Hi everyone from XDA Developers forum!
This is my first post hopefully it won't be too bad! Just want to mention first I am only a customer of this product and I have no benefits by writing this post besides sharing it with all the Moto 360 users. Also, the product you receive might be different from the one I got because it is a 3D printed product. Hope you all understand.
I recently ordered the Moto 360 Bumper Case (tall) in black color from Shapeways. Here are my thoughts in the points below:
1. Order Speed:
Took them a little more than a week to complete the production, and that's totally understandable if they produce a lot of products. Shipping time just depends on your location.
2. Packaging:
Very impressive. They used a very big box (around 20cm x 15cm x 10cm) to ship the super tiny bumper case to make sure it doesn't break during the shipping process. Nice job!
3. Quality:
It is pretty fragile because it is a very thin and light weight 3D printed product. I don't think it is a good idea to put pressure on it when it is not on the watch. But when it is on the watch, it becomes pretty sturdy because of the steel ring of the watch. I think the quality is acceptable considering the price and material used.
4. Installation:
Very easy, just need to "clip" it onto your Moto 360 just like a hard phone case. Since the bumper case has a sand paper type of surface (both outside and inside the bumper case ring), I put a layer of tape on my Moto 360 before clipping the bumper case on to make sure it doesn't scratch my watch (I have the silver Moto 360). The layer of tape did not affect clipping the bumper case on. (but I know putting tape in between sounds weird, just in case, haha)
5. Fitting:
As you can see from the pictures, it fits very well on the Moto 360 with all the cutouts aligned pretty much perfectly. The bumper case does not affect the power button, mic (it might be the tape that I put on affecting the reception of the mic, haha), or charging (the watch does NOT sit perfectly on the charging dock like before but that's ok for me. As long as it charges)
6. Last point but the most important one, the LOOK!
Check out all the pictures I posted. I like the look of the bumper case on my Moto 360! I have black watch bands (with or without the cuff, the watch bands I got allows me to switch styles for different occasions). I actually like the sand paper type of surface because it gives the watch a tougher look. I think this part really depends on a lot of factors and it is very a personal preference. If I have metal of different color watch bands, I think it might not fit the look. Also, if you are wearing suits and ties, it might not look as elegant as before. So I will just leave it to you to decide whether or not it looks good to you. Just want to share my thoughts on the major concern that people have (I think, haha)
Sorry for the long post and hope my first post on the XDA forum helps you all!
(somehow I am not sure how to upload images, if you cannot see the pictures, let me know!)
First off..welcome to XDA. Secondly, nice write up and thanks for taking the time to do so but the question that is lingering in the back of my mind is....you DO realize that bumpers make the watch EXTREMELY large! The size of it, looking at your pictures, is something akin to those toy spy watches you can buy....Wow
Tower1972 said:
First off..welcome to XDA. Secondly, nice write up and thanks for taking the time to do so but the question that is lingering in the back of my mind is....you DO realize that bumpers make the watch EXTREMELY large! The size of it, looking at your pictures, is something akin to those toy spy watches you can buy....Wow
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I'd say the use of "extremely" is exaggerating a lot.
Chris_c81 said:
I'd say the use of "extremely" is exaggerating a lot.
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I wouldnt. Sure the 360 isnt a "small" watch, but adding the bumper makes it look like a hockey puck! (THATS a bit of a stretch but still) . I have smaller wrists like the guy who wrote this. When a watch with an added bumper becomes bigger then your wrist...thats TOO large
Tower1972 said:
I wouldnt. Sure the 360 isnt a "small" watch, but adding the bumper makes it look like a hockey puck! (THATS a bit of a stretch but still) . I have smaller wrists like the guy who wrote this. When a watch with an added bumper becomes bigger then your wrist...thats TOO large
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I don't have this particular bumper but I do have the silicone ones from Snug (review in this forum). As someone with smaller wrists also and with actual experience with the bumpers, you're exagerating. The bumpers are a couple of milimeters thick. That's hardly increasing size exponentially...
