Why no cheap battery covers? - Nexus One Accessories

I'm in the middle of making a flipping mechanism with a mini Bluetooth keyboard attached to my phone. Its pretty much just a hinge joining the two, and will allow me to conveniently bring with me some physical keys for typing, and more importantly gaming.
At the moment, I've attatched the hinge to an old case for my N1 instead of the phone itself. Its really annoying, since the extra bulk shouldn't be necessary.
There's a video on YouTube of someone doing the same thing with a HD2, and he is using an old battery cover, which doesn't add any bulk.
I was wondering why there aren't any cheap battery cover replacements for the N1. I understand that it may be difficult because of the speaker muffler and camera cover, but surely for under 10 dollars I could get a crap one off eBay/DX.
I've seen the larger ones which can fit the extended batteries, but none that are similar to Tue original. I honestly would not care if I bought one made of crappy plastic, anything as long as I'm not paying $20/30/40 for the OEM ones

Because its a developer phone, only a few have it.

xyellx said:
Because its a developer phone, only a few have it.
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I'm taking about cheap ripoffs.
Look at the amount of all the ridiculously cheap cases and other accessories for the N1 on eBay.
I don't want an OEM battery cover, I want the most basic and cheap cover. I would have thought there would be some manufacturer out there who has taken the mould of the original and then mass produced them with cheaper materials, because they seem to have done so with the extended batteries.
I'm simply putting it out there to see if anyone has come across a product that fits my description.

Forge94 said:
I'm taking about cheap ripoffs.
Look at the amount of all the ridiculously cheap cases and other accessories for the N1 on eBay.
I don't want an OEM battery cover, I want the most basic and cheap cover. I would have thought there would be some manufacturer out there who has taken the mould of the original and then mass produced them with cheaper materials, because they seem to have done so with the extended batteries.
I'm simply putting it out there to see if anyone has come across a product that fits my description.
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most cheap stuff also fitts for desire.

Doesn't the Desire have one big plate cover, sorta unibody?

