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easy on/easy off case for nightly desktop docking?

I had installed a full body BSE skin on my N1, but had to systematically remove pieces so as to allow proper docking with the official desktop dock (I eventually removed all skins but those covering the screen and the battery cover). For the time being, I've been using the neoprene sleeve, but I'm looking at cases that allows for easy removal and installation as I plan to use the dock nightly. Keep in mind that I still have screen protector and battery cover skin.
So far, the Seidio Innocase seems to be one of the best N1 cases on the market (probably second to Case Mate's Tough case). However, I've read that installation/removal of the case can be difficult if a screen protector is present. My other considerations are either the Snap model or Case-Mate's Barely There model which appear fairly similar. Again, how easy is it to remove the case? Would I be better served with a silicone case for ease of repeated removal and installation (but contend with lint/dust issues?)?
Thanks.

I am using a case I got off eBay. http://cgi.ebay.com/BLACK-CRYSTAL-S...Accessories?hash=item35a8082fc6#ht_3878wt_799
It's the exact same one as the one on ultra-case.com but half the price. I'm just assuming Ultra just buys it from the same wholeseller and just repackages it.
I don't use a dock but I'm a Tmo rep and I usually when I get myTouch customers I'll put the HTC_IME keyboard on for them so I do have to take everything off to access the SDcard. I've been really satisfied with it as it is a gel case but doesn't feel cheap like the cases at my store and it is very easy to remove.

I have a Barely There, it pops right on and off.

djpingpong said:
I am using a case I got off eBay. http://cgi.ebay.com/BLACK-CRYSTAL-S...Accessories?hash=item35a8082fc6#ht_3878wt_799
It's the exact same one as the one on ultra-case.com but half the price. I'm just assuming Ultra just buys it from the same wholeseller and just repackages it.
I don't use a dock but I'm a Tmo rep and I usually when I get myTouch customers I'll put the HTC_IME keyboard on for them so I do have to take everything off to access the SDcard. I've been really satisfied with it as it is a gel case but doesn't feel cheap like the cases at my store and it is very easy to remove.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You must be one of the coolest Reps that T-mo has, lol...

hm, a skin protector for the screen or a car charger?

vexingv said:
I had installed a full body BSE skin on my N1, but had to systematically remove pieces so as to allow proper docking with the official desktop dock (I eventually removed all skins but those covering the screen and the battery cover). For the time being, I've been using the neoprene sleeve, but I'm looking at cases that allows for easy removal and installation as I plan to use the dock nightly. Keep in mind that I still have screen protector and battery cover skin.
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've got a BSE skin on mine and the desktop dock works fine. I was a bit worried, cause I didn't get the skin on perfect.
You have to be patient when you place your phone in the dock, sometimes it takes 5 or 10 seconds to realize where it's at, then another 5-10 secs for the bluetooth to kick in. I can live with that.

I use the Case-Mate Nexus One ID Credit Card Case (can't post a link here with new account, but it's on the case mate site).
Love, love, love the case. Pops off pretty quickly at night. I keep two cards in it (driver's license and credit card) and a folded $50 tucked inside between the phone and license. So nice to just grab the phone and my keys...
I do wish I could keep it on when docking. I'm not super happy with my N1 dock as is since my phone seems to slip out of it easily, annoying my wife when it clatters to the table top.

I use the Seidio Inoocase II Surface with this dock: http://cgi.ebay.com/Dual-Desktop-Ch...wItemQQptZPDA_Accessories?hash=item35a8350959
I like this dock a lot more the Google's due to the fact that it has the microUSB plug in the bottom, which holds the phone upright. I had the official dock from Google and ended up calling HTC 15 mins after I opened it to return it. I hated (*hated*) how the phone sat in the dock but had nothing to stop it from tipping out. The nice thing about this combo is the dock has both wall-power charging or USB charging. Can also leave it plugged into the wall and the USB and use ADB on your computer while charging the phone and an extra battery. I dunno, if you don't need the bluetooth connection with a dock that's attached to your stereo system, save yourself $40 and order the knock-off from Ebay.

