How to disassemble a Pinephone Keyboard?

[apricot]

Hello, I have a Pinephone Keyboard that I am trying to open so I can replace the computer chip. Support said I would need to do this to fix it - the battery has stopped working and so has charging through the USB port.

Anyway. The means of its disassembly escape me. Using a tool I've been able to pry apart most of the bottom part of the plastic case, but the side by the hinge refuses to come apart. I can't reach the seam behind the hinge because, well, the hinge is in the way.

Can anyone who has taken a Pinephone Keyboard apart let me know how they did it? Thanks

[RTP]

Hello, I have a Pinephone Keyboard that I am trying to open so I can replace the computer chip. Support said I would need to do this to fix it - the battery has stopped working and so has charging through the USB port.

Anyway. The means of its disassembly escape me. Using a tool I've been able to pry apart most of the bottom part of the plastic case, but the side by the hinge refuses to come apart. I can't reach the seam behind the hinge because, well, the hinge is in the way.

Can anyone who has taken a Pinephone Keyboard apart let me know how they did it? Thanks

It is a very tight case (good for protection of the Pinephone, not as fun for disassembly).

There are several fasteners along the inside of sides (start from corner with 'opening', working way around both sides from here.

Once you get it started, try slipping in something like a card between the sides (but I moreso had to "pry" it apart bit by bit).

You aren't wrong about it being somewhat difficult.

You may find this video helpful to see the inside fasteners / it opened during main board replacement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=seQo1qCenA8

Let me know if you have more questions on opening it, as I've done so a couple times.

Takes a bit more force than I like to apply, but work your way around slowly, to avoid cracking case.

[apricot]

Hi, thanks for the response. I did eventually get it open - by pushing the bottom part of the case towards the hinge I was able to loosen the seam behind it.

This thing has been in the back of my mind for months and I only just got around to buying a prying tool for it. A guitar pick was not doing the job...