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Case-Mate Tough Case Best Out There! Read my review!

I will start this review by saying that I have owned a variety of different phones ( i get a new phone every 5-6 months) and with each of these phones i buy an expensive case (roughly 20-30 dollars)
The Case-Mate Tough Case beats them all.
I read every review on this board and decided to go with the Blue and Black Case-Mate Tough Case and it has been great.
The included screen protector is a great touch and the hard plastic and soft silicon allows for a great feel and great protection.
The case is easy to take off and looks great (the colors really make the phone unique because you do not see a high quality case that comes in different colors for any phone, many people were impressed when i pulled out my phone asking to feel it and hold it)
Three of my buddies all have Nexus Ones and they all ordered the Tough Case in different colors, two of my buddies were using Otterbox and they both agreed that the Case-Mate was not only more ergonomic it just looked and felt better and did not add the extra bulk the Otter did. Even tho I have never used an Otter extensively I do agree with their impressions just from holding their phones and holding mine and comparing them.

i 7use the tough case too and i gotta say, its great

I'm going to agree that it is an awesome case and I'm glad I decided to purchase it, especially over the otter box. I am going to disagree with the supplied screen protector. It was crap. I love the clarivue ultra clear protector, Its reusable, washable, no adhesive (static based) and You can't even tell I have it on. Ultra smooth, ultra clear, no glue.... awesome.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App

I have one ordered and it should be here next week. I need a holster for mine. Do you all know of one that will fit this case? Will the Seidio holster work for it? Thanks.

I have the black/black case mate tough case. The only and i mean only problem i sometimes have is that when I put the phone back into the hard shell, sometimes its hard to get the volume down button to work. That can be fixed by doing a little adjusting. I love this case and I wouldn't own anything else...

you guys got me interested in this case. how bulky does it make the nexus looks? the black/red looks pretty hot.....

I want it, but its cheap shipping option says it will take 3-4 weeks to Canada
even the $20 shipping says 8-14 days and with fedex... I pay brokerage..... why can't they do usps expedited?

tigerin said:
you guys got me interested in this case. how bulky does it make the nexus looks? the black/red looks pretty hot.....
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It does add a little bulk, i'm not going to lie to you. However, in return your getting a sexy case plus a ****load of protection. You just simply can't go wrong with buying one of these cases. You definitely get what you pay for.

Mr.Kakarot said:
I want it, but its cheap shipping option says it will take 3-4 weeks to Canada
even the $20 shipping says 8-14 days and with fedex... I pay brokerage..... why can't they do usps expedited?
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In the UK, prices were best from eBay/Amazon market place... I paid £16.90 shipped for mine.

i<3myphone said:
I have one ordered and it should be here next week. I need a holster for mine. Do you all know of one that will fit this case? Will the Seidio holster work for it? Thanks.
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i use the nite ize holster with the tough case. http://www.niteize.com/collections/rugged-phone-cases/products/clip-case-cargo-medium

I bought black/blue on Friday. Tracking says it will be here today. I was going to write a review, but you beat me to it!
I report back to say if I like it or not.

To those who ask about bulk. Its adds a little bulk, but not as much as the otter box. Not even close if you ask me. And personally I feel the phone fits better in my hand with the case on. It doesn't feel like it will slip out.
Oh and the tough case gets double props for being able to buy the colored rubber inner sleeves separately without buying a whole new outer hard case with it.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App

i honestly like the otterbox a lot better. its probably type of protection but i like that the ports are covered. u never know when something might get in there

My only gripe with the Case-Mate tough case and this is extremely minor is that because the hard case does not entirely cover the soft case, any lint that you might have in your pocket is attracted to the soft case.
Whenever I put my case in my pocket, it always attracts a little dust. Not enough to warrant getting a new case, but something that you should be aware of.
I used to use the Seidio Innocase II Surface, but it would keep cutting into my invisibleshield which ended up getting scratched off on the sides.
I definitely do love the case-mate though.

android01 said:
i use the nite ize holster with the tough case. http://www.niteize.com/collections/rugged-phone-cases/products/clip-case-cargo-medium
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I took a look at the cases after your linked that and im very impressed!
being an elevator mechanic i snag my phone case on just about everything and have spent far too much money on holster. Does the medium size work well for you? i find that since the nexus one is a little longer then most bbs some cases the flap will not fold over at the top.

That case would suck for a nexus
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App

Did you try the tracking app from android market?
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App

I agree tough case by case mate is the best our there.
Sent from my Nexus One using XDA App

you guys got me sold on this case. jus ordered it on friday. i'm currently using the seidio innocase 2 w/ holster. i like the fit of it, but it really is tight on there. i literally have to use a knife to split it from the back just to take it off...

