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I am a week from having the cash to pick up an N1. I know there have been a lot of threads about cases, but I wanted to outline some of my thoughts and get opinions before I make my purchase. In addition, it is a little scary to hear reports of the phone getting broken easily: truth or not.
My problem is that I am a pocket phone holder. I do not wear belts often and when I do I am loaded with badges and other junk. Although I could hostler it, I already feel like batman without the fancy costume, and when I am not at work the hostler would not be an option.
So my plan is:
1. Get one of the plastic skins. My first choice is Clear Coat (new user so I cannot provide link). Most of these products appear to be the same, and although Clear Coat skins appear to have gaps and not fit as well as other brands, they have an installation guarantee. This is mainly to help the screen, but I will get full body to avoid scratches elsewhere.
2. Get a thin Silicon Gel Case. My theory is the gel will assist with gripping the device and absorb the shock from falls should they happen. This should also assist the clear coat skin against scratches to the body.
3. Get some sort of hard case to slip it into when I put it in my pocket. Since I normally carry my phone there, I am worried about the mysterious screen crackings which could be related to stress applied to the device when you sit and such. Hopefully a hard case will protect against this.
So, this is probably a little overkill, but am I completely insane?
My current phone is the T-mobile Shadow, which is a very cheap HTC phone with a plastic screen. I have had it for almost 2 years and have kept it in pretty good condition. I have 1 ding from accidentally placing it in the same pocket as my keys, and some major scratches when I had the genus idea of putting it in a ziplock bag when I went to Seaworld (well it did stay dry).
This is the most expensive phone I will have ever owned with only an very old world PDA being the most expensive mobile device. My wife is not exactly happy with me for spending this kind of money, and just seeing phones for calling people. As such, I am trying to make sure she cannot point a finger at a precaution I did not take: in addition to my own paranoia from reading the "I am having problems" forum on Google's site.
So, from the view point of people who have had other devices like this, am I being too worried or do these sound like reasonable precautions for this kind of device?
The information on these forums have been wonderful. Thanks for all the help!
I'm not sure what skin the last poster has used that yellowed, but I've used InvisibleSHIELD and Clear Protector, and they were still crystal clear after almost a year.
fujitsupalm said:
just gonna add one more here which is my favourite off all time, leather cases..
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I have looked at these, but did not see this one. How stiff is the case? The leather looks pliable, and I want to prevent any bending of the phone.
I was looking at the flip open ones, but those seem too bulky. Also many of the pictures of these seem to have the phone photoshopped in, which makes me nervious. Hate the white thread too, but I could deal with that.
As for the invisible shield skins, did you have them actually tint the phone, or just - when applied - appear to be yellow? I have seen many reviews of these even over months of time and never heard this mentioned. Although I would be nervous about it permanently tinting the phone, if it just appears yellow when on then its worth a try since they can be removed. I know they are a pain to install, but I hate static protectors and really want something on the screen.
Thanks, fujitsupalm.
I saw your post in another thread. I think I might be leaning toward the flip on you posted pics of. How bulky is that? Does it interfer with the use of the screen?
I will probably get the flip or book version (wish it would let me post links), and get an invisible shield for the screen. It is humid here too, so I might have the same issue. However, if I can just remove it then its worth a shot.
So today I receive my Clear Smoke Snap On Case from DAYDEAL.COM on Ebay. I always like the smoke look on my phones when purchasing a case, so my decision was no different this time around. The case overall does not restrict the phone functions or slide out keyboard. Phone is protected well from the top and bottom, sides vary because of the large volume key on the phone. The case is more design to protect your phone from scratches, nicks, and knee height drops. Personally I believe major drops like, phone falling when leaving your car, might be pushing it. Case does fits well onto the phone, so you don't have to worry about it falling apart when in use.
Overall I give case a 8/10 base on value, minor protection, and overall design and look on the phone.
I have posted some pictures on my gallery using image shack, see below.
h t t p://img443.imageshack.us/gal.php?g=clearsmokecase.jpg
http://img443.imageshack.us/gal.php?g=clearsmokecase.jpg
Thank you
Thanks for including the pics!
I just have a couple questions:
How much bulk does it feel like it adds to the phone?
Does it collect a lot of finger prints?
Troggie81 said:
Thanks for including the pics!
I just have a couple questions:
How much bulk does it feel like it adds to the phone?
Does it collect a lot of finger prints?
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I can answer your second question without a problem, I work doing vinyl manufacturing so grease, dust, and dirt are a daily routine for my phone. So far it has pass the test with two days under these conditions, NO PRINTS, scratches, or stains. Adds no bulk what so whatever, which is a plus. Only complaint is that it's really hard to take off, but that's a good thing also.
Where you get it?
Edit:nvm found out
Sent from my HTC Vision G2
I have the clear version of this... well the place where I got my phone provided me one for free. It's pretty decent for free... as with all cases it'll make your phone look prettty lame but that's the price for protection.
Easy put on, the part that is on the screen is easily taken off but the part attacked to the keyboard and battery are a little harder.