grb said:
I've got a BSE skin on mine and the desktop dock works fine. I was a bit worried, cause I didn't get the skin on perfect.
You have to be patient when you place your phone in the dock, sometimes it takes 5 or 10 seconds to realize where it's at, then another 5-10 secs for the bluetooth to kick in. I can live with that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i notice that now even with most of skin removed that it takes a couple of seconds to recognize. however, with the skin installed, the phone would make initial contact and then slip/slide off the electrodes (i essentially had to hold the phone in place; thus i removed it).
since i invested in the dock, i'm sticking with it. i had considered the knockoffs when i was using my HTC Fuze, but the quality didn't seem all there.
my concerns with a new case is whether it holds up to repeated removal/installation and whether it scratches the phone/screen protector in the process. i assume that the gel/silicone cases, like that by Ultra/Cimo, are installed by putting the phone through the main display cutout? how does the Seidio Snap compare to the Case-Mate Barely; they seem pretty similar?

I use a customized zaggskin and that works fine in the OEM dock. Doesn't slide off or anything. My guess was that the BSE (which i initially had but I put on horribly) would be thinner than my current zaggskin.
I be happy. Hope you found your setup that you want!

Desktop Dock Options

So, what are the best options for Desktop Docks for the Desire?
I've taken a look at a few but I can't seem to find any that would fit the desire once a casemate case was applied or any similar case which adds a few mm.
Are there any Docks out there that accommodate for this or are there any generic phone docks that would accommodate the desire in a case?

Nothing that i'm aware off.
there all catered for a stock handset (No cover/case attached)

Thanks for replying ICO (appreciate it).
Yer I was of the same mindset, I've ordered one off ebay (cant link as account is new sadly) as it appears to have a fair amount of gap between the device and the base looking at the images (probably just a dream) so will update when I get it but thats my thoughts as well.
Worth a try at any rate, Worse to worse ill just remove case and dock if its easy enough...

So I got my case and I'm happy to say that it fits the desire perfectly with the casemate case attached! (I'm sure someone will be looking for this information - probably).
Case I purchased was ebay item number: 110538892428
Dock I purchased was ebay item number: 110539991508
(Sorry can't post urls as new account here)
Hope this helps someone else out there, I'm not sure as to whether it would fit a bigger case three is a tiny bit of room once I have the casemate case applied but you might be pushing it at the bottom.

I've orderd the dock also, I'll let you know if it fits with my case. Got a Gel case btw
edit: I'll receive it within 2 weeks can't wait

I've received the dock.
Without a skin it fits perfectly and the build quality is quite good.
But because my desire has a skin i had to modify it a bit. If trimed away some plastic so it would fit and connect to the connector. Because of the skin the connecter couldn't go deep enough inside the slot to connect it.
I'll post some pic's if any 1 is intresseted

flitjes said:
I've received the dock.
Without a skin it fits perfectly and the build quality is quite good.
But because my desire has a skin i had to modify it a bit. If trimed away some plastic so it would fit and connect to the connector. Because of the skin the connecter couldn't go deep enough inside the slot to connect it.
I'll post some pic's if any 1 is intresseted
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Please do!!

Kyonz said:
So I got my case and I'm happy to say that it fits the desire perfectly with the casemate case attached! (I'm sure someone will be looking for this information - probably).
Case I purchased was ebay item number: 110538892428
Dock I purchased was ebay item number: 110539991508
(Sorry can't post urls as new account here)
Hope this helps someone else out there, I'm not sure as to whether it would fit a bigger case three is a tiny bit of room once I have the casemate case applied but you might be pushing it at the bottom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Added URLs for you nice people

I've just (today!) taken delivery of this - http://www.expansys.com/d.aspx?i=199195 and it is an excellent desk top cradle at a good price. The rear port is mini-USB, so you can charge and sync, or just use the HTC charger from the mains with a mini-USB lead if you just want to top up the battery. The cradle is nice and firm, and the transparent backplate holds the device securely so that using the phone doesn't strain the micro-USB connection. Good product!

