No affiliation with them, just really pleased with this case. It's a little snug, but looks and works amazing.
I ended up buying two of them. ;-)
http://www.lightwedge.com/Shop/Kindle-Fire/Verso-Prologue-Antique-Cover-Size-E-Tan
http://www.lightwedge.com/Shop/Kindle-Fire/Verso-Prologue-Antique-Cover-Size-E-Red
Wish they made one that would fit a 8.9 tablet!
It doesn't look like it can support the tab in viewing mode. It looks kind of nifty if you like that kind of look, but otherwise is limited as a case.
True, if you want to set it on a desk or table this is not the case for you.
My dock at home takes care of that for me.
This case lets me put it in my bag fairly protected, and yeah I really like the style. I can feel all sophisticated while I play Angry Birds.
Interesting! I'm also using a Verso (Kindle Fire) case for my 7.7. Gorgeous case and fits surprisingly well.
http://www.amazon.com/Verso-Artist-...UG/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1337310238&sr=8-12
You should post a picture of the tab in it...
Yes, please post pictures. $40 is a bit much to take on just word.
After doing some online research about this case I decided to give it a try.
I had this cover on for a few weeks and was overly pleased on how it looked and felt. It is indeed a tight fit. You have it squeeze the tab into the strap, very carefully. The top right strap will press down on the power button so you have to be careful there.
I had more than a few people comment on it. It is very stylish, functional and it does not look like you are carrying around an electronic device, especially something as expensive as our tablet.
I did not have any issues other people are claiming with this case. It fits very well with our tablet. It lies flat so the top does not bulge out. That was my main concern about the case.
HOWEVER, this is a huge one, the inside pocket where you can either store documents or use it as a handle, caused an indentation on my screen - a burn-in mark. I did not notice it until I changed my lockscreen to a white/light background.
I then noticed it whenever I had a non dark background in that section. I ran a screen test and sure enough, there is the burn-in outline of where the inside pocket forms.
I took a picture, hopefully it will come out clearly.
So beware if you are going to purchase this case. If it wasn't for the burn-in, I would have highly recommended it.
Wow, thanks for the warning. I double checked my tablet and I don't see that mark but I might see if I can use something to remove that extra pocket since I don't use it.
I have been using the official Samsung 7.7 book cover case since I got a good deal on it. Didn't know how nice of a case that is!
Like the look but not a fan of the flip case with no zipper. I can just use the sleeve in that case. Got myself a brookstone case. Love it.
Related
I was at Fry's today and decided to look at cases. They had none for the Asus but they had one for the Toshiba 10.1 Tablet. I did not have the EEE with me but I went ahead and got it. List was $59.99 but they matched online price so I got it for about $42. Here it is:
http://www.amazon.com/Toshiba-Thriv...?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1309054174&sr=1-11
So far I love it - it fits well and has access to all the important stuff (except camera). I don't know if I will keep it. I also love the quality and the fact that it rotates 90 degrees from Portrait to Landscape.
It does say TOSHIBA on it but that is also a good thing - if it said ASUS there would be a much bigger chance that it would get stolen.....
Anybody else have this?
i bought a case for the Toshiba too from best buy, $40...lil different from yours but made for the same tablet...i am happy with it...it works just fine...excellent build quality too...no camera access without sum modifying but overall just wat i needed...
http://www.toshibadirect.com/td/b2c/adet.to?poid=512069
MasterJack said:
http://www.amazon.com/Toshiba-Thriv...?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1309054174&sr=1-11
So far I love it - it fits well and has access to all the important stuff (except camera). I don't know if I will keep it. I also love the quality and the fact that it rotates 90 degrees from Portrait to Landscape.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really like that! been looking for a case which uses bumpers to hold the tablet. How well does it actually fit (is it slightly loose, too tight that it bends the clips slightly or just right?) and are the lengths good?
Any chance you could post pictures because I would really love to get this if it fits good!
I also forgot to ask if the holes for docking the keyboard are unobstructed?
masterjack said:
it does say toshiba on it but that is also a good thing - if it said asus there would be a much bigger chance that it would get stolen.....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol lol lol lol
Definitely interested in seeing pictures of this. I bought the case that Staples has, but I'm not satisfied with it at all.