Just got this from daydeal and got to say its fantastic for the price better than the seidio one I had for my milestone thanks op
Just received mine today. Most cases look pretty stupid but I think the "smoke" appearance to this unit actually make the whole thing look pretty nice.
Have the same (?) model and my experinence is the same. The phone feels really protected, but adds bulk and makes it look a bit silly. Almost feels like my old SE P990.
Still it fits snuggly and can't think of a better solution if one wants more than scratch protection.
Hi has anyone tried the GelaSkins available for the DHD? they look pretty sweet:
http://www.gelaskins.com/store/skins/phones/HTC_Desire_HD/
The iphone skins have some good reviews on youtube.
Might look at getting a custom one sent out in the next few weeks.
They look nice. A good way to make your phone more unique.
Fashion for the phone. Minimal protection I expect.
Post some pics please if you get one in the future.
nice .. but i think protection is more important .. is there any case (softcase or any) that also have design like this too ? it will be more interesting ..
I like the one which london city, i remember it is a game on iphone. forgot what is the name, is it on android by any chance?
I had a few of these skins for ny iPhone. its a nice way to customize your phone but that's about it. will only protect against very light scratches. you'll need a proper case if your prone to dropping your phone. if your not or like your phone to be naked then by all means go this route.
i am using one gelaskin. well its very nice but it doesn't protect from falls, just from scratches. but it changes the look of your device. i love them!
I have GelaSkins on my iPhone and also on my Kindle 3. They look really nice if you apply them correctly (I managed to install mine just fine, though the youtube videos made it look exceptionally hard).
However, I prefer them much more on the Kindle as its a bigger device and also, less prone to needing too much protection.
I used the iPhone with just the skin for a few days, then gave up and started using it with the skin AND a case. So not really worth it, IMO, if you want protection.
With the design of the DHD, I feel the skins are useless as I would always be worried about the Sim cover popping off if I used it naked. I use it with a silicon back cover and am happy.
Overall, save your money
http://www.indiegogo.com/popslate
see also Wired review: http://www.wired.com/design/2012/11/popslate-e-ink-phone-case/
The concept for this case looks amazing. Because it is e-ink, power is only used when changing the image. You can put any image you want on the back of your case. You can have the back of the case display your new emails/SMS, your upcoming calendar events, missed calls -- all viewable without turning on your screen!
Someone needs to adapt this concept for the N4. I would give them so many monies.
Intriguing idea, yes, but if the whole project ever reaches fruition, I doubt it'll be before you've already switched phones.
thats great and all but... If worrying about scratching one screen wasn't good enough, now you must add worrying about scratching the rear screen too...
also what would be the practical use for this? i have a feeling that this will just turn into some gimick-tech like adding 3D to the Evo3D (technology that sounds good on paper but never really take off or catch on to the masses...)
no offense, but stupid. i have a brilliant screen on the front, i don't need a e-ink screen on the back to look at, ever.
Sparta507 said:
thats great and all but... If worrying about scratching one screen wasn't good enough, now you must add worrying about scratching the rear screen too...
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I picked up a Pocket eDge Android+e-ink tablet on the cheap for my kids. The e-ink side isn't remotely scratched up after a year, and I don't think scratches would have too great an impact on its readability even if it was.
Sparta507 said:
also what would be the practical use for this? i have a feeling that this will just turn into some gimick-tech like adding 3D to the Evo3D (technology that sounds good on paper but never really take off or catch on to the masses...)
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I could have my phone face-down on the table, displaying new emails as they come in without me having to pick it up and turn on the screen. It would be brilliant.
Cool idea. But super gimmicky
They have no prototype, just renderings. The final product won't look anything like it currently does. It'll be so much thicker.
danguyf said:
http://www.indiegogo.com/popslate
see also Wired review: http://www.wired.com/design/2012/11/popslate-e-ink-phone-case/
The concept for this case looks amazing. Because it is e-ink, power is only used when changing the image. You can put any image you want on the back of your case. You can have the back of the case display your new emails/SMS, your upcoming calendar events, missed calls -- all viewable without turning on your screen!
Someone needs to adapt this concept for the N4. I would give them so many monies.
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Click to collapse
LOL, We have dozens of patents, they say in the description.
Full disclosure: The guys over at Cruzerlite helped out Carbon when no one had heard of use by donating a few free cases so we could run some giveaways on our social networks. We went to them because we liked their product and the way that they interacted with the Android community. They were so excited about their new skin product that they arranged to ship a MotoX and one of their skins to me so that I might review it and give them, and you, my honest feedback. The device and skins have been since sent back to them. I was not paid or otherwise compensated for this review. Mostly I just wanted to check out a new product, have an excuse to play with a Moto X, and play with the lightbox I built last week.
I hate cases. To me, they've always been a necessary evil. I generally go with the thinnest TPU case I can find so I know my phone will be protected, and try and find one that actually looks cool. Which is why I've always liked the Cruzerlite cases. Very android friendly, and there were always lots of looks to choose from - android themes, art, etc. My favorite was the Tardis case. I was always very careful with my device. But scratches and things happen, and like many of you I never plan to stay with one device for more than a year or so. That means you gotta keep it looking like new so you can sell it later.
