440 out of how many millions sold, isn't a sign of lots of demand. Not sure where you heard the USB ports are crap, but they might be slightly more fragile than some other phones. But a lot of it's going to be hit or miss. And with any electronics, any jarring force has potential to knock something out of whack. Usually just the luck of the draw, not always something we can pin point as flaws. As for installing it, it really isn't too complicated, there are a few youtube how-to's out there that are pretty detailed.
I am not knocking the product, but these forums is where I read a lot of people have problem with the usb port. And the 440 is just from one seller about of all the people that sell this stuff. For example, here is the response I got when I posted the issue I was having with my phone:
"probably just jolted the USB port on the phone. They are notoriously weak/flimsy. Once its loose you run into all sorts of situations where it won't charge, will show USB when on AC, won't wake up when plugged in, etc. You can replace it yourself supposedly or pay for a repair if you like to spend money."
I have been reading this forum every day since I got my phone and there are plenty of usb port issues. Maybe other phones have the same issue as well, but I only read about this phone
I dropped the phone about two feet from the ground. I did not even think that it would be an issue. Then that night it did not charge. Coincidence? I think not! (G)
So I have the part, and the guy I was chatting with replaced his today and he gave me a lot of tips. Took him 15 minutes, but said he could do it now in 2 minutes. I will get to it this weekend. I would just have samsung fix it, but they tell me my phone was made to sell in Brazil and I would have to deal with Samsung Brazil if I wanted to get it fixed. It is out of warranty, but I would really be one pissed cowboy if I went to fix it under warranty and they told me tough luck.
I am trying to hold off until the next nexus comes out. The 4 is not so hot. And from what I read, the 4S blows it out of the water, but I don't want a carrier phone. Then they talk about the Google One (S4) coming out this month, and it's going to sell for 6 hundred bucks. But I still have my iPhone 4 at the ready. (G)
Enjoy the weekend