[Q] Case Mate Tough VS Otterbox Commuter vs Cheapo Amazon Cases

So this week i'll be purchasing about three or four cheapo silicone/rubberized cases from amazon for the inspire 4G.
I will also purchase either a commuter or a case mate tough.
I'll be sure to post a comprehensive review and pictures comparing all the cases.
I need some help deciding which of the two to get though.
Commuter vs Case Mate Tough.
Opinions?
Do they both protect the camera when the phone is layed flat on a surface?
Thanks guys.

I have the case-mate tough. It protects the screen and camera when laid down flat. I like it a lot. It is very simple and the hard outer piece is nice for sliding in and out of pockets. Have not seen the commuter in person so no opinion on it.

From watching the various desire hd YouTube videos it seems they're pretty much the same except that the otterbox has the little covers for the mini USB and audio jack. I just ordered me up the case mate off at&T's website using the 25% off accessories code. Hoping for the best.
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA app

1meanrex said:
From watching the various desire hd YouTube videos it seems they're pretty much the same except that the otterbox has the little covers for the mini USB and audio jack. I just ordered me up the case mate off at&T's website using the 25% off accessories code. Hoping for the best.
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA app
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Hm. How do I obtain this 25% off accessories code?
I just purchased it form ATT

http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-ph...otion/accessories.jsp?source=EC0A0011600jtl10
Don't know how long its good for but worked for me today.
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA app

As personal preference, go with the Otterbox commuter. Its not bulky whatsoever. I'm positive you won't be disappointed.

My Commuter is the best phone case I've ever had. I'm sure the Casemate is pretty nice too.. vote with your wallet

I have both and I prefer the Otterbox because the Casemate back is more slippery. The Casemate does feel a little thinner to me. I currently don't have either on because I just love the way the phone feels =)... I'm sure I'll pay for it though.
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA Premium App

I picked up the casemate tough this afternoon and an invisible shield screen protector (which I hate n sucks to install) and I love this case. I couldn't even find anywhere to order the otter that wasn't sold out or over $40
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App

ordered case mate tough for 27$ shipped off att with the link
1meanrex said:
http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-ph...otion/accessories.jsp?source=EC0A0011600jtl10
Don't know how long its good for but worked for me today.
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA app
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I have tried all of them...Otterbox is the best IMO. On any phone...

I'll go with the casemate tough.
I don't like the "Otter" logo on the back of the otter case and the fact that the buttons are covered.
Other than that I don't think I would have a preference.
Will post review as soon as i receive it.

what about the Seido cases?
Anyone know about or prefer the Innocase II/ [email protected]??

wrenhal said:
Anyone know about or prefer the Innocase II/ [email protected]??
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I just bought the platinum series today from best buy for 35.00. I like it so far. It came with the holster and it doesn't put a lot of bulk on the phone.
UPDATE
Case holds up great. Just slipped in ice and landed on the phone. The phone did not come out the holster at all. No physical damage to the phone, but the ice did break and the phone got water damaged. I was able to exchange it at Walmart though. Seems like a good case besides no water protection lol.

Jumped the gun on the Otterbox Commuter and I have to say I really like it. It came in 2 parts, the rubber and the hard case which goes together. The volume buttom and the power button has a nice feel to them, doesnt make pushing them any harder. The screen protector that it came with was a bit smaller than the Inspire screen because the box actually says it is for Desire HD.

Going to visit mobilecity in China town today for cases, do you think Case-Mate in blue is manly? Can't post link yet.

just got my case mate tough and i love it ... the only problem i have is the volume buttons are a little harder to push but power/lock is unaffected. however that doesnt really cause a major problem for me because i use the audio manager widget most of the time

rajmahal772 said:
just got my case mate tough and i love it ... the only problem i have is the volume buttons are a little harder to push but power/lock is unaffected. however that doesnt really cause a major problem for me because i use the audio manager widget most of the time
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did you make sure that the volume rocker was all the way thru the slot on the side of the hard plastic? i had this issue too, and thats what fixed it.

Does the rubber part of the case collect alot of pocket lint?
Sent from my Desire HD using XDA App

Got the casemate tough from eBay for 18 bucks. Happy so far. Makes the phone thicker though.
Sent from my Inspire 4G using XDA App

Which case should I buy?