To me, that's the niche that the Cruzerlite skins occupy. If you drop your phone all the time this product isn't going to keep you from denting it or smashing the glass. It's vinyl, not TPU. If you're a purist who insist on rocking a totally naked phone, this product also isn't for you. If you're one of the many who hate cases but want to protect the phone in some way, or are confident in your ability to not drop your phone but want a custom look, then this product is where it's at. It'll protect your device from light damage, give you any look you want, and preserve the size and feel of your device.
The product comes in the form of thick vinyl stickers. As it's a brand new product they don't yet have a set of instructions on the site. They tell me they have that in the works and we should see them soon. With that in mind, I'll overshare my installation process and what I learned for you folks. Cruzerlite clearly wanted to make sure that you'd be happy with the installation of this product, so they've given you a single sticker for the back, two sets of stickers for the sides, and three sets for the front. You can screw this up and try again without ordering a new set. Note that I say stickers, but this is actually vinyl of a nice thickness, not some elmo sticker you'd get from the doctor after a checkup.
So having checked out both the vinyl and the Moto X I setup my lightbox and got down to business. I applied the back vinyl, taking great care to align the camera and microphone. It worked, after a fashion - it looked like a sticker slapped on a phone. A phone with a lot of curves. So far... meh. I stuck the sides on as well. It looked... like a bunch of stickers slapped on a phone. They didn't conform to the curves of the phone at all. So I called up Joel at Cruzerlite and told him that while I thought he had a nice idea, this was probable something that would only work on a phone with simple surfaces like an iphone. I showed him how it looked and he asked me when I was planning to finish the installation. Finish the installation? What? Heat. You apply heat after installation. Ohhhhhh. For a guy who was just told that his half-installed product wasn't very good, he was pretty cool about it. Thanks Joel.
Ok, so with that in mind, I dug out the hair dryer and got to heating. It looked a lot better. With a bit of heat and some pressure with my fingers, the vinyl conformed to the curves of the device and started to look like they belonged there. That said, because I installed them like they were stickers, there were gaps. Teal gaps. It didn't look great - but that was on me.
You might want to color match better than I did. Teal and
wood grain aren't known for being a classic combination.
So the first install didn't look so great. The vinyl was curved to match the phone, but I had ugly gaps that ruined the look. When I put the sides on, I aligned things like I would with regular stickers - not heat shrinking vinyl. But Cruzerlite clearly anticipated that, so I had more! Off came the vinyl on the sides and and back to square one. This time, I made sure there was some overlap so that when heat was applied, it would properly fit. Here's what it looked like:
You can already tell it's going to come out better this time. Out comes the hair dryer!
Now we're talking. No gaps, all the buttons are nicely cut out... it looks great. Again, the color combination shows why I'm not ever going to be a graphic designer, but it certainly highlights just how well the product fits the device. There's a slight edge where the vinyl on the sides and the back overlap. It's not unpleasant, but I'd like to play with this product some more to see if I could even avoid that. I've asked Cruzerlite to send me a few more and another phone, and hope to have a follow up on this in the future.
Yes, it has front stickers. The great thing about this product is it's up to you what you apply - if you don't want the front stickers, don't put them on. You could even mix and match them if you wanted. Get different colors and make the phone version of this:
Yes, that's a real thing. It's a Harlequin Golf and comes
that way from the factory. Please don't do this to your phone.
So after installing and playing with this, I like it. The vinyl is thick enough to feel like a high quality and durable product and on the whole I found it to be easier to apply than a screen protector. Sure, it's a bit tricky to align, but you don't have to worry about dust and the use of heat makes this a relatively forgiving product. I'm certain that I didn't do a perfect job with this, but I don't hate it the way you'd hate a screen protector with a bit of dust under it. I did manage to tweak the back a bit when applying it, and you can see the bulge from it. Again, this is something that I'd be able to differently now that I know how the product works so I'm not particularly concerned about it.
Cruzerlite has a whole range of vinyl to choose from too - 57 at the time of this review. There's wood grain, antibacterial colors, metallic, and leather skins. We're spoiled for choice and if you can't find something you like you might want to ask yourself why you're so picky.
I'd say this is a buy. They look great, feel great, and will do a fantastic job of protecting your phone from light damage. They're easy to apply, and at just under ten dollars you can't beat the price. For those of you who picked up a Moto X before Motomaker was a thing, this is a great way to change your phone's look without buying a new one, or get the look of wood without paying an extra hundred bucks for a single woodgrain option. (bamboo? seriously?) At the time of this review, the skins are available for the Moto X, Nexus 5, Note 3, Galaxy S4, and iPhone 5/5s.
I'll update this thread in the future if I can get my hands on another device and more vinyl. If possible I'll try something other than wood grain, too.
You can check out the rest of their skins at http://www.cruzerlite.com/skins