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Anyone have the same problem? My friend just got a brand new Dash, and the battery cover on the back of the unit seems to give in a little like mine. It's very prone to opening up when taking out of your pocket. Anyone have a fix for this? I was thinking of getting a new cover from eBay, but I figured it would yield the same results.
I think all of the excalibur phones have the same problem because I had the same and my friend did too.
Our solution:
Open the battery cover.
Put very small pieces of scotch tape where the screws are (on the sides).
About 1cm or less should do perfectly. Stick them near the screws or on top.
See the problem disappear
My phone feels much more solid now that the slight give in the battery cover is gone.
Also, I got a new Mugen 1200mah battery for the phone. I noticed it was probably slightly thicker than the original, maybe 1mm or less. So I removed the scotch tape and installed it and the cover sits beautifully. No creaking at all!
Hope this helps.
Yeah,
I have had the same issue.
My fix was to cut my buss. card to fit the dimensions of the battery. I then place it over the battery and then put the battery cover back on. The battery cover is much tighter and you have the added security of a buss card if your phone gets lost!!!!!!
Wow guys, awesome tips. I'm glad to discover that I am not the only one suffering from this.
I actually just purchased the Mugen 1200mAh battery for the phone as well. I guess I'll wait for it to arrive before trying the tape and card strategies.
PS - BTW, do you notice a significant gain in juice with this battery? If I don't charge my phone everynight, I can expect it to die halfway between the next day. I am hoping to be able to get at least 2 full days with this battery as I do a lot of weekend traveling.
I decide to buy one of those thin rubber covers for the S621 (5.00 bucks), fits great and protects from falling. Battery cover is permanently tight.
Regarding the Mugen:
Well, I just installed it yesterday so I am not sure, but I think there's a slight improvement. To tell you the truth, I am so used to charging my phone every night that I haven't really tested it.
Will give it a try and let you know.
Btw, with the Mugen, the cover now fits so well and feels so solid..its great!
Update:
Well, after using it for a few days, I can say that is battery is a very definite improvement over the 960mah one. I am trying to finish the 6th Harry Potter book on iSilo (reading it again to refresh my memory before the 7th comes out) and mostly, I am reading whenever I get the time to read.
That, coupled with checking mail through EDGE and lots of small calls, SMS sending, etc..
I am left with about 55-60% battery at night.
Earlier, it used to be more on the 25-35% side.
Downsides:
One day, my phone turned off on its own. This happened twice. The first time I turned it back on, my keylock was still on.
I haven't noticed the problem since that day but its something to consider. But, I had also installed Sprite Mobile Swipe and a few games on that day so maybe it was to do with them.
Anyway, its working perfectly now so I am very happy
Hi All!
Where I can find a Mugen 1200mah? Please write a link.
Hi, please search for Eten Webshop in Google. It's the first link you get.
I don't know whether we are allowed to post links here.
This battery is awesome. It is a lil thicker, as mentioned, and it does make the back cover a lot sturdier. It also adds a lot of juice over the original. Highly recommend it.
Having heard about the screen cracking problems and just generally wanting to protect my new excalibur I searched the Net for a good case.
I found several online stores and ebay sellers carrying a Black Aluminum Case, i even found it on amazon and the reviews looked pretty good.
The case is pretty much identical to this one, maybe some of you have tried it.
I really like the way Case protects the screen and the phone in general while allowing access to all the keys, and it doesn't look half bad if a little bulky.
Unfortunately the belt clip fell apart after just 2 days use though thats not such a deal breaker but I have also just realized that the case decreases my signal strength, in some situations by 3 bars. That i cannot live with, it sort of ruins the point of having a hard accessible case if you have to keep on taking your phone out of it every time you want to make a call.
This is the most active Excalibur forum i have found (and stuff you guys develop is awesome) and i was just wondering if you guys could recommend a good affordable case. I have found a black plastic case and a lot of leather/cloth ones but after this bad experience i would like to see what you guys have to say first.
Thanks
Just use a rubber case, seems to do the job for me and they are fairly cheap on ebay.
For Fathers Day, I got a black/silver carbon fiber case... looks damn sexy with the black wallpaper on Kavanas ROM. No signal probs at all.
There are other options
Dude, I am dead serious about my phone looking sweet. I can tell you do too, hence the aluminum case. So, here's what you do, go back to ebay and get one of those antenna boosters. It's a freakin strip you put on your battery or something, it's toilet paper thin. It takes up no space. Try it. It might help, and then you wouldn't have to sacrifice the cool case. It's worth a shot.
Plus, unless you have extensively tested this theory. I doubt that your case is making your signal quality go down. Since the signal is transmitted so far away and makes it through so many metallic and non-metallic obstacles, yet your phone picks it up. Now, it does all of that, and you think that a 20th of an inch of aliminum is going to stop the signal. Maybe, but I would try something else before trashing the case. Just an opinion. Hope this helps.