But does it fit with the case-mate?
Also Flitjes do you have those photos with case on?

nubbin said:
I've just (today!) taken delivery of this - http://www.expansys.com/d.aspx?i=199195 and it is an excellent desk top cradle at a good price. The rear port is mini-USB, so you can charge and sync, or just use the HTC charger from the mains with a mini-USB lead if you just want to top up the battery. The cradle is nice and firm, and the transparent backplate holds the device securely so that using the phone doesn't strain the micro-USB connection. Good product!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I bought a dock off ebay (looks like the Proporta Dock) but I found the blue LED far too bright at night, it lit up the room so I decided to modify the dock and move the LED to just behind the plastic holder - this allows it to be nice and blue when the phone is out but when the phone is docked the edges of the plastic glow nicely at night with no bright ambient light. I have attached two pictures of the original and two of the modified. (not one of the phone in the dock as im using it to take the photos!)

satman_uk said:
I bought a dock off ebay (looks like the Proporta Dock) but I found the blue LED far too bright at night, it lit up the room so I decided to modify the dock and move the LED to just behind the plastic holder - this allows it to be nice and blue when the phone is out but when the phone is docked the edges of the plastic glow nicely at night with no bright ambient light. I have attached two pictures of the original and two of the modified. (not one of the phone in the dock as im using it to take the photos!)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think ill be getting one of these offa flea bay in afew days, for now my desk at work is fine and back home i have an Xtand Rotatable Holder,,, mainly used with my iPhone but sadly no more, fits well enough mind
http://www.play.com/Mobiles/Mobile/4-/6595171/Xtand-Rotatable-Holder-For-Apple-iPhone-3GS-3G/Product.html?_%24ja=tsid:11518|cc:|prd:6595171|cat:Mobile+

KiDiGi car dock

Has anyone seen this dock? I really like the fact that it works with a case on the phone unlike the HTC dock.
http://www.kidigi.com/product_lv2.php?pid=1379
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium

Is that for AT&T One X? Just curious as it does not say.

Pumpiron579 said:
Is that for AT&T One X? Just curious as it does not say.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It only says "one x" but I would guess since there is enough play to hold the phone in a case that the extra fraction in length of the att wouldn't be a problem.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium

Its not using the pins so it doesn't matter.

Very nice car dock. Contemplating pre-ordering one @ the $36.90 price tag...
http://www.4u-mobi.com/onlineshop/online_shop_detail.php?pid=5833

Cool product, still wish it used the POGO PINs.

Me too... I want a dock that does charging and audio out with no connecting. of wires.

I have the stock HTC One X car mount and it sucks. This looks much better.
The stock relies on these grooved sides to hold the phone in, and when you slide in the phone sometimes you have to wiggle to get the USB to plug in. Further, because it holds the phone pretty tightly, it's not easy to remove the phone. I have to use both hands to get my phone out of the car mount.

just brought this got to wait 10 days as its coming from china.
has anyone got one yet and got any feedback?
I was willing to pay the £40 for the htc official one but ultimately
i didnt go for that one because i didnt like the idea of having to
take the case on and off each time.
this ones meant to work with or without and was cheaper only £25.
ill post a review when i receive it.......

rfound said:
Me too... I want a dock that does charging and audio out with no connecting. of wires.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You'll need a Motorola phone to accomplish that. They send audio out the USB port of the car dock
Sent while in DEFCON Brown.

Just received my KiDiGi dock yesterday. It's very well made and works great with the Rock slim case I have on my HOX. It comes with a usb cable and charger, but it doesn't appear to be wired to auto enable car mode when docked. No big deal...that's what NFC tags are for!
It's very similar in design to the iBolt dock that Sprint is selling for the EVO LTE. They both have the insert to work with or without a case on the phone, and a top latch to keep it secure. If the KiDiGi were easier to come by, I would highly recommend it. I ordered it from 4u-mobi back on May 24th, so it took about 3 weeks to make it here.

agentdr8 said:
Just received my KiDiGi dock yesterday. It's very well made and works great with the Rock slim case I have on my HOX. It comes with a usb cable and charger, but it doesn't appear to be wired to auto enable car mode when docked. No big deal...that's what NFC tags are for!
It's very similar in design to the iBolt dock that Sprint is selling for the EVO LTE. They both have the insert to work with or without a case on the phone, and a top latch to keep it secure. If the KiDiGi were easier to come by, I would highly recommend it. I ordered it from 4u-mobi back on May 24th, so it took about 3 weeks to make it here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I received my dock as well. It does enable car mode for me, I'm not sure why it's not for you (are you on a Sense based rom?). I have a Casemate Barely There on my HOX and it works fine with the dock. The dock seems to be able to accomodate cases slightly thicker than the Barely There as well (but not much thicker). The headphone jack and camera are exposed and easy to get to. The top "flap" that keeps the phone in place snaps down with a satisfying thud. Very good build quality. The charger that comes with it is a single USB, 1.0A charger. Pretty standard. The usb cable that comes with it is one of those looped cables (like old corded phone cables) so if your charging port is more than 2 feet or so away from your mount it's gonna put some stress on the usb cable. There's also a little cavity underneath the phone on the mount that lets you wedge your finger in there to aid in getting the phone out of the dock, very nice touch.
Note: If you use the plastic dash mounting disk, the adhesive pad on the bottom needs at least 24 hours to set properly. I tried using the mount after letting it sit overnight and the adhesive was barely holding on, but the next day it was rock solid.

