I had an otterbox commuter since I bought my Atrix, but after getting a couple of docks I jettisoned it. Well last weekend I smashed it to pieces, so for it's replacement I was determined to get the docks and the case to play nice.
I was shocked at how easy it really was. First remove the dock insert, then on the silicone under-layer of the case, simply cut off the plug covers and the phone plugs right into the dock without any hassle.
But I wasn't done, in that configuration the whole phone is basically supported by the usb port. An accidental bump or nudge could render the phone nonchargeable- no good. So I set to work with an exacto knife trimming out the dock insert until it was just right to provide support to the back of the case, broke out a little sand paper to smooth out the roughest portions, and presto! Pics below.
Oh yeah, before anyone brings it up, I'll be seeing what I can do about the car dock next.
Any idea if the defender could work
Sent from my MB860 using XDA
I've never actually put hands on the defender, so I don't know how much chunkier it is than the commuter. It looks like the defender layers are reversed; the hard candy shell inside, and the rubber around that? Try putting the case in the dock without the insert, and without the rubber wrapper, and see if the usb plug reaches the phone. If so, it may be worth trying cutting the port plugs off. Otherwise, it depends how hands on you want to get with removing more from the dock than just the insert. But the standard docks are $15 on amazon, so if you hack it all up to pieces and it doesn't work, you've not lost too much in the name of science.
As it happens, I took my dremmel to my car dock last night and it was promising at first, but by the time I got enough material removed for the phone to sit in the dock with the case on, it was being held less snugly than it is in my standard dock, and I hadn't even worked out how to get the usb plug to line up right. [sour grapes] I hate the car dock launcher interface anyways, so I'm just going to buy a second standard dock and mount it to my dashboard.
Ummm....if that's an Otterbox Commuter on your phone in those pics...it don't look nothin' like the two I have or the one's on Otterbox's website.
rusreid said:
Ummm....if that's an Otterbox Commuter on your phone in those pics...it don't look nothin' like the two I have or the one's on Otterbox's website.
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Don't know whose website you're visiting, but the commuter case is as shown below. The first pic in op was just the gooey center so you could see where the cut was made. From the front you can't see much of the hard candy coating anyhow, but it was there....
In that first pic, it looks like there's a different plastic shell on the front side. I see it now though. Sorry 'bout that.
Related
Hi I just got my Evo 4G and I am looking for the best accessories that work well with each other. I am looking for the following:
Screen Protector: cant distort colors and it shouldn't make my swipes and stuff terrible and it must protect against minor scratches. Note that i care about the screen protector but I don't want the glass exposed.
Case: Looking for a hard case that doesn't add much bulk and provides protection against everyday scuffs and minor drops.
Car Dock: Looking for a car dock that will hold my Evo while in a Hard case and still be usable. I would like it to recharge the evo as well. Most car docks don't work in my car due to the dashboard shape [see attached picture] so I am interested in vent options and not window adhesives (i cant bear my baby being suspended midair lol)
Better USB Charger: I want one that charge faster (wall charger) and have longer cords and maybe a few more cords.that i can keep one at work and one at home and in the car.
Any ideas?
Here's a good place for cables: http://www.amazon.com/BlackBerry-Cable-Micro-1-0m-Black/dp/B001QATRCA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1288623582&sr=8-1
as for charging, you're not going to find anything better then the stock A/C adapter.
screen protectors, i don't use them and my screen is doing just fine.
car docks: i keep my phone in it's holster cause i drive while in the car. just sayin'
good luck mate! i hope you find everything you're looking for
Well I am really looking for a screen protector ( i cant stand grease on my screen lol) and a car dock for GPS/Navigation purposes. But thank you for your response. I am checking out the amazon link now.
VictoryCrescent said:
Hi I just got my Evo 4G and I am looking for the best accessories that work well with each other. I am looking for the following:
Screen Protector: cant distort colors and it shouldn't make my swipes and stuff terrible and it must protect against minor scratches. Note that i care about the screen protector but I don't want the glass exposed.
Case: Looking for a hard case that doesn't add much bulk and provides protection against everyday scuffs and minor drops.
Car Dock: Looking for a car dock that will hold my Evo while in a Hard case and still be usable. I would like it to recharge the evo as well. Most car docks don't work in my car due to the dashboard shape [see attached picture] so I am interested in vent options and not window adhesives (i cant bear my baby being suspended midair lol)
Better USB Charger: I want one that charge faster (wall charger) and have longer cords and maybe a few more cords.that i can keep one at work and one at home and in the car.
