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So after looking and looking, I finally decided to drop the $59 (shipping from their site is free) and get the Gumdrop skin case. I found that I was leaving my tablet at home all the time because I was worried about dropping it, and by the time someone makes one to satisfy my needs to work with the dock too, I'd be looking for another tablet.
So I picked up the military one, in the green from their website. I figured if I didn't like it, I can easily return it.
Item showed up today, they ship Fedex Ground if anyone is wondering, and I ordered it last Thursday. The packaging it comes in is pretty damned sturdy. I'm usually anal about protecting anything I buy, and the packaging it came in was probably a bit overboard.
Getting it pulled apart to get the printed insert out of the actual case was impressive in its own. NOTHING is going to hurt your tablet in this case, other than if you stepped in the middle of it.
Anyways, I wanted to get this thread started, so I can answer any questions folks have about this case. I just got it a few hours ago, and will do a short review this weekend, and a longer term review after a month or so. I'll get you some pictures too of all the parts and how it goes together.
A few initial notes.
1. This thing is THICK.
2. When I opened it, my first thought was, "Get rid of the integrated screen protector". I decided to pull it out, then put it on top of my tablet to see if you can use the touch screen with it on there (it is a "hard" screen protector). The screen picks up your movements PERFECT with the screen protector in place.
3. All cutouts are perfect.
4. The entire device is covered
5. The thick silicone rubber exterior has a hard plastic skeleton that you snap on over your tablet. Then you stretch the exterior over that.
6. The screen cover has a hard plastic frame that snaps into the skeleton, from the INSIDE.
There is no slack, no wiggling, and once you get it in place and push all of the locking tabs from the exterior through the skeleton, it looks like your tablet was BUILT this way. Amazing.
My only cons so far...
1. I wish the screen cover snapped in from the outside. Not that I'll ever probably take it off, but it would be nice to have the option.
2. No kickstand. With the plastic skeleton, I see no reason they couldn't have integrated a kickstand like the Incipio cases.
I am still holding out hopes for someone to make something like this that leaves a option to connect your dock. A detachable cover at the bottom and a matching case for the dock would fix it all.
Also, I'm kind of surprised no one has a dock to tablet extension cable yet. That would actually make this really nice. With a kickstand.
LOL
Okay, I'll get more info soon, get me your questions if you have any folks.
cool review, got a link by chance?
polo79 said:
cool review, got a link by chance?
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Amazon has them - http://www.amzn.com/dp/B005FVDVIW
And the manu page - http://www.gumdropcases.com/tablet-cases.html
I can't really tell the difference between the military and regular ones - I'm eyeing up that red/black model. Thanks for the review.
If they made this case that fit both the TF and dock, i would buy it
Is there any kind of buffer between the hard plasktic screen protector and the screen? My experience with hard plastic screen protectors is that sometimes small objects or dirt gets caught between the screen protector and screen. With use this trapped dirt starts to scratch the screen. You might also consider getting a stick-on screen protector as well.
I saw a review where there was a question about how this case might make the device retain heat. Do you notice any overheating?
i have the same case and think it is build like a tank and everything the OP says it is. i have not noticed any overheating at all. a lot of people were saying how ugly it is, i think it is really cool looking in person, i have the same OD green military version
bulldogbreed said:
i have the same case and think it is build like a tank and everything the OP says it is. i have not noticed any overheating at all. a lot of people were saying how ugly it is, i think it is really cool looking in person, i have the same OD green military version
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Is there any kind of buffer between the hard plasktic screen protector and the screen? My experience with hard plastic screen protectors is that sometimes small objects or dirt gets caught between the screen protector and screen. With use this trapped dirt starts to scratch the screen. You might also consider getting a stick-on screen protector as well.
My priorities for selection was protection, functionality & "looks". I doubt I'll invest in the keyboard/dock; I'm essentially wanting a larger smart phone, LOL
My only nit with it...is the images make the green look more pastelly versus a darker tone...which IMO, is more in line with a "military" green. But I guess the tone makes it a bit more fashionable. I can live with it.
Great lil review. Thank you for reaffirming my choice.
I want to get a protector for my Prime, any input on which methods is better, ie. lasts longer and better protection?
And by Skinimi I mean Skinomi..
My last Skinomi on my phone ended up peeling off, but fwiw the skin seemed very durable and strong. Almost like a thin plastic cover. I could still dock my phone with the skin on.
I like the metal finish, so no skinomi for me this round.
