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After reading a few threads here about the best case, I decided that I will purchase a TPU case (clear smoke argyle). I was looking at ebay and see the same item/design by these 2 sellers. One is $3.87 other is $7.49. Anyone know what the difference between these 2 is?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=370473226743 - $3.87
http://cgi.ebay.com/Argyle-Smoke-Flexi-Skin-Cover-Samsung-Vibrant-T959-/310291583683 - $7.49
There is another for $6.95 it says that it comes in a retail package, where as the first one it says it's "generic." Looks the same to me in the pictures.
http://cgi.ebay.com/SMOKE-Argyle-So...617919?pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item255d54a37f
Any help? Oh, and I looked around a lot, but wasn't able to find one without the argyle pattern that is also clear smoke. (didn't like the hybrid one too much). Anyone away of any such case?
Thanks!
I bought a smoke case from accstation and it seems to fit well, but the case is so rigid that the case over the power and volume keys make it very hard to press the keys. After some careful stretching they seem to work well enough, at the aesthetic expense of those small areas of the case. I also bought a similar Purple TPU case from post3rs on Ebay. It seemed to have the same issue over the power and volume buttons. I've dropped the vibrant on concrete from 4 feet 3 times with that case and so far it's saved me, and i'm considering cutting out the power + volume with a razor knife.......... Not sure how some of the more pricey cases compare in this arena but it's worth mentioning my experience.
i think they are all the same cases, but rustychiles is right, its extraordinarily rigid making the buttons hard to press, i would recommend that "best case" over the argyle one since its far easier to press the buttons, on the other hand, it is a nice looking case
also, to rustychiles, don't cut out the buttons, they will become recessed and much harder to press, i tried that with a cheap silicone case cause i didnt like it and i was curious too, it doesnt work
Thanks for the reply guys.
@bdroc, which "best case" are you referring to?
its that thread about "the best case in the world"
http://www.daydeal.com/product.php?productid=45703&cat=5085
bdroc said:
its that thread about "the best case in the world"
http://www.daydeal.com/product.php?productid=45703&cat=5085
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Got it, thanks. I ended up going with the TPU argyle case. Not a big fan of the pattern, but I like the feel of TPU more than the hard plastic in the hybrid version.
be sure to give us your review on it when you get it!
btw, is it a hard cover or soft cover?
Ok, will do. It's a TPU case, so I think the feel of it will lie somewhere between soft silicone and hard plastic. Just the way I like it -semi soft or semi hard, depends on how you look at it.
drcrappants said:
be sure to give us your review on it when you get it!
btw, is it a hard cover or soft cover?
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Oh BTW, if you are interested, someone already posted a mini review and pics for the TPU argyle case here, which is what convinced me to get this case. I think there's also pics in the "best case" thread here on xda.
http://androidforums.com/vibrant-accessories/117168-samsung-vibrant-cases-6.html#post1626153
Get the cheapest one you can get because you are going to have to cut out the buttons anyway. I have 2 of the TPUs and they are the best cases out there. Both of the TPUs were the same materials and the buttons are so hard to press you have to cut them out, which I did. I highly recommend TPUs.
I have 5 other types of cases (non-TPU) like Gel, etc and I can say that TPU offers the best combination of protection and feel. It doesnt catch lint in your pockets like other types do. I dropped it many times and no scratches whatsoever.
rustychiles said:
I bought a smoke case from accstation and it seems to fit well, but the case is so rigid that the case over the power and volume keys make it very hard to press the keys. After some careful stretching they seem to work well enough, at the aesthetic expense of those small areas of the case. I also bought a similar Purple TPU case from post3rs on Ebay. It seemed to have the same issue over the power and volume buttons. I've dropped the vibrant on concrete from 4 feet 3 times with that case and so far it's saved me, and i'm considering cutting out the power + volume with a razor knife.......... Not sure how some of the more pricey cases compare in this arena but it's worth mentioning my experience.
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Update: Instead of cutting out the case over the power and volume buttons I heated up a flat head screwdriver with a flame and gently thinned out the TPU case over the power and volume buttons by gently melting and stretching the case and couldn't be happier with the results. The cases don't melt the way you want them to, and aesthetically I could probably do better next time by using a hot surface the same size as the area I am stretching but it doesn't look that bad and it's as functional as I'd like it to be now.