Bumping this thread. Has anyone else tried this case? Have any pics to share?
Looking at the specs, the Toshiba is 6mm taller (in landscape mode). Do the clips hold the TF securely? Thanks.
I just received it...very disappointing.
Hey everyone. I just wanted to let you know that I ordered this from Amazon thinking it would be a good fit. It was somewhat close, but it does not hold the TF securely. I could easily see the tablet sliding all the way out and hitting the floor if you were not paying attention. In fact, when in portrait mode the tab slides out on most of the angles. There are some fairly big gaps.
I have uploaded some pictures, so hopefully they will illustrate some of the issues.
It is also poorly put together. The tab that snaps in place was loose. I barely pulled on it and it came out somewhat such that now it is off angle and no longer lines up naturally to secure the tab.
On the plus side, it would leave openings for accessing anything you needed to and also folds down flat so you could just use it in your hands.
Bottom line, I am sending it back.
Hope this helps others who where/are interested.
^^^
Feel bad for you man, never understood the attraction with the clip type cases, those things are made of plastic, one involuntary quick movement and this thing could send the Tf flying. The wrap around cases are much better at overall protection.
It's not a big deal. I know that I am picky and was fairly sure I would be sending it back. I didn't have enough experience with these to even know about the clip type cases, so I am glad that I now know to avoid them in the future. I mostly just wanted to let the few people that had bumped this post know that the product was maybe not so good and provide the pictures that had been requested.
I actually like the clip style. I just wish there were options similar to those that the iPad has, where the back is basically a plastic shell that clips. My wife has a Targus case for her iPad2 that does this. Personal preference, I guess. I wouldn't be against a non-clip case if it was very well implemented. I picked up the Solo case from Staples as a temporary measure until some more options are available. Works OK, but I really don't like the corner-cover means of securing the tablet.
Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with Speck, Barnes & Noble, or Amazon. I do not profit, or gain anything by this recommendation. It's just a personal discovery that made me happy and thought it might be helpful to other NSTR users.
For some reason all the B&N official Nook cases are way thicker and bulkier than they need to be. Also most third-party cases I looked at were faux-leather with huge messy stitching as if they were part of a Frankenstein cosplay competition.
Being super picky about these sorts of things, I put off buying a NSTR case while obsessively trying to find one that was:
1. Slim (All these giants cases defeat the purpose of a tiny portable ereader)
2. Play-through (I can leave it on while using, ie not just a slip-cover I can lose)
3. Protective (Not soft)
Well, I've been looking high and low, reading all the Nook forums with no luck until recently when I finally found this case: (I can't post links yet, so just search on Amazon for "Nook touch fitfolio"
Speck FitFolio for Nook Simple Touch Reader.
I saw it at Target for $29.99, but bought it on Amazon for just over $21. It looks like the price fluctuates a bit (it's $24.83 right now).
I got the black one, I got my wife the teal one. It also comes in purple.
wow, the blue one is really ugly. :-D looks like a lunch box. The grey one is nice.
I am using a cover bought from B&N, it is a bit thicker and larger but at least it protects my nook well from pressure and falls. That cover above seems to slim, I don't belive your nook would survive if it falls e.g. on the corner. Mine did several times.
Can you lock the front side of the cover to the back side (while reading)?
Cases
I use the Silicone skin. It's relay nice and absorbs most of the shock of a drop.
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/p/silicone-frame-in-graphite/22315829
cceerrtt said:
I am using a cover bought from B&N, it is a bit thicker and larger but at least it protects my nook well from pressure and falls. That cover above seems to slim, I don't belive your nook would survive if it falls e.g. on the corner. Mine did several times.
Can you lock the front side of the cover to the back side (while reading)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. I've looked at each and every official B&N cases in detail and found all of them, frankly, to be really lacking in several areas. The Speck case has a much more secure attachment system as well a good shock absorption due to the material and the shape of the case. Also, as I mentioned, it is much more form fitting than any of the B&N cases.
2. Yes, you can lock the front cover to the back while reading.
I should have mine next week!
Based on your recommendation I ordered one, and I should have it next week. I will let you know how it works out.
