Case with a mini-pocket for the SIM eject tool - Nexus 4 Accessories

I travel out of the country fairly often, and I'm not in the mood to rack up a fortune in roaming costs so I always swap SIMs once I arrive in the destination country. With my previous phones, this wasn't a hassle due to removable back covers allowing easy access to the SIM. However the N4 uses a SIM tray that must be ejected with a tool (or a similar thin object like a sewing needle) which is rather annoying. Worse still, the hole is rather narrow so if the tool isn't available, you can't use most paper clips like with the iPhone.
Thus, I'm looking for a good case that has a convenient slot/pocket for me to store the SIM eject tool. I've searched on Google, but I don't think I'm using the right keywords, because all I get are thick leather cases with slots to hold credit cards, and I find those ugly and overkill.
I currently use this case for my Nexus 4, and for the moment I just scotch taped my SIM eject tool to the back of my phone before putting the case on.
If possible I'd like a case that's similar to what I have just with some kind of unobtrusive outer pocket for my tool. Thanks!

Scotch tape method seems the best or put the tool in your wallet.

ismethajametovic said:
Scotch tape method seems the best or put the tool in your wallet.
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Come to think of it, I never leave home without my wallet, including overseas trips, so this is a solution!

Could always put it on a key ring as well.

Little trick I learned from a T-Mobile employee. Put the tool on your keys.

rican408 said:
Little trick I learned from a T-Mobile employee. Put the tool on your keys.
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Click to collapse
Great suggestion too. Thanks!

Related

Carrying Strap? Just confirming: the Desire has no Strap Hole for a Lanyard, right?

