[Review | Sleeve] Waterfield Suede Jacket for the Galaxy Note 8.0 - Galaxy Note 8.0 (Tablet) Accessories

Until my recent purchase of the official Samsung Book Cover, I was a firm hater of cases. To me, they never offered enough utility to justify the extra bulk and when opened, tended to annoy me enough that I'd simply rather not use the device. That's fine for a tablet that stays at your desk, but when you need to move around and toss the thing in your bag, you're really running the risk of scratching the screen. So my standard solution are cheep, easy to use sleves. Low bulk, screen protection in transport, and easily removed for device use. Sounds like win to me.
Normally I just go for whatever budget sleeve I can find on Amazon, but the Note 8.0 being such a "special" device, I wanted to treat myself and try something a little higher end. As it happened, Waterfield was already a step ahead of me and had updated their product page with a Note 8 version of their Waterfield Suede Jacket. I pulled the trigger as soon as I saw this as it sounded like it fit the bill perfectly. So how did it do?
Product Info
Waterfield Suede Jacket
http://www.sfbags.com/products/tablet-cases/tablet-suedejacket.php
Price: $19 + $6 for Optional pouch + Shipping
Ordering & Shipping
Apparently, Waterfield wasn't not as ready for the product as their order page suggested. About 4 hours after my order was placed, I get the following email:
Thanks again for your order. We will have your Note 8 Suede Jacket shipped by April 26th. Sorry this wasn't listed when you placed your order.
If there's anything we can do for you in the meantime, just let me know.
Best regards,
Chris
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Click to collapse
Fair enough. This was April 12, mind you. So the tablet had only been on the market for a day at this point. As I'm sure you've figured out by now, I didn't have to wait until the 26th for the package to ship. In fact, I found a shipping confirmation email along with a FedEx tracking number in my email on the 19th. Sadly by that point I had already purchased the official Samsung Book Cover from my local Best Buy the day before, so I was already thinking of trying to cancel the order.
Unboxing
..or rather, unbaging as the cover is contained in a thin slip of plastic with a simple, nondescript postcard inserted as boxart of sorts. I assume they also have a retail location as the package itself was graced with a small, green sticker with a handwritten "19" on it as a price label.
First Impressions
This thing is thin and that's both good and bad. On the positive, it won't add any real bulk to the device and that's important when you're lugging around as much gear as I do day-to-day. This, however, also means my faith in the sleeve's ability to protect against scratches, which was its primary purpose, is equally as thin. I feel like it would survive a battle with a loose set of keys floating around in a bag, but any real pressure and I'm afraid it won't do a bit of good.
Another concern of mine is the suede itself. It wasn't out of the bag for more than 5 minutes before it started collecting a crazy amount of dust and pet fur. I don't own anything made of the material so I can't say I know the proper way to remove this stuff, but trying to brush it off was a pain and mostly unproductive as for every spec of dust I removed, a streak of dead skin and/or more dust would replace it. Only time will tell how big a problem this will be.
A third concern here is that for the opening, there is no flap or cover here. So an edge of the device will always be exposed. This seems like a big oversight in the design to me.
Beyond that, the construction seems really nice. The seams are well stitched, the material doesn't feel cheap and the fabric cuts look uniform.
Actual Use
The fit itself is snug. Not in a fat-girl-in-yoga-pants way, mind you. It's very glove like and putting the device inside is easier than most other sleeves I've used in the past and doesn't give me a feeling that the tablet is going to fall out. The only improvement with regard to the fit that I wish were part of the design is the sleeve has sharp, 90 degree corners at the bottom, where the Galaxy Note 8.0 is rounded. This leaves both corners a little more squishy than I'd like.
Sewn to both sides and again at the bottom are these little holding tabs for helping you remove the tablet from inside. This is a nice feature I wish were in more designs. Now, instead of fighting to find a place to counter-pull and perhaps stretch or rip the sleeve, it's very clear where I should do this. In tern, this makes removing the Note 8 super easy. So it gets high marks in that department.
Verdict
At $19, it's nearly 3x as expensive as other sleeves I've owned and now see on Amazon. I'm betting the build quality of those can't touch this guy, but that's not enough of a trade off for me considering the constantly exposed opening and the thin material. If I had been given a chance to play with this before hand, I can honestly say I wouldn't have gone with it as a solution for my needs. I'd even go so far as to return this one if it wasn't for the fact I paid an extra $12 for 2 day shipping.
Would I recommend it? Only if you have very basic needs. If your bag contains a laptop and this, it's a stylish option for sure. If, however, your bag contains a 5D MkII, MacBook Air, several lenses, memory cards, lens caps, lenspens, keys, cables, etc...not so much.
Photos
Coming soon.

Related

Otterbox Defender

I'm thinking of replacing my current Samsung Book Cover case with the Otterbox Defender series case on my Note 8. My experience with the Defender series is great, it's a great case on smaller devices but I want to know what it's like on this device. This particular case has a built-in hinge, sleeve, and screen protector. If anybody is using/has used this case, please let me know how it is.