Edit: I just exchanged my NSTR at B&N a couple of days ago as it had a cluster of stuck pixels. I had no problems, but the employee said that it could have been caused by something being pushed down on that screen at that point. This is why I decided to get a case, as I don't want it to happen again!
Musulsa said:
1. I've looked at each and every official B&N cases in detail and found all of them, frankly, to be really lacking in several areas. The Speck case has a much more secure attachment system as well a good shock absorption due to the material and the shape of the case. Also, as I mentioned, it is much more form fitting than any of the B&N cases.
2. Yes, you can lock the front cover to the back while reading.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
jhedfors said:
Based on your recommendation I ordered one, and I should have it next week. I will let you know how it works out.
Edit: I just exchanged my NSTR at B&N a couple of days ago as it had a cluster of stuck pixels. I had no problems, but the employee said that it could have been caused by something being pushed down on that screen at that point. This is why I decided to get a case, as I don't want it to happen again!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Edit: I reviewed the description & it DOES say the bungee is "two-way", so I am assuming it is designed to work that way - it just seemed a bit of a tight stretch. No biggie for me, as I don't think I would be attaching it any - folded back works fine.
Just received mine today. It really has a nice feel, and I think it will protect it well. Thanks for the recommendation!
P.S. The cover DOES fold back upon itself, but I wouldn't say exactly say it "locks" (rather, I would not want to, as it would overstretch the "bungee").
EDIT: I just reviewed the specs, and it does state that the bungee is "two-way" - it just seemed a bit of a tight stretch. No biggie for me, as it works well, simply folded back, and not attached.
So the folded cover is not "fixed" in the folded position? Could you upload more photos?
Mine nook cover is magnetic and therefore folded front & back cover keeps together, moreover when bonded with magnetic clip.
I have bought aluminium case for my NST. It has 3 positions for reading. The NST clips inside so it wont fall out. It has a black padding inside and it seems to be thinner then all those folding leather ones. The disadvantage of this cover is -> when you open the cover and flip it at the back, so it flat ... it's kind of awkward to read it like that, because of the round shape. It just feels
Since this is one of my first posts in this forum, I can't put the LINK for the cover. but if you would go in UK Ebay and type in search : aluminium nook ... you should see it. it cost 12.99GBP.
But now with the "keayboard hack" ... I'm thinking about finding a way how to modify the cover for 10" tablets with keyboard so it can hold the NST. That's what kepps my mind busy at the moment.
I agree completely with the Speck case. I too do not see the need for B&N making such large covers for such a small device. The Speck cover is just barely bigger than the nook and is comfortable to hold with the cover folded back and secured. The nook snaps in and out of the cover very easily. If you fold the cover back and secure it, it stays level and has enough grip to not slide if you prop it against something to read. I would prefer a magnet or snap closure, but after several uses the bungee gets easier to fasten. Very satisfied with this cover.
I found the Specs cases at my local Target. Prices varied from $29.99 for the standard colored (blue, purple, green) cover to $34.99 for a black 'leather' version. They did not show up at the online Target.com site. Very nice. I may have to get one.
I have ordered Industriell Cover in Carbon with Lyra Light and Anti-Glare Film when bought my Nook. And right after my order came to me in B&N store appeared Silicone Covers and Stella Light. I`d rather bought them...
What I don`t like in my cover is the way Nook is mounted into it. Why not to fix the book with four of these latches. Another thing is the size, tried to find anything that adds less to the sizes of the Nook itself.
Also in this theme I saw Speck cover, if I knew of it earlier I`d mostly bought it. But now I don`t need two covers so... I use what I use...
Dagon.Alex said:
I have ordered Industriell Cover in Carbon with Lyra Light and Anti-Glare Film when bought my Nook. And right after my order came to me in B&N store appeared Silicone Covers and Stella Light. I`d rather bought them...
What I don`t like in my cover is the way Nook is mounted into it. Why not to fix the book with four of these latches. Another thing is the size, tried to find anything that adds less to the sizes of the Nook itself.
Also in this theme I saw Speck cover, if I knew of it earlier I`d mostly bought it. But now I don`t need two covers so... I use what I use...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the same case, and it's not that easy to hold. And trying to press the buttons on the left just makes the entire thing flip. Also, what changed between the Lyra Light and the Stella Light?