RoachX said:
Having heard about the screen cracking problems and just generally wanting to protect my new excalibur I searched the Net for a good case.
I found several online stores and ebay sellers carrying a Black Aluminum Case, i even found it on amazon and the reviews looked pretty good.
The case is pretty much identical to this one, maybe some of you have tried it.
I really like the way Case protects the screen and the phone in general while allowing access to all the keys, and it doesn't look half bad if a little bulky.
Unfortunately the belt clip fell apart after just 2 days use though thats not such a deal breaker but I have also just realized that the case decreases my signal strength, in some situations by 3 bars. That i cannot live with, it sort of ruins the point of having a hard accessible case if you have to keep on taking your phone out of it every time you want to make a call.
This is the most active Excalibur forum i have found (and stuff you guys develop is awesome) and i was just wondering if you guys could recommend a good affordable case. I have found a black plastic case and a lot of leather/cloth ones but after this bad experience i would like to see what you guys have to say first.
Thanks
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outerdepth said:
Since the signal is transmitted so far away and makes it through so many metallic and non-metallic obstacles, yet your phone picks it up. Now, it does all of that, and you think that a 20th of an inch of aliminum is going to stop the signal.
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Exceptional point!
I have a black aluminum case as well... my signal is just fine...
outerdepth said:
Plus, unless you have extensively tested this theory. I doubt that your case is making your signal quality go down. Since the signal is transmitted so far away and makes it through so many metallic and non-metallic obstacles, yet your phone picks it up. Now, it does all of that, and you think that a 20th of an inch of aliminum is going to stop the signal. Maybe, but I would try something else before trashing the case. Just an opinion. Hope this helps.
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Click to collapse
I have tried it out in numerous situations, there are of course some situations where i get full bars with the case or with out but there are many (including my home) where with the case i will get 1 -2 bars and seconds after taking it out of the case the signal will go up by 2 or 3 bars. Put in the case, wait a couple of seconds and again the down to 1 - 2 bars. I didn't think a thin sheet of aluminium would effect the signal either, maybe its the lining or even the finish on the case.
Don't those signal boosters eat up the battery?
jacknmary said:
For Fathers Day, I got a black/silver carbon fiber case... looks damn sexy with the black wallpaper on Kavanas ROM. No signal probs at all.
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You wouldn't happen to have any links to that product?
Im sorry...I bought it at the local mall. A phone accessory vendor had it. cost me 20, and I'd be happy to pick one up for you if you wanted to paypal the cash.
Ill post a pic soon...
jacknmary said:
Exceptional point!
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Yes.. it sounds good! But, not a very educated point that's for sure... hehe
outerdepth said:
Dude, I am dead serious about my phone looking sweet. I can tell you do too, hence the aluminum case. So, here's what you do, go back to ebay and get one of those antenna boosters. It's a freakin strip you put on your battery or something, it's toilet paper thin. It takes up no space. Try it. It might help, and then you wouldn't have to sacrifice the cool case. It's worth a shot.
Plus, unless you have extensively tested this theory. I doubt that your case is making your signal quality go down. Since the signal is transmitted so far away and makes it through so many metallic and non-metallic obstacles, yet your phone picks it up. Now, it does all of that, and you think that a 20th of an inch of aliminum is going to stop the signal. Maybe, but I would try something else before trashing the case. Just an opinion. Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The battery booster idea... yeah. Not happening. Unless you engineer a way to actually improve the phone's internal "antenna" with that sticker (because that's all it is), it's not going to improve anything, but maybe make your battery door wobble less.
The way cell phones transmit their signals is a little different... Our phones don't emit radiowaves with a lot of power. The receiving towers have very high gain amplifiers that amplify these incoming signal VERY much in order to make them usable, and send them out to our phones at a very high power. If our phones emitted with the same wattage, we'd probably have brain cancer in a month. That's why it's important to look at SAR values when shopping for a phone. Our Excaliburs aren't too bad in that category...