Just ordered it from htcpedia. $33 shipped.

The sprint dock is from kidigi but sprint just paid them to put their logo on there.
Sent from my HTC One X

stnguyen09 said:
I received my dock as well. It does enable car mode for me, I'm not sure why it's not for you (are you on a Sense based rom?).
Note:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I was mistaken. CleanROM DE doesn't have the htc car app. I switched to SE and it does indeed auto-switch to car mode when docked.

Just got my KiDiGi dock today, very happy with my purchase. The arm is a little bulky and flimsy but the dock fits on my other arm perfectly so I could care less. Fits great with both my Mybat hybrid TPU case and my Diztronic TPU case. Highly recommended.

Just received mine as well, I don't consider the arm flimsy, though. Tighten it up and its sturdy as anything. Nice looking dock, fits with my barely there, and enables car mode. Just wish I could set music to a third party app, or figure out how.
And that's the aux cable wrapped around the arm.
Sent from my HTC One XL using xda premium.

An update on mine...
The adhesive disk for mounting on your dash kinda sucks...at least mine did. It could not hold up the mount while the phone was docked. I had the mount itself set at a 90 degree angle and after a bit of driving the adhesive disk just started peeling off.
My solution to this was getting some mounting puddy and using that as an adhesive plus setting the dock on my dash in a way that allows the mount itself (where you dock the phone) to rest on the dash, thereby alleviating any excessive torque being put on the dash disk.

Sony DK26 dock, for those who can't wait...

The dock is being sold on Ebay by some people, so if you can't wait you can buy it there, it is more expensive though.
The cheapest one is about 38$ for the white one.

Just by the way (more for other peoples knowledge, as I'm sure YOU'RE probably aware), there are 3rd party docks available on eBay for ~$10USD.
Not sure on the build quality, but I ordered one last week. Will see how it goes

novastorm17 said:
Just by the way (more for other peoples knowledge, as I'm sure YOU'RE probably aware), there are 3rd party docks available on eBay for ~$10USD.
Not sure on the build quality, but I ordered one last week. Will see how it goes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read on another forum that there were people who had problem with the alternative dock, for some the phone didn't even charge.

Yeah I got the cheap dock too and it is inconsistent at best sometimes it charges and sometimes it is only being able to hold the current charge. Phone always show it is being charged but if it really charges the battery back up then just holding the current level is never an guarantee at all. I went now with the original one and have no issues at all.
Sent from my C6603 using xda app-developers app

I got the Zukin one on ebay - two of them, square design, absolutely fine £12 each.

Dont't wait DK26 Dock !
Hi,
Don't wait DK26 charging dock .
You may buy different dock instead of DK26.
Becauase of very simple dock and it isn't special.Only mark of Sony .Quality plastic and connectors.
It's Expensive.
And it doesn't charge or data connecting by usb on pc.
Box inside only DK26 dock .No cable , no charger.

http://amzn.to/19sl0nE
This Decrescent dock gets good reviews on Amazon and here http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/dec...ion-for-sony-xperia-z-12-99-delivered-1567401
Fairly cheap at £12.99 too

deepfresh said:
Hi,
Don't wait DK26 charging dock .
You may buy different dock instead of DK26.
Becauase of very simple dock and it isn't special.Only mark of Sony .Quality plastic and connectors.
It's Expensive.
And it doesn't charge or data connecting by usb on pc.
Box inside only DK26 dock .No cable , no charger.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll second this. Got bought one for my birthday. It's the cheapest looking bit of "Official" kit I've ever seen.
The plastic is dull, and the whole thing is so so lightweight, you have to hold down the dock with one hand and pull the phone out with the other.
It does hold the phone nice and tight, and charges well, so I suppose it is doing the job it was designed for, but it is a really poor effort from a company like Sony, who are supposed to be into quality design. It's not a patch on the Asus dock for the Nexus 7. That thing weighs a ton!

