Related
Its really barely there though and super light weight and doesn't interfere with anything
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using xda premium
When lying back-down, does the case keep the camera lens raised off the table to protect it (and I assume it does not cover it, i.e. there's a cutout)?
Nice to see someone tried out the silver one.
I put up some pics of the black one i got in this thread:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1299029&page=3
I like those cases, but they are too nice for me. I would feel bad using it. Bought myself this instead:
http://www.case-mate.com/Samsung-Ga...te-Samsung-Galaxy-S-II-Barely-There-Cases.asp
$14 Shipped http://www.thecellguru.com/Products/33461
Case feels great, it has that matte plastic feel. Slips in and out of pocket perfect too.
I have the Aluminum case and I love the look, but I can really tell it hurts the GPS signal. I might keep it just for when i dress up.
poofyhairguy said:
I have the Aluminum case and I love the look, but I can really tell it hurts the GPS signal. I might keep it just for when i dress up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not to hi-jack this thread but I also have the Aluminum and dont have the GPS issues that have been reported. I tried out GPS last night and everything seems to be working fine. The little GPS icon flashes on my notification bar and my navigation keeps what looks like accurate lock on my position, orientation, directions, etc. May I ask how you know your GPS signal is degraded? As for as I know, there is no GPS strength indicator on our phones?
tboooe said:
Not to hi-jack this thread but I also have the Aluminum and dont have the GPS issues that have been reported. I tried out GPS last night and everything seems to be working fine. The little GPS icon flashes on my notification bar and my navigation keeps what looks like accurate lock on my position, orientation, directions, etc. May I ask how you know your GPS signal is degraded? As for as I know, there is no GPS strength indicator on our phones?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are apps like GPS Status & Toolbox which determine the signal strength of the phone's GPS. I was ready to jump on the Aluminum case but this issue may be a deal-breaker for me. Try measuring your signal with and without the case and see if there's any noticeable difference.
I just sent back my Barely There Brushed Aluminum case. Loved the case, but it definitely screwed with GPS reception. It could hardly get a lock on GPS and Google Maps was failing over to using cell tower location, which is obvious when it happens because it becomes very inaccurate (large circle around your "location") and the GPS indicator flashes for a long time trying to get a lock. Eventually, it would get a lock, but only briefly then go back. Too bad, I liked the look and feel of the case, but I guess totally plastic will be the option for me.
jjsoviet said:
There are apps like GPS Status & Toolbox which determine the signal strength of the phone's GPS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GPS Status shows me it locks to fewer sats slower.
Honestly the best place I can tell is in Google Maps. With the case on, the me indicator has a radius as big as my complex. With the case off, there is no radius- just a triangle on me.
I decided to keep the case for when I dress up (it is that fancy), but otherwise I am using a $6 black TPU case.
Same here.I.have used GPS to get to and from w/o any issues Signal is fine as well
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I777 using xda premium
shoitz said:
I just sent back my Barely There Brushed Aluminum case. Loved the case, but it definitely screwed with GPS reception. It could hardly get a lock on GPS and Google Maps was failing over to using cell tower location, which is obvious when it happens because it becomes very inaccurate (large circle around your "location") and the GPS indicator flashes for a long time trying to get a lock. Eventually, it would get a lock, but only briefly then go back. Too bad, I liked the look and feel of the case, but I guess totally plastic will be the option for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup, I just went to radioshack and my gps fails. It can utilize the cell towers to triangulate but that isn't exactly accurate 100% of the time. Oh well I really liked it too.
poofyhairguy said:
I have the Aluminum case and I love the look, but I can really tell it hurts the GPS signal. I might keep it just for when i dress up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same case looks fantastic. I can't see where it affects the signal in anyway. I have even thought it may improve the signal.
Updated list of compatible cases
I updated my list of compatible cases...added seidio
http://www.traemcneely.com/2011/10/...i777-samsung-galaxy-s2-sii-cases-covers-sgs2/
I picked up this case today and I honestly can't tell if it is screwing with my GPS or not. It takes forever to get a lock without the case on, and then it is hit and miss how many satellites it finds and connects to. I ran a couple of tests each with the case on and off and at most with the case on I am finding 1 or 2 less satellites. But my worst off case result is the same as my worst on case result, so like I said, I can't be sure.
Adelaide. said:
I picked up this case today and I honestly can't tell if it is screwing with my GPS or not. It takes forever to get a lock without the case on, and then it is hit and miss how many satellites it finds and connects to. I ran a couple of tests each with the case on and off and at most with the case on I am finding 1 or 2 less satellites. But my worst off case result is the same as my worst on case result, so like I said, I can't be sure.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here...have you tried the GPS mod that has been floating around? It essentially involves editing a gps.conf file. Supposedly it will help with GPS. I am going to try it this weekend.