Here's a link: http://www.otterbox.com/Galaxy-Note-8-Defender-Series-Case/sam2-galaxy-note-8,default,pd.html?dwvar_sam2-galaxy-note-8_color=20&start=2&cgid=samsung-galaxy-note-8-cases
Best investments I made for my Note 2.0 and my Note 8.0. I got the glacier color to match my phone case. The protector sleeve is actually pretty nice. Sorry I am at work and can't post photos. When the tablet is in my day bag and with the protector over the screen I am 100% sure that nothing witll happen to the screen. The hinge is actually in the "sleeve" and allows the tablet to be stood up straight or at an angle for whatever view you prefer. Someone mentioned that there is no SD card accedd but I bought the Samsung USB adapter that plugs into the power cord slot and I run my 1 TB Passport external drive off that to watch movies, view and save documents and even listen to over 10000 songs I have saved on it. Only down side to that accessory is that it SUCKS the battery life. If I could find a splitter where it is charging and using the TB drive I will be set. The case is a lil wider than the Gumdrop and a few ounces heavier but its not too noticeable.Other than not being waterpoof this is by far the most protective case out there for the Note 8.0. I went from the Samsung "book" cover type, then bought the Gumdrop case thinking that was the best one out there but if I would have just waited about 3 weeks I could have saved $65 but oh well. So if anyone wants either one I will sell them dirt cheap. I would say buy it because you will not be disappointed.
Cheers
I just received my OBD today! I was so excited to get it installed onto my 8...the thing is like a virtual tank now!
Had official bookcover on it previously. I would have never bought one but it was a freebie with my purchase. I liked how the cover sort of flipped over onto the screen, almost like it was magnetized. I never used it as a stand because I read that it make them not lie flat anymore. Also like the on/off feature, to which I am accustomed on my Note 2 via "Smart Cover" app. However, that case felt very flimsy. The top cover would slide around on the screen when closed, and give the impression it could slip right out of your hands when carrying it. Protection from a drop? I doubt it! Liked the slim form but having children and a daily commute to and from work, throwing it in my handbag every day, or even taking it out at lunch to read or play a game...I was VERY paranoid and toted it around like a newborn!
If you don't want any added weight or girth to your tablet, then don't get the OBD. It does make it a bit bulkier, heavier, yes. But a HARD plastic screen cap that SNAPS into place when not in use? Awesome! Perfect for transporting in a bag or even just under your arm. Piece of mind, for sure. I'm not testing it out with any drops to be sure, but I'm pretty certain it would fair pretty well.
The outside rubber silicone shell was harder than I thought it would be. However, I think it seems like it would be more durable than a softer material. It's tough to disassemble, so that's also a plus that it won't just come apart on a whim. The built-in screen protector seems pretty decent. Clear as glass. It feels a bit funky with s-pen but it's not horrible. Just have to get used to it. It also seems just a tiny bit bowed (maybe it is just the one I got) so when you push down with the pen near the center you can feel it love ever so slightly towards the glass. Really, no big deal, and could just be mine. Gladly I overlook this for the extra insurance.
Love the rubberized side buttons and port covers. I think they are a definite plus to keep dust & such out. It's not waterproof but if water would get spilled nearby while sitting, or splashed from rain or whatever, it would definitely deflect some or all of it. Don't drop it in the fishtank or the toilet and you should be fine!
I'd be glad to answer any questions. I just got it today so I haven't used it too much yet, but I can tell I'm gonna love it!
Thanks for the feedback! I'm definitely going to get this case!
Awesome..!!
Well I too carry this case for my Note 8.0 and it has just made my Note a strong MACHO product....:laugh:
I got this case for my Note 8 last week and I love it.
I had an Otterbox Commuter on my iPhone 4S: saved it on one occasion in particular that could have cost me a new phone. I also had the Otterbox Defender on my old iPad 2. Both the old iPhone and old iPad are still going strong for my special lady friend and look brand new thanks to Otterbox.
I now have the Otterbox Commuter on my S4, Defender on Note 8 and I'm waiting for my recently ordered iPad Mini Defender.
These are great products, especially if you are a bit rough with your stuff.
How does the s-pen respond to the screen protector on the OBD?
Sent from my GT-N5110 using xda app-developers app
samwifi said:
How does the s-pen respond to the screen protector on the OBD?
Sent from my GT-N5110 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It feels....different. Not as smooth as on glass. You can definitely tell there is more "drag" as you're moving the spen across. I am not one of those super-picky people who complain about everything (lol) so it doesn't really bother me.
The thing I've noticed most about the sensitivity of the screen protector (in general) is that it makes the screen a bit less responsive. You must press a little longer (we're talking such a minute split second though, and I'm talking finger here) and more deliberately. This is caused, in my opinion, by the fact that the protector is not sucked fast to the glass underneath. I can feel mine move the tiniest bit when I press on it (because it is not adhered but simply sits on top) and that small bit d, of space between it and the screen provides a slight delay. Don't let that scare you. It's really not that bad. Of course, like I said, consider the source here (non-picky-person!!!!) I would rather have a well-protected device with a inconsequential difference in touch than a vulnerable, naked one! IMHO
Can you remove the screen protector like in other Otterbox cases?
Just got mine today. I don't think you can remove the screen without messing it up. Prepared to be told I'm wrong though.
Sent from my GT-N5120 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
We are going on vacation next month and I don't want to go with just the book cover case. I just ordered this and can't wait to get it.