You'll notice that ALL mettalic phones have a plastic panel SOMEWHERE on the case. The Iphone for example... black plastic at the bottom. The LG Shine which is all stainless steel, has a plastic cap at the top. These areas is where the antenna "array" is mounted. Why ? Because a mettalic case around it will effectively BLOCK the signal. Our Excalibur's antenna is at the top of phone, so make that area is clear of metallic obstructions in order to get a good signal
Oh and a piece of 1/20 inch aluminum will definitely STOP the signal IF it covers the phone all the way around. It acts like a cage for it. This is why when you open up a phone, you'll see these metal panels over the various radio chips on the phone's motherboard. They're put there to block radio interferance. Now if his case has holes in it, that's where the signal gets in , to the antenna. If those "holes" arent strategically placed, it will make radio waves not reach the antenna at full power, thus making his signal bars drop...
hmmmm.... i use a metal case that completely covers my phone (top included) and i have absolutely no loss in signal strength.... There are currently two types of metal cases for the HTC Excalibur (excluding colors) with minor diffferences between the two:
this one: http://www.pdair.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=10100000_900000_11000048&products_id=5295#thumb , which the top is left open and the edging around the keys are weird (i've owned this one and it sucks cuz your phone has a tendency to slide around)
and this one: http://www.ids.hk/item_detail.asp?C...e&itemID=40D714A9-0AFE-473B-A1D7-6346E7A8AF39 , this is the one i own ( albeit not from that site ) the entire top is covered. and the edging around the keys is a lot better.
Specifically all these cases sell with tag names: Monaco Aluminum Case, Metal Case, Metal Deluxe Case. and Innopocket Metal Case.
The one titled Innopocket Metal Case is the one you're going to want to get. It fits the phone better. and is better constructed.
I have the exact case posted in the opening thread (Monaco with open top). The Dash can move around a little but I am comfortable with this because it helps with screen adjustment depending on your angle of use. I never use the belt clip. I just orient it a certain way and use the original Dash belt holder (extra protection). I like the cool feel of the aluminum vs. the rubbery feel of the Dash. Also unlike the Dash, the aluminum case has little feet to better release sound and help with cooling when lying flat.
In any case I get great signals with or without the case in my area. But I have a friend that has like two levels of screens and mesh on the windows and doors. Kind of like the stuff high tech companies put on the windows to prevent signal theft of computer processors and such. If I open the case inside my signal strength does increase. But I don't complain because many cant even get a signal inside. So I guess it's true that under some circumstances, even the open top aluminum case impedes signal strength.
outerdepth said:
... and you think that a 20th of an inch of aliminum is going to stop the signal. Maybe, but I would try something else before trashing the case. Just an opinion. Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Guess you've never thought of how a coaxial cable works (Cable TV). The shield on that cable is much smaller than 1/20th in. and it seems to do a pretty good job of keeping foreign signals out.
jacknmary said:
For Fathers Day, I got a black/silver carbon fiber case... looks damn sexy with the black wallpaper on Kavanas ROM. No signal probs at all.
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Click to collapse
oh wow i had an exact case for my dash when i had it
pudgedaddy said:
hmmmm.... i use a metal case that completely covers my phone (top included) and i have absolutely no loss in signal strength.... There are currently two types of metal cases for the HTC Excalibur (excluding colors) with minor diffferences between the two:
this one: http://www.pdair.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=10100000_900000_11000048&products_id=5295#thumb , which the top is left open and the edging around the keys are weird (i've owned this one and it sucks cuz your phone has a tendency to slide around)
and this one: http://www.ids.hk/item_detail.asp?C...e&itemID=40D714A9-0AFE-473B-A1D7-6346E7A8AF39 , this is the one i own ( albeit not from that site ) the entire top is covered. and the edging around the keys is a lot better.
Specifically all these cases sell with tag names: Monaco Aluminum Case, Metal Case, Metal Deluxe Case. and Innopocket Metal Case.
The one titled Innopocket Metal Case is the one you're going to want to get. It fits the phone better. and is better constructed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The case i have is identical to your first link except the back of my case has less holes (top right of the back). I wonder if making some holes in the same area would help.
How do you find the belt clip for the case you bought? Is it hardy enough for regular use?
Thanks
RoachX said:
The case i have is identical to your first link except the back of my case has less holes (top right of the back). I wonder if making some holes in the same area would help.
How do you find the belt clip for the case you bought? Is it hardy enough for regular use?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did your case not come with a belt clip? Heck i'd give you 2 two i have if you were down the street from me. I don't use them. Not that i hate the reliability, but i'm very skiddish having "my baby" left out in the open to get lost. But if you're didnt come with one, chances are it would work with any variation. The back of both cases i posted have a screw hole in the miggle of the back of it that a metal nub screws into. Thats what lock onto the clip when its on your belt. Without that screw hole or metal nub, you're dead in the water
Oh it came with a clip, and said clip fell apart after a days use :-(. I'm looking at the version of the case you have the clip mechanism looks different.
I was just trying to help, so sorry if anyone feels mislead.
Well, it would seem that if I want to get a response out of someone, all I should do is say something slightly objectionable, MAN.
A simple no, I don't think that's how it works could have done the job. It's cool I have thick skin. LOL!