No I haven't. I've never actually needed to use GPS so I haven't been too worried about it.
I am sure most people on here would have noticed that the WiFi signal on the htc amaze is drastically affected by the use of a phone case...
This was a dreaded problem for me up until now...I found a way to boost my WiFi signal without sacrificing protection....
All I did was cut a little piece of aluminium foil and attach it to WiFi antenna located on the inner back panel of the phone.....The antenna is located next to the camera lens....
Once the foil is attached to the antenna, replace the back cover and you should have improved WiFi signal that instant.....Fill free to put on any phone case while surfing the internet at blazing fast speeds using WiFi....
Questions are welcomed if the procedure is not fully understood..
I noticed this when I put a d3o dual case on mine.. can u post pics of what you did?
Sent from my T-Mobile G1 using xda premium.. haha the amaze is at HTC getting a new screen..
I have attached a pic of the foil and its location on the back panel of the phone...
Wifi Signal and Cases
Anyone else try this?
Now that sucks, I bought this phone because of the luxurious look and feel (high class build quality). This is like putting rabbit ears on my 65 inch plasma (Ghetto). Just when I thought I was out they pull me back in (into the projects lol).
Don't forget that no one else knows the foil is there except you... A rabbits ear on a 65inches tv can't be hidden..
darll said:
Don't forget that no one else knows the foil is there except you... A rabbits ear on a 65inches tv can't be hidden..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Haha so true!
that is pretty ghetto but its hidden so if it works i guess you could consider it hardware hacking
Yeah mine is about 5mbs difference
Sent from my HTC Amaze 4G using xda premium
I have the d30 case and I never had a problem with wifi signal... have you ever thought that it was your internet provider or maybe your router?
iGoOsE76 said:
I have the d30 case and I never had a problem with wifi signal... have you ever thought that it was your internet provider or maybe your router?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Perhaps your router is not far from your phone that why... If there are few walls between your phone and router you will notice the problem..
This has nothing to do with internet provider or router..
Try covering the top of your phone when the d30 case is removed and see if your wifi signal drops... If it dosen't then you are too close to your router to notice the problem...
All the fol does is boost your wifi signal .. I have been using it for while and I have consistently got full wifi signal even when there are few walls between my device and the router,,,
Makes a difference, thank you
Bluetooth
I've also notice the same problem with the bluetooth radio. With a gummy cover on (silcone I believe) my moto bluetooth headset SD9-HD doesn't work worth a F*&k but without the cover it's all good.
Which is the BT antenne?
How about cell signal???
This trick reminded me of the old product called cell phone signal booster sticker. Here's a YouTube video http://youtu.be/Elgx7lp7YMc if you are not sure what I'm talking about.
If we can boost cell signal using your method, it would save battery as well (without spending too much money on this sticker). Any thought, guys?
Might be a contact issue, not a "this piece of aluminum foil is a better antenna." I'd posit that the two gold colored contacts are not making a solid electrical connection to the rear cover's antenna contacts and that the aluminum is helping by acting as a shim. But I could be wrong. For those of you with Wi-Fi issues, ever so carefully bend the little gold colored metal contacts on your phone upward to ensure solid contact with the rear of the case.
verkion
verkion said:
Might be a contact issue, not a "this piece of aluminum foil is a better antenna." I'd posit that the two gold colored contacts are not making a solid electrical connection to the rear cover's antenna contacts and that the aluminum is helping by acting as a shim. But I could be wrong. For those of you with Wi-Fi issues, ever so carefully bend the little gold colored metal contacts on your phone upward to ensure solid contact with the rear of the case.
verkion
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well the foil also helps the wifi signal retain its strength... Try covering the back of your phone using your hand and you will see that you loose all wireless signal unless you are close to the router..
Try the same procedure with the foil on and you will see that the wireless signal remains strong regardless of position
Wow, this little piece of aluminum actually works. However, it doesn't work 100% for me. My WiFi signal strength fluctuates quite a bit. But at least I can actually stay connected to my WiFi now.
Thanks. This is a great tip
Edit: this also fixed the problem my amaze had when connecting to my router at work. It would always say connected but data would never be exchanged.
Sent from my HTC_Amaze_4G using XDA App
I thought you were punking us. I was hesitant to even try, because I just KNEW this was a joke. But... it really does work!