I'm upgrading to an Inspire soon and I was wondering if I should get a silicone case or a plastic case. I didn't have a case on my Aria (which I'm using right now) and the screen is shattered so I decided to buy a case. So which case is better? Which can protect the phone better and which one would you prefer (as Inspire users) looks better? Thanks
Sent from my Liberty using XDA Premium App

So far my favorite is the otterbox commuter. I plan to buy the defender soon to see how I like it.
Sent from my Inspire 4G using Tapatalk

otterbox defender for the best protector

muneebrocks said:
otterbox defender for the best protector
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Don't they make the phone look really big?
Sent from my Liberty using XDA Premium App

syed239 said:
Don't they make the phone look really big?
Sent from my Liberty using XDA Premium App
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It does add some bulk. That's why I like the commuter. It doesn't have as much protection, but it also doesn't have too much bulk. It kind of meets in the middle.
Sent from my Inspire 4G using Tapatalk

i highly recommend anything made by otterbox, everything they have gives great protection to your phone, believe me, ive dropped my phone too many times and so far nothing bad or drastic has occured.

Been using the Platinum series from best buy since the phone was released. If I'm not mistaken, it's the same as the surface combo by Seidio. Dropped it a couple of times, no damage. Screen is covered by the holster.

I personally use the qmadix case that i got from my work, and its been great coupled with my invisi-shield screen protector.

Case mate pop I have the commuter, but prefer the case mate pop

Seidio CONVERT Combo for HTC Inspire 4G
Its makes the phone huge but i drive alot and I made a clip holder in truck to use navi and music. It has 3 Layers plus the clip. I payed $50 and now it like $35 at bestbuy.

I need a really thin case. What do you guys recommend?
Posted with my model confused HTC Inspire via XDA premium.

Otterbox Defender all the way is my choice. Does make phone a little bulky but as clumsy as I am I dropped it already 3 times and as pricey as this phone is I dont care about outside looks I care about protection for it.

Otterbox all the way. I have the commuter and my first one got a crack From a nasty drop I sent one email to them and they responded immediately and within a day they had gotten me a replacement case shipped out. They have some of the best customer care I've ever seen, not to mention the case most definitely has saved my phone on a number of occasions.
Sent through the power of Cthulhu!

Otterbox commuter case is good, not too big either. The defender has more protection but it is big and bulky.

A TPU case is what I use.

The platinum case from bestbuy is only 29.99 and it does not hinder the GPS signal strength. Cases that cover the area between the flash and speaker weaken GPS signal cause the GPS radio is placed there.
Sent from my HTC Inspire 4G using XDA App

Cover Case for the Inspire 4g
I am using Moshi cover case for Inspire 4 g which is very useful. It was made for HD7 but it fits with inspire.

I use an Otterbox Defender and it saved my phone once after a drop. They are a bit more money, however you can get a decent price on Amazon. Had a speck when I first bought the phone. It broke 3 weeks later just putting it in and out of my pocket.
Sent from my HTC Inspire 4G using XDA App

I'm using the Seidio Surface case for mine and I do like it. I've had a few drops onto hardwood floor and concrete slab in the garage and it has protected it great so far. However, with the price of the otterbox down from what I remember seeing it back when I first got my phone it might be well worth it to get that one, as it's not much more than the Seidio now.

Otter box defender...hands down. My Co worker's husband was so impressed with mine, he had me order him one for his Vivid.
Bought it from newegg hellafied cheaper than the otterbox site.
Sent using rabid badgers and two tin cans.

Seidio Active Case with Holster Pictures

I hope these help in making a purchase decision.

Yep, is a very nice protective case. I switch between it and the TPU case. I like the holster too, I just wish I could find a side carrying case that is big enough to fit the skyrocket into while it has the active shell on it while I was at work. If I could find one, I'd probably just keep the active on it all of the time.

Appreciate the variety of pictures you posted. I've been debating the active case, but there are no local places that sell it, which makes it hard to drop that much cash on a case I've never actually seen. It definitely helps to have good pictures to reference.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727

I thought the seidio case was much better on my atrix than the Otterbox. Do you know if it's as bulky as the Defender case? I have the Defender but I'm a fan of seidio since the Atrix.

I have never owned an Otter Box case but looking at the their website I would probably compare it to the Commuter series.
I choose this one because of the kickstand.

