Develop Bugs

Draco S3 Bumper Review + Video review + high res. pics(Astro Silver)

Hey everyone, I'm back with another review. This time it's on Draco Designs' Aluminum Bumper for the Galaxy S3(Astro Silver).
Video Review:
Build Quality:
The CNC machined aircraft grade aluminum used to make the bumper is extremely solid. It's not overly heavy, and the aluminum itself feels nice and high quality. In addition, I have never seen a case so well sculpted and engineered. Every subtle detail and curves are done absolutely perfectly. There are just no jagged lines and every part of the case is flush with each other and flows.
Design:
Without a doubt, the S3 Bumper is sexy. Its curves and sleek metal aesthetic make for an all around extravagant appeal that complements the Galaxy S3 very well.
Feel:
Gone are the days where you no longer have to worry about holding onto a "cheap, plasticy feeling phone." With the Draco bumper, your phone will feel brick solid and smooth.
Protection:
Protection lacks with the S3 Bumper. Sure it's made out of aluminum, but when you leave a big opening on the front and back of the phone, there is a lot of risk and potential damage for those parts. The sides and edges are well covered, but the part of the phone where it most matters like the front where the screen is, is left exposed without any coverage. Because of this, I would highly recommend using a screen protector along with the bumper.
Cutouts:
All areas of the phone are well accessible besides the headphone jack and micro USB charging port. The headphone jack cutout is way too small and recessed to accommodate what I would estimate as 99% of headphones. As for the micro USB port, the stock cable will work just fine, but any docks and stuff of the sorts will not work with this case because of the recession of the cutout.
One thing I really liked was how Draco used aluminum button coverings for the volume rockers and power button. They look great and match well with the overall "metal theme." They also give great feedback when pressed.
Signal/Reception:
According to the tests I've taken with and without the case on, network speeds are not affected at all whatsoever with the Draco bumper. A video showing the comparison is on its way.
My final thoughts:
Overall, I like the Draco Designs S3 Bumper, but it's not for everyone. First of all, it's for a niche market because not everyone has $90 to spare on a case. Also, despite being made out of aluminum, the case is not overly protective and because it's a luxury product, I would definitely not want to drop my phone when it's in the case. If you're the type of user who can spend $90 on a case and either doesn't mind dropping his or her phone or doesn't drop it at all, then I can definitely recommend the S3 Bumper. You really do get what you pay for in terms of the craftsmanship and quality that goes into the product.
Pics
Free USB strap cable(included with the case) - pretty much just a strap that attaches to the bumper via a lanyard and has a built in micro USB to USB connector for charging/syncing your phone on the go.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
The inner rubber lining is there to protect the corners of the phone. Each corner is lined with the same clear rubber.
FOR THE FULL PICTURE SET, VISIT MY WEBSITE.

amCase Hybrid Bumper Case Review + pictures *Giveaway now!!!!*

I just got my amCASE hybrid case and I'm quite pleased with it! First time buying an amCASE case but definitely won't be my last time.
Packaging
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
One thing I like to see with packaging is when its kept to a minimum. It's more eco-friendly and it keeps cost down for the manufacturer and consumer. We don't need a flashy package do we? They spend the money were it belongs, on the product!
Build Quality/Design
The build quality seems to be high. No rough corners, sharp edges or defects. All lines are clean and well made. It does have a white "amCASE" logo on the back that doesn't seem to quite fit with everything else but it's not too noticeable or distracting. They went with a two tone two material hybrid design. The back is a harder frosted plastic while the sides are a glossy tpu rubber material. It transitions from on material to the other seemlessly.
The frosted back is transparent but gives a smoked/blurry effect when looking through it. Which I kinda like; sort of artsy don't you say?
All cutouts seem to be perfectly aligned. No ports are covered. I like how they went with a big cutout for the micro usb port so we can use any micro usb cable to charge our phones. Also the cutout for the headphone jack is decently big. Would like it to be a tad bigger so ANY headphone plug can be used but it looks like most if not all plugs would be okay with this case. I hate it when a cases headphone cutout is too small to use with your headphones but that wasn't the case with this one.
The "buttons" on the case to simulate where the actually buttons are of not the best quality but definitely not the worst I've seen on tpu cases. Finding the buttons in pocket wasn't a problem as it has a good feel to them. Pressing them was good also. I never felt like I had to exert too much effort to get the button press to register with the phone.
It's also worth mentioning that the edges are raised to prevent scratching the phone when placing it face down on a table.
It's not the slimmest nor the bulkiest but a good compromise between the two. It won't protect your phone from a drop 2 stories up but it will provide good protection all the way around your phone for those minor drops we all have.
Giveaway! A brand new unopned hybrid case
Totally free but continental USA only as I'm covering the shipping. Sorry other countries.
https://www.facebook.com/TechMatte
Must Like TechMatte's Facebook page!
Write on the wall that you read this review AND provide a link to this review in the post.
Then write a reply with your thoughts on this review and this will end in 1 week. I will PM the winner for his/her address and I will send it out. I will send it via usps. No insurance so if it gets lost in the mail; sorry but I won't be buying another one to send you.

phew; just dropped my phone and the case protected it like a champ!