I have had nothing buy buyers remorse since buying two of these Amaze phones (full retail price at a TMO store) - on a prepaid plan. They give you about 3 nanoseconds to return - and even then charge a $50/phone restocking fee.
Service is very poor in my home - which I knew before I bought. But, I assumed the Wifi calling would circumvent that problem. I was so disappointed with the jitter, stutter, lost packets, and overall piss-poor wifi call quality, that I upgraded my router, and installed a corporate-rated access point. There was some improvement, but nothing that rivaled a good cell call.
Best DL speeds were around 8-9mbps, and very erratic. With the foil, consistently 20mbps! I am completely dumbfounded.
If such poor wifi performance could be remedied by such a simple fix, why on earth does HTC not do this from the get go? It just doesn't make sense.
So, what have you guys done to keep the foil from shifting, or falling out when changing the battery?
OP, I luv you...
hooutoo said:
I've also notice the same problem with the bluetooth radio. With a gummy cover on (silcone I believe) my moto bluetooth headset SD9-HD doesn't work worth a F*&k but without the cover it's all good.
Which is the BT antenne?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly my issue too. Maybe it'll work if we know which antenna it is.
So, I've been spending the better part of an hour scouring over the Anandtech teardown gallery of the prime trying to get a decent understanding of the GPS/WiFi antennas and the underlying design flaws which contribute to these features messing up; namely the giant metal shield of a cover and the placement of the antennas. They're not exactly in a bad place, but I guess Asus assumed that if you were using WiFi/GPS with your tablet then you would always do so with the screen facing the AP/satellites. In reality, mine at least, it's the back of the device generally pointing to these things. Maybe I place my network hubs in strange places and enjoy astronomy apps too much?
Now on to the actual question, especially to any of you who have gotten the device and been brave enough to peek inside it yourself; would creating my own plastic windows/metal grates within the aluminum backing actually help anything? Do these antennas broadcast a 360 degree signal or are they directional? The motherboard itself would allow decent signal to get to the transmitter wouldn't it, so long as the case does?
My order isn't set to ship for another month, but I think I'll be getting this tablet regardless of the known issues, though the audio/video problems with the miniHDMI port make me a bit nervous. This thing will still be a power-house even as better spec'd tablets come out, just like my single-core Desire Z is still pretty relevant and decent. Just not top-of-the-line, and it wasn't for any real amount of time, but that's just how these things go.
Ideally, the antenna would couple to the whole backplate, making a big slot antenna (but then it starts to risk being too directional). It's just as probably that the issue is noise or feeble pogo-pin connectors.
If you do make a cut-out, it needs to be about 1 wavelength larger than the outline of the antenna (and you risk de-tuning the antenna if it was designed to operate in close proximity to a groundplane)
tshoulihane said:
Ideally, the antenna would couple to the whole backplate, making a big slot antenna (but then it starts to risk being too directional). It's just as probably that the issue is noise or feeble pogo-pin connectors.
If you do make a cut-out, it needs to be about 1 wavelength larger than the outline of the antenna (and you risk de-tuning the antenna if it was designed to operate in close proximity to a groundplane)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Coupling to the backplate, though increasing power decreases accuracy doesn't it?
I hadn't thought of the pogo-pins as a possible culprit, that's certainly possible.
Couldn't I make a couple windows and retro-fit either some plastic or plexi-glass into the design? Would that help keep from de-tuning, especially if kept to a small size with accurate positioning?
Thank you for the response, I know nothing of the finer details on GPS and other wireless signals.
*Edit: After re-reading and thinking, I actually understand what you're saying. Plastic or no, any cutout would need to be a very specific size larger than the antenna itself which would take more than I would be able to do I'm sure. Oh well, I know I'll still love this thing, so long as the miniHDMI works properly, I'll be happy. Phone's GPS works like a dream.
And now I apologize. I found it odd not finding topics on this, but now I've found them and have a bit more of an understanding on the matter. Namely that the cpu seems to have a strong possibility of creating interference for the chip. The casing apparently just worsens the issue.
Sent from my HTC Vision using xda premium
buxtahuda said:
And now I apologize. I found it odd not finding topics on this, but now I've found them and have a bit more of an understanding on the matter. Namely that the cpu seems to have a strong possibility of creating interference for the chip. The casing apparently just worsens the issue.
Sent from my HTC Vision using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How sure are we about this? I've read that Apple puts their WiFi antenna behind the black plastic logo on their WiFi-only models for exactly this reason. Not only that, but on the 3g models they simply have all the wireless modules placed on top of the device where they are covered with black plastic as well.