It's really annoying. The Hero's got it, and it was invaluable to me. saved my phone many a time.
I've been reading many reviews online re this lacking on the Nexus One as well, and users as well as editors citing Apple as starting the dumb trend to eliminate a strap connecting point as I am sure it would ruin steve's aesthetics. So why did HTC have to go follow this dumb new trend?
Does anyone know if any of the silicon cases set to come out will have at least the option for a carrying strap?
You know this was brought up at HoFo. We were talking about creating some sort of lanyard port on the iPhone itself. Maybe if case-mate got the hint and started producing cases....
Anywho, what could be done is get a thick gelli/silicone case and use a small tipped screw driver or even a safety pin to create 2 holes anywhere on the case.
That eBay seller (e-story) that I keep talking about, has Nexus One cases that have a built-in lanyard port. Unfortunately he hasn't started selling silicone cases yet for the Desire. Hopefully sometime in the next few weeks.
I posted a link earlier with a guy in Hong Kong who has started to sell a silicone case that can possibly be modified with the holes for a lanyard.
thanks for the reply. I already have "ruinified" my back cover by placing those self adhesive gripper strips on it so the phone doesn't slip out of my hands. It's way more slippery than the Hero -- which is funny, because so many review spoke of how the phone's materials had more of a grip feel to them... not so. Yes, some resistance vs slipperyness of polished plastic or aluminum, but not enough to be safe.
So that was "be safe not sorry" measure #1.
Measure 2 is: I ordered already a silicon gel case for the Desire. It starts shipping in 5 days. I have no idea the quality. But to me it's insurance at this point, since who knows how long til the market is developed withj accessories. quite amazing how unprepared the accessory market was. Not like this phone was a secret.
I ordered from here, since i am usa:
http://www.amzer.com/Amzer-Silicone-Skin-Jelly-Case-Black-P87961.htm
but found it here initially, a uk vendor for them:
http://www.fommy.co.uk/view-full-page.asp?divid=HTC&model=HTC+Desire&cat=Cases&skuno=87961
I am sure i must have seen it on one of these threads.
I will for sure be fashioning a carry strap one way or another, and how dumb for HTC to "delete" this usability design element... especially when the European Hero (NOT the ones you would have seen in the USA) has the most elegant design including its carry strap hole and method of securing. Just beautiful. I wonder if the Legend has a carry strap or did they abandon it there too...
redrazr7791 said:
You know this was brought up at HoFo. We were talking about creating some sort of lanyard port on the iPhone itself. Maybe if case-mate got the hint and started producing cases....
Anywho, what could be done is get a thick gelli/silicone case and use a small tipped screw driver or even a safety pin to create 2 holes anywhere on the case.
That eBay seller (e-story) that I keep talking about, has Nexus One cases that have a built-in lanyard port. Unfortunately he hasn't started selling silicone cases yet for the Desire. Hopefully sometime in the next few weeks.
I posted a link earlier with a guy in Hong Kong who has started to sell a silicone case that can possibly be modified with the holes for a lanyard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do agree that it was sort of retarded to leave out the lanyard port. Even the MyTouch 3G had it
What you could do is also drill 2 little holes into the back-cover of the phone, line them up with the silicone skin and place 2 holes through the skin also. This way you have added security with the strap being through the back-cover and the skin.
I just did some searching on eBay and it seems that more sellers are starting to push out cases for the Desire. They look pretty good, especially since they cover the whole phone (buttons and trackpad), not just running around the border of the phone -
http://cgi.ebay.com/Blue-Silicone-S...ewItem&pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item414ef7eed5
http://cgi.ebay.com/Black-Silicone-..._MobilePhonesCasesPouches&hash=item4aa097dbda
http://cgi.ebay.com/Silicone-Case-L...ewItem&pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item414ef49799
Thing is...they are all located in Hong Kong
redrazr7791 said:
I do agree that it was sort of retarded to leave out the lanyard port. Even the MyTouch 3G had it
What you could do is also drill 2 little holes into the back-coveri of the phone, line them up with the silicone skin and place 2 holes through the skin also. This way you have added security with the strap being through the back-cover and the skin.
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Click to collapse
That's an idea worth considering but of course 2 problems ... backs snap is itself not secure enough for holding weight of hand ... and the warranty void. I did buy 3rd party insurance from square trade which covers accidental damage incl dropping...
Still I would seek some more secure anchor method... If I had some spare time, I swear I would do this: I'd work my way through the corporate maze at HTC until I burrowed into someone in actual product design... and then I would pose the challenge to them from a purely hypothetical point of view about where and how this fish-line could be anchored.
redrazr7791 said:
I do agree that it was sort of retarded to leave out the lanyard port. Even the MyTouch 3G had it
What you could do is also drill 2 little holes into the back-cover of the phone, line them up with the silicone skin and place 2 holes through the skin also. This way you have added security with the strap being through the back-cover and the skin.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The skin would have the advantage of keeping some extra pressure keeping the back on, with out this I would also be worried about the back pulling off. I would make the holes nearer the bottom because this edge is opposite the edge which is designed to be opened.
I've gone the Zag InvisibleSHIELD route, so I have no plans to fit a silicon skin, so I've had to find a different solution.
I found that I can loop the lanyard fixing chord around the sim in the phone, between the silver sim socket and the 'runner' about 5mm away on the left hand side of the sim. It makes it tight work to get the sim back in place, but it does seem to work. I was considering making a small hole on the right hand edge of the back panel to allow the mounting chord to pass through but now I don't think this is necessary as the back does clip into place with only the slightest bump.
The sim socket, which will now be taking the strain from the lanyard, is fixed very securely. When I first tried to insert the sim into the phone I didn't even realize the 'runner' was there and tried to slide the sim in over the runner and didn't manage to get the socket to pop out.
Spud, congratulations on a GREAT "Post #1" to XDA ---- one of the best examples of a "Post #1" I have seen here in years. I am really thankful you posted this, as I find this to be an essential accessory... One which to me reduces stress far more than any case or screen shield... Knowing I have the phone strapped to my wrist has always given me primary peace of mind for a device that is so precisely put together where one drop could dislodge any number of things, even if a case prevents a knick or scratch.
REQUEST: Could you get a camera that has macro-close-up focus, and take a few extreme close up pictures of your assembly? I have a good sense for what you mean, but nothing speaks like a picture. I was thinking of exploring this kind of route myself, trying to figure out a way similar to how the HERO's anchor point was designed so brilliantly.
I think new members have some restrictions on posting links, and I am guessing no file attachments either, so, would you consider please taking a full series of photos, cover on, cover off, the whole process... and then email me the pics? and then i can post them here, and this could help a lot of people.
You can email me at my user name here @ gmail dot com. Thank you for posting! And welcome to XDA-developers. How do you like your desire? Have you had a touchscreen phone before? If so, which one?
SpudULike said:
The skin would have the advantage of keeping some extra pressure keeping the back on, with out this I would also be worried about the back pulling off. I would make the holes nearer the bottom because this edge is opposite the edge which is designed to be opened.
I've gone the Zag InvisibleSHIELD route, so I have no plans to fit a silicon skin, so I've had to find a different solution.
I found that I can loop the lanyard fixing chord around the sim in the phone, between the silver sim socket and the 'runner' about 5mm away on the left hand side of the sim. It makes it tight work to get the sim back in place, but it does seem to work. I was considering making a small hole on the right hand edge of the back panel to allow the mounting chord to pass through but now I don't think this is necessary as the back does clip into place with only the slightest bump.
The sim socket, which will now be taking the strain from the lanyard, is fixed very securely. When I first tried to insert the sim into the phone I didn't even realize the 'runner' was there and tried to slide the sim in over the runner and didn't manage to get the socket to pop out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not recommending it, but have you thought about threading through the two holes for the front top "speaker"?
quicksite said:
REQUEST: Could you get a camera that has macro-close-up focus, and take a few extreme close up pictures of your assembly? I have a good sense for what you mean, but nothing speaks like a picture. I was thinking of exploring this kind of route myself, trying to figure out a way similar to how the HERO's anchor point was designed so brilliantly.
I think new members have some restrictions on posting links, and I am guessing no file attachments either, so, would you consider please taking a full series of photos, cover on, cover off, the whole process... and then email me the pics? and then i can post them here, and this could help a lot of people.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, I can't run to a full set of photographs, but I hope the following will suffice.
Hmm. Don't really like that. Looks risky and deforms the case.
SpudULike said:
Sorry, I can't run to a full set of photographs, but I hope the following will suffice.
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Click to collapse
That's pretty impressive.... I didn't check the inside of mine initially when you described it, and so before the pictures I was imagining that carry strap feeding down through the bottom of the cover, and I was wondering how that would work. So I actually didn't realize til I took the back of my Desire off that it's coming off the left side when looking at the screen, which is good placement ergonomically.
As for the engineering tensions and torques, I have no idea... I was trying to just imagine it in my head, and i applied force to the plastic sim card in the downward direction if the device were to slip from my hand... I can't evaluate but one thing's for sure, as you said, with your scenario of no case, this is, to me, a much better solution that praying no accidental dropping.
HTC really should have handled this (pun intended). Nice job! And thanks for the pics. I didn't know new registrants could post pics until x number of posts, but I guess you've shown otherwise, and that's a good thing.
al89nut said:
Not recommending it, but have you thought about threading through the two holes for the front top "speaker"?
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Click to collapse
Well do you mean anchoring it at the top and draping over the back and hanging down that way?
I'm going to simulate what MAYBE you mean, and photograph it.. then post again and ask...
al89nut said:
Not recommending it, but have you thought about threading through the two holes for the front top "speaker"?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this what you had in mind? This is just a "fictional dramatization".. Do not try this without adult supervision. But now that I see it, I wouldn't mind at all seeing 2 black threads at the top...
I guess when I get a silicon gel casing I won't need this solution, but i think it's also pretty good. Now if only someone can determine how & if the black-thread fishing line can be fished through the opening.... Oh, and if this wasn't what you had in mind, what WAS your idea?
.
That was it, though as I said, I would not be sure that it would not deform the two holes or interfere with the sound quality.
There is another better option - if you take the back off there are two torx screws in the top left and the top right (from the back) locations. I should imagine that if loosened, something could be looped around the top right one and then it could be tightened back up. Whether that loop would be the lanyard or a connecting piece of strong nylon I don't know. If you really want to go to town, you could probably try to cut a tiny tiny nick so it could come through the back cover where the notch is already cut to let you pry the back off. That's my best suggestion.
Attaching a strap
I have threaded fishing line through 4 of the holes in the speaker thingy on the top back and made a small loop. I have attached my lanyard strap to that and it has worked ok so far.
tirc83 said:
I have threaded fishing line through 4 of the holes in the speaker thingy on the top back and made a small loop. I have attached my lanyard strap to that and it has worked ok so far.
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Click to collapse
Oh, i would LOVE to see a photo! so cool.
Meanwhile, I have created a lanyard carry strap using a silicon case, punched a needle sized hole through and attached to a small smooth edged thin "plate" about the dimensions of an SD card.
I have been meaning to post my video on this. It is awesome.
But I and OTHERS would love to see your solution in pictures. Could you take some please? and if possible take close up macro shots right at the speaker grill with good lighting shining right in there, maybe a flashlight, so that we can see what IS or is not being obstructed..... the big worry was that fishing a line thru there would puncture the speaker itself.
So could you describe what you discovered?
thank you! great job!
Pics of fishing line method
quicksite said:
Oh, i would LOVE to see a photo! so cool.
thank you! great job!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK here are three pics of the finished article. I just removed the back cover, threaded through some fishing line and tied a small loop. I was then able to use this loop as an anchor for the strap.
Nice, but I would really, really worry that the back cover will come off. Better if you can secure it to some of the screws inside the Desire.
tirc83 said:
OK here are three pics of the finished article. I just removed the back cover, threaded through some fishing line and tied a small loop. I was then able to use this loop as an anchor for the strap.
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Click to collapse
Oh, I see now, I hadn't noticed -- you fed thru the BACK cover speaker grill.... When i first read i thought you had created the solution i made the video simulation about, which was afixing the lanyard fishing line around and behind the FRONT speaker grill -- which is why i mentioned there was fear about tearing into the speaker.
Well you saw the other person's solution, right, where he attached the lanyard to the micro SD card cage inside and send the line out the side. Some people liked that conceot, some didn't.
Okay, i have to post my pics. I have a 50-photo sequence of very detailed extreme close-ups of creating a lanyard strap for use with a silicon casing. It's practically foolproof. I say practically, because there are always ways to be so reckless beyond what any guardrails on a mountain roadway will ever do to protect you and your car from tumbling over the edge and over the mountain
I'd say the concerns in this case are correct... With the attchment point being just the back cover; I'm afraid that is not reliable enough to risk a $550 device's safety on.
I have not reviewing this thread, so not sure if it was on this one or another one where someone talked about using one of thecasing screws of the internal phone device.... though i think these void your warranty.
(time for me to say again: why oh why oh why HTC, why did you blindly follow Apple's iPhone BAD DESIGN PHILOSOPHY and do away with this small little item that protects a $500-$550 device? The design of the HERO *had* the carry strap hook, and it was brilliant and elegantly designed... sheesh !)
Can they tell if you loosen a screw a little?