Have same case.
Great hybrid case if you are into TPU feel.
Pros:
- Precise cutouts
- USB cutout works with larger samsung cable
- Not slippery, comparing with YESOO Ultra slim Frosted http://amzn.com/B00GG2KWZY
- Just a tiny bit bulkier then YESOO Ultra slim Frosted
- Great (read tight, but not over tight) fit
Cons:
- Power button became not responsive, it works, but you cannot feel the click, I might just get exacto knife and remove it from case.
- Glossy sides, I would prefer matte, but it's personal design preference
Conclusion:
I would definitely recommend this case if you like TPU feel of the sides and don't mind glossy black sides.
All in all a lot more protection from the rubbery sides!

Doing a giveaway now! Read the review and the rules are there! Ends in 1 week. Merry Christmas!

Wooot I need to order me a case soon lol
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app

Trident Cyclops Case (Similar to Otterbox Defender)

Slim Hard Case with Built-In Screen Protector (comparable to Otterbox Defender Series)
http://www.tridentcase.com/shop-products/motorola-moto-x/cyclops-case-motorola-moto-x.aspx
TL;DR: My case didn't seal properly, but if it did, I would've been quite happy with it.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
The Long Version
I ordered mine off of Amazon (for about $15 less than what Trident sells it for). I was under the impression that my product would be manufactured in the USA, given that Trident makes a big deal about that on their website. It came in Trident-branded retail packaging, but was clearly labeled "Made In China" on the back.
The case is a thin TPU, surrounded by a hardened silicone border (with reinforced corners). The frame for the top is hard plastic (TPU?), and comes with a glued-in plastic screen protector. Once in the case, the phone is exactly the same size as the Galaxy S4, only slightly thicker. The screen is still manageable, and the heft is not too outrageous, considering that it probably offers a decent amount of protection.
Pros
Reinforced corners
Rigid support
Easy to install
Buttons become larger and clickier
Screen protector does not cover the proximity sensor
Microphone and USB port covers
Dust filter for the speaker grill
Physical design is much more attractive and less bulky than what you'd find with an Otterbox case
Cons
So long, Moto Maker design...
The top portion of my case would not seal / seat properly (defective design?)
The silicone (as expected) grips to cloth
You lose the beautiful industrial design of the Moto X in a bulkier case
The port cover flaps are a little annoying to work around (and don't insert securely enough for my preference)
The case is difficult to remove (but much easier to remove than the Otterbox Defender)
Build materials are not as high-end as those found in an Otterbox case
Summary
I contacted Trident, asking if this case has any known manufacturing flaws, in regards to the top portion of the case being off in their measurements. To describe the problem: on the left and right of the headphone jack flap, there are two tabs that are meant to lock into the top portion of the case. Mine do not lock, and there is a large gap between the case and the phone. If you touch the top portion of the case, it makes a displeasing clicking sound. The answer I got back was, "Oh, sorry your case isn't working out. We can RMA it." But then, I don't want to continue sending in the case, only to receive similarly defective units. Basically, I worry that in a hard spill, not having that top portion of the case secured shut, could send your phone flying.
If you could try this case out in a store, and it fits perfectly, I'd say that it's a great case for someone who is worried about a hard drop, but finds the Otterbox Defender to be comically large and ugly. This case is actually surprisingly slim, given the protection it offers. So if it all worked as it should, I would be keeping it. But seeing that the snaps are not only off in measurement - but also - seem like they are structurally inefficient, I'm going to assume that this is simply a design flaw. Perhaps they designed the case without having access to the device?
I might try grabbing a second one. I'm unsure, though. Has anyone else used this case at all?

Photos are corrupted, please try to reupload, I'd like to see the case
Sent from my Moto X using Tapatalk

danny39 said:
Photos are corrupted, please try to reupload, I'd like to see the case
Sent from my Moto X using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google has pics!
Sent from my XT1058 using Tapatalk

I just got the Trident Kraken AMS last night as an early Xmas gift. Ive had very good results with Trident products in the past and this case is solid. On the Kraken the front is the same as Cyclops but its a 3 piece rather than 2 and bulkier. Its not a daily use case though, I have a bike mount system for mountain biking. If you don't mind the extra bulk get the Kraken. My daily case is a TPU.
Sent from my XT1060 using Tapatalk