Sent from the Delta Quadrant using XDA Premium
My Otter box
StFuz said:
Best investments I made for my Note 2.0 and my Note 8.0. I got the glacier color to match my phone case. The protector sleeve is actually pretty nice. Sorry I am at work and can't post photos. When the tablet is in my day bag and with the protector over the screen I am 100% sure that nothing witll happen to the screen. The hinge is actually in the "sleeve" and allows the tablet to be stood up straight or at an angle for whatever view you prefer. Someone mentioned that there is no SD card accedd but I bought the Samsung USB adapter that plugs into the power cord slot and I run my 1 TB Passport external drive off that to watch movies, view and save documents and even listen to over 10000 songs I have saved on it. Only down side to that accessory is that it SUCKS the battery life. If I could find a splitter where it is charging and using the TB drive I will be set. The case is a lil wider than the Gumdrop and a few ounces heavier but its not too noticeable.Other than not being waterpoof this is by far the most protective case out there for the Note 8.0. I went from the Samsung "book" cover type, then bought the Gumdrop case thinking that was the best one out there but if I would have just waited about 3 weeks I could have saved $65 but oh well. So if anyone wants either one I will sell them dirt cheap. I would say buy it because you will not be disappointed.
Cheers
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Click to collapse
So, after owning the Otterbox for 2 months and 9 days, both "tabs" on the side of the "sleeve" that hold the tablet on it have broke. I am by no means rough on this thing at all. Even with the tablet being in the case I am still super easy on it. Submitted an online warranty claim, Sent in a couple of pictures of the damage to Otterbox, they reviewed my claim and within 24 hours I have a replacement heading my way. So even though it broke, I am still 100% satisfied with their product and now with their warranty process. If you haven't gotten an Otterbox yet, I say get one.
Cheers
I have had mine a couple of weeks and I love it. I am glad to hear how responsive Otterbox is to replace it.
Sent from the Delta Quadrant using XDA Premium
I finally received mine in the mail (1 month wait while overseas from OtterBox, BUT it was free shipping!) and I don't think I'd be happier with another brand. The rubber isn't super soft, nor does it attract lint. I don't think the rubber will stretch any time soon, it's pretty solid! Definitely happy with my purchase!
I'm moderately happy with the Defender on my Note 2 (screen protector isn't flush, rubber stretches) and an considering a Note 8. Anyone got any long term reviews on this case?
re: Defefender-Note 8
Mine has been fine, EXCEPT one of the little tabs broke off of the cover portion. Since it was less than a year, I contacted OtterBox to get a replacement. I had everything gathered beforehand...receipt, place I purchased it, etc...ended up that I didn't really need all that stuff. They just wanted pics documenting the damage, and they also asked for the batch number (probably for quality control purposes-it's imprinted in the rubber.) They sent out the replacement right away via FedEx, had it in a few days. Could not be happier with their EXCELLENT customer service. I'm sure if you did have issues, they would be able to address them with you. Oh, and the rep on the phone was super nice & VERY friendly. :good:
I have the poetic revolution and i couldnt be happier. Its just as solid as the otterbox but only 30$ usd 3 year warranty it took to days from amazon..its feels premium protects well ...

Spigen Tough Armor & Proctector Glass

I know people has been talking about these items quite a bit, so here is my 2 bits as I just picked it up and put them on yesterday.
The Spigen Glass IS compatible with the case itself, as you can see in the pictures. The glass works just fine with all touch screen sensation and eventhough some say the glass cut out does not match, mine seems to do just fine. It is quite pricy though, at 35 bux from amazon, compared to the case for only 18, but you do get a discount from amazon or spigen for that matter, 15% off Glass .tR. total for both came out to be 47.73 with free shipping.
Now with the case, works fine, snug-fit, I've had otterbox defender with the rubber being so lose like it's over stretched and doesnt cover up the plastic case well, not on this one as the rubber actually goes on the inside of the PC case. I haven't tried any drop test or any of that...not gonna do that =P But if you read on amazon and see the reviews for 1 stars, all with similar problem. 1- Case too slipper ( to finely finished seeing the PC case is on the outside insted of TPU). 2 - heart rate sensor does not work.
1. The case is indeed too slipper to my experience after one night playing with it, nearly dropped it 3 times in 30 mins, and I was so sure I had good grip. On the sides or back of the case, there is really no rubber to increase friction except for the button replacement cutout, so unless you got real thick and strong callus, you ain't holding it by the sides.
2. Heart rate sensor worked for me just fine, I am assuming that people tend to press on it very hard, so the pressure cuts off the blood flow therefore does not scan. If you look at the cut out for flashlight and the sensor, on the buttom of it, there is a mini slope compared to the top. Sort of like a 40 degree cut out on bottom and 90 degree on top if you get what I mean...so finger tip and actually rest on the sensor just fine, may take a couple try to get used to it, but that's definitely not the cons of the case..
The case color is gun-metal....to be honest, kind of regret it now since its not as vibrant or as sleek as I hoped it'd be, so black would probably be the best way to go since the back cover does not have any speical design to be standing out with ligher colour choices...
Thanks for the review.
I ordered a this exact same case about 3 weeks ago, and Im still waiting for it to arrive.
I also have a iLoome Screenmate 9h screen protector on my phone, which came quickly after ordering but I have to say, that:
#1 Fitment was terrible
#2 Customer service is atrocious. I asked to return it, and they said I could return it only if I hadnt removed the adhesive protectors
I have this same case as well and I love it. I have big hands so maybe that helps but I find the finish to be fine, not as slippery as most people make it seem. I do not have one complaint about the case and received it in only 3 days after ordering it, although I'm in WA so not far from where it was shipped. I also bought 2 of the basic slim plastic Spiegen cases and the regular screen protector that came with it with this case with no isssues. I was also glad that it did not add too much bulk to the phone overall. It is definitely thicker than the basic case I got but I'm sure it would withstand some abuse pretty well.