I just got the active case on Monday. It is well built and fits the phone very nicely. My coworker has an Otterbox defender on his iPhone and it is bulkier than the active. The one thing I have found is that while it goes in and out of your pocket easily it always holds on to some lint. I got mine from eBay with free shipping for $23.
Great pictures to help others decide btw.

kbr90210 said:
I have never owned an Otter Box case but looking at the their website I would probably compare it to the Commuter series.
I choose this one because of the kickstand.
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I have both and like them both. The active isn't as bulky bit still good protection
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda premium

I just got this in the mail the other day. I had one for my captivate and loved it! I was stupid enough to be suckered into paying way too much for a case at AT&T... But I went ahead and bought this one online anyways, and its sexy! I have a white skyrocket, so I got the white case, and it's kind of pearly and still has the black kickstand and rubber, it looks awesome! I'd recommend this to anyone

I got this case yesterday love it. Protects the phone, it's thin all that nice stuff.
My parents want this as an iPhone equivalent now.
Eighteen bucks from Amazon.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using xda premium

Got mine the other day too. I didn't even consider any other case company besides seidio. I love their cases that much. Never had a complaint about a case from them in the past and I dont forsee having one anytime soon.
Sent from low Earth orbit with my SkyRocket.

I too got the Seidio Active + Holster. Very happy with it. Slim profile, and doesn't add much volume or weight. My only complaint is that the texture (which is quite pleasing to feel) is just a little too slick for my taste. However, I imagine that any "stickier" and it wouldn't slide in/out of a pocket easily. Very pleased over all. The holster is handy, especially since this phone is so much bigger than my old iPhone 3GS, and it doesnt fit into the shirt pocket of my scrubs easily. If i get a chance I'll post some pictures as well...
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727

I have this combo as well. I started with the Pop! case that I got from AT&T. It was the best case IMO, but the rubber started to fray in less than a month. Then I tried the Seidio Surface combo. While this case was thin, it was too slick. The Active is a nice compromise between the other two cases. My only complaints about the active case are that the rubber is too grippy (it snags my jeans pockets and attracts lint like crazy) and the super soft rubber absorbs the vibration function of the phone and renders it almost useless.

I'm curious where everyone is buying this. Amazon have it for > $30.

lyndone58 said:
I'm curious where everyone is buying this. Amazon have it for > $30.
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I got mine off of Amazon for $31.99, free shipping. The link is: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006NYOX3C/ref=ox_ya_os_product
Looks like they increased the price 65 cents. But this combo on the Seidio web site is $55, so not a bad deal...

I just got my seidio active from amazon. I like it so far except for the fact that it is a lint magnet and it is somewhat hard to take out of my pocket.

scott14719 said:
Yep, is a very nice protective case. I switch between it and the TPU case. I like the holster too, I just wish I could find a side carrying case that is big enough to fit the skyrocket into while it has the active shell on it while I was at work. If I could find one, I'd probably just keep the active on it all of the time.
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Here is a case i found that fits with the otterbox case on it. here is a link to the thread w/pictures.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1426637

lyndone58 said:
I'm curious where everyone is buying this. Amazon have it for > $30.
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I just bought mine from seidios website. Although you might be able to get amazon prime and free 2 day shipping... But their website has a good selection of colors

Seidio

I'm looking to get case for my Sensation and would like to know if anyone tried these...
http://www.seidioonline.com/htc-sensation-4g-active-kickstand-case-black-p/csk3htsenk-bk.htm
What's a good case? need your suggestion.

AddisG said:
I'm looking to get case for my Sensation and would like to know if anyone tried these...
http://www.seidioonline.com/htc-sensation-4g-active-kickstand-case-black-p/csk3htsenk-bk.htm
What's a good case? need your suggestion.
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I was debating between this one and the ballistic and then ended up getting the ballistic. The seido is nice like the kickstand but it doesnt have all the openings on the back that the phone needs as the ballistic does and the seido is mostly all rubber it would catch lint and be hard to pull out of your pocket in a hurry. The ballistic also seems much more rugged I love the case lol.

ruffrider5956 said:
I was debating between this one and the ballistic and then ended up getting the ballistic. The seido is nice like the kickstand but it doesnt have all the openings on the back that the phone needs as the ballistic does and the seido is mostly all rubber it would catch lint and be hard to pull out of your pocket in a hurry. The ballistic also seems much more rugged I love the case lol.
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Yeah, the reason i liked the Seidio case was because of the kickstand. And i just looked at the ballistic case, it's beautiful!! i think i might go for that one! Thanks ruffrider5956!

AddisG said:
Yeah, the reason i liked the Seidio case was because of the kickstand. And i just looked at the ballistic case, it's beautiful!! i think i might go for that one! Thanks ruffrider5956!
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Looks like you already made your decision, but here's my mini review on the Seidio Active case with kickstand and holster combo.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1282689

I have the case/holster combo but NOT the kickstand version.
I absolutely love it. Sturdy, soft feel in your hand but solid protection from moderate drops and bumps.
Yes, it's a little pricey, but so is the phone if you break it and have to get a new one/repair it.
It's great quality period.

yeah the ballistic case looks awesome and protects really you'll love it.

kpjimmy said:
Looks like you already made your decision, but here's my mini review on the Seidio Active case with kickstand and holster combo.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1282689
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Thanks kpjimmy! I haven't ordered the case yet, still in the process.. but i'll check out your mimi review! I appreciate it.

dajogejr said:
I have the case/holster combo but NOT the kickstand version.
I absolutely love it. Sturdy, soft feel in your hand but solid protection from moderate drops and bumps.
Yes, it's a little pricey, but so is the phone if you break it and have to get a new one/repair it.
It's great quality period.
Click to expand...
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Thanks, means alot!