Chris_c81 said:
I don't have this particular bumper but I do have the silicone ones from Snug (review in this forum). As someone with smaller wrists also and with actual experience with the bumpers, you're exagerating. The bumpers are a couple of milimeters thick. That's hardly increasing size exponentially...
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Look at the third picture, the watch with the bumper on his wrist.You dont think that looks alittle TOO large? Christ it looks like one of the oxygen gauges divers use in that photo!
Tower1972 said:
Look at the third picture, the watch with the bumper on his wrist.You dont think that looks alittle TOO large? Christ it looks like one of the oxygen gauges divers use in that photo!
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If you think the 360 is big to start with, of course you're going to think adding a bumper will make matters worse. It matters not what I think of the photo (which is subject to angle and lighting effects on how it's perceived), you can't argue with physics - they're a couple of mm thick. It's only adding that small amount. You're exaggerating with your ridiculous analogies in an attempt to be humourous. I've seen bigger traditional wrist watches.
Those cases ruin it IMO, just get a plastic screen protector (glass will chip, I tried it) and you're gold.
I've banged this thing against concrete and rough stucco walls and the black metal doesn't get scratched or even dented...
Would like to have one will not influence the appearance of my moto 360.
Related
http://www.fortte.com/476/Motorola-XOOM-leather-case/
Thinking of getting the simple book case in mahogany myself
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium App
Probably going to buy one next week. Looks like they did something even Verizon and Mot can't wrap their heads around.
They made cutouts for charging a device.... go figure.... people like devices that have power .
Motorola XOOM Leather Cases
Here at Fortte we offer a lot of different options to personalize your leather case You can order any model in any of the 30 colors that we offer by going to personalize your case.
Love the positive feedback and would like to offer 30% off your entire purchase ( this includes embossing and color selection ) just type in MDF11 and our system will give you the savings right away...
Offer vaild from may 2nd to may 30th.
Thanks...Fortte
FortteCases said:
Here at Fortte we offer a lot of different options to personalize your leather case You can order any model in any of the 30 colors that we offer by going to personalize your case.
Love the positive feedback and would like to offer 30% off your entire purchase ( this includes embossing and color selection ) just type in MDF11 and our system will give you the savings right away...
Offer vaild from may 2nd to may 30th.
Thanks...Fortte
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's great! Thanks
nice. if anyone gets one can you make a vid review?
I just placed an order for a Keeper style case. I'll post up some pics and review/impressions once I have it in my hands. I customized the color so don't know how much additional time that will take before it ships, and then it has to make it across the border to Canada...
Very nice cases.
I would have definitely bought the simple book case if I didn't buy a kevikev a few weeks ago.
I just got one of the sleeve types, with my name on it! <glee>
gaspump said:
I just placed an order for a Keeper style case. I'll post up some pics and review/impressions once I have it in my hands. I customized the color so don't know how much additional time that will take before it ships, and then it has to make it across the border to Canada...
Click to expand...
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It arrived! Keeper case in Natural Soft Red. I have a couple images I took but since I don't normally post it won't allow me to include them due to low post-count.
First impressions - it looks and feels fantastic. The leather is firm enough to protect but feels silky smooth on the hand. The color I chose is even better than I anticipated (you never know when looking at a monitor), and man do they ever give you a lot of choice in that regard. In fact, I just noticed the stitching is color matched with the leather - red stitching on the exterior red leather, black stitching on the interior.
When I first inserted the Xoom I thought the little magnetic clip/tab bit that holds it closed was faulty and too short. User error: it actually pulls out and retracts on an elastic connection. The Xoom itself fits snugly, not so tight it's difficult to get in but once it's in it doesn't move around at all. All controls are easily accessible.
There are cutouts on the back for the camera/speaker/flash cluster on one side and the speaker on the other. There is no cutout on the bottom for charging/USB while closed. Given the excellent battery life I've been getting so far on the Xoom I'm not turned off by this at all, but it's important for some. There are, naturally, notches in the cover to use while in stand-mode.
Oh... and it smells GREAT
Overall I am super impressed. This is far and away superior to the official Xoom case I almost bought and ended up costing me almost exactly the same. Totally worth the wait for the custom color. Totally recommended for Xoom owners, and since they make cases for just about everything I will be recommending Fortte to anyone else I know looking for gadget cases. Excellent work.