I actually have this case in black and I really like it. After seeing your pictures I may pick up the gunmetal finish one day as well. I haven't tried a drop test with it but I believe it should be pretty good possible comparable to the otterbox commuter as far as drop protection goes if not as close as you can get while keeping the case slim. I'm about done buying cases for a while because I have this one, a black Otterbox Defender, and my element Recon CF should be here Friday or Saturday.
For $35 you don't get much. I have the UAG and I think that is more attractive. But ultimately I want the Janis leather.
have a look to my "Cases Comparison: Spigen SGP Tough Armor -vs- UAG Protective Aero GLXS5" here :http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2729413
I definitively use the UAG... waiting to test it with wireless charging.
Corwin9S said:
have a look to my "Cases Comparison: Spigen SGP Tough Armor -vs- UAG Protective Aero GLXS5" here :http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2729413
I definitively use the UAG... waiting to test it with wireless charging.
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I am also waiting for my S5 wireless charging back to be shipped to test that out. Still waiting for the inserts from china at the moment.
Anyway, today, I took the the glass protector to the test...well...................that's just say it is not that "amazing" as it is advertised. If you look at amazon spigen's picture description...you see that they held a xacto to the screen, and I copied.
Well, result is fair I'd say, you can barely tell by the naked eye that there is any scratch on the screen, but if you hold it at a certain angle or with the right lightning, you can see "marks" on the glass, but it is not rough to the touch of finger tip; however, if you lightly glide your nail across the "marks"..."clump" "clump" "clump"....i really don't know what sound to use, but you should get the idea, it is scratched...I did a lot of cutting and swirving the blade around the glass, but there is about maybe less than 10 marks...so my guess is that it is tough, just not to the blade, but daily usage should never scratch it.
At this point, I am thinking it's probably the "layer" on top of the glass actually came off? whatever...I will live, so will it. I also got 2 cheap china version for replacement if I really need to anyway...just haven't try to see if they acutally align.
nice & helpful. I got this same setup. A black Spigen tough armor case with a Spigen "0.23mm rounded natural fit (smooth edge & light) tempered glass protector". It's a near perfect fit on the glass, just a fraction to small imho. There is a small groove around the outer edge of the glass, inside the inner edge of the case. just enough to collect some dust. but really not that bad. I had a cheapo quality case and plastic screen cover from best buy the first couple of days. this setup is much much nicer. i think maybe I would go with a thinner option than .23mm if I had to do this again. other than that I would recommend this for sure. it is nice quality. and I love how easy it was to get the glass protector on there without getting air bubbles and so forth.
crownjoker said:
The case color is gun-metal....to be honest, kind of regret it now since its not as vibrant or as sleek as I hoped it'd be, so black would probably be the best way to go since the back cover does not have any speical design to be standing out with ligher colour choices...
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Click to collapse
Initially I bought the gun-metal option and almost dropped the phone a few times with that case. I then bought the black option and returned the gun-metal. The grip with the black option is much better with the soft feel coating..
mossolb said:
Initially I bought the gun-metal option and almost dropped the phone a few times with that case. I then bought the black option and returned the gun-metal. The grip with the black option is much better with the soft feel coating..
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Click to collapse
Hmm....nice...I didn't know that there was a difference in the material they used. I thought it was just different paint, but I live in canada anyway, so for me to return and get a new one is not worth the hassle. I'll stick to this for now, until I get the OEM wireless cover anyway.
So I have received the Itian wireless charging adapter and the wireless charging pad today. Time to do some feed back.
First to describe the picture attached.
1. Wireless receiver from Itian.
2. Wireless charging pad from itian.
3. Wireless charging pad from aliexpress.
4. Wireless charging pad from Nokia DT-900.
First, the adapter, is not thin by all means, I reckon the OEM cover will also be made thicker like the S4, while maintaining it's waterproof ability, bigger rubber ring I suppose. If you were to use these ones, it will get caught in between the rubber gasket; therefore, making your phone IP67 non-existing. It is also harder to close on that one side of the case, render that you can still close it, but over time I would assume the plastic to actually bent, and when you remove the charging adapter, the cover will probably not close properly to be IP67 ready.
Now, this post is not here to say whether the different brand of pad works or not, at a inital test, they all work on a S4 with OEM back with the DT-900 at best performance, but I am posting more related to whether they work with the Spigen Touch Armor or NOT. From now on, review is based on Itian adapter in phone and phone is Spigen TA case.
The Itian pad takes a significantly longer time to be recognized by the phone. Phone does not pick up the wireless signal for at least 5 seconds, while Ali takes about 3 seconds and Nokia tops it by about 1 second. If the same receiver works on all 3 pads, it seems to me that Itian simply does not have enough coil to produce strong enough waves, and hence charging speed will also be significantly slower than the others...? Throughout the charging process, due to the weak signal, itian has start and stop the charging process so many times that the pad eventually comes to a halt of error, LED light flashing blue and red simultaneously. ( I hope neither my phone nor the pad is damaged during this event...)
Ali seems to just having a hard time to align properly, seems the coil is strong, but small, so the phone could be disconnected simply by the slightest wrong angle. Meanwhile, Nokia has the smallest and thickest pad among all, but when you place the phone on top ( this is the only pad that is acutally smaller than the phone, for what I have anyway) it not only picks up right away, and you really have no problem in charging speed issue nor alignment issue.
Ali one may seems strong but the broadcast range seems to be small, while Itian is about in the middle of no where, for cheap pads anyway. Nokia seems to win out-right in this one, charges just fine with or without the case.
To sum it up, DT-900 cost me 25 bux, and the others both cost me about 10~15 depending on seller and shipping cost. All in all, I suggest throw in double of your budget from getting a cheap no name to affordable brand name will save you the trouble getting a new case or replacing damaged battery or adapter.
My question is. Is the oem wireless cover gonna be released any time sooner? I'm afraid that will make impossible to use this covers. My other question is anyone bought already a fake cover? What's the difference?
Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk
marcochapita said:
My question is. Is the oem wireless cover gonna be released any time sooner? I'm afraid that will make impossible to use this covers. My other question is anyone bought already a fake cover? What's the difference?
Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
I could not find any related publication on when it will acutally be released, but you can pre-order them anywhere from samsung to amazon and other cellular websites. I heard someone once said that Atnt store already carries it? doubt it tho. I have preordered mine from amazon at the same price that samsung sells, but samsung offers free tectiles to come with theirs. Some other sites has boasted their selling price which is kind of stupid to my opinion.
EDIT, just found this online, not official, just annoucement from a retailer.
"This morning B&H Photo places put a date on the Galaxy S5 wireless charging back, with shipments expected to start on May 10th. Users can pre-order the Galaxy S5 wireless charging cover from this well-known retailer and could see the back arrive before the middle of the month."
Thank you for your response. I'm heading to a Samsung store tomorrow just to check if they have in there or if they say the same thing about the day. Because I already saw in the forum that some people have the back cover and it's a little bulky. And I can't use the phone without a protective cover. Hope that it's compatible with spigen line
I went to a Samsung official store on London and they don't have any wireless covers. But if I go to Amazon and search there's a store that has them on stock. So on Monday I'm going to buy one.
marcochapita said:
I went to a Samsung official store on London and they don't have any wireless covers. But if I go to Amazon and search there's a store that has them on stock. So on Monday I'm going to buy one.
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On amazon.com. it says ship within 2 to 4 month, which is where I placed my order, but I don't think they have them in stock yet. I would assume Samsung stores to have them before anyone else to make the best profit for themselves. Some random purchasers have made comments among different websites about them picking one up already from the mobile stores, which I highly doubt...
I went to a Rogers store in canada, the guy there said he didn't even heard anything about it, he did NOT know such thing exists....so go figure.
crownjoker said:
I know people has been talking about these items quite a bit, so here is my 2 bits as I just picked it up and put them on yesterday.
The Spigen Glass IS compatible with the case itself, as you can see in the pictures. The glass works just fine with all touch screen sensation and eventhough some say the glass cut out does not match, mine seems to do just fine. It is quite pricy though, at 35 bux from amazon, compared to the case for only 18, but you do get a discount from amazon or spigen for that matter, 15% off Glass .tR. total for both came out to be 47.73 with free shipping.
Now with the case, works fine, snug-fit, I've had otterbox defender with the rubber being so lose like it's over stretched and doesnt cover up the plastic case well, not on this one as the rubber actually goes on the inside of the PC case. I haven't tried any drop test or any of that...not gonna do that =P But if you read on amazon and see the reviews for 1 stars, all with similar problem. 1- Case too slipper ( to finely finished seeing the PC case is on the outside insted of TPU). 2 - heart rate sensor does not work.
1. The case is indeed too slipper to my experience after one night playing with it, nearly dropped it 3 times in 30 mins, and I was so sure I had good grip. On the sides or back of the case, there is really no rubber to increase friction except for the button replacement cutout, so unless you got real thick and strong callus, you ain't holding it by the sides.
2. Heart rate sensor worked for me just fine, I am assuming that people tend to press on it very hard, so the pressure cuts off the blood flow therefore does not scan. If you look at the cut out for flashlight and the sensor, on the buttom of it, there is a mini slope compared to the top. Sort of like a 40 degree cut out on bottom and 90 degree on top if you get what I mean...so finger tip and actually rest on the sensor just fine, may take a couple try to get used to it, but that's definitely not the cons of the case..
The case color is gun-metal....to be honest, kind of regret it now since its not as vibrant or as sleek as I hoped it'd be, so black would probably be the best way to go since the back cover does not have any speical design to be standing out with ligher colour choices...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Judging from the size of the cutout on the charging port, it does not look as if larger, "fat headed" aftermarket chargers will fit.The reason I mention this is because I just ordered this (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GDESF1I/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1H9NMCPZH97BO) 15 ft charging cable. Reviewers have mentioned that this cable does not work with their case on, and you have almost confirmed that for me. Thank you sir/ma'am!
jlandry287 said:
Judging from the size of the cutout on the charging port, it does not look as if larger, "fat headed" aftermarket chargers will fit.The reason I mention this is because I just ordered this (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GDESF1I/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1H9NMCPZH97BO) 15 ft charging cable. Reviewers have mentioned that this cable does not work with their case on, and you have almost confirmed that for me. Thank you sir/ma'am!
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Looking at the picture of your link, seems like you have purchased a standard USB 3.0 cord of which should be the same size on both end compared to standard USB plug for PC. I've attached a picture with my own USB 3 cord, WD brand for my external drive, it is round edged by a little fatter in the height wise, decimal mm difference. I have attached picture with dimention in CM along the post. It works perfectly with my case when I plug it in, so you might still be able to use it. The front rubber part of the case design is "loose" for the ease of use of the finger print scanner, so that is "movable" so to speak.