Related

Seidio Epic 4g Rugged Case Question

Would you be willing to purchase the Epic 4G rugged combo if it does not allow keyboard accessibility?
No, that sounds stupid to me, just get a T-mobile Vibrant then and be done. It would be a thick ass heavy phone to carry around if that was done. Dont buy a phone with a keyboard, if you dont ever plan on using it.
I agree, they sent me the same question and I responded no. I bought this phone for the keyboard, why would I buy a product that deters from using it?
Sent it to me also.
I said i would not buy it.
Some people really want a case that will do this because they don't use the keyboard. But I do so I wouldn't buy it.
hell no id like a case like the incredible where it is two pieces that go together and come off easily
So for some of us, changing to another carrier just to get a non-keyboard version of the same phone is not an option (not to mention extremely stupid). Why would you get a phone with a keyboard when you aren't going to use it? Because this thing dominates the Evo in every way imaginable. Do I want a keyboard on my phone? No. Will I deal with it because of the ten million other things that are better than with the Evo? Absolutely. This case would be fantastic for the multitude of people that don't want to change carriers, but want an excellent phone while not needing or wanting a keyboard.
theres the evo for no keyboard
redandblack1287 said:
So for some of us, changing to another carrier just to get a non-keyboard version of the same phone is not an option (not to mention extremely stupid). Why would you get a phone with a keyboard when you aren't going to use it? Because this thing dominates the Evo in every way imaginable. Do I want a keyboard on my phone? No. Will I deal with it because of the ten million other things that are better than with the Evo? Absolutely. This case would be fantastic for the multitude of people that don't want to change carriers, but want an excellent phone while not needing or wanting a keyboard.
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Well said my friend, I agree with your point that if you don't use the keyboard, then why not get a case that disables it? And yes, this phone dominates the Evo ;-)
Not unless the device keyboard is accessible somehow with an very easy case removal process.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
guruleenyc said:
Not unless the device keyboard is accessible somehow with an very easy case removal process.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App
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Well you guys have understand that there not making a regular case. There making a case that has the same and sometimes better protection then the Otterbox Defenders Case. I just told them i would only buy the case if there was some simple method of accessing the keyboard. I told them to add some quick locks that would protect the sliding mechanism gap. That when you want to use the keyboard just sliding the locks down which would also slide the protection cover that covers the keyboard and screen space. But i do agree that theres no point of a case that prevents one of the main features of the phone. But hey atleast there trying to make a tough case not like Otterbox that takes forever to make a simple case that the bezel tabs always breaks off.
The 2-piece design of the Epic is its greatest weakness. If you want a truly rugged case, it has to be able to keep the phone from breaking in half. No 2-piece case can do that.
"Switch carriers" is a very thoughtless answer. Some of us chose Sprint--get ready for this--because we want to use Sprint. The keyboard is NOT the only reason to buy an Epic over an Evo or other Galaxy S phone, as some have pointed out.
If you don't want a truly rugged case, don't buy one like this. Personally, I would buy one like this. The flimsy hinge/slider mechanism is my least favorite part of the Epic, and the keyboard has left me less than impressed after using 2 Blackberries anyways.
Okay, I don't think you guys realize exactly what they are talking about.
The Seidio Rugged Case is essentially two cases in one.
It comes with a standard Seidio Surface Case that fits over the phone and can be used any time. As you probably know the keyboard is fully accessible with just this.
However the rugged also comes with another two pieces. It has a silicone outer cover that goes around the surface case and then a hard plastic "exoskeleton" to hold that in place. It also comes with a locking holster for all of it
You probably wouldn't use the outer case all the time but when you needed extra protection you could put it on.
My situation is as follows: I use my Epic for geocaching and for tracking when I'm hiking. I really don't want to put my phone in my pants pocket because I sweat a lot and wouldn't want it to get wet. I also would like for the phone to have better protection when I'm in the woods so if I happen to drop it on a rock it'll have a better chance of surviving. Since I'm probably not going to be doing a lot of emailing and texting in those situations I really don't need the physical keyboard. I can still check my phone and reply if necessary using the on screen one.
The great thing about the seidio rugged case is that whenever I get back to civilization I can take off the outer case and just use the surface case on my phone. Quick and easy removal. I can also slide out the existing keyboard for email and text.
I just think that some of you are looking at this as an only option when it's really giving you better protection when you need it. It's really two cases in one.
Check it out for the Droid X
http://www.seidioonline.com/product-p/bd3-hkr4mtdx.htm
I sure hope they get some more folks willing to buy it or I'm screwed...
An ideal Epic compromise would be more or less like you described -- an Innocase that allows the keyboard to slide out, with an optional exoskeleton that locks the keyboard in place and provides extra protection when desired.
HOWEVER, I wouldn't buy one unless it met two further criteria:
1. Silicone (or similarly-pliable-yet-firm) pads to transmit button presses from outside the case directly to the volume, power, and camera buttons inside the case. Protection from dirt and rain is just a nice side-effect; really, I just want it to give the phone a nice, even, solid feel that all the currently-available Epic cases (including Innocase) lack.