I do wanna add, though, that metals do not possess the exact same properties across the board. What I mean is, iron and aluminum are both metals, but aluminum is not magnetic because it is not a ferrous metal such as iron or one of its alloys, steel. I do want to add also, that I understand the radio chip concept and the metal cage placed around it to keep interference out. This does not mean that the chip cage is made of aluminum. I am not saying that it is, but I doubt it. Isn't aluminum used as an antenna for radios? Just saying, you think if it makes a good radio antenna or tv antenna, that it would make a good cellular radio antenna.
OrganicM said:
The battery booster idea... yeah. Not happening. Unless you engineer a way to actually improve the phone's internal "antenna" with that sticker (because that's all it is), it's not going to improve anything, but maybe make your battery door wobble less.
The way cell phones transmit their signals is a little different... Our phones don't emit radiowaves with a lot of power. The receiving towers have very high gain amplifiers that amplify these incoming signal VERY much in order to make them usable, and send them out to our phones at a very high power. If our phones emitted with the same wattage, we'd probably have brain cancer in a month. That's why it's important to look at SAR values when shopping for a phone. Our Excaliburs aren't too bad in that category...
You'll notice that ALL mettalic phones have a plastic panel SOMEWHERE on the case. The Iphone for example... black plastic at the bottom. The LG Shine which is all stainless steel, has a plastic cap at the top. These areas is where the antenna "array" is mounted. Why ? Because a mettalic case around it will effectively BLOCK the signal. Our Excalibur's antenna is at the top of phone, so make that area is clear of metallic obstructions in order to get a good signal
Oh and a piece of 1/20 inch aluminum will definitely STOP the signal IF it covers the phone all the way around. It acts like a cage for it. This is why when you open up a phone, you'll see these metal panels over the various radio chips on the phone's motherboard. They're put there to block radio interferance. Now if his case has holes in it, that's where the signal gets in , to the antenna. If those "holes" arent strategically placed, it will make radio waves not reach the antenna at full power, thus making his signal bars drop...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also, I wasn't expecting this kind of a reponse out of you, xticon, oops, xciton. Wow, very insightful. Could you please explain to me the purpose of this "shield" as far as the coaxial cable is concerned. I always thought it was there as a ground or to create a potential difference for the signal. Guess, I am wrong. Could and would you please clarify, since I appear to be retarded. Thanks, buddy!
xciton said:
Guess you've never thought of how a coaxial cable works (Cable TV). The shield on that cable is much smaller than 1/20th in. and it seems to do a pretty good job of keeping foreign signals out.
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Belt clips attached to the phone always break or come apart somehow. I'm with Pudgedaddy, I would never leave my baby dangling over the edge like that. LOL
I work directly with China's largest manufacturer of Extended batteries. They finished the AT&T Samsung Vibrant for T-Mobile and I've sold a bunch already with 100% feedback on Ebay. Userid is kevinjmoore. Unfortunately, they don't want to make a mold for the Captivate because they don't think there is enough demand in the USA to warrant it. To prove them wrong, I am trying to generate interest so that I can pay for the door mold charge and have them produce a bunch. The battery is the same as the Vibrant so that part is done. It is a 2800maH, which is nearly double the capacity and does last more than twice as long as stock--I know, I have the phone. Please email me at kevinjmoore at gmail dot com to get more details and help us get this rolling. I've reviewed all the forums out there and battery life is definitely one of the top issues. The rubberized door feel is awesome and it doesn't add a bunch of thickness to the phone like you think it might. Total production time is 20-25 days. My price will be at most $40 incl shipping. I may bring it down if demand is high enough. I will need a minimum of 50% fully refundable deposit. If I don't get enough demand in 30 days, I'll refund completely (less $0.30 Paypal fee). Please forward this, tweet this, facebook this and let's get this thing done My communication and customer service is second to none. We are building a US based website that will be up in 2 weeks detailing the over 35 other phones/extended batteries and hundreds of accessories (including IPAD and IPHONE) that we carry.
I found this pic on ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Samsung-Vibrant...448289815?pt=US_Batteries&hash=item1e5f52f017
There is no way I would do that to my captivate. Just make a battery that fits in the factory space that has a 25% more power and i would be happy.
alphadog00 said:
I found this pic on ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Samsung-Vibrant...448289815?pt=US_Batteries&hash=item1e5f52f017
There is no way I would do that to my captivate. Just make a battery that fits in the factory space that has a 25% more power and i would be happy.
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+1
10chars
I would do it in a second for double the life are you kidding me! As long as the back cover had some sort of style to it.
unfortunately I'm gonna wait for the seidio 3000mah extended battery.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Ewwwww...
That looks fugly as hell... I would get 2 extra OEMs w/ desktop charger instead...
Doesn't look horrid for the Vibrant. But the Captivate? Yea.. look like a damn camel hump or a hemorrhoid on the back of my phone. No thanks.