Don't cut the case! As someone else said, it makes the buttons recessed and hard to press. Take a small piece of tape and place it on the insides of the case, under the power and volume buttons. Works a lot better.
quest4fire said:
Get the cheapest one you can get because you are going to have to cut out the buttons anyway. I have 2 of the TPUs and they are the best cases out there. Both of the TPUs were the same materials and the buttons are so hard to press you have to cut them out, which I did. I highly recommend TPUs.
I have 5 other types of cases (non-TPU) like Gel, etc and I can say that TPU offers the best combination of protection and feel. It doesnt catch lint in your pockets like other types do. I dropped it many times and no scratches whatsoever.
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i agree, TPU is one of the best cases. i first got a TPU case for my iphone 3g and i loved it so much that when i bought my vibrant i got the exact same case for it
after the first day, i also learned that the buttons couldn't be pressed so i had to take an x acto knife to cut the holes out. now its not so bad
LOL @ cutting / blowtorching the cases... i used the tape method.
Get stronger fingers.
-bZj
XDAapp
down8 said:
Get stronger fingers.
-bZj
XDAapp
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THIS...quit being a *****.
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
What is that--tape method?
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
No need to cutout button...after couple of days it gets softer to press.
I used a Case-Mate case for my Incredible for a while (and had switched back to it from the otterbox just recently), and noticed today they have a case for the Thunderbolt. Shows in stock, but no picture, so I ordered one. Soon as I get it I'll post up some pictures. Hopefully it looks like the Desire case. Ordered it priority mail, so hopefully I'll have it by Monday.
They just updated with pictures.
That's a good looking case.
My shipping info shows it's coming from Atlanta, so I MAY have it tomorrow. I've been happy with my Case-Mate case for my Inc (I have the Otterbox Defender for it as well, for when I'm going out on site and need the extra protection), so I'm hoping this case will work as well.
Only issue I can see at all is the possibility of making a large phone too large, lol.
It also looks like they have raised up the power button, so it'll be easier to find in the dark, the one on the unit now is so recessed that I have a hard time hitting it, or even finding it at times.
Thanks for the heads up. I just ordered mine. I love Case Mate. I used to have one for my Blackberry and loved them. I got a Seidio innocase surface from Amazon, but like mentioned before, the power/lock button is hard enough to press, it is really hard with the innocase as it is in a hole. I am going to be returning my Seidio. Can't wait to get this one. I used this coupon code and got $7 off and free standard shipping. CM02-AR20
LOL, I forgot to check for coupons. Should have remembered that from when I got my Inc case.
Wonder if this one comes with a screen protector like the Inc case did? Won't matter since I ordered a Boxwave at the same time, but haven't gotten shipping info on that one yet..
I'm waiting for a Barely There version for my TB. Hope there's one out soon.
Just ordered mine with the coupon code. Thanks for the heads up. I like the white one.
Got my case in just a few minutes ago, and the only complaint I have so far, the power button is damn hard to press. It appears to be easier to find, but requires a pretty stiff press to get it to register. Volume buttons are easily pressed, so maybe it's just stiff. Otherwise the case looks good. I'll use it for now, but hopefully I'll find one I like as much as my old Casemate case for the Inc (which they don't even show on their page anymore). It was a 2 piece design, similar to the Seidio Active cases, rubber case with a hard plastic shell around that. This case is just one piece you snap your phone into.
At least the screen won't touch if you lay it face down, and it appears to be a PITA to remove easily, so swapping batteries out would be a chore as well.
Ok as an update, at this point I can't really recommend this case, it pretty much requires 2 hands to unlock the device. The power button on the case is recessed on the inside (like it would be for the volume buttons, since they protrude), and it requires the button to be depressed down into the shell a fair distance before it makes contact with the power button. I'm sure a shim could be placed in there to make easier contact, but honestly I shouldn't have to do that on a 35$ case. I'd expect it on a cheapie, but not at that price point. I've submitted a support request about it, and hopefully it will be addressed. Otherwise, I'd avoid this particular case for now.
With the case on, in my cardock, if the screen should turn off for any reason, you'll knock it out of the mount trying to turn it back on..
That's too bad, I was liking the look of this case. Let me ask you, is the inner case soft rubber and the outer shell hard plastic? This is what I'm looking for in a case cuz I used Seidio on my last two phones and dirt gets trapped between the phone and the hard shell and scratches the phone anyway. Unless you take it off daily and blow the fine dust out of it, it ends up scathing the phone anyway. I don't think this will happen with a soft rubber inner case. At least I hope not. Right now I'm using it naked so I have to find a case soon!
heffe2001 said:
Ok as an update, at this point I can't really recommend this case, it pretty much requires 2 hands to unlock the device. The power button on the case is recessed on the inside (like it would be for the volume buttons, since they protrude), and it requires the button to be depressed down into the shell a fair distance before it makes contact with the power button. I'm sure a shim could be placed in there to make easier contact, but honestly I shouldn't have to do that on a 35$ case. I'd expect it on a cheapie, but not at that price point. I've submitted a support request about it, and hopefully it will be addressed. Otherwise, I'd avoid this particular case for now.
With the case on, in my cardock, if the screen should turn off for any reason, you'll knock it out of the mount trying to turn it back on..
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bummed because i bought one of the white ones. vzw conned me into one of their cases but told me to return it within 14 days. it is the uglier than all hell though
If you put a bit of plastic, or a couple folds of a a business card up in the power button on the case, it's not nearly so bad. I'm hoping that Case-Mate will address the problem, but with a shim in there it works ok (I can turn on the screen about 90% of the time one-handed with a small strip of a business card folded over 3 times in there). The case is all one piece, with the rubber part covering the entire inside of the case. The fit is pretty good as well, but the raised CM logo on the back is a pain (phone doesn't sit level because of it on the back, I'll end up fixing that with an exacto knife at some point). It also picks up fingerprints on the back side just like the screen does on the front, badly, lol. The pictures show it more of a dull finish, but it's most definitely glossy. I'll try to get some pictures of the inside of the case this afternoon.
After living with it for a day, I can say I'm 50/50 on recommending it, if the power button problem is fixed by CM on newer models, then that'd go to around 80/20 for it (I'd rather have it NOT be glossy not that it's in my hands).
Luckily for me I had just ordered this case and had time to cancel it (went though amazon.com payments). I am also going to email them about the issues and see what they say. If its a problem I will just wait for otterbox or another brand to come out.
Here's a few pictures without the phone in it (you can see the little piece of paper in the first picture up in the power button location). If you look at the last picture, you'll see how far the power button is recessed inside the case, I feel it should have either been flush, or recessed like it is, with a small rubber protrusion/bar that actually contacts the physical button (like on an Otterbox case, they make great contact). If they had done that, you'd have NO issues with that button making proper contact. As it is, without the shim in there, I have to actually use a fingernail to press the button DOWN into the plastic surround to make contact.
Heffe2001,
How is the case other then the button issue?
Fit is fine, it keeps the phone's face off the desk when it's face down. It's NOT going to pop out of this case easily, lol. If you're into changing batteries often, it may be a pain to get it on and off frequently. The back side also picks up scratches fairly easily. Other than that, it'll work till I find something I like better.
Unlike the Case-Mate tough case for the Inc, the case doesn't actually cover the screen protector I'm using at all, so I had an issue with it in my pocket where the screen protector pealed back a tad on the corner, but you can't fault the case for that (I usually don't stick a phone in my pocket, just haven't found a belt-case/pouch for this phone with this case that I like yet). Why couldn't they have made a clip holster for this case and sold it with it??
Just for reference, this is what I'm coming from on my Inc (I also have an otterbox defender I use when I am going out on site, need more protection then than my day-to-day activities).
(EDIT) Let me also say, once you have the case on the phone, it doesn't move around in it, it's a very good, tight fit. I don't think you'll get any scratches from it. It also has a good feel in your hand, due to the rubber bumpers where you grip the phone. If they can get the button fixed (or you shim it up like I have), I think most people would like it. Also, as an aside, they are sending me another case so I can see if it's a manufacturing defect, or if it's the same on all the cases, I finally heard back from their tech support about my issues.
pretty cool case
not a bad case but very scratch prone fixed the power button issue easily
Nice case thinking about getting it if issues fixed
Right now I am very unhappy with the case and I am most likely going to be returning it to best buy.
1) The rubber cut outs seem to be a little off.
2) Getting it inside of the plastic bracket is just not happening. It just seems to tight of a fit. Any advice here?
3) I'm just frustrated with it over all. Bad design? Morse than likely for me anyways. But I am sure for others it works great. The last commuter case I had has a flat lip to so that you can work the case on. It doesn't seem to be the same for the S3. Getting the buttons in with all of the flaps looks to be more work than its worth.