I really hate the way the cutouts on the Innocase (and, in all fairness, every other case out right now for the Epic) leave voids that make my fingers fall into exactly the wrong places when I grab the phone and try turning it on with the same hand. One finger (or thumb) ends up groping blindly for the power button, the other side gets supported by the screen, and half the time the shear force ends up pushing the keyboard open by the time the power button itself gets pressed... and the rest of the time, it makes the phone feel disturbingly "jiggly" and makes the phone feel like it's going to get dropped (if it doesn't actually GET dropped occasionally).
2. For the love of god and everything holy, make sure the case can be used with an extended battery. It's bad enough that the Epic's (and Evo's) batteries are criminally undersized and can't make it through a day of normal use without crippling the phone into annoyance and malfunction. Making users spend 5-10 minutes taking apart the case and phone to swap batteries would be a deathblow. Making battery swaps unnecessary for most users would be an ENORMOUSLY compelling feature.
If 3200mAH is too unwieldy for most users, consider meeting halfway -- sell the case with a replacement back and styrofoam padding block that will work with a stock battery, but can also take a battery with ~2200 REAL mAH of power without adding more than ~50% of of the stock battery's thickness... and bundle that battery with the case. If you read the huge thread about cheap extended batteries for the Evo at androidforums.com, two things quickly become obvious:
* Most cheap batteries alleged to be 2700-3500mAH are really ~2200mAH
* 2200mAH is nowhere near as good as Seidio's 3500mAH (that tests out to 2800mAH via the same methods that determined most of the cheap batteries were really 2100-2200mAH), but it's big enough to satisfy just about everyone anyway. If you read that same thread, you can sense that nearly everyone likes the "Chinese" battery back cover better than Seidio's. I remember reading quite a few posts from users who said they'd happily buy a Seidio extended battery AND buy a cheap battery from eBay just to get the back cover and use it instead (with a few going so far as to try modding the Chinese cover to fit over Seidio's slightly-larger battery anyway).
Assuming ~2200-2400mAH batteries that are ~1.5 times as thick as the stock battery exist, that's a nice compromise between the (admittedly) huge double-sized batteries and the inadequately-sized stock batteries. Given the inherent bulk a case with exoskeleton is going to have *anyway*, I seriously doubt anyone is going to complain about an extra 1.5mm of thickness if it means they can leave the battery charger at home and start using their phone normally again.
Idea: if the battery dimensions are somewhat constrained by stock sizes made by someone in China, combine two different sizes of cells and wire them in parallel... one size that produces a bundle the size of the stock battery, and another size that's larger, but thinner, and overflows the stock battery's footprint to make better use of the phone's rear surface area and spread out the volume over a larger area. Personally, I'm perfectly cool with having to remove the battery to swap microSD cards (so the battery can rest above it), because I run with a swapfile anyway, and Android will go down in flames and crash if I try removing the microSD card while the phone is booted up *anyway*.
The foam block is still important, even if the extended battery is included, because it will enable someone who has the rugged case and extended battery to still use his stock battery to fall back on in a pinch if the extended battery dies before the day is over.
A case like this would give Seidio something compelling and unique that no competitor is likely to offer anytime soon -- a total solution that bumps up battery life enough to permit easy all-day usage by most real-world users, permits keyboard use under normal circumstances, and enables the keyboard to be secured in place with an exoskeleton by users who don't want to use it at all, or who temporarily need to sacrifice it for the sake of protection.
Seidio has competitors that sell high-end cases (like Otterbox), but they don't sell batteries, and none of their cases can accommodate an extended battery. We all know that for stuff like this, the shipping, handling, and packaging ends up being a huge chunk of the total cost. By bundling it all together as a total solution, users can solve multiple real-world problems (protection AND battery life) in a way that's cost-effective and convenient.
The only way it could be even better is if Seidio got in touch with the guy who makes the GameGrip, and bought a batch from him that were customized to fit an Epic with Innocase-underbody when the exoskeleton is removed and the keyboard is out (with extended battery in place).
Great responses and have been forwarding them!
Here is what I want: I want the rugged to disable to keyboard function. I want a case that's going to be able to be throw across the room without worrying if the slide out is going to open leaving the phone vunerable to being snapped in half. At work my phone could easy get tossed around and broken if it opened.
Here are my 2 cents: The rugged comes with the innocase. That's going to be 2 peice correct? You can always take off the exterior layers and have they keyboard. The rugged would only be used for rugged scenrios. If you want that case, however, and want the keyboard to open: get the active...
I really want this case and have been sticking it out. I was about to order the active (since they took the rugged off the site) until I saw this posts around. I want my phone to be as rugged as possible. I don't want to have to worry about taking my phone out of my pocket every time I go running; or, what will happen to it if I don't get the chance to take it out of my pocket. And the holster (from what I read before it was taken off the site) is supposed to fit a 2 inch duty belt. 8-D
id like a two piece that comes off easily
betatech said:
Would you be willing to purchase the Epic 4G rugged combo if it does not allow keyboard accessibility?
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I would buy a regular Innocase for the Epic that disabled the keyboard function.
For this to work in the masses, it would have to have an internal case (silicone/whatever) that allows for keyboard operation, and the exoskeleton (THAT IS EASILY DETACHABLE, like the iPhone4 innocase design) that would be a complete encasement (vice the touch screen and capacitive buttons) for the phone.