Replacement phone slider

My phone broke and I just received a replacement . I will skip the horror story with that process. Suffice to say I don't want to go through that again but the replacement phone has a real loss slide which opens too easily and won't stay open when in landscape and using the keyboard.
I live a an hour from a repair store and was wondering if this is an adjustment that can be made in the store...I don't want to have to get a replacement,
Put a protective case on it. Wont slide as easily. The black one sprint sells is good.
trsix said:
Put a protective case on it. Wont slide as easily. The black one sprint sells is good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's actually a good idea . Because the alternative involves opening up the phone, and tightening down the tabs. Not a fun task . Also time consuming.
prboy1969 said:
That's actually a good idea . Because the alternative involves opening up the phone, and tightening down the tabs. Not a fun task . Also time consuming.
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Click to collapse
I was wondering if it was possible to easily tighten the keyboard up, but I guess not. Slider's are the only phones I haven't taken apart and fixed, I'm too scared that I'm gonna ruin it and have two parts and no phone lol.. Still waiting on another case from Amazon, until then guess I'll have to hold it horizontal to use the keyboard.
Best Buy also has a clear acrylic case that I've been using that works really well. I like it more than other cases because the top part has a solid line "tab" all the way across instead of the two small ones on the corners so there's less of a chance that you break a tab off on an end and no longer have your front face.
I don't think theirs comes with a holster though. I'm still using the black holster i got from a previous case.