I've used several skins (zagg, skintech, skinomi). I like the skinomis better than the others. Just get the screen cover, not the full jacket. Installing has always been easy and I've only experience problems when dust gets under the corners, like on my epic 4g after I've taken it in and out of my pocket a million times. I can't imagine with the prime it's going to get much dust under the corners. I think it makes the screen touch feel better as well, and then you never have to worry what you wipe the screen with. The dry covers to me, add a strange thickness and change the optics of viewing the screen... Just my 10 cents!
Thanks for the info guys!! Really I am will to take anything at the moment because there is nothing in Canada yet!!!
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201 using xda premium
I really like my skinomi screen protector. Pretty nice feel, not too much of a difference if any in sensitivity. Its as close to invisible as I figure it will get. The bubbles were also impressive, because they sort of "breathed" out of the skin. It was odd to see considerable bubbles disappear in hours.
I was gonna put my skinomi protector on but I stuck with just the skin because my prime is usually in the dock so the chances of scratching in the dock are very unlikely
Sent from my Transformer Prime TF201
I have both the skinomi carbon fiber skin and the wet-application screen protector on mine, both are fantastic.
Putting the vinyl back and tiny pieces on is soooo much easier with a heat gun! A really hot hair dryer would probably suffice, but you will need one or the other.
TF201 | XDA Premium
I want a clear screen protector too and I wouldn't mind having something clear for the back but I don't want it messing up if I eventually get the dock. So the Skinomi is one of the best. I found cheaper ones on Amazon like 3 for 8.99 and I found this one 2-Pack Stealth Shieldz© ASUS eee Pad TRANSFORMER PRIME TF201 Screen Protector LIFETIME WARRANTY (Ultra CLEAR) for 14.99 and you get two. I want whatever will be easy for him to put on and what will look the most invisible and still be able to have good touch sensitivity. Should I put a clear skin on the back too? Does Skinomi sell a combo pack with both in it? Thanks!
Has anyone had any experience with the Skinomi full-body protector and the TF Prime keyboard dock?
I want to get a skin for the back of the tablet mainly to prevent fingerprints (this thing is a fingerprint factory) but I also have the keyboard dock and I don't want to shell out for a skin if the dock is just gonna scrape it off.
Is there any further word on the updated full body skins from Skinomi? If I recall correctly someone posted that Skinomi is going to come out with a version that has a cutout at the bottom so it doesn't interfere with docking.
almightywhacko said:
Has anyone had any experience with the Skinomi full-body protector and the TF Prime keyboard dock?
I want to get a skin for the back of the tablet mainly to prevent fingerprints (this thing is a fingerprint factory) but I also have the keyboard dock and I don't want to shell out for a skin if the dock is just gonna scrape it off.
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I have applied the Skinomi carbon fiber Design Skin on the back of the Prime (did not install the TechSkin screen protector), and so far have not noticed any problems with the skin being scraped or loosened by inserting the Prime in the keyboard dock. I like the texture and additional grip that the carbon fiber skin provides, as well as reducing the "coldness" of the bare aluminum back.
Note: I've only had the Skinomi skin on for a few days, so will update this response if I notice any issues.
I just want a clear skin for the back and a protector for the front. Not sure what to order still. I may eventually get the dock too. But the back of mine is always cold.
Gary_O said:
I have applied the Skinomi carbon fiber Design Skin on the back of the Prime (did not install the TechSkin screen protector), and so far have not noticed any problems with the skin being scraped or loosened by inserting the Prime in the keyboard dock. I like the texture and additional grip that the carbon fiber skin provides, as well as reducing the "coldness" of the bare aluminum back.
Note: I've only had the Skinomi skin on for a few days, so will update this response if I notice any issues.
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Gary_O said:
I have applied the Skinomi carbon fiber Design Skin on the back of the Prime (did not install the TechSkin screen protector), and so far have not noticed any problems with the skin being scraped or loosened by inserting the Prime in the keyboard dock. I like the texture and additional grip that the carbon fiber skin provides, as well as reducing the "coldness" of the bare aluminum back.
Note: I've only had the Skinomi skin on for a few days, so will update this response if I notice any issues.
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Thanks! Keep us updated
I didn't get a chance to read this forum so i ended up damaging the front screen protector when i dock it to the keyboard. I already contact skinomi about it and they reply back :
We would like to apologize for any inconvenience. Our design team is in the midst of correcting this issue. The moment we have corrected this design we will be sending you a new revamped screen/skin protector. If you have anymore questions or concerns please feel free to contact our customer service department. Have a great day!.
So i guess i'll update my post when they do send me or contact me about a new replacement.