PS. Sir is fine =P
Now adays, people tend to use more wireless charging to save the hassel of plugging it and pulling out, it eventually wears out the charging port. On top of that, because of the waterproof cover, after you put on the case, it makes it even harder to open the cover if you have absolutely no nails like me. I keep the ruler by my table so I use the edge of the ruler to pry it open. Other than that, I rarely use the port anymore. Suggest in investing in a decent wireless charger and a charging back for rougly 50 dollars, or go with ebay for a 15 dollars all inclusive (less quality).
x3em said:
nice & helpful. I got this same setup. A black Spigen tough armor case with a Spigen "0.23mm rounded natural fit (smooth edge & light) tempered glass protector". It's a near perfect fit on the glass, just a fraction to small imho. There is a small groove around the outer edge of the glass, inside the inner edge of the case. just enough to collect some dust. but really not that bad. I had a cheapo quality case and plastic screen cover from best buy the first couple of days. this setup is much much nicer. i think maybe I would go with a thinner option than .23mm if I had to do this again. other than that I would recommend this for sure. it is nice quality. and I love how easy it was to get the glass protector on there without getting air bubbles and so forth.
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I too brought the Spigen 0.23 mm glass protector, and with in one week it had completey cracked acorss the width of the screen. These screens are not and hard, scratch prrof, as they claim. I contacted the customer services regarding their screen did not live up to the claims, and useless is a kind word to describe their customer services.
Dont get me wrong its a good product but dont think it worth all that money when, its not going to last that long. Im considering buying a new one.. but not sure yet, so currently have the bog standard screen protector which came with my Spigen case.
porky pies said:
I too brought the Spigen 0.23 mm glass protector, and with in one week it had completey cracked acorss the width of the screen. These screens are not and hard, scratch prrof, as they claim. I contacted the customer services regarding their screen did not live up to the claims, and useless is a kind word to describe their customer services.
Dont get me wrong its a good product but dont think it worth all that money when, its not going to last that long. Im considering buying a new one.. but not sure yet, so currently have the bog standard screen protector which came with my Spigen case.
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No, you are right. They are not as good as they claim to be, and in the free market, they are selling at a high price. Like I said, definitely not scratch proof as I have tested it, mine has not experience crack yet, but who knows. If you look online whether amazon or other spigen retails, lots of bad feedback of lining issue as well as customer service, especially customer service. They don't seem to replace or refund, nothing like that, as long as you have tried applying the glass, you are done. Even if it was manufacture defect, you still need to pay return shipping provided that you haven't remove the sticky 1 AND 2 side. Very minimal on defects, still has tho. I have ordered 2 cheap no-name brand from china on ebay as well as 2 cheap regular plastic film as back up. The phone will probably be gone before I really have to use up all 5 protectors.
I saw somewhere that there was a brand that provides life-time warranty replacement...I can't remember which one, someone here knows as it's on one of the threads. Do a search or someone can probably point it out for you. As far as where I stand, I got lots of cheap back up

Case With Lids...

...Why don't they make them? Okay, so I'm not the guy who wants the super-skinny barely-there case. Oh, no give me full-on protection, 360 please! I have small children, a full-time job, am a heavy Ingress player, and often juggle many items within my arms/hands as I walk down the street. I NEED protection. That being said, I've looked at cases til I'm blue in the face. I cannot find what I seek...which is a case with a lid! Not a holster clip, not a folio flippie thing, an honest-to-goodness LID that I can slide or clip on when I'm precariously bumbling down the street with my hands full of stuff. I'd settle for a holster cover type case if I could remove the clip part (and if it didn't cost an arm & a leg.)
My Note 8 and my kids' Tab 3s all have covers with lids. Why can't my Note 4 have one, too?
I'm coming from a Note II and have used flip style, first horizontal, then vertical (which I hate). In fact I'm still USING my Note II because I'm paranoid about activating my Note 4 til I have a proper case and feel comfortable taking it out of the house.
With all the screen territory it just seems so....vulnerable. Dropping a piece of buttered toast will ALWAYS render for me butter side down, and I fear the same will be true for screen-down drops. It's just my rotten luck.
Has anyone ever had the same idea? A case with a lid? Any suggestions to throw my "paranoid" way? :laugh:
I'm looking for exactly the same thing as you. I work in construction and I want something heavy duty. (I don't like otter boxes)
This is the sort of thing I'm looking for:
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Circle-Flip-...Cell_Phone_PDA_Cases&var=&hash=item4adad7ce80
Window or no window, I don't care. I saw this case in my local Chinese mall and they said check back in a few weeks and they should have it for the Note 4. However, I emailed this guy on ebay and he said he wouldn't be getting one.
For now I'm using a neoprene sleeve, which I've been using for years, but I yearn again for a clip-able case like this, which I used on my old palm phones for years.
Wow that's killer! That's what I'm talking about, too.....basically. Agreed, don't need the window, necessarily. Looks a little cheaply made, too (as far as not a lot of cushioning) but yeah, definitely on the right track! Closest I've seen to the concept.
Even better would be this.. if only they made it for the note 4. I emailed the company and posted on facebook about it. No reply
http://www.spigen.com/galaxy-note-3-case-slim-armor-view.html
That looks pretty good!
Okay, the closest I can find is the Seidio cases, which have a removable clip holster. I think that will get me the closest to my "lid" though I'd rather have a Verus Thor or UAG. Unfortunately, they don't come with holsters/"lids". I'm looking specifically at the CAPSA because it has a built-in screen cover, like an Otterbox. Unfortunately, it is unavailable yet as per their website. Boooooo.
I have similar needs. The idea case for me would be a combination of a case that provides edge and back protection with the samsung folio "case". Full 360 degree protection.