Any ideas?
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Click to collapse
I use cheap screen protectors. I can get the vinyl ones on discount and choose not to because I don't like the way they feel. The cheap ones that use static cling to stick to my screen work great and don't get scratched through. I have scratches on the protector, but not the screen. Make sure they have a cutout for the camera if you don't use the ones that are linked.
My otterbox commuter isn't too bulky, but if you want minor bulk go with the new Incipio case. I think it just started shipping.
Go with the Kensington Iphone mount. It comes with a dash mount and a windshield mount. It works with the Evo in an otterbox, so it will def work with any hard case you may get that is smaller. I got this based on feedback from a member here and they couldn't have been more correct. It will not charge the phone, but if you are using the vent mount get you a cheap car charger.
USB Cords are all the same charge wise, it is a limitation of the USB port, not the cable. but if you want a long one go here.
you asked for the best...i don't have the best, but it works pretty well...
i have the seidio rugged case, i got it from amazon for $40 for the hard case, rubber case to go over that, holster and the screen protector.
seidio's screen protector is pretty good in my opinion. i'm not "screen protector connoisseur" by any means but it seems to hold up well while having a very glassy feel. as long as my hands arent covered in some sort of cooking or forehead grease, it stays relatively clean. I'm happy with the screen protector.
the seidio hard is ok. i like it overall but mine has developed a crack ( i have dropped it a couple times) and i will be seeing if i can get some sort of replacement. overall, it didn't add to much bulk and i liked the feel. i also liked how it goes on the phone and feel it provides good protection. i use this case by it self most of the time. i use the rugged part of it when i go off-road or working outside...really anytime that being in my pocket wouldnt be a good idea.
i use the nuvi 205 car mount for my evo. just takes a couple of minutes over a stove with a pair of pliers to form it to fit the evo with case. i fitted to my rugged case and when i use just the hard case, i use a piece a memory foam to hold it in place. it works really well and i use it while i go off-road. if it getting really bumpy, it falls out eventually but while on road it holds very nicely using either case.
i got the vent one so that it could have moving air going over the phone cause i did notice if i had my 1A car charger going and running satnav and other track recording apps plus music it got pretty warm (+the Arizona sun) and would stop charging.
like i said, not the best but thought it might be worth telling my experience.
cheers
I buy all my cables from monoprice.com
mag921 said:
I buy all my cables from monoprice.com
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+1
And not just for phone / IT equipment - car stereo, home theatre, everything. They've got an amazing combination of price and quality.
mag921 said:
I buy all my cables from monoprice.com
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USB cable there (monoprice) was for $2.81, where i got my cable on ebay for $1.85.
What I have bought on ebay for my evo:
Extended battery 3500mAh for $9.99
Desktop slim cradle for $12.26
Amazon
Seidio spring holster $22
Ebay and Amazon should be on your list to find accessories.
Here's what I use:
Seidio Innocase™ II Surface Combo: The Innocase II Surface fits the Evo like a coat of paint and adds almost no bulk. People are frequently surprised to learn that I even have a case on my phone. Despite that, it protects the phone remarkably well. I work in the industrial maintenance trades and I'm not easy on my phones, but my Hero looked like new after a year in an Innocase Surface (after I removed the case) so I'm using the same thing on my Evo.
Seidio Ultimate Screen Guard - Crystal Clear: I actually use the Boxwave ClearTouch™ Anti-Glare screen protector on my phone but a lot of people don't like the matte finish and the Seidio Ultimate is a great choice if you like a crystal clear protector. Either one is durable and easy to apply, and I didn't detect any reduction in touch sensitivity for either one.
Seidio Desktop Charging Cradle: The perfect desktop cradle as far as I'm concerned. Use it with the wall wart which came with your Evo and it will charge at the maximum rate that the Evo will allow. Use it connected to a USB port on your computer and it will sync, but it will only charge at a reduced rate because a USB port can't deliver the power that a wall wart can. I keep my dock connected to the wall wart and use another cable (which I bought from monoprice.com) when I want to sync.
It may sound like I'm a Seidio dealer, but I'm not. They just make top quality stuff and I'm the kind of guy who appreciates that and sticks with what works. If you'd like some further reading which includes some before & after photos of my Hero and the Seidio Innocase II I used on it, you can visit the thread in Android Forums by CLICKING HERE. If you want to cut right to the chase you can read the first and last post in that thread, but there's some good stuff in between too.