I had one on my Dream and other than being somewhat a nuisance for carrying cases/belt clips it was well worth it. In fact it worked so well I sold it to my buddy who had a dream when I switched to the captivate. He loves the damn thing cause he can use his phone all day long now without having to charge it.
I am a someone who prefers function over cosmetics. If it works better but is uglier wtf cares? When was the last time you looked at the back of your phone and was like wow- that sure is purdy You don't interact with the back of your phone. Also with the back being rubberized I would find it easier to rest on my shoulder during long tech calls with clients as I dont use bluetooth headsets. Just this morning I almost dropped my cap as it slipped from my hand getting out of the car- luckily I caught it, but still with the rubber this is less likely to happen. Again.. function over form all day all long.
I carry mine in my pocket. I like the captivate because it's thin. If I need to I'll carry spare battery before I double the thickness of the phone...I'm just sayin'
Mike
if i had the battery i could make the dies. are you looking to make a plastic cover or stamp an aluminum one?
anyway it would be nice to have on hand for trips or events where i dont know how long i will go without a charger. i dont think i would walk around with that in my pocket but it would be nice to have one available for occasional use and there are plenty of people that have come around here complaining about horrid battery life. i find the battery life quite good and in an every day environment you can always plan around it but obviously some people want more or just like to complain.
If I traveled, I would be all over this. Unfortunately, the $9 2-pack of batteries with wall charger on eBay just doesn't makes this as economical when I can just reach over and pop in a fresh battery and have the old one start charging.
It adds a "WHOPPING" 6 mm to the phone (not even 1/4"). I gave it to my friend to hold and he said he actually liked the feel better with the door that way. It felt more stable and fit perfectly to how you cradle your phone. The door is better than stock and fits easily in your pocket. It is NOT bulky at all. To not have to charge your phone every 7 or 8 hours if you are a moderate to heavy user is so worth it. I can't imagine not having it or carrying around 2 or 3 batteries all the time.
It is 6mm extra on an 11 mm phone (about 50% thicker for double capacity). It's a no-brainer.
i think you'd sell them but i think this might not be the right forum for it, the less than enthused response doesn't mean that people who travel aren't looking for something like this, it just means that we dont have that many people on the forum looking for this. are you getting feedback on your ebay store asking for it?
Email me at kevinjmoore at gmail to discuss.
Correct me if I am wrong but...
Isn't our metal back plate aid in reception? I thought the antenna was in direct contact with the back plate. Seems to me that a big piece of plastic holding in a big battery would give us signal loss...
Shovelhead84 said:
Correct me if I am wrong but...
Isn't our metal back plate aid in reception? I thought the antenna was in direct contact with the back plate. Seems to me that a big piece of plastic holding in a big battery would give us signal loss...
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no it appears to be grounded not an antenna but i could be wrong i dont know much about cell antenna design. there are two contacts and one goes to the metal chassis indirectly through a shiny plating on the back of the plastic housing. the other goes to the board but i didn't trace it to tell if it went to the points that contact the chassis and plastic cover, electronics today can be difficult trace.
i know some antennas form a loop and it can very well be an antenna but i find that my phone works fin with the battery door removed. also there is no reason a new batery door cant be stamped from aluminum. or lined with aluminum tape.
I assume that you can't have a battery like this and use a case like the Body Glove Mirage? Are there alternative cases that will work with a battery like this?
A better solution would be a silicone case with a pocket for a spare battery. Carry it when you need to and switch when you need to.
a picture (if you have a functional unit) would be a lot helpful...
waghoba said:
a picture (if you have a functional unit) would be a lot helpful...
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I agree. Any/ all pictures of all angles would be highly appreciated. Only then can i make my decision. I too am interested in this.
alphadog00 said:
A better solution would be a silicone case with a pocket for a spare battery. Carry it when you need to and switch when you need to.
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Click to collapse
Now this wouldn't be a bad idea either....
Espaa Valorum said:
I assume that you can't have a battery like this and use a case like the Body Glove Mirage? Are there alternative cases that will work with a battery like this?
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From my experience with the BG Mirage + the specs provided by the OP, its a definite No. Not with 6mm (50% thicker) but i would applaud anyone who would try it. Who knows, it might actually work out. Now if only Otterbox cases work with ANY extended batteries..........then I am ALL OVER IT.
Just a very quick review of my Easecase E5 which arrived about a week ago.
You can see pictures of it by search eBay for "Easecase E5 galaxy note" (without quotes), there's one here : http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/E5-EASECA..._MobilePhonesCasesPouches&hash=item5ae4059699
(I did get a bit of a shock when I saw that - that is my actual one - with my name on it, I was just searching for one at random)
Delivery time:
As mentioned in other parts of this forum, delivery times for Easecase are pretty woeful. I ordered on the 25th of November and, it arrived here a few days over a month later in Sweden. The problem seems to be largely that they ship via China Post which is quit slow - they dispatched it (with trackable* shipping) within about a week. I bought it through eBay, so I am not sure if they have another outlet, and, they make it very clear on their eBay items that they will take a looong time to ship, so, I can't take any points off them there.