Spigen replied to me. They said they are working on one like I posted for the note 3
Sweet! Please keep us updated.
Here's something rather interesting:
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Armor-Luxury...Cell_Phone_PDA_Cases&var=&hash=item1c48e910b9
A bit on the ugly side. I can deal with that, but I'd be really worried about it ruining signal strength.
Same looking one, but apparently in steel from Hong Kong
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Iron-man-Sta...Cell_Phone_PDA_Cases&var=&hash=item58b827a5e1
Wow that's some case! I like it! It's very, very different. I'm wondering if it's cushioned inside, for impact shock absorption.

Best bulky protection (screen and case) against drop

Hi,
I just bought a note 9 and I need your help to protect really well.
I wanted to buy the otterbox defender but it's screenless now...
I need a case and a screen protection. I don't care if it's bulky.
I don't know if I need a full body case with glass screen proection and a glass screen protection.
I drop often my phone so I need something really good. It will be great if I can buy it on Amazon.
So can you give me advice to protect this phone ?
I live in France so I can buy it on Amazon France or other Amazon european country.
Thanks for your help.
Armor-X or one of the knock-offs/sources.
https://www.armor-x.com/mx-n9-bk-sa...p68-ultimate-waterproof-case-w-carabiner.html
Knock-off, from Amazon US:
https://www.amazon.com/XBK-Samsung-...erproof+case&qid=1550074734&s=gateway&sr=8-11
I don't know if Armor-X copied them, is using their product to make theirs, or what, but there are a bunch of cheaper versions of the Armor-X case without the glued-on "thingy" on the back out there, which oh-by-the-way, prevents wireless charging.
I've had these cases on my Note 8, and they did a better job of protecting the thing than the $275.00 milspec Juggernaut case did, which due to the physics of the whole thing, was actually more damaging to the phone than protecting. Inertia inside that heavy case is an issue that they didn't account for, in the design. Also, with the Juggernaut, the glass screen was horribly fragile--I had two breaks from dropping it on its corner in less than six months. Company did stand behind the product, though, and took care of it. I think they were used to the old-school plastic-fantastic designs Samsung had, and did not account for the metal bezel or buttons on the new phones.
Bottom line--Your best bet is one of the Armor-X knock-offs. Especially for the money, as I have had my phone in that XBK post since I took it out of the box. As well, if waterproofing is an issue, seal the ports with silicone, use wireless charging alone, and get a Note 8 stylus to use, and leave the Note 9 where it belongs--Slotted into the phone.
takirks said:
Armor-X or one of the knock-offs/sources.
https://www.armor-x.com/mx-n9-bk-sa...p68-ultimate-waterproof-case-w-carabiner.html
Knock-off, from Amazon US:
https://www.amazon.com/XBK-Samsung-...erproof+case&qid=1550074734&s=gateway&sr=8-11
I don't know if Armor-X copied them, is using their product to make theirs, or what, but there are a bunch of cheaper versions of the Armor-X case without the glued-on "thingy" on the back out there, which oh-by-the-way, prevents wireless charging.
I've had these cases on my Note 8, and they did a better job of protecting the thing than the $275.00 milspec Juggernaut case did, which due to the physics of the whole thing, was actually more damaging to the phone than protecting. Inertia inside that heavy case is an issue that they didn't account for, in the design. Also, with the Juggernaut, the glass screen was horribly fragile--I had two breaks from dropping it on its corner in less than six months. Company did stand behind the product, though, and took care of it. I think they were used to the old-school plastic-fantastic designs Samsung had, and did not account for the metal bezel or buttons on the new phones.
Bottom line--Your best bet is one of the Armor-X knock-offs. Especially for the money, as I have had my phone in that XBK post since I took it out of the box. As well, if waterproofing is an issue, seal the ports with silicone, use wireless charging alone, and get a Note 8 stylus to use, and leave the Note 9 where it belongs--Slotted into the phone.
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Click to collapse
Thanks for your reply !
Wow those case are really slim... compared to an otterbox case.
Are you sure it will protect well against drop on the face part ?
I've dropped mine in that case on more than a few occasions, and it's done fine. I work in construction, so it's not an uncommon experience for my Note 9. Or, 8...
Key thing is, I think, using the wrist loop as appropriate, and a belt case. Looks unfashionable, but hey... It's a thousand-dollar phone; I can cope with looking like I'm behind the times.
I think that just the addition of the bumper protection around the edge is enough to keep the Note 9 safe--The majority of the time, it's going to hit edge-on, not flat. Running it into something while it's in your pocket...? Yeah, I could see breaking a screen that way. Keep it on your belt, screw fashion.
Decent case for it is available here in the US:
https://www.amazon.com/Nite-Ize-Har...ize+belt+case&qid=1550092888&s=gateway&sr=8-9
No idea about availability in France, but that's what I'm doing with mine, and it's been getting along just fine. I did improvise a stylus holder for the thing so I never have to open the case, which consists of some heavy-duty black duct tape, a sleeve of heat-shrink tubing, and then some black stainless-steel fishing lead wire crimped around the base of the Note 8 stylus and then the other end crimped into a loop that goes into the little lanyard-loop thingy on the case body that's meant to have the wrist loop attached to it. About 10cm of wire allows the stylus to be used, and then you're living large with what you should have had in the first damn place--I love the stylus on the Note series because it makes it sooooo much easier to use in the outdoors during inclement weather.

Building a Frankencase: Mk1. (Leather Folio wallet case with rugged-mount insert)

Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. This post will likely end up long and meandering so here are some pictures to help you decide if you are interested in reading on.