I would absolutely LOVE a regular case/belt clip combo that would completely encase the phone and disable the keyboard functionality. I would switch to the Evo in a heartbeat if I could, or another provider to get another Galaxy S variant, because I am really disappointed in the keyboard and slider mechanism of the Epic. Great phone overall, though.
scriz said:
I would buy a regular Innocase for the Epic that disabled the keyboard function.
For this to work in the masses, it would have to have an internal case (silicone/whatever) that allows for keyboard operation, and the exoskeleton (THAT IS EASILY DETACHABLE, like the iPhone4 innocase design) that would be a complete encasement (vice the touch screen and capacitive buttons) for the phone.
I would absolutely LOVE a regular case/belt clip combo that would completely encase the phone and disable the keyboard functionality. I would switch to the Evo in a heartbeat if I could, or another provider to get another Galaxy S variant, because I am really disappointed in the keyboard and slider mechanism of the Epic. Great phone overall, though.
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I stuck with the epic because of the screen. It made my decision. At first I got it for the keyboard but don't even use it except for playing games.
I just ordered the innocase. I dropped my phone today for the first time. Nothing major; but, I never drop my phone. I blame not having a holster. I was waiting for the rugged.
With that said I think they should deff make the add on kit like they do with other phones. I don't what to have to buy ANOTHER innocase when the rugged does come out.
So we would like to see more of a rugged sleeve/skeleton that could be attached to the standard Innocase Surface correct?
That would make sense! You would have keyboard function with the standard case and when you attach the Rugged sleeve/skeleton you would lose keyboard function but for sole purpose of protection during that time your using the rugged sleeve/skeleton. This would also allow the two piece design that is being requested.
Sending info.
No, it should be based on the ActiveX (which has a padded "undercase", and fills in the button gaps to level out the sides and provide extra protection).
Here's how I'd do it:
Sku #1: ActiveXR Case. Start with the ActiveX, but score a cutout in the padded underbody above the battery's footprint. Include two exoskeletons: one that allows the keyboard to slide out, one that firmly secures it in place.
Sku #2: ActiveXR PowerPack, consisting of an extended battery, two backs, and a GameGripper that's customized to fit an Epic with ActiveXR case with the keyboard-openable exoskeleton in place. This battery might have to be smaller than 3000mAH, but should have at least 50% more real capacity than the Epic's stock battery. If the battery ends up being a hair too thick, make the padded underbody of the ActiveXR case a little bit thicker too.
Use Case #1: Extended Battery
Carefully cut out the scored rectangular opening on the ActiveXR's underbody with an X-acto knife. Save it for future use.
Remove the phone's stock back and battery. Insert the extended battery and the back with a cutout. Attach the padded underbody. Verify that the squishy thin adhesive-backed silicone pad is attached to the extended battery, and stick it on if this is the first time it's being used. Attach your exoskeleton of choice. Enjoy added battery life and added protection, with optionally-secured keyboard using exoskeleton #2. In both cases, the exoskeleton is what ultimately holds the extended battery in place.
Use Case #2: Gameplay
Same as before, but use the exoskeleton that permits the keyboard to open. Slide open the phone, attach the ActiveX PowerPack GameGripper, and have fun. This is a crucial part of the whole system. A "normal" GameGripper for the Epic (presumably) won't fit an Epic with ActiveX(R) case attached, and the case can't be removed because its exoskeleton is the only thing actually holding the extended battery in place.
Without the ActiveX PowerPack's customized GameGripper, you'd have to remove the case, and carry BOTH the standard Epic GameGripper AND the extended-battery phone back that doesn't have a hole cut into it. Yuck. Have I made it clear yet just how important the availability of a GameGripper that can work with the ActiveX(R) case in place really is?
If the user has the openable exoskeleton attached, all he needs to carry in his other pocket is the GameGripper.
Compare that to the nasty alternative that pretty much kills the user's ability to whip it out for a couple of minutes of casual gameplay while waiting in line somewhere: Shut down the phone. Remove the exoskeleton. Remove the ActiveXR's back. Remove the battery back. Remove the extended battery. Put the stock battery into the phone. Attach the stock battery back. Power up the phone. Slide out the keyboard. Attach the standard Epic GameGripper. It's a well-worn cliche, but apt: "Epic Fail" -- too much work and hassle for too little reward.
Use Case #3: stock battery
Insert the stock battery, and attach the phone's stock battery back. Attach the ActiveX(R) underbody, and stick the rectangular cutout into the cavity. Attach either exoskeleton (securing the cutout into place, and hiding the fact that it was cut out to begin with).
Target Market for ActiveXR PowerPack: users who push their phones to the limit and would kill a stock battery in 4-6 hours, and probably play games (many as a prime activity, plus others who wouldn't really go out of their way to do it, but will take advantage of the bundled GameGripper if they had to buy it anyway to get the exteneded battery). These are users who don't really mind a thicker-than-normal phone and urgently need more battery life, but would balk and be unhappy if it made their already-thickened phone even thicker... and will happily trade padding for more battery.
Another argument for Seidio: competition for cheap batteries and cases from eBay is stiff... but none of them will work with an Epic GameGripper. The guy who makes the GameGripper sells it for $15, so it's probably pretty cheap to make. If Seidio offered to buy 10,000 from him that were customized to fit a phone with ActiveXR case for $1-2 more than he pays to have them made, and most were bought by users who couldn't easily have used a stock GameGripper with their ActiveXR-equipped Epic *anyway*, he'd be insane to say "no". Especially if, say, Seidio also became a dealer for them in general.

2800mAh Galaxy S i9000 battery at DX $17.50 w/ free shipping

I just ordered a 2800mAh battery meant for an i9000 from dealextreme.com
Samsung Galaxy S i9000 2800mAh battery I'll report back once I get it.
Hopefully it works, it doesn't seem that much thicker than the stock one.
I plan on making my own custom back cover out of sugru, or it's cheaper substitute, oogoo.
If you haven't heard of Sugru, check out some projects made with it here. It's got some amazing properties, and is easy to work with. I really like the idea of putting 4 sugru bumpers on the corner of my phone to protect it in-case of a fall.
If that link doesn't work, just goto www.instructables.com and search for "sugru".
Please document an instructable to make the backcover if the battery works. This sounds like an interesting project!
Do you plan to buy a cheap hard case cover from ebay, then cutting a hole through the back for the battery and putting the sugru over it? That might be an easier than making your own cover from scratch.
It seems to me like the battery will work for the phone, but you might have to charge it in a standalone charger.
dever76 said:
Hopefully it works, it doesn't seem that much thicker than the stock one.
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Good luck. That picture makes it look about twice the thickness of a stock battery.
Most extended batteries are around 4mm extra thicker. but since this is only 2800, might be 1mm less thicker than those 3200mah ones. you might be able to pull it off by using a cheap hardcase and sugru

