible for any further phone damages (they had 3 claims in one year). For these they must pay the $50 deductable.

Now according to HR this may or may not be legal to require.

The best stories are those that drop their BB's in drinks. Now most cups aren't big enough so it's always a Big Gulp and no one used a lid. The funny part is I can guarantee about 90% if not 100% are toilet drops.

 

[TXHokie]

Try beat my losing a brand spanking new company laptop that was only 3 weeks old when my car was broken into. Was on my way home from work and stopped by the mall. Laptop was hidden under seat and covered with jacket as well. Xmas came early for that dang thief. Company usually have insurance for these types of event.

 

[LS20]

shame, you wont be bothered by work anymore. the horror !

 

[NoMoMoney]

That's a horrible phone anyway, be glad it is broken and get a better one! I had the same one from work and the screen cracked easily. I think I had it for all of 4 months. I have a Treo now and its been going strong for over a year now. For me the warranty/insurance didn't cover a cracked screen, so work just bought another one. Work handed me a basic phone, and I said, 'OK, but I'm done reading and/or answering e-mails unless I'm at my desk' Within a couple of weeks I had the Treo.

 

[James Bond]

Originally posted by: NoMoMoney
That's a horrible phone anyway, be glad it is broken and get a better one! I had the same one from work and the screen cracked easily. I think I had it for all of 4 months. I have a Treo now and its been going strong for over a year now. For me the warranty/insurance didn't cover a cracked screen, so work just bought another one. Work handed me a basic phone, and I said, 'OK, but I'm done reading and/or answering e-mails unless I'm at my desk' Within a couple of weeks I had the Treo.

Lol

I really have no idea how it happened. I'm under the impression there were a few people at my place, but I know nobody would intentionally do it. Still though, how could that even happen? I don't even hard hardwood floors.