Hello everyone i bought the dock for this thing the first day i bought it and then recently i got ghost armor. I put the prime on the dock and went home i didn't touch it till the morning and now it has scratches and weird screen ripped parts on the bottom... Does anyone have a screen protected or full body ghost armor and fits their prime into the dock with no problems?
Screenshots:
From what I have read and saw elsewhere, you need to get the screen protector option that has a gap at the bottom that matches where the dock would contact the screen. Most screen protector companies have this option for the Transformers.
Check out skinomi, they are the only one that I know has screen protector with the "dock area" cut out. They even have full body skin for both the dock and tablet.
I have been using their skin for my prime for a while, and very satisfied.
GD luck.
I have a screen protecttor but hade to cut the bottom of it off because it doesnt fit in the dock. It has gorilla glass so it should be covered under warranty unless you unlocked it like me. But mine does not scratch the screen maybe a bad dock too.
Is it really worth getting a screen protecter with a cut out bottom...wouldn't that look weird. I might just return the dock and get my money back. I don't use it beside for battery and typing. Asus transformer prime has great battery without it and i am not in college yet so won't be needing the dock for a while. I might just buy the dock later when i go,to,college it might be cheaper too. i making a good choice?
Press thx if I helped!
Sent from my LG Thrill 4G on Cm7 Nightlies with ICS theme!
The cut out doesn't go up that high so it wouldn't be on the screen its self, and you will get used to it and not even notice it. Also the question for the dock is how long until school and will you have the money when you start school?
Someone else actually created a thread about this and it was addressed that if you use some sort of tape over where the dock hinges would sit, it prevents the "scathing". Search these forums for ghost armor and you should see the DIY fix.
Alternative Fix
Here's an alternative to the cut out.
I saw this in one thread and created another one just for it.
Inside the dock is pad on both sides, that rubs against the protector causing problems. If you don't want to cut out your screen protector you can remove this pad with tweezers and clean the adhesive with alcohol.
Whats actually happening, at least with mine, is the screen protector pushes the pad in a little and the protector is then rubbing against the exposure adhesive.
I have Invisi-shield.
The result is an indention of the outer part of the dock, but it stops screwing up the protector beyond that. It's easy, it's free and it doesn't require precision cutting. Just sayin'
Hi Folks, 3 things here, just to share my experience.
(1) From Amazon, got the a Silicon Skin Case that comes with a Quibits cleaning cloth. Fits perfect, and is super light. Does not add much in weight or size to the Tab when in use. Cost about $9.95.
(2) Also from Amazon, got the rooCase 2 clear pack screen protector. Carefully applied one, and it fits perfectly. Takes a little time to make sure no dust is beneath, and if you've done it before you know what I mean...Cost $9.99
(3) After the above, I realized that though my tab was protected, I did not like putting it into my laptop bag without any protection for primarily the screen. Even with the screen protector on, anything else in your bag could still scratch the front. So started researching sleeves and other covers, but did not like anything I found online yet. SO... a little DIY, found a hardcover book that fit perfectly, and I made my own sleeve. DIY: Cut out all the pages, covered the middle binding for a cleaner look, drilled hole in middle of binding, and used a flexible cord in the hole in the binding to hold it all together when closed. Not calling it a cover since nothing holds it in place when the book is open; so it is really just like a sleeve. Anyway, I found I liked using it so just thought I'd share.
iLLumiShield - PET Film - Front & Back - $13.95
"...perfect fit. Almost too close so you have to be pretty precise putting it on. Front and back. I've also been using a pen with it and no scratches except when my pen had a metal burr on it."
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eBay "Explosion Proof" - 0.4mm Tempered Glass - Front - $10.95
"It feels nice when you put it on...I like the feel of it better than the normal screen. It was hard to install well for me but probably not as hard as I made it out to be. I had it perfect but removed it to get the thing from under it out and that is where things went wrong."
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Armorz Stealth Extreme R - 0.4mm Tempered Glass - Front - $49.95
"...a bit on the pricey side but i love it."
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Glass-M Premium - ???mm Tempered Glass - Front & Back (single pieces available) - $31.50
"I have Glass-M front+back for mine and I absolutely love it. (Removed factory ASF as well). My notes
* It is really smooth. Like freshly made toffee it is so smooth it feels faintly greasy (but it is not). On an almost completely flat table the phone will slowly slide across the surface by itself due to a slope you can't see (be careful)
* I believe touch sensitivity is improved. Finicky DPI sliders in Paranoid Android setups give me no trouble now - before jumping 239,243,241 when I really want 240 dpi exactly. Pencil also works perfectly as a stylus.
* I believe screen brightness and clarity are improved. Subjective and probably due to removal of the ASF (and its invisible tiny scratches)
* Extra glass makes the phone a bit thicker but also much stiffer and I liked this. I also have a Z1 and I miss how solid that phone felt in my hand. Ultra always felt a bit too flimsy (bendy). I also had to widen the slot on my DK30 (sandpaper glued to a flat stick aka big emory board)
* Getting alignment correct is tricky - glass-M slightly smaller than the phone screen edges. Mine went on crooked but I can live with that.
* No dust or bubbles in mine. Used the shower trick of old school film photographers. Long hot steamy shower will effectively clean the room of even tiny dust particles.
* Removing the ASF is a truly harrowing experience (see the other thread). Halfway through you *will* have an "Oh God what have I done" moment. Still totally worth it.
Hope my ramble helps someone. In summary really happy with the Glass-M."
Hey guys,
I'm getting to the point where I'm looking for a high quality, preferably tempered glass, screen protector. My ASF is getting more and more ****ed up day by day (I'm starting to see how bad it really is). I've done some research and found the screen protectors that appear early on in google's search results and through various XDA threads, but I'm curious what other people are using/have used.
I've decided to put this thread together so there can be a repository for screen protector information. This way people who want to protect their ZU from day 1 or those who are going to remove the ASF and cover the phone with something else can have a centralized place to get the information they need.
If you don't mind, please reply to this thread with information regarding the screen protector you are currently using or have used, what kind it is (PET, tempered glass, other), price, the link to purchase it, pictures (if possible), and what you thought of it/if you recommend it.
I'll update the thread (post 2) with the information as it comes in. Hopefully this can help everyone.
I am so tempted to get these front and back
http://www.amazon.co.uk/FX-Antirefl...ords=Sony+z+ultra+front+back+screen+protector
jutley said:
I am so tempted to get these front and back
http://www.amazon.co.uk/FX-Antirefl...ords=Sony+z+ultra+front+back+screen+protector
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Try it, let me know how it is.
Poi25 said:
Try it, let me know how it is.
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Will do I have ordered it will give some feedback on it.
Anyone know a good dry screen protector? The one that came with the spigen hybrid case I got for my n5 is great. Wish I could get the same for my soon to be xzu.
jacktrck said:
Anyone know a good dry screen protector? The one that came with the spigen hybrid case I got for my n5 is great. Wish I could get the same for my soon to be xzu.
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As you can see, I'm trying to build this thread. There's not really much info yet.
I've got a Skinomi protector for XZU, haven't applied it yet ... not sure what the advantages or downsides are of removing the ASF ATM. I'll prolly apply it tomorrow though.
diji1 said:
I've got a Skinomi protector for XZU, haven't applied it yet ... not sure what the advantages or downsides are of removing the ASF ATM. I'll prolly apply it tomorrow though.
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I'd personally remove the ASF, I don't like it. But then again, I haven't removed mine yet cuz it's a PITA. Let me know what you think of the protector, post some pics, etc.
Poi25 said:
I'd personally remove the ASF, I don't like it. But then again, I haven't removed mine yet cuz it's a PITA. Let me know what you think of the protector, post some pics, etc.
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How can you tell if you would prefer to not have the ASF if you haven't removed it? Given the seemingly widespread issue of XZU breaking I'd be pretty leery of removing the ASF unless a very sturdy case was going on. I was tempted to try out a product from Armorz which I think was called Tech R(?) - it's 2 tempered glass pieces for back and front - but Iwasn't sure how much support this would give against twisting.
I'm intending to put on the Skinomi Techskin tonight before I go to bed as it's recommended to leave it for 5 hours or so to dry.
diji1 said:
How can you tell if you would prefer to not have the ASF if you haven't removed it? Given the seemingly widespread issue of XZU breaking I'd be pretty leery of removing the ASF unless a very sturdy case was going on. I was tempted to try out a product from Armorz which I think was called Tech R(?) - it's 2 tempered glass pieces for back and front - but Iwasn't sure how much support this would give against twisting.
I'm intending to put on the Skinomi Techskin tonight before I go to bed as it's recommended to leave it for 5 hours or so to dry.
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I know I'd prefer the ASF removed because of how it looks. It's beat up and scratched, and I've babied this thing. Plus, it's plastic. Glass > Plastic. It's not going to be any less sturdy without the ASF. It's not like a tiny 0.4 mm piece of plastic is going to provide any sturdiness. All it does is contain the glass fragments from flying anywhere if the screen were to break.Underneath the ASF is normal smartphone glass (don't know if it's Gorilla Glass or another brand).
Putting a tempered glass protector on it would definitely make it more sturdy. That's the point, it's tempered.
diji1 said:
I've got a Skinomi protector for XZU, haven't applied it yet ... not sure what the advantages or downsides are of removing the ASF ATM. I'll prolly apply it tomorrow though.
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Skinomi is garbage
avetny said:
Skinomi is garbage
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Are you using a SGP protector on your ZU? You have a million links in your sig, so I was just wondering.
Poi25 said:
Are you using a SGP protector on your ZU? You have a million links in your sig, so I was just wondering.
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Gearmaxx only.
jutley said:
I am so tempted to get these front and back
http://www.amazon.co.uk/FX-Antirefl...ords=Sony+z+ultra+front+back+screen+protector
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Atfolix is pretty decent quality. Just switched today.from.anti reflex to crystal clear. Anti reflex is nice when being outside in the sun, but it really weakens the quality of the screen,it looks quite blurry. And what is most annoying... Using pens and stuff on the anti reflex protector will basically lead to drawing on the screen protector.
Crystal clear is perfect.wouldn't notice it's there at all.
I've used atfolix on all of my phones and never had any problems. Very easy to apply, very scratch resistant.
Sent from my C6833 using XDA Free mobile app
So I put the Skinomi Techskin on. I have since removed it.
Impressions were thus: Applying the protector is simply a matter of misting the adhesive side of the film (liquid is supplied, I believe it's just water and surfactant), applying it to the device and waiting.
As far as optics goes I could not tell the difference between viewing the screen with it off or on the device after it had "cured" (Skinomi's word). Touching it felt like touching a layer of soft rubber that had a tiny bit of grip. I found it didn't impede me in any way but I prefer the feel of other screen protectors and of course no screen protector.
I had to remove it in any case as I got a speck of something underneath it that I couldn't remove but I think I would've removed it in any case due to the feel of it.
diji1 said:
So I put the Skinomi Techskin on. I have since removed it.
Impressions were thus: Applying the protector is simply a matter of misting the adhesive side of the film (liquid is supplied, I believe it's just water and surfactant), applying it to the device and waiting.
As far as optics goes I could not tell the difference between viewing the screen with it off or on the device after it had "cured" (Skinomi's word). Touching it felt like touching a layer of soft rubber that had a tiny bit of grip. I found it didn't impede me in any way but I prefer the feel of other screen protectors and of course no screen protector.
I had to remove it in any case as I got a speck of something underneath it that I couldn't remove but I think I would've removed it in any case due to the feel of it.
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Could you answer the few questions from the OP and post some pics? That way I can add this as the first one.
I've been using illumishield.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00EOC6CM0?pc_redir=1400194879&robot_redir=1
It's PET and perfect fit. Almost too close so you have to be pretty precise putting it on. Front and back. I've also been using a pen with it and no scratches except when my pen had a metal burr on it.
Sent from my C6806_GPe using Tapatalk
In about a month I'll come back and leave some details on the protector I just ordered off E-bay. Set me back $24, and goes by the name "Glass-M Curvy Border Tempered Glass Screen Protector".
I'm weary of E-bay and all it's anonymous vendors - but MIME/Ghost was out of stock and Bodyguardz doesn't have a glass protector for our device so E-bay it was!
Chima2 said:
In about a month I'll come back and leave some details on the protector I just ordered off E-bay. Set me back $24, and goes by the name "Glass-M Curvy Border Tempered Glass Screen Protector".
I'm weary of E-bay and all it's anonymous vendors - but MIME/Ghost was out of stock and Bodyguardz doesn't have a glass protector for our device so E-bay it was!
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Great choice - I think you'll be pleased with it!
There are some experiences with it and other protectors posted in these threads:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2571471
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2609371
Here's what I posted back in March:
I applied Glass-M screen protectors on both the front and back of my phone yesterday, and have been very happy with it so far. It's added a little weight, but it feels sturdier and more premium than before, and looks better than the plastic screen protector I had previously. The touch is also a lot smoother than the plastic one, which was a bit rubbery. I installed mine on top of the ASF, both front and back, since I didn't want the "harrowing" experience of removing it. I feel like it's protected well enough to do without a case, though I may get a slim one to cover the edges of the phone as well. Highly recommended. :good:
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I haven't changed my mind, and also got a Muvit Bimat case, which has been a perfect combination. It still looks new.