Any cases out there to accommodate an extended battery

Would like to upgrade to a 3500 but will not sacrifice the protection my active x case gives me.
Extra 5mm of battery is better protection than any case. No case will work with the extended battery. The market is too small. There is talk that one would be released thats compatible with the 2800 Yoobao battery, which is the exact same size as the 3500, but that is all talk at this point.
mikeschevelle said:
Would like to upgrade to a 3500 but will not sacrifice the protection my active x case gives me.
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I'm in the same boat as you. I'm torn because I can't imagine going without a case, but it seems like we have no options at all. I emailed Seidio about a case for their extended battery and this was their reply:
Hello,
Thank you for contacting Seidioonline. Sorry we currently have no development plans for a case that would be compatible with the Innocell 3000mAh Extended Life Battery.
Your business and continued satisfaction is of great importance to us here at Seidioonline Customer Service, so feel free to contact us at (832) 204-1118 with any questions or concerns.
Thank you,
Seidioonline Technical Support
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I emailed the eBay seller of the 2800 mAh battery and he said:
Sorry, it should say February 1. The case will be a TPU (a harder rubberized version that is rigid yet flexible). The material is pretty nice. It will go over the phone and the door. I will offer a combo deal, but for former customers they can get the same price separately.
Kevin
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So come February, we should be able to get the 2800 or 3500 mAh battery and get a case for it... however I was hoping for a Seidio case - I much prefer their battery door (or if I could just purchase the battery door separately that would work too), especially since it looks like it would still work with their holster. The battery door that comes with the 2800 and 3500 mAh batteries don't look like they'll fit in the Seidio holster.
I guess since they come with new back doors, I really just want something to protect the front. The Active X case is pretty big so maybe I can find a thinner case to just use the top on
mikeschevelle said:
Would like to upgrade to a 3500 but will not sacrifice the protection my active x case gives me.
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For what it's worth I left the front portion of my Seido case on (around the screen) and just hope the extended battery case protects the back side. It doesn't make it the sleekest looking device in the world, but I figure a little protection around the screen is better than nothing.
The Epic is truly the red-headed step child of Sprint phones - no Froyo and no Seidio case for extended batteries - the EVO has both smh.
TWO515TY said:
The Epic is truly the red-headed step child of Sprint phones - no Froyo and no Seidio case for extended batteries - the EVO has both smh.
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guess thats why its $50 more
This case works perfect with an extended battery. I bought two of them. Lots of padding. Great price. Find them on Android Central. I use one for my Epic 4G with the 3500 battery and the other one I use for my Nexus S.
I cut the loops off as I would rather have those cases in my pockets rather than dangling outside.
Golla Hasty Smart Bag for Samsung Epic 4G
Other Samsung Epic 4G accessories by Golla
AndroidMilos said:
This case works perfect with an extended battery. I bought two of them. Lots of padding. Great price. Find them on Android Central. I use one for my Epic 4G with the 3500 battery and the other one I use for my Nexus S.
I cut the loops off as I would rather have those cases in my pockets rather than dangling outside.
Golla Hasty Smart Bag for Samsung Epic 4G
Other Samsung Epic 4G accessories by Golla
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I was more looking for a housing, not a purse for my phone LOL
You may want to check the Reiko "New Fashionable Leather Horizontal Pouch Protective Carrying Cell Phone Case with Belt" - which direct from Reiko on Amazon is now very cheap compared to the price I paid. I use it with the extended battery - barely fits and have to put the screen towards the outside to get it to stay closed (magentic, so doesn't snap close, but since phone is tightly in there, it works out well to remove quickly).
Really designed as a belt clip case (horizontal) and works well that way..
rapatelrocky said:
You may want to check the Reiko "New Fashionable Leather Horizontal Pouch Protective Carrying Cell Phone Case with Belt" - which direct from Reiko on Amazon is now very cheap compared to the price I paid. I use it with the extended battery - barely fits and have to put the screen towards the outside to get it to stay closed (magentic, so doesn't snap close, but since phone is tightly in there, it works out well to remove quickly).
Really designed as a belt clip case (horizontal) and works well that way..
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Can you show us a pic of your Epic+ extended battery in that case? I bought one a while ago and I remmber it being extra tight on a naked Epic with stock battery. Does your phone go in and come out easily, or does it take some extra effort?
Attached are the photos.
For full-size images, go to http://rapatel.homeip.net:8080/photos/epic-case/
In the fill-size images, 318 and 319 show how the phone does not fit if the screen is facing inwards.
On taking it out and putting it in, it was tight at first ,but due to the hole on the bottom to push it out, it makes it really easy. Putting the phone in while seated is a challenge however (and taking it out while seated), but that was an issue even without the extended battery.
Here's an update from the seller (eBay ID "moretalktime") of the Yoobao 2800 mAh batteries (this case should also work with the 3000 and 3500 mAh batteries since they all use the same battery door)
The extended battery case moulds are nearly finished for the following models:
Samsung Vibrant, Samsung Epic, Motorola Droid X, and the HTC Evo. Here are the 3D pictures. I am emailing you to ask what color you would like so I can know approximately how many to make of each color. The options are as follows:
1) Black
2) White
3) Teal/Aqua
4) Navy
5) Red
6) Pink
7) Yellow
8) Orange
9) Green
10) Royal Blue
11) Purple
Please list your top 3 as 1), 2), 3). I will only be doing 4 colors so this is very important for getting the colors that are in the highest demand.
Cases will be $15 + $2.99 shipping. They are a high quality TPU and are virtually scratch proof even with a very sharp fingernail. I’ve tried to scratch my sample and I can’t do it with my fingernail. See the picture attached for the material called TPU1.jpg.
Thanks.
Kevin
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Attached is a zip containing the images he included with the email. The "sprint-2" and "sps-asm-1" images are the ones for the Epic.
I like teal/aqua and would like to purchase one but let me know which colors you decide! At this point I dont think I can be all that picky but I would really like my phone to be covered.
Me Too! Not to picky on colors, but I want a cover for my phone as well.
I've got 2 Evo's that need a case and 2 Epic 4G. All with extended batteries. (3500)
samsung epic
where can i get the molded battery case and have you made it in blue

Designing the ultimate case...

Hi everyone,
Post #1!
Some background info about me... I own a company that produces various software and hardware products for the diving industry (dive data trackers, underwater photography optics, marine life ID guides, etc.). As a result, over the years, we have acquired CNC machines and high-resolution 3D printing machines capable of making just about anything we can think of.
Recently, I picked up a Skyrocket (coming from an iPhone... wow, what a difference!), and an Otterbox Defender case for it. The case is robust, but is "just" a case... nothing more. So, over the past week, I drew up some 3D designs for my own case (similar to the Otterbox Defender), and produced it. The case consists of a 2-piece hard shell, screen protector, and a tough/grippy polyurethane rubber sleeve that protects the phone within the hard shell. The rubber sleeve that I made (via custom mold) is black, but I can make them any colour of the rainbow.
The dimensions and general vibe are basically the same as the Otterbox, so I thought to myself "where's the fun in this"? Duplicating designs is simple, but I want to take it to the next level. Here are some of the features that I am toying with:
-The capability to accept a 3800-3900mah extended battery, while still offering the protection of an Otterbox Defender (just ordered a few of these batteries, and will make a design immediately for them, since I'm pretty sure no one else has one on the market)
-A kickstand
-A slot for a credit card, bus pass, work ID, drivers license, or whatever
-A bottle opener
-A slide-out standard USB stick
-A magnifier which swivels over the camera to give better macro photography capability
OK, so some of these features might be a little useless, but I'm trying to come up with the ultimate case.
Attached are renders of the current design (the hard shell only, excluding the polyurethane rubber outer sleeve).
What would make a case ideal for you? Suggestions?
Thanks!
Keri Wilk
ReefNet.ca
Make it waterproof so I can take underwater HD videos while fishing
Wow! A slot for credit cards and ID is such a great idea! Perhaps taking measures to make sure that it's sand-proofed too. Then it would make a great case for taking to the beach or whatever. You have the potential to make alot of money off of this...hahaha.
Make a horizontal belt one that will fit the skyrocket with a siedo active case on it and you will have the market cornered. Even the ones that are out there now and claim to be the right size are not! A silk-like material lining the inside for better protection and extraction would help. Put a strong fastener on it (so it won't open until you want it to) and a finger hole in the botom (again to help with extraction) and it will be good.
ReefNet said:
-The capability to accept a 3800-3900mah extended battery, while still offering the protection of an Otterbox Defender (just ordered a few of these batteries, and will make a design immediately for them, since I'm pretty sure no one else has one on the market)
-A kickstand
-A slide-out standard USB stick
-A magnifier which swivels over the camera to give better macro photography capability
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Click to collapse
Produce these and I'm SURE your case will make some bank. Possibly even make different versions to target different groups too? Like, maybe not EVERYONE wants the bottle opener, or maybe not the magnifying glass. Idk. Just thinking some marketing.
Nice.
But I think you should keep it simple. A bulky case isn't necessarily a good case.
I like the idea of a kickstand and a USB stick, though. You know what would be cool? Make the case attach to the usb port and link the usb stick to the phone.
I would like something that you snap onto the a gps suction cup mount that had a flat piece that would just slide into the back of this phone. All you would have to do is slide it on. As long as the grip on the mount was firm enough you could move turn it on its side.
Case and car mount would be a big plus for me. I dont want to buy a cheap car mount or a car dock that I have to take my case off just to it.
iandr0idos said:
Nice.
But I think you should keep it simple. A bulky case isn't necessarily a good case.
I like the idea of a kickstand and a USB stick, though. You know what would be cool? Make the case attach to the usb port and link the usb stick to the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i agree...something thin but sturdy, a kickstand is great. A magnifying glass would be awesome, for the usb, totally useless since the phone is already a thumbdrive. i would love a case that doesnt make my phone 2x thicker but still gives my drop protection. but the best feature would be a matching dock that would allow me to be connected to my power source and habe an extra jack to have a connection to my laptop...a little like the evo docks for gs2 i9100
scott14719 said:
Make a horizontal belt one that will fit the skyrocket with a siedo active case on it and you will have the market cornered.
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Click to collapse
I can definitely design a proper belt holder for the Seidio Active Cases, but is there even a market for them??
iandr0idos said:
Nice.
But I think you should keep it simple. A bulky case isn't necessarily a good case.
I like the idea of a kickstand and a USB stick, though. You know what would be cool? Make the case attach to the usb port and link the usb stick to the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree that bulky cases are not the most popular, but the problem is that the small one-piece injection molded cases cost pennies to make when produced in the quantities that they are. so they can be sold for just a few dollars.
The manufacturing process that I'm using not meant for MASS production (my machines can produce around 5-10 cases this size per day), but is capable of producing things that is impossible by injection molding. I feel like the "skimpy" case market has already been saturated.
occupational_hazard said:
I would like something that you snap onto the a gps suction cup mount that had a flat piece that would just slide into the back of this phone. All you would have to do is slide it on. As long as the grip on the mount was firm enough you could move turn it on its side.
Case and car mount would be a big plus for me. I dont want to buy a cheap car mount or a car dock that I have to take my case off just to it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excellent suggestion! Thanks!
polish_pat said:
i agree...something thin but sturdy, a kickstand is great. A magnifying glass would be awesome, for the usb, totally useless since the phone is already a thumbdrive. i would love a case that doesnt make my phone 2x thicker but still gives my drop protection. but the best feature would be a matching dock that would allow me to be connected to my power source and habe an extra jack to have a connection to my laptop...a little like the evo docks for gs2 i9100
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't you need a micro-usb/standard usb cable in order to use the phone as a thumbdrive? The idea would be that if you're away from home, you'll always have a universal usb stick with you to toss data onto. Then when you get home and have your cable handy, you can transfer the info to the phone/PC.
As for the dock with a splitter - have you seen the MHL adapters that are available? This cable does basically exactly what you're asking already - it is a micro-usb to HDMI cable, which has a second micro usb slot for connecting the phone's power source. Or am I missing your point? Here's a link to what I'm talking about:
[DOUBLE-U DOUBLE-U DOUBLE-U DOT] tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1499515&CatId=5773
[I can't post links yet since I'm a new user... hopefully you can figure out the link above. Or just do a search for "MHL Adapter Samsung" and you should find several of them available]
Uncle Irish said:
Make it waterproof so I can take underwater HD videos while fishing
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Click to collapse
Aside from being a mechanical engineer, I'm actually an underwater photographer/videographer, so trust me, I'd LOVE to do this (and might just make one for myself...). But waterproofing a case would add a fair amount of bulk, and would require o-rings... not to mention that the plastic that I'm using is partially porous, so would let water diffuse through it eventually anyway. Thanks for the suggestion though!
This is all good stuff folks - keep the ideas coming!
Keri
Are you just planning on designing one case or do you plan to offer options.
The Lifecase for the iphone is a waterproof case. It's very thin and ads little to no extra bulk. It's actually thinner than most of the snap together hard cases on the market. It added about the thickness of a nickle to the overall bulk of the phone. Sitting next to an iphone in an otterbox, the waterproof case looked like an actual phone while the otterbox looked like a small black rubber brick.
This case would surely be the ultimate, I must admit!
I know that some people like those kind of cases, but I don't, I like the feel of the phone. I can't stand bulk, I wish more bumper-type cases were made.
I know this has really nothing to do with this phone but would you be willing to make cases for other phones. I'd be really interested if you'd be able to make one for my dhd .
Sent from my HTC Desire HD using xda premium
hey, def exactly looking for what you are making!
however the question for you is this:
what kind of cnc/manufacturing process would you use. The reason i ask is because a great sturdy case with the features you want would need to use different types of material (hard plastic and rubber mainly) fused together. as far as i am aware common cnc machines can only carve out of a single piece/material and then perhaps you can manually put it together...
this manufacturing works great if you want a case entirely made out of hard plastic but i tend to argue that a good protective and grippy case needs a combination of several soft and hard materials.
for example:
the inside would preferable be a hard rubber for shock absorption and grip to the unit itself. Same materials could be used for the edges.
The credit card holder would need ideally one side grippy the other sidy hard/smooth plastic so you can easily slide out the cards but they dont fall out by themselves (my speck iphone 4 case is an excellent example!
i have tried skinnier credit card cases for my iphone 4 but after prolonged use the clip that is supposed to keep the cards in looses its "push" and the cards will start to fall out. (this could be easily fixed by using better polycarbonate materials but would probably quadruple the price.
One of the biggest problems i face personally is the fact that when using a good skin there are no compatible docks yet.
i had the following combo on my iphone 4 and absolutely loved it with the only downside that i had to dremel out some of the case's bottom side to make it fit my car mout and iphone alarm clock.
Speck Products CandyShell Card Case
Magellan Premium Car Kit
Personally i would be willing to pay north of the $100 mark for a good combo like this and i am sure there many people wanting the same thing. given that this is a fairly new product there is still money to be made. my cad/catia experience is limited but maybe ill draw something up and see if you can manufacture it as a prototype.
gl phil
Cad file for case
Hello OP! I was wondering if you ever built a cad model of your case. We have a 3d printer at out facility too and I would love to try out your case design if you don't mind sharing it. I would of course be willing to pay what you see fit. Thanks!
UI would be fibbing if I said I am not totally interested. I would really like an otterbox style commuter case that has a kickstand, a card holder (I would stick my rfid bus pass in it). The rest sounds interesting but I am not sure I would want to add a lot of bulk.
I cannot wait to you a sales link and some good pictures of the final product.
Oh, dear. Kudos on the first case; it looks awesome. I've had my skyrocket for about a month or so now and I can not find a case that I like. The kickstand and credit card holder on the same case would make me pay $50-$100 for it. The only thing I would be worried about is my phone getting scratched up on the inside of the hard case, you should try adding in some sort of material like otter boxes have on the inside. And will you post a couple pics of how it looks on your phone with the outside rubber shell on it so we can get a feel of how it looks on your phone. Thanks and good luck bro.
I would be extremely interested in a case that fit my seidio extended battery with a kickstand and a place to put credit cards I would pay 50-100
TAPD on my Skyrocket using 2.0 beta
I think you design a case for people who still want a really thin phone but with like scratch protection like as thin as possible