I received my side slider last week, and I have to echo the statements made by gaspump- the feel and look is fantastic, it has my name stamped into it as well.
After having used both the rubber and leather VZW cases, this thing blows them both away both in comfort, style and fit.
gaspump said:
It arrived! Keeper case in Natural Soft Red. I have a couple images I took but since I don't normally post it won't allow me to include them due to low post-count.
First impressions - it looks and feels fantastic. The leather is firm enough to protect but feels silky smooth on the hand. The color I chose is even better than I anticipated (you never know when looking at a monitor), and man do they ever give you a lot of choice in that regard. In fact, I just noticed the stitching is color matched with the leather - red stitching on the exterior red leather, black stitching on the interior.
When I first inserted the Xoom I thought the little magnetic clip/tab bit that holds it closed was faulty and too short. User error: it actually pulls out and retracts on an elastic connection. The Xoom itself fits snugly, not so tight it's difficult to get in but once it's in it doesn't move around at all. All controls are easily accessible.
There are cutouts on the back for the camera/speaker/flash cluster on one side and the speaker on the other. There is no cutout on the bottom for charging/USB while closed. Given the excellent battery life I've been getting so far on the Xoom I'm not turned off by this at all, but it's important for some. There are, naturally, notches in the cover to use while in stand-mode.
Oh... and it smells GREAT
Overall I am super impressed. This is far and away superior to the official Xoom case I almost bought and ended up costing me almost exactly the same. Totally worth the wait for the custom color. Totally recommended for Xoom owners, and since they make cases for just about everything I will be recommending Fortte to anyone else I know looking for gadget cases. Excellent work.
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Rules.r said:
I received my side slider last week, and I have to echo the statements made by gaspump- the feel and look is fantastic, it has my name stamped into it as well.
After having used both the rubber and leather VZW cases, this thing blows them both away both in comfort, style and fit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thank you very much for the excellent comments, just tell them they can enjoy our special customized cases and now with a 35% off ( HSS35 )
Thanks...Fortte
I searched but can't seem to find anyone posting about the Crucial Mix twin case.
Has anyone tried it?
I just ordered one online from Korea (the black/gold variant). It looks nice. Has the soft rubbery casing that I like (rather than glossy plastic or silicon) but the tight metalic bumper to go around the edge so everything is on securely (and looks a little fancier).
It comes in a range of colors and you can choose silver or gold for the bumper.
I'll post some pics up when I get it.
In the mean time. Here's some stock shots...
Doesn't look too bad, kind of reminds me of the Neo Hybrid. Only thing that might bother me is how it kind of makes it looks more like an Iphone, what with the way it makes the back flat and all. Maybe it is just the photo angles though.
I bought one earlier, immediately ditched it. Fit was bad, quality is very plasticy, it will never look that snug fit like in the photos, because there is a hole for the antenna, I wouldn't recommend this to anyone.
jimyen said:
I bought one earlier, immediately ditched it. Fit was bad, quality is very plasticy, it will never look that snug fit like in the photos, because there is a hole for the antenna, I wouldn't recommend this to anyone.
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orz
(10 characters)
Lots of color combinations here:
http://english.gmarket.co.kr/challenge/neo_goods/goods.asp?goodscode=217099263
They actually look good!
I would not recommend either. The plastic band around the phone slides around and is such a bad fit.
uppon2 said:
I would not recommend either. The plastic band around the phone slides around and is such a bad fit.
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Thanks. I've read similar complaints. Too bad. They look really nice.
MOD EDIT: No advertising
all those links are messed up
dbl post. Sorry.
Mods pls delete this one.
I think he meant these:
http://www.obostore.com/momax-pc-tpu-i-case-pro-for-motorola-atrix-4g-p-1012.html
http://www.obostore.com/rock-ultra-thin-nakedshell-faceplate-for-motorola-atrix-p-1055.html
First one was nice (esp the black one), second has its own flair i guess.
Good cases all around, but how mch bulk these add ? and how is the overall girth affected ? Anybody can clarify that?
I already think that present atrix is just right with its weight and girth so cases might just disturb that.
garrett_tx said:
all those links are messed up
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I just ordered one of these, black one with transparent back.
http://www.obostore.com/kutoo-tpu-silicone-case-skin-for-motorola-atrix-4g-p-1026.html
hope it looks as good as in pictures.
spacescreamer said:
I think he meant these:
http://www.obostore.com/momax-pc-tpu-i-case-pro-for-motorola-atrix-4g-p-1012.html
http://www.obostore.com/rock-ultra-thin-nakedshell-faceplate-for-motorola-atrix-p-1055.html
First one was nice (esp the black one), second has its own flair i guess.
Good cases all around, but how mch bulk these add ? and how is the overall girth affected ? Anybody can clarify that?
I already think that present atrix is just right with its weight and girth so cases might just disturb that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just now dropped my phone on the concrete driveway on my way into the house. Luckily, I have the first case/sleeve adorning my Atrix - actually a very close variant without that slick translucent back. Mine is just "all black everything". I smiled as I picked it up off the ground. You know that cracking, smacking sound that your brand new cool-ass super phone makes when it hits the ground? Well mine did not make a sound. The only reason I knew I dropped it is because I felt something missing from my hand. If the first case is anything like the one wrapped around my Atrix - get it. I smiled as I picked it up, just thumbed the dust off the impact corner....
Solid a phone as the Atrix is, that was a guaranteed scratch/dent or what have you without that case.
http://www.bestbuy.ca/en-CA/product/g-zed-g-zed-mobile-motorola-atrix-case-black-gzmoatrskin1/10167359.aspx?path=6447e55fb4e9d37985389c4f76d43d4aen02
I also have the second one - "ROCK". I had high hopes for it with it's low profile and all, but it's in my stuff drawer now. It's a loose fit on the Atrix, and does not offer full impact protection. Your Atrix extends past the protective limits of the case's cut-outs at key spots. An unfortunate drawback to the case's uber thin profile. A well placed fall will more than likely result in scarring. Moreover, the finish on the Rock case, while pretty and matte, is just as slippery, if not more so than the Atrix itself. It feels too insecure in my hands. The first TPU case (or at least the one I have from Best Buy there) is like glue and then slippy when it counts. For example, I can "stick" my phone on my laptop screen and hang it there as I'm dev'ing or flashing, or on a support call for work or what have you and it stays quite put until I remove it. I can also stick it on 90 degree vertical glass surfaces, almost vertical on my ultra suede couch, and other felt type surfaces. At the same time it slips unencumberd into my tight denim jeans pocket without fuss. Well I guess it's just the nature of TPU, so if you've had TPU cases before you might already know this.
Having both myself, I'd highly recommend the first one (as long as it's like the one in the Best Buy link which I believe it is) It's thicker, but it's so bearable it's like the Atrix should have come with it from the factory. It MIGHT add a millimeter to the entire depth of the phone. It's also a sure grip on your Atrix - I know you've wished your Atrix was not as slippy as it is.
I might post some pictures of my Atrix spider-manning all over the place later in its TPU case.
Momax all the way.
i just updated all the links ! sorry for the bad links !
the rock ultra thin case is really thin and doesnt add alot of bulk to it . really living to its name of naked shell . haha
spacescreamer said:
I think he meant these:
http://www.obostore.com/momax-pc-tpu-i-case-pro-for-motorola-atrix-4g-p-1012.html
http://www.obostore.com/rock-ultra-thin-nakedshell-faceplate-for-motorola-atrix-p-1055.html
First one was nice (esp the black one), second has its own flair i guess.
Good cases all around, but how mch bulk these add ? and how is the overall girth affected ? Anybody can clarify that?
I already think that present atrix is just right with its weight and girth so cases might just disturb that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No advertising
Stumbled upon this case and hadn't seen it mentioned in the forums here yet. I want something slim and pocketable, yet able to take a drop from waist height. This looks like the best thing I've found so far.
Due out mid-may according to the person I spoke with at the company. One thing she couldn't say for sure though was whether or not the power button was covered.
http://www.goballisticcase.com/products/htc-one-ballistic-aspira-series-case
The reason I asked her is if you look closely, you'll see a little bit of rubber sticking off the top... looks like a power button covering to me. What do you guys think? Anyone know more about this case, the company or seen a pre-production model? Maybe this is why it's been delayed* -- due to a mistake?
(See edited pics I attached below)
*Note: "Delayed" being my own personal interpretation as to why the case was not available at the launch of the new phone as most big case companies do nowadays.
The video at 0:29 shows the power button is covered. It could be that they will fix this like Poetic is.
On second look, I see that the video is a general one for their line and not for the One specifically.
Long813 said:
The video at 0:29 shows the power button is covered. It could be that they will fix this like Poetic is.
On second look, I see that the video is a general one for their line and not for the One specifically.
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Yeah... I still am thinking along the same lines as what you were suggesting.
These cases are available now. Called and had a rep go find out that even though the picture looks like it's covered, that the IR functionality is not impaired. I'll report back if I get one.
its like you are carrying a soap on this case
ad78 said:
its like you are carrying a soap on this case
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Find out in next week's exciting episode who I'll choose.... will it be, the slim yet protective answer... or the slimmest, most pocketable answer?
From the posts, comments and effort placed into details, information and thoughts people provide on these forums in general, we're all kinda part of a soap opera it seems. Makes sense, phones are a total love/hate relationship!
I can attest that Ballistic make some really good Cases. I had the Ballistic Smooth Case on my HTC One S and I loved it, it looked Stylish yet protective.
While the Ballistic Aspira looks good i still prefer the Smooth, too bad its not available for the HTC One.
That said, i would definitely give the Aspira a Try, the only thing that worries me is the hard plastic, looks scratchable...
Anyone tried this case out yet? I've got one on the way, looking for an ideal, attractive case with good protection all around (without being overkill and covering all the ports and adding unnecessary bulk). Not into the UAG case... hate the milspec/ruggedized styling.
I hope it looks like it does in the photo... has a very "Portal"-esque aesthetic to it
lol it does remind me of Portal as well.
But really, tbh... this looks far from slim and pocketable o_o
The UAG looks smaller than this.
Judging by reference dimensions and proportions, I figure the corners of the Aspira stick out a tiny bit more than otterbox Commuter, whereas the waists are a bit slimmer. UAG outside dimensions are about the same as Commuter, the real differences seem to be in how deep/thick the case is... UAG is the slimmest there, Commuter feels thick due to the rear and side profile, I expect the Aspira will feel better in that regard, even with the higher edges around the screen. Hopefully they don't get in the way of typing etc. I'd love to do a full side by side review with Commuter, Aspira, UAG with professional comparison and specific measurements, anyone got a UAG to send me?
ordered one, will report back in a few days...
jodeltje said:
ordered one, will report back in a few days...
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Awesome, look forward to it. Very interested in comments regarding the lip around the screen and overall pocket-ability. Cause you can tell it would take a drop it better than a thin TPU or Seidio Surface.
Also make sure you take a photo of a very dark environment to engage the flash and let us know about any wash-out (if present). The design looks like it accounted for it in two ways by keeping the opening far away from the flash & lens + blacking out the rings around them.
Lauski said:
Also make sure you take a photo of a very dark environment to engage the flash and let us know about any wash-out (if present). The design looks like it accounted for it in two ways by keeping the opening far away from the flash & lens + blacking out the rings around them.
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Will do
Ballistic Aspira = Great bloody case.
Wow, just arrived and got it on the phone, fantastic case! Quick first impressions review here, I'll make a real review thread soon as I can, this case deserves the attention.
-The case feels much, much slimmer than my otterbox Commuter, comparing the depth (thickness) and width of the cases the Aspira is a hair smaller in both dimensions, but it FEELS much smaller due to the superior ergonomic contours and curvyness. This is the exact criteria I was hoping for with this case, I'm a product design engineer myself and love good simple, ergonomics above all, favouring natural curves to fit the hand. Very impressed with the case in that regard, the glossy white back with grippy forward edges handles extremely well and much less likely to slip from my hand than my Commuter case.