I got the alternative goosewhite dock and can definitely vouch for it. Works perfectly, plus from what I've heard, it's not such a tight fit as the official sony dock, which could be beneficial to those with the Spigen glas.t protector, which I've heard chips in the official dock due to the tight fit.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/GooseWhite-...places/dp/B00CAHQNOI/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
also, if for whatever reason you don't have access to mains, it can be hooked up via USB to a laptop

CraigsDocks car dock full review w/ pics

I have used my CraigsDocks car dock for a little over a month now and I could not be more pleased with it's functionality.
As I stated on another thread about car mounts what kind of mount you get is totally dependent on your vehicle's interior and where you want the phone. I don't want my phone on the top of the dash and I tried an Arkon vent mount with the N4 in my previous vehicle that didn't work because of the weight. It vibrated on rougher roads causing the screen to reflect.
The first thing I want to address is the cost which is $70-100 depending on which options you order. Mine has a custom made base plate to accommodate mounting it exactly where I wanted it and that additional cost is quoted after you've supplied measurements & pictures. It is dependent on the amount of custom fabrication necessary. I'm guessing most users won't need a custom fabricated base plate. This unit is hand made by Craig himself and is not a mass production product. It's probably the most expensive car mount/dock on the market however it is also the last one you will ever buy because it is universal for both the vehicle & the phone (with or w/o case and/or extended battery). There is nothing to wear out as there is no plastic or springs. The entire mount is hand milled aluminum and the adjustments are threaded with set screws. The quality is exactly what you would expect for the cost & IMO the design is as much modern industrial art as it is pure functionality.
Before purchase I was comparing it to a ProClip mount which was about $60 but the ProClip didn't have the dock functionality and it was both vehicle & phone specific. Considering I get a new phone every 2 years & a new vehicle every 3 years in a fairly short time span I'd have spent more for way less functionality if I'd purchased the ProClip instead.
This is not only a superb mount it is also a dock meaning that when I insert my phone the modified mini USB>USB cable automatically triggers the phone's native car dock app whether the cable is plugged in to my 12v car adapter or not. On my phone I have the Car Home Ultra (CHU) app installed which is automatically triggered by the phone's native car dock app so without any screen input from me I have Car Home Ultra open on the phone every time I insert it in the dock. The only time I have to use screen input is if the screen is locked and I use the fingerprint scanner. So instead of having to set up the phone every time I get in the car it has the screen always on with CHU and provided I've got the cable plugged in to the 12v adapter it's always fully charged/charging. To me this functionality is a phenomenal step up in the car. I know the CraigsDocks mount isn't the only one that has a dock feature but I think there are only a couple of others.
My mount has the ball mount tilt + swivel option and the combination of that and the custom fabricated base plate put the phone exactly where I wanted it. I think my interior is about as difficult as it gets to mount a phone the size of the N4 and have it no further away than my right steering column stalk controls without blocking other screens/controls/air vents. The location is so functional it is actually easier for me to use the CHU digital speedometer on the phone than to read the car's speedometer. Considering I use my phone primarily for business it's important for me to be able to see who's calling/make calls/conference calls looking away from the road as little as possible & I just don't like an on the top of the dash mount. The CraigsDocks mount/dock is available with a suction cup or windshield extension for those that prefer those locations.
So on a 1-10 scale I rate the CraigsDocks mount dock a clean 33!! I absolutely love it. To me it was money well spent because I don't know how I could make my phone any more functional in the car than it is & it's located exactly where I wanted it. On top of that I never have to buy another car mount. Thanks Craig!!
http://www.craigsdocks.com/samsung-galaxy-s3-s4-s5-note-3-4-car-dock/
BTW, I'm using an Otterbox Defender case. These pictures show it w/ the Otterbox plastic screen cover & an iCarez glass protector. Since they were taken I've removed the Otterbox protector & installed a Zagg HDX.
Other thing I want to mention is the CHU screen shown in the pictures is not my home CHU screen because that one has sensitive info on it. I highly recommend the Car Home Ultra app too. I have mine set to turn off Wi-Fi which I'm always forgetting to do and make the phone's home screen button default to my CHU homepage.