Pete
The Powermat dock door comes with a blockage that plugs into the usb port and keeps it covered when its on, and the case for the Evo I have now wont fit over the new dock door, so is there a case that anybody knows of that would.
I second this. I would love to get a case that covers the new door as it is larger than the original back case.
-Hank
what cases do you have? I would think a Gel case (I have the one from Sprint) might have enough give in order to stretch around it.
Joeriginal said:
The Powermat dock door comes with a blockage that plugs into the usb port and keeps it covered when its on, and the case for the Evo I have now wont fit over the new dock door, so is there a case that anybody knows of that would.
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What I am trying to figure out is why the hell they designed it with that nub. If you want to usb to your computer do you have to take the battery cover off? Or how about charging in your car?
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
I currently have a Trident Cyclops case. Now, me being me saw this post and looked at my case and said, "Surely this can be modded to fit." The other voice in my head said "This can be modded, and don't call me Surely." Any who, I wanted a Powermat for some strange reason. Do I really need one, you ask? Doesn't my battery last almost all day anyway, you ask? Yes, but who doesn't want something that passes electricity wirelessly through the air to their phone? So off to Best Buy I went to blow my niece's Christmas present money on a shiny new door and base charger. After a few hours with a dremel, some sand paper, a file, and my utility knife, I had a hard case that supported the nub and the slightly thicker door. It being my first mod ever of sorts like this, it worked out all right. Looking at it, you would not notice any modded difference other than my knife slipped while trimming the rubber flap that covers the USB and HDMI ports and a few mishaps with the dremel (that thing spins REALLY fast!). I wish I had something to post screen shots with of it on my phone, but I am too lazy to break out the DSLR at the moment, It's beddy bye time. Any way, I am pretty sure that the second time around I would be able to mod the case so you would not notice any difference from stock other than the rubber door being trimmed. This mod also allows for me to remove the connector from the door to the USB plug with out having to remove the case at all, and easily too, in case I need to throw the USB cable in it to link to my computer. If any one is intetested, PM me and I will throw up some screen shots tomorrow night. When the holidays are over and my wallet can support it, I may blow my other niece's birthday cash on another Trident Cyclops case and redo it to perfection.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
mitchellvii said:
What I am trying to figure out is why the hell they designed it with that nub. If you want to usb to your computer do you have to take the battery cover off? Or how about charging in your car?
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Click to collapse
And if your only concern if the USB plug, it is actually a separate piece that easily removes from the phone in case of needing car charger or USB cable for the computer without needing to pull the battery door off.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
So I'm the kind of person that figures if I want it bad enough and someone doesnt make it ill just build it. And because i wanted a hard case for the protection but also wanted a car dock for the music/navigation but the 2 were never really possible from what i had found. So I got the Speck Candy shell case and then ordered the original Motorola car dock and decided to see what i could do.
The dock showed up at my house last night and within 10 min of it being in my house i had taken the whole thing apart and started cutting and trimming to make things fit. I had to cut the side curves off the ends of the car dock (not needed because now my top clip keeps it from moving side to side along with the USB port). I also had to cut out the USB port chip board from the dock and move it up about 1/16"-1/8" so that it would make perfect contact with the phone while it still had the case on it. I also had to notch my Speck case so that the top clip on the car dock now clips onto the case instead of the actual phone because of the thickness of the case doesn't allow the clip to reach all the way over. I haven't had time to make it look pretty yet (ill try to do that this week) and i didn't have time to take any pictures (but i will if you guys want them) but it does work and I'm THRILLED with it.
please post pics of the finished product =)
Please post pics, i also have the car dock and would like to modify it a bit to fit my tpu case.
Just bought my G-Nex and I'm looking for a case that will work with the extended battery and will either be very easy to take off or can fit in a desk dock and a car dock.
Any suggestions?
Thanks.
I'm leaning toward the ghost armors. I just want the corners protected from drops really. Not sure how well ghost armors work when dropped on concrete from 3-4ft (like it fell out of your hand).
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1406602&highlight=ghost+armor
Erukian said:
I'm leaning toward the ghost armors. I just want the corners protected from drops really. Not sure how well ghost armors work when dropped on concrete from 3-4ft (like it fell out of your hand).