Have no problems holding it.
Don`t like how left buttons are pushed myself that`s on what I said about latches.
Stella looks just prettier then Lyra. Also Lyra just unbends when Nook is being shaked(while reading in bus or other transport)
cceerrtt said:
So the folded cover is not "fixed" in the folded position? Could you upload more photos?
Mine nook cover is magnetic and therefore folded front & back cover keeps together, moreover when bonded with magnetic clip.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think that's the one I got: I would normally never buy a case made by the device manufacturer, but I picked this one up at Best Buy for (I think) $15: it's two stiff boards, just wider than the Nook Touch itself, with a hinge at the top, with a magnetic clasp that can also be used to hold the front and back cover together as a stand when they're folded backward. The whole thing is light, compact, and protective--and not any harder to read in the case than out of it (plus, if you need a reading light, it's easier to clip it to the cover than to the Nook itself). You can even charge the device without opening the cover, though you do have to move the clasp aside.
This case must be discontinued, though, because now I can't find it on either the B&N or the Best Buy site.
I didn't like any cases available for the nst. Till I made one. What do you guys think?
Awesome. Went making such myself
larryflynt said:
I didn't like any cases available for the nst. Till I made one. What do you guys think?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good work, very cool. Did you use a book, or some sort of journal? I have been wanting to do something like this, but do not have any books that I am willing to cut up.
Sent from my SCH-I500 using xda premium
It was a blank journal that was 5.75x7in. It was tight fit but I managed.
I searched far and wide for a case for my STR and I thought about getting a Speck FitFolio until I saw one in person in Target. Seemed too flimsy. Anyway, after a long search I found Oberon covers. Solid drum dyed tooled leather, about 3/16" thick. Not cardboard covered by a thin strip of 'leather'. They come in many designs and colors and cost about $15 more than a high priced B&N cover, which is OK, because I think it will last a lifetime.
I do not work for, nor am I affiliated with Oberon Designs. I'm just a very satisfied customer.
The oberon case looks familiar:
just received the stock samsung 7.7 case (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006T15BGM)
very nice
looks great, feels great
only complaint, which is minor IMHO
the volume buttons are covered.
power is open
sdcard is open
connector/speakers open
camrea/flash open
onicrom said:
just received the stock samsung 7.7 case (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006T15BGM)
very nice
looks great, feels great
only complaint, which is minor IMHO
the volume buttons are covered.
power is open
sdcard is open
connector/speakers open
camrea/flash open
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Also it opens left-to-right instead of right-to-left correct? Deal breaker for me...
Jade Eyed Wolf said:
Also it opens left-to-right instead of right-to-left correct? Deal breaker for me...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I believe the design of the 7.7 with the power and volume controls on the right side dictated where the hinge is for the book cover case .
Think about it.....If it opened right to left ,then the power and volume buttons would be on the bottom and subject to being accidentily activated when using it as a stand in landscape mode, as it would be sitting on them.Also they couldn't be used sitting on the bottom.
I've had it on since the second day I owned my 7.7 and got used to the left to right opening now. I do really love it's tight fitting, minimalist design and keeps the tab nice and thin.Feels good in my hands and gives more grip when gaming and surfing, works great as a stand and gives some protection for this beautiful screen when transporting it.
I'm not big on the other generic designs that are out there for the 7.7 right now. If you look at ones selling on Ebay ,the sellers are selling the exact one for the 7 inch ones too and look bulky.If something better comes out then I would consider it down the road but I think this is the best one out so far .
agreed, you wouldn't be able to use it as a stand if it opened the other way.
i like the way it opens
Jade Eyed Wolf said:
Also it opens left-to-right instead of right-to-left correct? Deal breaker for me...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
tab 7.7 case.
Im not very impressed with mine:
1: Dont like the fact it opens the wrong way. I agree they couldnt design it any other way but still dont like it.
2. After about a week the grips that keep it steady when standing up starts slipping on various surfaces. So tab keeps falling flat.