Seidio Dilex Case Review

Thanks to MobileFun for providing me with the Seidio Dilex Case, they have a large range of accessories for any mobile/tablet device especially the Nexus 7 so it is worth checking them out
The main area where this case excels at is protection for your Nexus 7, if you have used a case like the Case Mate Tough for your phone, this is pretty much the same but with a few extra features.
Overall, it is relatively easy to fit and remove the case.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}
We have two layers of protection, a shock absorbent soft silicone layer that surrounds the back, sides and front edges of the tablet completely and a outer hard plastic shell that houses the main body of the device, there is also a hard plastic shell that can clip onto the front of the tablet and protect the screen, this particular part also has the multi angle media viewing stand on the other side.
There are cut outs for the speakers, 3.5mm jack, micro USB socket, there are no cut outs for the power and volume buttons, however, the soft silicone rubber does not impact the buttons and ease of activating them, only the "feel".
The soft silicone layer covers the edges on the front and adds about 2mm above the screen, this is to provide a raised edge for when the tablet is placed flat down on the surface to stop the screen from touching the desk surface.
We also have an integrated multi angle media viewing stand, there are 10 different viewing angles in a landscape and portrait orientation! There is very little risk of the stand/case slipping since we have two non-slip pads on the front of the screen plastic cover.
Overall, the case adds a fair bit of bulk and not much weight. The case is very nicely designed.
With this case on, you have more grip when holding the tablet and it feels pretty comfortable in the hand too, personally I still prefer the feel of the Nexus 7 "naked".
My biggest gripe with cases that use a soft silicone layer is that they are a dust magnet! Within a day, you will have dust built up on the silicone layer and it is very hard to remove the dust...
Lastly this case does NOT interfere with NFC and is compatible with SOME wireless chargers, however, not the Nexus wireless charger.
Like the Case Mate Tough for my One S, I have no doubt that the Nexus 7 could take quite a few knocks with this case on and still come out in superb working condition, not willing to test this out though!
Conclusion:
If you are wanting the very best protection with a few neat features and don't mind losing the minimal look/feel of the Nexus 7 then this is the case to get! Whilst the case is superb overall in terms of design, protection and features, it is still a bit expensive (£39.99) in my opinion.
Pros:
Superb protection
Great multi viewing angle stand
Nice design overall
Compatible with most wireless chargers and NFC still works
Cons:
Silicon layer is a dust magnet
Adds a fair bit of bulk
A bit expensive

I just bought one of these myself, I'd like to add that my N7 2013 still fits into my back jean pocket even with the front cover on, and still works on my Nokia DT-900 Qi charger.

Review of UAG Folio case for S5 w/lots of pics!!!

This is a Review of UAG Folio case for Galaxy S5. http://www.urbanarmorgear.com/products/galaxy-s5-folio-case-red
I have reviewed a number of different "folio" cases in the past for various phones, but I never end up using one. The problem is that most of these cases are either too slim and offer no drop protection in favor of scratch protection, or they have annoying flapping cover that doesn't stay latched, or have front cover storage that bulks up the case and puts a pressure on the screen. Either way, it wasn't my cup of tea though I know a lot of people do prefer these. Furthermore, while being a fan of UAG cases I know they like to play it safe with their signature fused double layer open face design. So you can imagine my surprise when I heard they are introducing a folio case! Now, after I got a chance to test it out, I can tel you with certainty - these guys just reinvented the wheel!
The first thing you notice out of the box is a soft textured feel of this case. Referred to as "frogskin technology", they used some kind of a proprietary rubberized material with a non-slip grip where according to UAG it maintains grip even in wet and slippery conditions. Once you flip the cover open, the next surprise is a pocket under the cover with a room enough to hold 3 credit cards, including driver license, and a few money bills. The inside of the pocket has a textured synthetic lining which makes it easy to slide the cards out, and the middle of the pocket has a cutout for your thumb to push them out. Every detail of this design is very well thought of, including a padded cover with suede finish that won't scratch or put a pressure on the screen. And to top it off, front cover has a flap with a secure magnetic latch to keep it closed.
As I mentioned above, one of the big problems with a folio cases is not enough security to hold the phone and lack of general protection if you drop it. Some cases barely even hold your phone at the corners while others glue a cheap tpu or plastic case to the back cover. Here you have a fully functional high quality case with a folio cover attached to it. This portion of the case resembles a regular UAG case with a similar fused dual layer design and inner honeycomb impact resistant layer, but instead of a hard shell it uses soft rubberized "frogskin" finish. You still get a great level of protection while holding it securely inside and an easy way to take the phone out when need it. Also, just like with a regular UAG case, you get power and volume up/down buttons covered and with a great tactile response when pushed. All the ports are very generously open at the top and the bottom of the phone, and you get a precise speaker and camera/flash cutout on the back. The front cover has a cutout around front speaker area at the top so you can carry on a phone conversation with cover closed.
Overall, I think this is a first folio case that I'm going to use with our Galaxy S5 whenever I decide to keep the wallet at home and just take the phone and keys along with it. It offers a great storage functionality, a high quality exterior finish, an access to all the ports and buttons, and the same high level of protection I have come to expect from their regular cases. As a matter of fact, I was so impressed with this case that I wish UAG will make a special version without a front cover, and hopefully for Note 4 as well!
Here are the pictures.
{
"lightbox_close": "Close",
"lightbox_next": "Next",
"lightbox_previous": "Previous",
"lightbox_error": "The requested content cannot be loaded. Please try again later.",
"lightbox_start_slideshow": "Start slideshow",
"lightbox_stop_slideshow": "Stop slideshow",
"lightbox_full_screen": "Full screen",
"lightbox_thumbnails": "Thumbnails",
"lightbox_download": "Download",
"lightbox_share": "Share",
"lightbox_zoom": "Zoom",
"lightbox_new_window": "New window",
"lightbox_toggle_sidebar": "Toggle sidebar"
}