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1406602&highlight=ghost+armor
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Thanks for the info. I'm not a fan of screen protectors for hardened glass, but I could use the other parts and skip the screen protector. I agree about the dropping it from 3-4 ft onto concrete. I don't know if you've noticed, but the G-Nex reallly is slippery, which is why I want a case. The darn thing just slips out of my huge hands all the time. Frankly I wish it was a little thicker. This always thinner nonsense drive me crazy. I'm having trouble holding on to mine it is so thin!
Thanks again for the ideas.
First find a dock and car dock that can be purchased...
nomisunrider said:
First find a dock and car dock that can be purchased...
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LOL... Yeah I know...
whoster69 said:
Just bought my G-Nex and I'm looking for a case that will work with the extended battery and will either be very easy to take off or can fit in a desk dock and a car dock.
Any suggestions?
Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
dont have this, but i'd assume the case mate tough case would since it has cutouts for the dock connector(the gold . . . ) on the side
i believe they have pulled it till January though as they have to fix the size of the usb hole(like with the pop case)
i seriously doubt that ANY case will work with the docks.
the docks are normally molded to fit the phone perfectly in the same that it is, adding even 1mm around the phone can make it not fit.
the case i bought has the holes, but honestly i don't think theres a chance in hell of it fitting in the car dock in the case.
the Nexus One had these custom docks, and it was the same thing, you couldn't have any case on the phone for it to fit in any of the docks.
now, things like the invisible shield work just fine (usually) because they don't add any significant bulk to the device.
neok44 said:
i seriously doubt that ANY case will work with the docks.
the docks are normally molded to fit the phone perfectly in the same that it is, adding even 1mm around the phone can make it not fit.
the case i bought has the holes, but honestly i don't think theres a chance in hell of it fitting in the car dock in the case.
the Nexus One had these custom docks, and it was the same thing, you couldn't have any case on the phone for it to fit in any of the docks.
now, things like the invisible shield work just fine (usually) because they don't add any significant bulk to the device.
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I know Seido used to make some, but I wasn't satisfied with the support I got from them, so I won't be doing business with them again. I kind of figured that might be the case (no pun intended) but hoped someone else might make one.
Thanks.
Good news for all you Proclip fans,
I just recieved mine today and it works with the Samsung Extended battery just as well as the standard battery. There is a 1/2 in space behind the phone that should allow for even the most extreme extended batteries to fit as long as the battery cover does not extend beyond where the original battery cover fits (like if it wraps around the side of the phone it will not fit).
I ordered Proclip part number 513331 (Hard wired install).
Proclip doesn't disappoint either, this mount is just as awesome as the one for my old DINC. Nice and sturdy.
I'll post some pics later when I get it installed.
As is typical with proclip mounts, the mount is designed based on the physical dimensions of the phone (specifically the sides of the phone) so cases that change those dimensions will cause the phone to not fit in the grooves correctly.
Pix of the proclip in action
Grabbed a couple of pics for anyone interested.
Looks good, I had the incredible one too, but imo it was a little to hard to get in and out. Unfortunately since I already chipped my phone, I'm too scared to go naked with this phone. Plus their price is just too high for me.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
T-Keith said:
Looks good, I had the incredible one too, but imo it was a little to hard to get in and out. Unfortunately since I already chipped my phone, I'm too scared to go naked with this phone. Plus their price is just too high for me.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
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I wont argue that they are spendy - I already had the base part but it's like $100 for both pieces for newbies.
But I do get something that no other mount has been able to offer me - this one is wired into the car, I can use only one hand to put my phone in it, and it doesn't fall or move when I press too hard. Considering the Verizon one is $40 and a POS it seemed worth the extra.
But yea if you have a case it's not so good.
does you phone fall if you turn the screen for navigation ?
I just ordered Proclip's adjustable mount 875214. Hopefully it will work well with my diztronic case. It grips near the bottom of the phone so it shouldn't interfere with any of the buttons or ports. I'll update after it arrives with the results!
roachdabug said:
I just ordered Proclip's adjustable mount 875214. Hopefully it will work well with my diztronic case. It grips near the bottom of the phone so it shouldn't interfere with any of the buttons or ports. I'll update after it arrives with the results!
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Should be good, as it is adjustable. I wish they made the sides of the powered mount adjustable...
juju2lose said:
does you phone fall if you turn the screen for navigation ?
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Nope, it stays in there really well.
roachdabug said:
I just ordered Proclip's adjustable mount 875214. Hopefully it will work well with my diztronic case. It grips near the bottom of the phone so it shouldn't interfere with any of the buttons or ports. I'll update after it arrives with the results!
Click to expand...