Build quality:
It is beautifully put together. There's a slot running down the inner spine for the stylus, and my name is embossed on the front. I would characterise it as high quality.
Outside:
I opted for the magnetic clasp. It isn't a very strong magnet, but does the job.
Apart from the clasp, there's just the embossing on the outside, and, a neat seam around the edge.
Inside:
There are 2 bill pockets inside, both of which are *very* deep. They're about as deep as the note is high.
When it is fully opened, there are 5 credit card pockets on the left. Note that these seem to be individual pockets, separated from each other internally. Cards fit vertically into these pockets. The front of the pockets stretches a bit over 2 thirds of the way from the far left of the case to the spine. Behind the pockets is a sleeve about 1/3 wider than the short side of a credit card where you could fold bank notes* (remember this, I'll come back to it.
As I said, along the inner spine is slot for the stylus.
On the right is where the not goes. It slots in (quite snugly) from the top. The top is open, so you can get to the headphone port. There's a hole in the left for the volume control, a hole in the right for the power button, and, a hole in the bottom for access to the USB port.
Looking at the front, the home and hardware buttons are all accessible as part of the screen area. They've also neatly cut out around the top speaker and, the front camera.
Protection:
Very good. If the magnetic clasp doesn't come undone during a fall, then, it'd be very hard to break the screen. It is nice thick leather, and you might even be able to drop a brick on it when closed without breaking the screen.
It still won't help you if you drop it in the toilet as some poor chap here has apparently done.
Usage:
It is very bulky. Like one of those filofax jobs people used to (still?) have.
I'm used to big gadgets, so I cope, but you wouldn't get it into tight jeans pockets. I do squeeze it, with some discomfort into my front trousers pocket.
You don't want to talk on the phone with the cover on for more than brief calls, you look like an idiot. Most of the time I pull it out of the cover for calls, or, use a bluetooth headset.
Using the rear camera requires removing from the cover.
General browsing/emailing etc is fine with the cover on.
Fortunately removing the phone is a fairly quick procedure, as is putting it back it. I imagine it'll get easier still as the leather stretches a touch.
One annoyance is, as the leather reaches right to the top of the touch screen, if the phone slips up slightly, it can be difficult or impossible to pull down the notifications bar. When in landscape, this isn't an issue as the phone can't move left/right in the case.
Summary/thoughts:
I wish I'd bought the one without the bank note pockets. That'd reduce the bulk considerably and you could still stick notes behind your cards (see * above). You can also use the rear facing camera with the non-bank note version (E4).
On balance, I am pleased I bought it though, it is of high quality and, it is great having your phone and wallet all in the one thing - it also means you can ring your wallet to find it when you are in a hurry to head to work
If anyone has any questions, I'd be happy to answer them.
My recommendation for anyone thinking of getting one of these is to get the E4 and not this.
They don't seem to have any E4's on eBay at the moment for the note, but I am sure I have seen one there. Here's one for the Desire HD - I am sure it gets the point across.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/E4-EASECA...sesPouches&hash=item5647be7cbf#ht_5657wt_1016
Cheers,
Kent
kentmartin said:
You don't want to talk on the phone with the cover on for more than brief calls, you look like an idiot. Most of the time I pull it out of the cover for calls, or, use a bluetooth headset.
One annoyance is, as the leather reaches right to the top of the touch screen, if the phone slips up slightly, it can be difficult or impossible to pull down the notifications bar. When in landscape, this isn't an issue as the phone can't move left/right in the case.
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Two quick thoughts:
1) When calling, can't you fold the case cover back 180 degrees?
2) Some launchers (adwlauncher does this) allow to swipe down anywhere to lower the notification bar, so you don't need to touch the very top.
- Frank
ChodTheWacko said:
Two quick thoughts:
1) When calling, can't you fold the case cover back 180 degrees?
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No, the banknotes pockets kind of open so it gets more bulky and wants to spring back to about 180 degrees (where 0 is closed, 180 is wide open and 360 is the position you suggest), but I suspect you could with the E4 model.
2) Some launchers (adwlauncher does this) allow to swipe down anywhere to lower the notification bar, so you don't need to touch the very top.
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Yes - I read about that setting a while back, but have never used it, thanks for reminding me - it is now enabled for the swipe down gesture (hide dock was annoying me anyway).
Hi, thanks for the review, i've been stuck deciding between the E5 and the E4, due to the E5 having the bill slot, which i would think is really good compared to folding the bills under the cards.