It seems to me that a stupid plastic apple cutout - a complex geometric shape - is not likely capable of being as "tuned" as a rectangular cutout. Yet, I think it's safe to say that the 3G and WiFi versions of the iPad have similar if not identical WiFi performance. That is to say, I don't think manufactures are using the aluminum back for anything other than looking pretty. I think it's safe to hack away at.
Thoughts?
JazzMac251 said:
I don't think manufactures are using the aluminum back for anything other than looking pretty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe for some heat dispersion too?
I wish they would start selling the back plate only (like they do with ipods etc)
That way i'm sure someone could cutout a shape and try the antenna behind a plastic window etc, but youd always have the option to put the original back.
I wouldnt mind modding mine after the garantee has ran out.
I think Asus might consider making an after-market backplate that they would fit to your Prime after they have fully tested the issues.
Docaroo said:
I think Asus might consider making an after-market backplate that they would fit to your Prime after they have fully tested the issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've been thinking that even if Asus didn't some third party will. And I'm willing to get to cutting the day it arrives if I can determine it'll help. However, I don't want just an open grate for dust and junk to get into. Maybe just a thin fabric filter, or should I close it up with some plastic/plexiglass and epoxy?
Sent from my HTC Vision using xda premium
buxtahuda said:
I've been thinking that even if Asus didn't some third party will. And I'm willing to get to cutting the day it arrives if I can determine it'll help. However, I don't want just an open grate for dust and junk to get into. Maybe just a thin fabric filter, or should I close it up with some plastic/plexiglass and epoxy?
Sent from my HTC Vision using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't see why plastic wouldn't work. It's what the iPad has and it seems to work out in that case.
You should consider cross-posting this in the "General" forum. It is a "question", but the General forum gets a LOT more eyeballs.
JazzMac251 said:
I don't see why plastic wouldn't work. It's what the iPad has and it seems to work out in that case.
You should consider cross-posting this in the "General" forum. It is a "question", but the General forum gets a LOT more eyeballs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i agree, this post should be on general... this would be a great solution, a homemade plastic ipad-like hole... we need it, and if third party doesnt do this, we will have to do it...
well, but anyone tested the device without the case to see the real power of the wifi-gps-bt ?
Yakandu said:
i agree, this post should be on general... this would be a great solution, a homemade plastic ipad-like hole... we need it, and if third party doesnt do this, we will have to do it...
well, but anyone tested the device without the case to see the real power of the wifi-gps-bt ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I will be, but it's still a good two-four weeks before I have mine. All mentions of it I've seen in general never get answered, I haven't seen anyone comment on whether or not they've tried without the backing. Probably because most aren't willing to try and heat up the glue to do so or damage the thing in the process...
Some expertise required
Does the aluminium back plate attenuate both wifi and gps signals? From what I have read it seems to be confirmed that this is the situation, although other factors such as internal interference have NOT been discounted, nor has the connection method (gold pogo pin) between motherboard and the antennae (blackened out pcb strip). I have noted on the TF101 Transformer teardown, a very similar placement of both WIFI and GPS antennae to that on the TF201 Transformer Prime - near the top edge and adjacent each other. Looking at similarities between models, an obvious and perhaps too simple explination would be the aluminium back plate. There does seem to be some interest in experimenting with making some holes (similar to the speaker grill), on the back plate in front of the antennae in the hope that it MAY improve reception. I have read numerous posts and was hoping that someone may have tried this. I don't want to hear about the merits of having or not having a GPS and how it matters to them personaly etc - lets focus people, but whether someone has had the ability and knowledge to try it. I am unsure given the wavelength of both GPS and WIFI (1.2 / 1.5 Ghz) whether mutliple small holes would do it. I feel that a transparent plastic window may be required. I do not believe the back plate is used a coupled ground plate etc. and it is used purely as the chasis. Come on - there has to be some smart engineering graduates/professionals who are willing to give this a go...it would have been nice if they were paid by ASUS but that seems unlikely. Point to note - that the GPS and WIFI antennas (there are two for the WIFI on the TF201) would be obtaining some reception through the front gorilla glass and plastic (on which the antennae are mounted). My question is - what and IF modifications are necessary to the back plate to obtain better reception. Any ideas?
I have not seen a single test where anyone proved it was the back plate. Anyone have a link to a test that shows the prime navigating successfully without the back plate?
ok, here it goes. today my local best buy got some primes in stock. I decided to exchange mine in hopes i would get less light bleed and better wifi.
well, good news, i only got 1 very slight light bleed in a corner (decent improvement from my previous 3 spots), the bad news was that i was getting the same reading from wifi bars... and about the same reading from wifi meter.... but something really odd happenend.
when running speedtest, i was getting higher dowload speeds and better performance!!!
So i a wondering if the real issue with the primes lackluster wifi performance has more to do than jsut simply bad reception. Maybe there is an internal component that receives th data that might be bottlenecking on some primes and maybe not in others.
i am no scientist.... but i am getting t least 3 times the download speed results than before. video streaming performance in improved consistently.... yet the signal readins are the same.
hope this helps...or else just bring the flames
It's simple. You were just holding it wrong.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using XDA App
nope, all my tests have been 2 floors above router... tablet laying flat on same orientation on top of bed
so "mom, look... no hands"
ricard2798 said:
nope, all my tests have been 2 floors above router... tablet laying flat on same orientation on top of bed
so "mom, look... no hands"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think you missed an iphone joke
haha to the OP he was referring to what Jobs said when confronted with the iphone reception death grip issue
:-( i am alwaysthe last one to get the jokes ....silly me
I think I found something too. Look, I don't know if this already has been told but it turns out the Prime has a aluminium backplate! That isn't very good for WiFi and GPS; might just be the issue here!
I never pay much attention to the number of bars. My laptop at 1 bar will often score the same on speedtest at full bars. Speed test and streaming tests are the way to go.
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using xda premium
agree totally that streaming and speed tests are essential.
Also, in regards to the backplate... i think everybody knows that by now.... the point i a stating is that 2 different prime units (both with aluminum backplates) yielded diff speed results under the SAME test conditions. just saying.
ill just write it down as my initial unit had broken wifi
Hello everyone. Something that came to my attention today that I wanted to share with everyone was the issue of slow network speeds, including GPS. Since the antenna are attached to the back cover if the camera, if removed and not reattached properly, speeds will take a hit. Make sure the contact points are clean, and also make sure the cover is set properly in place. The slightest shift in the cover creates a bad connection. If this has already been addressed then great, otherwise, just something to consider if your speeds take a hit.
Thanks!
~Siv
Sent from my EVO using XDA
I'm guessing the antennas on the cover are worthless. My signal is the same with the cover removed a with it on.
Sent from my EVO using xda premium
Is that an antenna or the NFC chip inside the black cover?
yamaford said:
I'm guessing the antennas on the cover are worthless. My signal is the same with the cover removed a with it on.
Sent from my EVO using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pull up the debug screen and go to the EVdo data screen and pull the cover off. Watch the signal number.
Sent from my C64 w/Epyx FastLoad cartridge
The following link applies to the One X, but we have the same type of prong connectors. It's possible we have the same type of issue basically:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1688538
Ok I made a thread here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1710905
I'm pretty sure that's the NFC antenna only not anything for data.
Edit nevermind I was wrong.
Looks to me like all of the antennas are in the plastic back cover. I was playing with it today and could make my signal strength on 3g vary by over 12 db just by squeezing and tapping on the plastic cover. Not an optimum design, in my opinion.
wfrandy said:
Looks to me like all of the antennas are in the plastic back cover. I was playing with it today and could make my signal strength on 3g vary by over 12 db just by squeezing and tapping on the plastic cover. Not an optimum design, in my opinion.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wonder if it would be worthwhile to put drops of solder on contact points (there are something like four-five; you can clearly see them as scratch marks on copper). Maybe people with an unusually bad reception can fix it that way.
nabbed said:
I wonder if it would be worthwhile to put drops of solder on contact points (there are something like four-five; you can clearly see them as scratch marks on copper). Maybe people with an unusually bad reception can fix it that way.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
They look to be gold plated contact points, so I suspect putting solder on them would actually worsen the problem.
for some reason i get better signal than my old evo.
I think you are on to something! I removed and reattached the back cover and all signal issues disappeared including the wifi drops.
Thanks!
Sent from my EVO LTE using XDA
rooterman said:
for some reason i get better signal than my old evo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
okay guys i have to say it. I have loved Sprint for years. Ever since my LG Rumor!!
But the **** i got going on now is ridiculous. My signal is horrible. complete garbage. I activated my og EVO the other day and its signals were PERFECT at home and at work. Today I re activated my EVO LTE and it just looses 3G connection and I can't send texts half the time.
I got my phone replaced and it still ****.. (pardon my language)
I love Sprint and their business model and what they are doing. I LOVE my HTC EVO LTE but I absolutely can't stand the service!
ideas?