3: No option to put it in the tipical slighly tilted for typing possition like the case for tab 8.9 or 10.1
4. I can already see small cracks in the flexible rubber (hinge bit) and the cut open bit at the power button. For this price I was expecting way more.
Argh. All these mixed reviews of the OEM book cover is getting me quite confused. I don't really think I should shell out the amount of money they're asking for the case...
Maybe I'll just get an envelope/pouch from Timbuk2 or other makers while waiting for that perfect case with the multi-view angles.
As for the cover opening the "wrong" way, I think it's the right way from where the Tab was made. Most East Asia books DO operate like that. Especially mangas
maansleroux said:
Im not very impressed with mine:
1: Dont like the fact it opens the wrong way. I agree they couldnt design it any other way but still dont like it.
2. After about a week the grips that keep it steady when standing up starts slipping on various surfaces. So tab keeps falling flat.
3: No option to put it in the tipical slighly tilted for typing possition like the case for tab 8.9 or 10.1
4. I can already see small cracks in the flexible rubber (hinge bit) and the cut open bit at the power button. For this price I was expecting way more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have the 8.9 with the book case. Is it the same sleek design and same thinness as the 8.9 case?
I've got the book cover the same day I got my 7.7 and first I didn't like it. The hinge was very stiff, the lid wasn't flush with the back when flipped around completely. But now I'm used to it and it's ok.
But:
- when the lid was flipped to the back for a longer time you can see the top (rubberlike) material delaminating from the hard bit inside in the hinge area
- when the lid is flipped to the back it's rather wobbly. I'm used to hold the Tab in my right hand with resting it on my spread little finger. But then the lid is always moving about and just feels quite assuring.
But it's a lot better than the Samsung pouch, which is simply waste of money.
The d30 leather pouch for the old Tab was way better but of course wasn't as light and space saving and you could always loose it when you were using the Tab.
Just got my Case today.
From all the horror stories I have been reading about it I thought it was going to be horrible but I like it so far.
First off:
It is incredibly thin and light. Adds almost no bulk at all.
Tab fits very well in the case and my hinge is not stiff at all so folds over very easily.
I dont like:
- all the corners except the top right are protected. So if you were to drop it on that corned it will dent the device.
- I actually dont like the cut out for the power. The material sticks out a little when the case is closed. Wish they didnt have cut out for it.
Besides that I think its really good. I dont think you will find another book case that will be as thin as this one.
spridell said:
I have the 8.9 with the book case. Is it the same sleek design and same thinness as the 8.9 case?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well yes and know. Just as sleek but the big difference is the fact that it only has one stand position unlike tab 8.9 and 10.1 design that has two. One upright and one slightly tilted/flat to type. Not sure how to explain it. Hope you understand what I mean...
I, too, like its sleekness and light weight, but I have to say I wouldn't spend $40+ again -- I think it's way overpriced for what it offers -- and that's after having numerous tablets and similar cases (most selling for under $25. If you can afford to wait for the market to catch up I'd recommend not buying this one.
Case
This place had the best price I could find. This was recommended by another member on here.
http://www.thecellguru.com/Products/62515
I ordered it and got confirmation on shipping too. Hence a reputable company to order from.
Thanks for the links...
If you want an alternative to the stock Samsung case I ran across this one on Ebay. Looks OK
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2in1-Touch-...&otn=4&po=LVI&ps=63&clkid=5633388799395603381
Going to give one of these a go - Will post up some pics once it gets here, but I'm not expecting anything too fancy for that price.
None of the others caught my eye and I regularly flip between portrait and landscape.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/360-Rotat...ltDomain_0&hash=item2a18c67618#ht_5026wt_1396
Samsung case
Just got mine (from the cell guru) and I actually like it.
good quality and not too bulky (can still hold it with one hand easily)
for $30, I'm not sure we can find a lot better
O
I got mine today from CellGuru along with the GT 7.7 from NegriElectronics!
So stoked!
I noticed on the plastic box it came in that it had an illustration for Keyboard Mode along with Media-Viewing Mode.
Anybody find out how the Keyboard Mode is supposed to work? It looks like it's propping the Tab up several inches.
I think Keyboard Mode is a mistake. There's really no way this thing can be propped up that way unless you just put something between the two sides.