Oh well maybe the Defender ill be better.
mine fits perfectly... it's supposed to be a snug fit. Just put the case in one side at a time starting with the volume rocker and then push the power button side in.
Otterbox has changed the silicone portion of the case so it is more durable but also more stiff and rigid. I was able to get my case on without too much trouble but it wasn't as easy as other cases. The thickness of the silicone also makes button presses harder. This case won't be for everyone but I like it enough.
The Dark One
Check out the recent Trident Kraken thread. There is a video comparison with Otterbox Defender, that shows how the case installs/removes, I prefer the way the Kraken works, so I ordered it for $29.95, link in the other thread. (Make sure you watch the right video, the one of the iPhone Kraken, is an old trident design, not the current set up)
firetruck41 said:
Check out the recent Trident Kraken thread. There is a video comparison with Otterbox Defender, that shows how the case installs/removes, I prefer the way the Kraken works, so I ordered it for $29.95, link in the other thread. (Make sure you watch the right video, the one of the iPhone Kraken, is an old trident design, not the current set up)
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Can you link me the video please?!
And yes the case is not for every one. This morning I put a ZAGG shield on until the Defender comes out.
Also look at the Incipio case, it feels fantastic on the phone and the buttons are responsive to a normal button press, I have no issues turning on the phone with only one hand and I'm a fairly weak guy
mastarifla said:
Also look at the Incipio case, it feels fantastic on the phone and the buttons are responsive to a normal button press, I have no issues turning on the phone with only one hand and I'm a fairly weak guy
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Only gripe with the Incipio case is that the rubber part is a lint magnet! Ill buy that Otterbox off you lol!
I didn't like it very much when I first got mine, but it's grown on me. It's hard to get in, but I think that's by design. The biggest issue I have with it is that the power button doesn't have very much feedback to know if I've actually pressed it. However, after a few days I've gotten used to it. I like the feel of the phone naked, but I like the protection of the case too much.
I tried just about every case locally available, and I must say this one beats them all hands down.
The only thing I don't like is the stiff rubber for the power button, but I'm sure it will soften with use.
Classy looking too.
I'm finding it a pain in the ass also. I thought my Epic Touch Trident Aegis was a pain to get on and off but this is ridiculous. Took me almost 15 minutes to get the thing on and 5 minutes to get off the first time. I understand it's probably because of the design, but still.
Also, I'm used to the clicky power button feeling of the Trident, which I don't get with the Otterbox. I might end up returning it and getting the Aegis when it pops up on Amazon in white. Or I may go with the lime green.
I looked at the commuter at best buy and thought it really ruined the appearance of the phone.Decided to go with the PT case with holster(Seido) and found it to be much nicer and offered a decent amount of protection
Sent from my SGH-T999 using xda app-developers app
It stiff I agree but maybe you guys need to get some man hands.
So funny story of the day....
After i returned my case to best Buy I check my email to find that Otterbox sent me a case anyways with an email from a manager. Apologizing to me and told me the case is on them! Very nice of them IMO. This is why I love Otterbox. Best CS hands down!
So maybe I will give the case one more go. I just hope it doesn't kill the corners of my Zagg IS. I have had it on now for 2 days! My case should be here tomorrow or Thursday. Again when they asked if I would like another I told em no that I was returning it and that I would be getting the Defender if it ever came out. I never even asked to speak to a manager. Some things just wow me. To bad other companies are not like OB.
I finally got my gold and black slim armor case today only to find out there us apparently an issue with it . when I have it in just the rubber the buttons click perfect .once I put it on with the gild covering the power button will no longer press but is stuck in the down position and makes my phone go crazy and start rebooting . has anyone else seen this
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
rexxcastle said:
I finally got my gold and black slim armor case today only to find out there us apparently an issue with it . when I have it in just the rubber the buttons click perfect .once I put it on with the gild covering the power button will no longer press but is stuck in the down position and makes my phone go crazy and start rebooting . has anyone else seen this
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
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had the same problem, what i did was leave the two pieces together, then slide the side with the power button into the case at a slight angle them pushed the other side down, now everything work properly
I've tried about every way possible . I did some searching and it seems lots of others on amazon are having the same issue and spigen is aware of it
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
There's a couple of more post about this. The Spigen are changing the fault cover.