-Built quality is fantastic, the plastics used are top quality with perfect finish, the overmolded one-piece design is right on the money, and the blends where the two materials meet are very precise and no hanging burrs, overlaps etc. Cutouts couldn't be better... they look fantastic and the size and placement is bang on. Nothing in the way of the power button IR blaster, no issue using 90 degree headphone connector, best looking camera cutout I've seen. To top that all off, the volume rockers function perfectly, a clear step up in function and feel from the Commuters which are too stiff, and there are no slots or cutouts around the rocker to let dirt in. Also, the Ballistic text logo molded into the one side looks really bloody clean... I dig it.
-Lip around the screen is about 3mm height, same as the Commuter. does not interfere with typing or swyping near the outside of the keyboard. the lip is raised the slightest bit in the four corners, adding some extra bounce protection there and does not get in the way, additionally it means when laying the phone face down, it's standing up the littlest bit on those corners, which I really like.
-Criticisms: don't have any yet... which is fantastic as I'm a severely picky perfectionist. initial impressions is top score in appearance, handling, and build quality... I don't think this case could be made any thinner without sacrificing protection, I feel it offers an excellent level of protection especially if combined with a glass screen protector.
Durability test will come throughout the week, I keep my phone in coveralls pocket all the time and work in a busy machine shop, my phone does get dropped from time to time and usually gets dirty with aluminum dust, coolant residue, etc from handling. the HTC One tends to pick up tiny steel filings around the speakers (magnets yo), the commuter was a PITA with this cause I had to take the case off the phone to clear them away... this case has just the right bit of flex around the speaker grills so it should allow me to wipe them away with the case on. Will report end of the week, and do a photo test with flash in the dark to check for reflection in the cutout.
Also I will get photos of it on the phone! it really looks fantastic :good::good:
Can anybody comment on how this case will fit into Slim (not skinny) jeans? Does the silicone part catch in pockets? Does it not wrap properly in some places? I had a ballistic for GS2 until I realized that thing was a tank and only needed a TPU case.
Also, the back is just polished polycarbonate as opposed to the Aspira's big bro, the GS, which has a TPU back that is virtually unscratchable. That's closer to what I had for the GS2. Can anybody tell us if the back is prone to scratches?
I'll give you detailed field report in a few days time, I keep my phone in jeans pocket usually and always taking it out to browse on transit, two hours a day, plus shop time. Should have an idea about scratch resistance and pocketability by Friday
Ps, did some low light flash photo tests, no signs of whiteout/reflective effects from camera/flash cutout.
ApoC_101 said:
Wow, just arrived and got it on the phone, fantastic case! Quick first impressions review here, I'll make a real review thread soon as I can, this case deserves the attention.
-The case feels much, much slimmer than my otterbox Commuter, comparing the depth (thickness) and width of the cases the Aspira is a hair smaller in both dimensions, but it FEELS much smaller due to the superior ergonomic contours and curvyness. This is the exact criteria I was hoping for with this case, I'm a product design engineer myself and love good simple, ergonomics above all, favouring natural curves to fit the hand. Very impressed with the case in that regard, the glossy white back with grippy forward edges handles extremely well and much less likely to slip from my hand than my Commuter case.
-Built quality is fantastic, the plastics used are top quality with perfect finish, the overmolded one-piece design is right on the money, and the blends where the two materials meet are very precise and no hanging burrs, overlaps etc. Cutouts couldn't be better... they look fantastic and the size and placement is bang on. Nothing in the way of the power button IR blaster, no issue using 90 degree headphone connector, best looking camera cutout I've seen. To top that all off, the volume rockers function perfectly, a clear step up in function and feel from the Commuters which are too stiff, and there are no slots or cutouts around the rocker to let dirt in. Also, the Ballistic text logo molded into the one side looks really bloody clean... I dig it.
-Lip around the screen is about 3mm height, same as the Commuter. does not interfere with typing or swyping near the outside of the keyboard. the lip is raised the slightest bit in the four corners, adding some extra bounce protection there and does not get in the way, additionally it means when laying the phone face down, it's standing up the littlest bit on those corners, which I really like.