[Q] Are there 3rd Party cases that attach like the official book cover?

As you all know, our tab has these two button-like things on the back that are actually locking mechanisms for Samsung's official book covers. Are there any covers/cases made by 3rd party brands that make use of those nifty things? I love the idea of the official book cover, but the price is rather ridiculous for something so simple.
There were some Chinese made knock-offs of the book cover on eBay that were very cheap but they seem to have stopped selling them. I'm guessing Samsung complained. I would never pay the ridiculous price Samsung charges for the book cover. I just purchased one brand new in retail box on eBay for $33. That's about what it is worth to me. BTW, it looks nice and the snap-on feature is nice but it's very light and doesn't look like it would afford much protection if you drop your tablet or store it in baggage. Search eBay for deals you may find one at less than half price like I just did.
I have looked everywhere and cannot find any.
EDIT: Found one for the 8.4. They may also do 10.5 but I haven't checked.
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=331512328829&alt=web
nice! I might give those a try. I'm very careful with my gadgets so I'm not too worried about the level of protection this type of case can provide, but my hands are small and I'd rather keep the device as slim as possible without having to worry about scratching up the back and screen when I lay it down on a table.
As a follow up question though, I saw these metal shell cases with round cut-outs in the back. I wonder if these were meant to be combo'd with the simple front cover of samsung that also plugs into the button thingies but don't cover the entire back of the device...
http://www.olx.ph/index.php/view+cl...+4+case&event=Search+Ranking,Position,1-19,19
pawces said:
nice! I might give those a try. I'm very careful with my gadgets so I'm not too worried about the level of protection this type of case can provide, but my hands are small and I'd rather keep the device as slim as possible without having to worry about scratching up the back and screen when I lay it down on a table.
As a follow up question though, I saw these metal shell cases with round cut-outs in the back. I wonder if these were meant to be combo'd with the simple front cover of samsung that also plugs into the button thingies but don't cover the entire back of the device...
http://www.olx.ph/index.php/view+cl...+4+case&event=Search+Ranking,Position,1-19,19
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just found another case, this one is slightly cheaper so i just ordered it
http://www.ebay.com/itm/20129380260...49&var=500489168508&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

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