I'm using the sapphire blue regular Seidio and I love it. (http://www.seidioonline.com/htc-sensation-4g-active-case-sapphire-blue-p/csk3htsen-bl.htm)
It comes with silicone and plastic cover. Pretty easy to slip in and out of your pocket too.

I've had the Seidio HTC Sensation ACTIVE Combo with Kickstand (that's the holster and case) on my Sensation 4G since October of last year. Bottom line, once I got it, I didn't need to look any further.
I tried many kickstand covers and cases and general stands for my Sensation before, and none was as good overall. You can see this old thread where we discussed all of them.
The Seidio is pricey, but I now know it's well worth the expense. I'll always buy from Seidio going forward. You can get this cheaper off Ebay than direct from Seidio. See here, both the holster and case in a combo are selling for just under $40. But direct from Seidio, just the case alone cost $35. The combo cost $50 if you buy direct from Seidio.
I've learned 2 things:
Buy Seidio cases and holsters.
Don't buy Seidio cases and holsters "directly" from Seidio .

I originally bought the sapphire blue case only...and it is absolutely excellent.
I got it shipped off Ebay or Amazon (don't remember) for 26 or 28 bucks.
Girlfriend (same phone) liked it so much I got her a purple one, combo for 32 shipped (no kickstand, just a case and holster) and I quickly bogarted her holster...LOL.
The ONLY gripe I have is when you go to put it in the holster sometimes the upper clip wants to push the top of the rubber case back. You just learn to "open the jaw" of the holster clip to slide your phone in.
We have 19 of these devices at work. I bought a ton of Chinese ebay cheapies...and some people bought their own.
After they see my case and touch/feel how sturdy yet soft it is, they're sold.
It is nice, period. The hard plastic exoskeleton really makes the case, covers the corners...etc.

I'm using the Seidio Active without the kick stand, "they didn't have them when I got it in Sept last year".
It's an excellent case and isn't bulky at all, but like another poster stated the clip on the holster does tend to go under the rubber lip of the case. I've also just gotten use to lifting up the clip before inserting the phone.
Otherwise after 8 months of use the case still looks great, it's a great product.

I bought several cases and after being really dissappointed in build quality, non-existant hole-cutouts, etc. I coughed up for the Seidio.
It is absolutely awesome. As others have said, the look and feel are marvelous - and after dropping my phone a couple of times I can also vouch that it does it's 'day job' perfectly too.

an awesome case
I have this case without the kickstand for 7 months. While I realize having a kick stand is one of the main selling points for you, I can attest to the quality of this case. The phone is wrapped in a molded silicone (that doesn't get stuck in pockets) and has flexible plastic wrapping around that on the corners and side to take the brunt of the blows from drops. It is an awesome hybrid case that is not bulky at all. I honestly don't understand how people can pay good money for those humongous otter boxes that make your phone 3x the size. Boggles my mind. Me and my friends have gone through a LOT of cases. This is my first Seidio. I'm hooked.

I also have this case and it is awesome. It provides really good protection and the kickstand is the cherry on the cake. I am enjoying this case really much.
I bought it after being disappointed with about 3 other cases that I bought. This is my ultimate case.
Sent from my HTC Sensation XE with Beats Audio using XDA App

Very nice case I chose to buy the active one with out the kick stand as most kick stand just aren't of high quality and add weight.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using xda premium

OreoBoyVa said:
Very nice case I chose to buy the active one with out the kick stand as most kick stand just aren't of high quality and add weight.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G using xda premium
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Totally respect your choice. But wanted to mention I have the one with the kickstand and I don't find it to be excessively bulky and has held up well for months. All Seidio stuff is well built.

Darnell_Chat_TN said:
Totally respect your choice. But wanted to mention I have the one with the kickstand and I don't find it to be excessively bulky and has held up well for months. All Seidio stuff is well built.
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I really got turned off when I realized the kick stand isn't functional while charging.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G

OreoBoyVa said:
I really got turned off when I realized the kick stand isn't functional while charging.
Sent from my HTC Sensation 4G
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That's due to HTC having landscape turn that way in GB.