Can you take a picture of the case when it's fully loaded, both open and closed?
e.g. all card slots used, and the bills folded and slotted under the cards
That would probably help sway my decision, if that slot + cards do not bulk up the entire wallet.
More info // pics in my thread. http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1419678
I love those case, but it's sucks when they cost so much!
It's should be 10$ max.
peanuts and monkeys
i hope to order this case by the end of this month, i've emailed them some questions on customisation, hopefully it's permitted, then can go forward with this.
the E5 with wallet style slot is definitely too bulky. I bought one for my Desire HD with modified size to fit the DHD with Otterbox. After receiving it, tested once with DHD and sit in my drawer collecting dust ever since.
EvoFighter said:
the E5 with wallet style slot is definitely too bulky. I bought one for my Desire HD with modified size to fit the DHD with Otterbox. After receiving it, tested once with DHD and sit in my drawer collecting dust ever since.
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Ya know I thought the same thing at first, but I just got a pack of 3 extra batteries and I find I can put two of em in the wallet and also a cleaning cloth and everything fits great.
In terms of customizations I wonder if a small bit for some change could be added.
Its beautiful.
Easecase E5 looks good.
This is a genuine leather case, and very good quality construction. They also responded well to my customization request (I wanted a 65mm horizontal belt loop added to mine).
Only $10 max is out of the question. Worth 3 to 4 times that much. It includes branding of your own name as well. It's a very classy leather case/wallet.
Could you please share a photo were the Note is next to the case just to compare the size of the case?
Hey great review. I really love the customization of these cases and I recently bought a galaxy note us version from ATT so ive been doing some research for a quality wallet type case for my note (will arrive monday) I was just wondering, would this case or the E4 case which is what ill probably get be fine for the american ATT version. Im pretty sure the dimensions are about the same but im not so sure about the button placements or the charger placements.
The only thing I dont like is the shipping time but not much I can do about it but this case seems to be the best so far that ive found besides the vintage leather case but those dont come in black and have magnetic strips.
Any reply would be appreciated.
So just to recap - will my US ATT galaxy Note i717 be a good match with this case?
dreamstealer2045 said:
Hey great review. I really love the customization of these cases and I recently bought a galaxy note us version from ATT so ive been doing some research for a quality wallet type case for my note (will arrive monday) I was just wondering, would this case or the E4 case which is what ill probably get be fine for the american ATT version. Im pretty sure the dimensions are about the same but im not so sure about the button placements or the charger placements.
The only thing I dont like is the shipping time but not much I can do about it but this case seems to be the best so far that ive found besides the vintage leather case but those dont come in black and have magnetic strips.
Any reply would be appreciated.
So just to recap - will my US ATT galaxy Note i717 be a good match with this case?
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When I dealt with them, I found them quite responsive, I suggest asking them if it'll fit the i717 - odds on if it doesn't they'll have one that does even if they haven't advertised it yet.
Although I haven't seen it, I'd definitely recommend the E4 over the E5 - I find I don't really need the slots for notes (you can slip folded notes in the bit behind where credit cards go anyway) and, it the banknote pockets block the camera (by necessity) which drives me a bit mad.
definitely not slim, and not cheap, but I've been very happy with this case for my N7-2012.
http://www.thesnugg.com/tablet-case...ather-case-cover-and-flip-stand-in-black.aspx
Will post once I get mine (pre-orders claim to ship Aug 23).
I got my Snugg case today...
what I like: they moved the loop for the stylus (not that I use it) away from blocking the USB port (as it did on the N7 2012 version of the case).
But alas, the case I got is a big fail. Open the case, the N7 turns on.. as you expect... and then when you finish folding the cover back behind the N7... that same magnet has enough pull to turn the N7 right back off
all you have to do is fold the cover back behind and slide it back and forth a little. I never had this problem with my N7(2012)+Snugg.
So I'm returning my case. Maybe they'll get the kinks worked out in a future batch.
EDIT: similar to the 2012 case, I do wish they made it a bit easier to reach the power/volume buttons.. the cut-out on the Poetic slimline is MUCH better for that.
EDIT2: Snugg is sending a replacement.. we'll see if its any better.
EDIT3: the comedy continues.. the replacement they sent was a red iPad case... not much good that will do... have emailed them again and waiting to hear back.
Got my replacement case.. same issue.... so I decided to do a little surgery...
I removed the stitching from 3 of the 4 sides around the tan Snugg logo, and peeled it back. Under that was a layer of light brown tape/paper.. I used a nife to scrape that back, and under that was a magnet which resembles a button battery... maybe 2/3 the diameter of a dime (US).
I used 2 pair of pliers to attempt to snap it in half.. it was fairly brittle, do I ended up with 4 pieces of different sizes.. I 1st tried the largest piece.. maybe ~50% of the original magnet... put it back in place, piece of electrical tape over, and tucked the logo back in place... still saw the problem.
So then I swapped that piece for the 2nd largest (maybe 1/4 of the original magnet).. and so far that seems to be doing the trick. Seems to open reliably from the front, and is NOT detected (knock wood) when the cover is folded to the rear.
I'll give it a few more days, then add some glue to secure the stitching I removed and call it a win.
I've emailed Snugg about this, but so far they are saying "we haven't had any other complaints".. I dunno, since I got one of the 1st cases they made for N7v2, I think that is a premature assessment on their part.
At this point, I hope I have the case I wanted.
RickySmith said:
Well Snugg is a nice case but I dont like that stylus space there...because I dont like to use stylus and more over that space will be more irritating one rather than being useful.....on comparison it with black leather portfolio case...i find that portfolio one is much better...as A case or a cover is a product that should be for the care of tab properly so i prefer that one over snugg...almost same price..but quality of leather portfolio case is much better...but its my personal experience i would say.....
Thanks....
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The stylus loop was at the bottom, blocking the USB port on their case for N7-2012.. they moved it to the top for N7-2013 (so it doesn't block anything now).. I don't use a stylus either, but it stays out of the way for me.
Snugg replied to my email, saying they have now gotten other complaints and are making an adjustment to the magnets in the case. Will be sending a revised case once it is ready.
RickySmith said:
Well Snugg is a nice case but I dont like that stylus space there...because I dont like to use stylus and more over that space will be more irritating one rather than being useful.....on comparison it with black leather portfolio case...i find that portfolio one is much better...as A case or a cover is a product that should be for the care of tab properly so i prefer that one over snugg...almost same price..but quality of leather portfolio case is much better...but its my personal experience i would say.....
Thanks....
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took a look at the link... I had a case like that for my Touchpad.. never again... I much prefer the Snugg style/functionality... I've had the N7-2012 version for almost a year.. zero fraying... it still is like-new. 2 others in the family have Snugg cases for different tablets, and they've had no issues either. *Other* than this current magnet issue (allegedly being fixed in a new batch of cases), I've seen nothing to suggest Snugg cases are anything but top quality, equal or better than any other "leather" case I've owned over the span of several tablets.
but the nice thing about this is that everyone likes a different style case, and there's something out there for just about everyone at every price point.
I got my rev2 case.. they did more than just fix the magnet... the inside cut-outs are different, and most importantly, they did a carve out around the power and volume buttons, making those much more accessible.
Oh, and by dumb luck, I figured out that the stylus loop can easily tuck in behind your N7, so it's totally out of the way (even tho it didn't bother me anyway).
and the magnet strength seems fixed now.
All in all I can now call this a very good case.
zim2dive said:
I got my rev2 case.. they did more than just fix the magnet... the inside cut-outs are different, and most importantly, they did a carve out around the power and volume buttons, making those much more accessible.
Oh, and by dumb luck, I figured out that the stylus loop can easily tuck in behind your N7, so it's totally out of the way (even tho it didn't bother me anyway).
and the magnet strength seems fixed now.
All in all I can now call this a very good case.
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Just saw the update on the rev2 case, right after I got done talking to Snugg. The lady at first hesitated, checked with her supervisor then came back. Said they had similar issues and it was fixed, new cases would be aent out to thoae affected meaning you muat first complain to get a replacement. My issues were bad fit, camera slightly blocked front and back. Buttons impossible to find, edge was curled badly, left aide of screen slightly covered, and just now typing this response my magnet kicked my screen off! Just goto Snugg's website and click the chat link they will send out a case once they verify your order number with them or amazon. Glad to hear the updated case looks more like the picture on their website. Waiting for mine now.
jusfartinaround said:
Just saw the update on the rev2 case, right after I got done talking to Snugg. The lady at first hesitated, checked with her supervisor then came back. Said they had similar issues and it was fixed, new cases would be aent out to thoae affected meaning you muat first complain to get a replacement. My issues were bad fit, camera slightly blocked front and back. Buttons impossible to find, edge was curled badly, left aide of screen slightly covered, and just now typing this response my magnet kicked my screen off! Just goto Snugg's website and click the chat link they will send out a case once they verify your order number with them or amazon. Glad to hear the updated case looks more like the picture on their website. Waiting for mine now.
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hmm.. just looked at the website.. their pic looks like the original rev for N7-2013... the one I got has cutouts above and below the screen ~3/4 the width of the display... vs. their pic show just a cutout for the front facing camera.
EDIT: FWIW I have NO idea why the new cutouts above/below the screen were done this way. the other changes they made, make sense to me.
OMG, what the crap case!