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Well for those who aren't aware, these Proclip holders come in 2 pieces: The first is a custom-fit bracket for your particular vehicle, and the other is the actual phone holder.
So let me start with the holder. The one I got is adjustable and holds my Galaxy Nexus with Diztronic case extremely well. It's snug but not difficult to remove, and leaves plenty of room behind the phone for the craziest of extended batteries. A+
Then there's the mounting bracket... I selected 853616 for my '07 Impreza. It hooked in behind the panel just fine and it is made of the same plastic as the holder which was nicer than I expected.
Unfortunately, it goes downhill from here: This particular bracket is a bad fit. All the angles are off, and as a result the adhesive backed sections do not contact the vehicle properly. Even if they did, the adhesive is so weak that I'm not sure it would stick. I'm going to have to pull it all apart and go to work with some thick double-sided adhesive tape of my own in order to deal with the gaps and get it installed properly. Not cool, especially considering the whole kit ended up costing me about $60. Now, there's lots of different brackets for lots of different cars out there, so your mileage may vary.
At any rate, it does a much better job holding the phone than my cupholder did.
Got mine a couple of days ago.
As has been noted, they come in two pieces. The piece that holds the phone is very, very nice and will definitely work with any reasonable extended battery. It's very snug, but not too snug, and the fit is perfect. I got one of the powered versions and it's fantastic.
The car mount piece, for me, is of similar quality. The fit is near stock and the thing is damn near impossible to remove.
As a unit, the two pieces are rock solid.
Highly recommended. I wouldn't hold out for the Samsung three pin holder. I had that same holder (minus the three pins, obviously) for my Nexus S - and this one is far, far, far better.
roachdabug said:
Well for those who aren't aware, these Proclip holders come in 2 pieces: The first is a custom-fit bracket for your particular vehicle, and the other is the actual phone holder.
So let me start with the holder. The one I got is adjustable and holds my Galaxy Nexus with Diztronic case extremely well. It's snug but not difficult to remove, and leaves plenty of room behind the phone for the craziest of extended batteries. A+
Then there's the mounting bracket... I selected 853616 for my '07 Impreza. It hooked in behind the panel just fine and it is made of the same plastic as the holder which was nicer than I expected.
Unfortunately, it goes downhill from here: This particular bracket is a bad fit. All the angles are off, and as a result the adhesive backed sections do not contact the vehicle properly. Even if they did, the adhesive is so weak that I'm not sure it would stick. I'm going to have to pull it all apart and go to work with some thick double-sided adhesive tape of my own in order to deal with the gaps and get it installed properly. Not cool, especially considering the whole kit ended up costing me about $60. Now, there's lots of different brackets for lots of different cars out there, so your mileage may vary.
At any rate, it does a much better job holding the phone than my cupholder did.
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How snug of a fit is it? I have Verizon galaxy nexus with extended battery and Diztronic case. Does it take quite a bit of pressure to put it in the holder? Also, is the headphone jack open at the bottom?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
roachdabug said:
the adhesive backed sections do not contact the vehicle properly. Even if they did, the adhesive is so weak that I'm not sure it would stick. I'm going to have to pull it all apart and go to work with some thick double-sided adhesive tape of my own in order to deal with the gaps and get it installed properly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's what I had to do for my wife's Civic. She got the car mount that affixes to the center console and that one piece of double sided tape just wasn't cutting it. I used a heat gun to remove the factory tape and then liberally applied tape to all parts contacting the console. It's been holding steady for over a year.
Proclip should probably give people more sticky tape - but I think the reason they only use a single piece is because they tout that the proclip doesn't damage the car and it could be argued that uber liberal amounts of double-sided sticky tape could potentially damage some surfaces. In the civic it’s all plastic so it’s NBD to use a heat gun and remove any residue, but if was a BMW with an oak dash then I could see people complaining.
dgwood12 said:
How snug of a fit is it? I have Verizon galaxy nexus with extended battery and Diztronic case. Does it take quite a bit of pressure to put it in the holder? Also, is the headphone jack open at the bottom?
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
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I don't think any case would work with the proclip because it is a very snug fit and yes it takes a fair amount of pressure to put it in. Not so much that it will move the dock but certainly enough to keep the phone from coming out accidentally.
The only reason the extended battery works is because there is nearly a 1 inch opening behind the phone and the battery cover does not extend to the edge.
Yes the headphone jack is open but you would need a connector that is straight. A 90 degree connector would not work.