Gallery: https://postimg.cc/gallery/3jjlabcpm/
Those that have come across my waffle in this forum or elsewhere before will know that I was (and am) a total convert to ruggedized handsets. I work as a forester, as well as being a keen mountain biker, motorbike rider, kayaker and alcoholic.
To those ends, the S7 Active was the best device I've ever owned by a huge margin. The things that it survived with zero added protection beyond a glass screen protector were out of this world. It is still in daily use in my family. The battery has seen better days but overall the physical condition and functionality of the phone are near perfect.
Why on earth would I trade that device for one constructed almost entirely from glass? Well, I'm not sure. I still have massive reservations about the decision but at the end of the day: no mainstream manufacturer is currently producing a top-tier ruggedized device, and I wanted an unlocked bootloader and glorious custom roms back in my life which ruled out a couple of slightly older options.
I almost went with the AGM X3 but the lack of OIS in the camera, and the unknown quality of manufacture made the now obscene price tag just a little bit too much of a gamble.
Anyway: once the Note 9 arrived I realised just how fragile this thing was. I was filled with regret to the point that I actually considered just putting it on ebay; so sure was I that it would be smashed to pieces in a matter of days.
After installing Dr Ketan's rom, I changed my tune. I committed myself to finding a functional protection solution that would work for me without interrupting wireless charging and without turning it into a brick (it is heavy enough as it comes!).
My office is presently littered with poor purchase decisions; cases that promised the world and delivered a ham sandwich.
I also struggled because there was only 1 case that would match up with the relatively expensive handlebar mounts I already have on all my gear, but that case did not quite meet my requirements on a few fronts.
I tried to find the largest genuine leather wallet case that I could find, with initial plans to simply swap cases to my quadlock case when I wanted to go out for a ride. Unfortunately, I found that the quad lock case was so god damn well-constructed that the mere act of inserting and removing the phone felt like I was eventually going to do some damage. This is not your everyday sleeve case! it is constructed from some sort of hybrid, rubberised material with a massive amount of retained stiffness. It is absolutely tough as nails and has very little flex once the phone is inserted....it is an absolute nightmare to remove once it is on there, which is fantastic to give you a bit of peace of mind once you hit 200km/h!
It also has a little bit of screen protection due to the large protrusions top and bottom which mean that the screen does not contact the surface you lay it on face down. Still, no face protection.
I have no wish to join the legion of people walking around with a cracked screen, and the curved screens that samsung insist on using are well prone to easy breakage...I needed more coverage!
I ordered a hand made 2-part, magnetic, genuine leather BEMFEY wallet case from Turkey. It was not cheap, but the workmanship on the wallet portion is top notch. It also fits cash without having to fold notes, holds 4 cards and will absolutely outlast the device it was built for.
Unfortunately, the leather sleeve portion was an absolute piece of junk: brown epoxy gack everywhere, screen sat flush with absolutely zero protection, thin, no button cutouts: just overall a terrible idea if you had any plans of protecting your investment. Probably ok for desk workers.
Long story short: I did what any good forester would do and started thinking outside the box. Attached a thin iron plate to the rear of my quad lock case with epoxy, and am now using this as an insert into the BEMFEY wallet case. Results so far are impressive.
The magnets in the bemfey case are strong as hell, and though I will probably add another tiny iron plate on the top side I have never once come close to the phone coming away from the case accidentally. Even if it did, the Quad lock case is tough as hell and I have a bit of faith in it on it's own.
Together though, I doubt anyone else has got this level of functionality or protection on their Note 9. I've dropped it numerous times already: in the bush, on a plane, onto a tiled floor. Zero problem.
When it's time to ride, I peel the phone out of the wallet, securely lock it to my bars and pop the wallet it my pocket. Winning on all fronts.
It cost me a pretty penny to get there but I think I'm keeping this setup! In the grand scheme of things, it is worth investing 10% of your phone cost to make sure that it doesn't die an early death. If anyone wants to replicate, you can find quadlock on google and BEMFEY can be tracked down on their Etsy store. They will custom make to order including laser engraving if that is your thing.
Hey how good are the Quad Lock cases? Why I’m asking I’m fairly active, and i don’t want my Note 9 falling off my arm! I’m interested the arm band i been waiting for Supcase as they had a awesome Armband case for the S8+!
On that the band would feed behind the case it had a slit cut out so no matter what one would do jump run mountain biking etc. no way is the S8+ falling out! The supcase come in 2 parts soft tpu rubber and hard plastic the plastic as a lip, so when you put in the phone the tpu rubber would wrap around the hard plastic so it locks the phone in
i have been looking at other armbands, but they got a lock system and they kind of suck! i was planning on gluing the lock into the armband this is a supcase one Ive seen , but now i just saw your post and just found out about Quad lock! Could you please let me know, how reliable the lock is or would I need to glue it locked??? Thanks
As stated above, their build quality is epic.
I can't guarantee anything on the armband as I don't use one but it appears to have the exact same mounting hardware as the motorbike mount including the release switch. I can tell you right now, there is no way in hell it will come off if the hardware is the same.
I have crashed my motorbike offroad at speed, bruising myself up fairly impressively and this thing didn't go anywhere.
My gf is getting into running again and I plan to get her one of the quadlock armbands soon. You pay a bit, but you can keep the mount parts for your next phone. Even if you buy something exotic, you can just grab the universal mount or pry it off your old one and epoxy it on to a case.

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