Ionakr said:
There's a couple of more post about this. The Spigen are changing the fault cover.
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Looking at the forums the last couple days, boy did I choose wrong. I ordered the slim armor and the glas.tr protector. I already know both will be faulty when they get here.
I see this as more of a user error. It comes down to how you put the case on.
Put the case on in one piece and you won't have problems.
Put the tpu on, then put the hard shell on after and you'll run into issues (stuff binds up).
This case is a very tight fit to the phone. So you have to be careful installing it.
I'm glad I saw this thread, I was going to ask the same thing myself. The volume buttons work perfect but the power button sticks.
I just received this email:
We are very sorry for inconvenience, we have received revised rubber part, please advise whether you would like us to send you new rubber part? or whether you prefer a refund.
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What do people think?
Jonnyw2k said:
I just received this email:
What do people think?
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I would take their offer. I'm still waiting for an email back myself. I was reading on Amazon reviews that Spigen is sending customers a new backplate that corrects the issue.
Sent an e-mail to Spigen 2 days ago on both Amazon and their website regarding getting a replacement Slim Armor, have gotten no response . Hope I get one soon. I love the way the Slim Armor feels. As long as the issue is fixed this will be my permanent case.
Yadao said:
I see this as more of a user error. It comes down to how you put the case on.
Put the case on in one piece and you won't have problems.
Put the tpu on, then put the hard shell on after and you'll run into issues (stuff binds up).
This case is a very tight fit to the phone. So you have to be careful installing it.
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Spigen has Acknowledged they made the error.... but yea its a user error.
Yadao said:
I see this as more of a user error. It comes down to how you put the case on.
Put the case on in one piece and you won't have problems.
Put the tpu on, then put the hard shell on after and you'll run into issues (stuff binds up).
This case is a very tight fit to the phone. So you have to be careful installing it.
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Do you work for apple? Jk
He did say he tried installing it different ways though.
It's just a case, it should work without having to do anything special. Most people aren't reading these threads or trying different ways to install a simple case for it to work the way it was intended.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
I tried putting mine on over a dozen or so times in just about every way imaginable. Even did some trimming and tried sticking the point of a knife under the rubber power button flap and pull it through more once the phone was put in the case and it still has the issue. Even tried stretching the hardshell out a bit. Though all in all I'd say that both the volume and power buttons are too easy to depress in general and the tightness on some units makes the issue even worse. I contacted Spigen and hope to get a replacement as I really don't see any other cases out there I want . If need be I'll just completely cut the power button out even though I shouldn't have to do that.
It's not user error. Some cases seem to be fine, but some have the button issue. The inside nub that presses the hardware button is too tall. I trimmed mine and it is perfect. Great case otherwise - protective and not bulky.
Ronaldo Forenucci said:
It's not user error. Some cases seem to be fine, but some have the button issue. The inside nub that presses the hardware button is too tall. I trimmed mine and it is perfect. Great case otherwise - protective and not bulky.
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Did you use scissors to trim it?
Lownita said:
Did you use scissors to trim it?
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I would use a razor blade, you will have more control.
Lownita said:
Did you use scissors to trim it?
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Xacto knife with new small blade.
Ronaldo Forenucci said:
Xacto knife with new small blade.
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Have the same exact case. Was one of the first people to order it. I don't have a problem with the power button sticking. So it probably isn't every case. I install it by having both the rubber and plastic part together first and pushing the phone in.
Anyone receive the replacement TPU case for the Slim Armor from Spigen? I just received mine and I'm disappointed in it - I actually prefer the original one which had a slight defect. The power button on the new one requires alot of push to initiate the screenlock/unlock. The original was too sensitive at first, but after breaking it in and making sure it was properly fitted it was actually quite nice.
Anyone receive theirs? If so, feedback?
I feel the same exact way. Old one after broken in was perfect!
I just sliced the plastic on the bottom side of each button so that it's only attached by 1 flap like the original TPU piece. I find that this makes the buttons much better. Honestly, with this mod, I wish I could combine the new power button with the old volume buttons. Even with the mod, the volume buttons take a bit too much force and don't have the same feedback like the original one does.
Glad im not the only one. I thought I had just gotten so used to the old one that this one felt terrible
they sent me an email yesterday and said mine would ship soon. if the replacement sucks too, i'll just return it to amazon and get something different....i might wind up doing that anyway. inexcusable for a $18 case to have buttons that are defective.