-Criticisms: don't have any yet... which is fantastic as I'm a severely picky perfectionist. initial impressions is top score in appearance, handling, and build quality... I don't think this case could be made any thinner without sacrificing protection, I feel it offers an excellent level of protection especially if combined with a glass screen protector.
Durability test will come throughout the week, I keep my phone in coveralls pocket all the time and work in a busy machine shop, my phone does get dropped from time to time and usually gets dirty with aluminum dust, coolant residue, etc from handling. the HTC One tends to pick up tiny steel filings around the speakers (magnets yo), the commuter was a PITA with this cause I had to take the case off the phone to clear them away... this case has just the right bit of flex around the speaker grills so it should allow me to wipe them away with the case on. Will report end of the week, and do a photo test with flash in the dark to check for reflection in the cutout.
Also I will get photos of it on the phone! it really looks fantastic :good::good:
Click to expand...
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Thanks for the first impressions!, I'm glad that mine is on the way! . Looking forward for the pics ! Cheers
Just a little mid week update: case has totally grown on me, it's been perfect for me so far. Been working on a batch of small aluminum parts at work with machining and polishing, made sure to handle the phone plenty with my dirty hands.. dirt will barely stick to the glossy back, and wipes off easily. It will stick to the silicone but it wipes off that too. So far it's great for dirty job! Someone asked about or mentioned case materials of other ballistic cases, I believe the base material of this case is PA or PV based, most likely acrylic based. It's a super fine gloss finish in a solid milk white colour, with just enough flexibility to get on the phone. Poly-Acrylic makes sense since it feels great but also keeps enough tack for good handling, and depending on the blend and curing it can have excellent scratch and abrasion resistance, which this case appears to have. It should also exhibit good UV and sunlight resistance, as not to embrittle and change colour over time, which TPU can do. The lining material of the case is a silicone type rubberized plastic, it has a good solid cure and shouldn't shred like the softer durometer grades like some otter cases tend to do.
Off topic but funny cause of the irony, those aluminum parts I'm working on are fiber optic parts for the bad guys (Samsung). I believe Intel uses them too. I actually have no idea what they are for.
I just got this case today (gift from my boss who got it from out Ballistic rep). Having had it on for a few hours, I can tell you that it feels good , even though it's a little slick, not too thick, not as thick as an Otterbox Commuter. The power button is open, all the openings are where they're supposed to be. Seems like a good case
I just got mine in today and I really like this case! I have a zillion different cases and this one seems to give me the best of everything I want. I was using Case-Mate tough case before which I really like too.
Sent from my HTC One with hi-fi stereo and the Now Network.
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
Wow that looks like a great quality skin! How do you keep the termites from eating away at your phone? lol
The quality for the Moto X one may be good but the quality for the Nexus 5 one is pretty bad from my experience.
The cut outs for the nexus lettering are bad and uneven and to thin and different sizes and the back skin was longer in some corners from others. I was pretty disappointed..
I'm getting a replacement from them soon but I don't expect any different because I sent a picture of the back to CL but they said that the manufacturer said they didn't think it was defective but it "got stretched somehow" I know I didn't stretch it and it didn't look stretched to me cause others people with the skin from them had the same looking cuts just not as bad as mine. But I'll see how the new one I get is.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
Nocturnal86 said:
The quality for the Moto X one may be good but the quality for the Nexus 5 one is pretty bad from my experience.
The cut outs for the nexus lettering are bad and uneven and to thin and different sizes and the back skin was longer in some corners from others. I was pretty disappointed..
I'm getting a replacement from them soon but I don't expect any different because I sent a picture of the back to CL but they said that the manufacturer said they didn't think it was defective but it "got stretched somehow" I know I didn't stretch it and it didn't look stretched to me cause others people with the skin from them had the same looking cuts just not as bad as mine. But I'll see how the new one I get is.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
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Have you noticed lint getting stuck on the edges, or the corners peeling especially on the thin side strips?
THanks