Zenus LG Google Nexus 4 Leather Case Color Point Diary

Since no one did a review I guess I will be happy to do one.
I love the design of it, the way it fits the phone perfectly. BUT there is one disadvantage which is the magnetic strip interferes with the GPS signal as one user stated in this topic (http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2187199&highlight=zenus). As you can see in the picture where the paperclip is pointed that is where the magnetic area is slightly pulling the paperclip. Every time I put this case on the GPS signal does not lock on at all. As soon as I take it off the GPS signal locks on.
If GPS use not an option for you then this case is fine for you. If GPS is a necessity then this case is NOT for you. I have returned the case. It was an easy process.
If your willing to still buy it. It's worth $35 on amazon.com.
I am thinking of getting one of these. Does it still close well with 2 credit cards and a bit of cash?
Shame about the GPS, someone on Amazon claimed that the mobile signal is affected as well. This is not true, right?
AnonymousPenguin said:
I am thinking of getting one of these. Does it still close well with 2 credit cards and a bit of cash?
Shame about the GPS, someone on Amazon claimed that the mobile signal is affected as well. This is not true, right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It closes fine but some credit cards have raised indentations. When you close the case with items in it, it is a pretty tight fit to the point where it may scratch your screen when hard cards are inserted. Since the cover does move a tiny bit causing any hard cards to rub against the screen. Paper items are fine since it wont scratch the screen as well as money. Ill say the most that you can fit is one credit card in the top pocket and one in the bottom or 2 paper cards. Any more will bulge the case when it's close and may increase the chance that the cards may rub against the screen causing a slight mark.
As for the mobile signal I was not sure I had no problems making a call on 1-5 bars while I am outside but when I put the case on I notice it did drop 1 to 2 bars less from 5. It is the GPS signal that does not lock on when this case is on.
I have a screen protector on anyways so I was not worried.
Glad I found this post! Bummer about the GPS lock issue. I was getting ready to make a purchase on this case as well, but I use GPS every day, so it's not suitable for me.

SIM eject tool

Just curious, for those who remove their SIM card frequently (eg; frequent travellers, have multiple SIMs), do you carry your original Nexus 5 SIM ejector tool around with you?
Being an iPhone user for years, I never had to worry as I can find paperclips pretty easily and they do the job... but on the Nexus 5, the hole for the SIM eject tool is so tiny...
i have successfully used cheap toothpicks that you buy from a grocery store.
I used a paperclip at times but was afraid of it breaking some times so I carry a Sim tool ejector right behind my case its very thin and I don't notice any bulk on it
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk
akmsr said:
i have successfully used cheap toothpicks that you buy from a grocery store.
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Toothpick? I thought toothpicks are usually thicker than paperclips?
markdapimp said:
I used a paperclip at times but was afraid of it breaking some times so I carry a Sim tool ejector right behind my case its very thin and I don't notice any bulk on it
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The paperclips I have don't seem to fit...
I keep the tool from the N5 and the one from the Moto X on a keyring and keep them in a zipper pouch in which I also keep whatever phone I'm not using at the time, along with extra sim adapters. I swap between the two phones almost daily so I keep everything safe, handy, and in one spot.
I use the pin in my pocket knife. Seems to work fine, although you have to check them in when flying obviously.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
A staple pin will work too.
andretan said:
Toothpick? I thought toothpicks are usually thicker than paperclips?
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Click to collapse
the tip is usually very thin for couple of millimeters. thats all you need anyway.

[Q] Note Edge Wallet Cases

This may be super particular, but has anyone found a wallet-style case that holds at least 2 credit cards (1 id 1 credit card), some cash, kicks up for media watching, AND has a full TPU-type housing on the inside of it? I don't care if it shows the "edge" or if it has a clasp. I've had a wallet case for my Note 4 that didn't have a full housing inside of it and the bezels were completely scratched because of that. I can't seem to find one with all of the specifications, they're all missing something
I ended up finding one!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PYIBY3K/ref=gno_cart_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3VODXGBJ323R7
Has a TPU interior that covers the entire bezel, slots for money and cards, and pops up.
Now that I think about it...would it be possible to purchase a bumper case and use it with the official samsung flip wallet case?
With a little modification, I would assume so. That's what I did with my note 2. My edge will be here Saturday and oem wallet cover as well. As soon as I can get my hands on everything I'll report back.
awesome! looking forward to your report
gotzta said:
I ended up finding one!
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PYIBY3K/ref=gno_cart_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A3VODXGBJ323R7
Has a TPU interior that covers the entire bezel, slots for money and cards, and pops up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ordered one from UK ebay and once you insert a couple of credit cards the flap does not close. Also occasionally the flap causes the front home button to be pressed which can switch on the Edge.

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