Here's another case that popped up on ebay. Looks interesting, still debating if I should buy one.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/360-Rotatin...976?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a18c67618
I love the Samsung Case. It is quite svelt. I don't like that you only really have one angle to stand but it still looks awesome and as others have mentioned you still get a feel for how thin and light this tablet is.
I want to start reading some books on my tablet, but due to the large size and small bezel it's awkward to use. Any recommendations for a case with a handle or strap to make things easier?
I haven't seen any cases with built in straps, but something like this might work for you:
http://www.amazon.com/Padlette-in-Black/dp/B004DLUZ4I/ref=pd_sim_e_2
I haven't used it myself, but it looks like it could be an easy way to hold the Prime, as you can just slide your hand under the strap. It should also be able to stretch over any folio case you might choose to use.
I use the Sikai microfiber case, and while it doesn't have a strap I find that its soft grippy texture makes it much easier to hold the Prime for extended periods. It also offers excellent protection for the tablet.
http://www.amazon.com/Sikai-Microfi...1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1339617190&sr=1-1
That looks interesting, but $20 for a elastic band seems kind of ridiculous to me. If I can't find anything better though I may give it a shot.
Mine just came in today, so I cannot pass full judgement but so far so good.
http://www.amazon.com/rooCASE-Slim-Fit-Adjustable-Transformer-10-1-Inch/dp/B0079MAUNE
Something like this?
http://www.censuspc.com/product-pr-12059.html
Disregard.
richardmkovach said:
Mine just came in today, so I cannot pass full judgement but so far so good.
http://www.amazon.com/rooCASE-Slim-Fit-Adjustable-Transformer-10-1-Inch/dp/B0079MAUNE
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thats the one i'm currently using
overall the case is pretty good but if you put it on a unleveled surface, the stand won't stand very well as the tablet doesn't sit in the nudge very well
other then that i have no complaints about it
been using it for about a month or so now
Full disclosure: The guys over at Cruzerlite helped out Carbon when no one had heard of use by donating a few free cases so we could run some giveaways on our social networks. We went to them because we liked their product and the way that they interacted with the Android community. They were so excited about their new skin product that they arranged to ship a MotoX and one of their skins to me so that I might review it and give them, and you, my honest feedback. The device and skins have been since sent back to them. I was not paid or otherwise compensated for this review. Mostly I just wanted to check out a new product, have an excuse to play with a Moto X, and play with the lightbox I built last week.
I hate cases. To me, they've always been a necessary evil. I generally go with the thinnest TPU case I can find so I know my phone will be protected, and try and find one that actually looks cool. Which is why I've always liked the Cruzerlite cases. Very android friendly, and there were always lots of looks to choose from - android themes, art, etc. My favorite was the Tardis case. I was always very careful with my device. But scratches and things happen, and like many of you I never plan to stay with one device for more than a year or so. That means you gotta keep it looking like new so you can sell it later.
To me, that's the niche that the Cruzerlite skins occupy. If you drop your phone all the time this product isn't going to keep you from denting it or smashing the glass. It's vinyl, not TPU. If you're a purist who insist on rocking a totally naked phone, this product also isn't for you. If you're one of the many who hate cases but want to protect the phone in some way, or are confident in your ability to not drop your phone but want a custom look, then this product is where it's at. It'll protect your device from light damage, give you any look you want, and preserve the size and feel of your device.
The product comes in the form of thick vinyl stickers. As it's a brand new product they don't yet have a set of instructions on the site. They tell me they have that in the works and we should see them soon. With that in mind, I'll overshare my installation process and what I learned for you folks. Cruzerlite clearly wanted to make sure that you'd be happy with the installation of this product, so they've given you a single sticker for the back, two sets of stickers for the sides, and three sets for the front. You can screw this up and try again without ordering a new set. Note that I say stickers, but this is actually vinyl of a nice thickness, not some elmo sticker you'd get from the doctor after a checkup.
So having checked out both the vinyl and the Moto X I setup my lightbox and got down to business. I applied the back vinyl, taking great care to align the camera and microphone. It worked, after a fashion - it looked like a sticker slapped on a phone. A phone with a lot of curves. So far... meh. I stuck the sides on as well. It looked... like a bunch of stickers slapped on a phone. They didn't conform to the curves of the phone at all. So I called up Joel at Cruzerlite and told him that while I thought he had a nice idea, this was probable something that would only work on a phone with simple surfaces like an iphone. I showed him how it looked and he asked me when I was planning to finish the installation. Finish the installation? What? Heat. You apply heat after installation. Ohhhhhh. For a guy who was just told that his half-installed product wasn't very good, he was pretty cool about it. Thanks Joel.
Ok, so with that in mind, I dug out the hair dryer and got to heating. It looked a lot better. With a bit of heat and some pressure with my fingers, the vinyl conformed to the curves of the device and started to look like they belonged there. That said, because I installed them like they were stickers, there were gaps. Teal gaps. It didn't look great - but that was on me.
You might want to color match better than I did. Teal and
wood grain aren't known for being a classic combination.
So the first install didn't look so great. The vinyl was curved to match the phone, but I had ugly gaps that ruined the look. When I put the sides on, I aligned things like I would with regular stickers - not heat shrinking vinyl. But Cruzerlite clearly anticipated that, so I had more! Off came the vinyl on the sides and and back to square one. This time, I made sure there was some overlap so that when heat was applied, it would properly fit. Here's what it looked like:
You can already tell it's going to come out better this time. Out comes the hair dryer!
Now we're talking. No gaps, all the buttons are nicely cut out... it looks great. Again, the color combination shows why I'm not ever going to be a graphic designer, but it certainly highlights just how well the product fits the device. There's a slight edge where the vinyl on the sides and the back overlap. It's not unpleasant, but I'd like to play with this product some more to see if I could even avoid that. I've asked Cruzerlite to send me a few more and another phone, and hope to have a follow up on this in the future.
Yes, it has front stickers. The great thing about this product is it's up to you what you apply - if you don't want the front stickers, don't put them on. You could even mix and match them if you wanted. Get different colors and make the phone version of this:
Yes, that's a real thing. It's a Harlequin Golf and comes
that way from the factory. Please don't do this to your phone.
So after installing and playing with this, I like it. The vinyl is thick enough to feel like a high quality and durable product and on the whole I found it to be easier to apply than a screen protector. Sure, it's a bit tricky to align, but you don't have to worry about dust and the use of heat makes this a relatively forgiving product. I'm certain that I didn't do a perfect job with this, but I don't hate it the way you'd hate a screen protector with a bit of dust under it. I did manage to tweak the back a bit when applying it, and you can see the bulge from it. Again, this is something that I'd be able to differently now that I know how the product works so I'm not particularly concerned about it.
Cruzerlite has a whole range of vinyl to choose from too - 57 at the time of this review. There's wood grain, antibacterial colors, metallic, and leather skins. We're spoiled for choice and if you can't find something you like you might want to ask yourself why you're so picky.
I'd say this is a buy. They look great, feel great, and will do a fantastic job of protecting your phone from light damage. They're easy to apply, and at just under ten dollars you can't beat the price. For those of you who picked up a Moto X before Motomaker was a thing, this is a great way to change your phone's look without buying a new one, or get the look of wood without paying an extra hundred bucks for a single woodgrain option. (bamboo? seriously?) At the time of this review, the skins are available for the Moto X, Nexus 5, Note 3, Galaxy S4, and iPhone 5/5s.
I'll update this thread in the future if I can get my hands on another device and more vinyl. If possible I'll try something other than wood grain, too.
Check out the rest of their skins at http://www.cruzerlite.com/skins
It looks like a great idea. I also hate cases. The Note 3 is the first phone in a long time that i've kept a case on (mainly because I paid full price for it).
I can't imagine that the vinyl provides any level of protection, right? It sure does look good though. Maybe you should pop a link at the end of the review for people who want to buy one. I'm gonna search for it now and see what the price is and what other colors/patterns they have.
against drops? no. minimal. against scratches? absolutely. It's nice and thick. it's definitely better than going naked.
dg4prez said:
against drops? no. minimal. against scratches? absolutely. It's nice and thick. it's definitely better than going naked.
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How did you get your note 3 to look like a Moto X that is some skin?!:silly: