[REVIEW] Swees Nexus 7 Case - Nexus 7 Accessories

Hey Guys.
I've just received my Swees Case for Nexus 7 and wanted to share my impression about it.
First of all, i couldn't find it on the American Amazon website. So after the review, if anyone in the America is still interested, you might need to look for yourself.
So here we go.
Similar to many products for the Nexus 7, it this case has tried to imitate the Smart-Cover look. That's fine.
So on the bottom, this case is like a hard-case protecting the Nexus from Scratches, Bumps, etc. quite well. There's a gap between speakers, and all Buttons and Microphone, so you get no disturbance using the Nexus with the Case. At the front, there's this Leather-Like material covering the Screen.
The cover can be used as a stand. Application is very easy, every child can do it and your Nexus will stand on table-tops or even your couch. It's quite stable I'd say, at least from my testing on even softer surfaces, it still stood like a rock.
At the end of the covering, there is some magnet build inside, so the cover will fix itself to be closed at times. It's not the strongest magnet though, but for transporting and carriage it's quite alright. The cover will also trigger sleep / awake mode when opened or closed.
For this unbelievable price it's quite a good deal if you ask me. Many covers I've seen in stores were priced 3x as much, but didn't show the quality. Anyhow. I can recommend it :
UK* : http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias=aps&field-keywords=swees+nexus+7
* I got the black one, but i guess other colors are quite nice. 7,99 Pounds ( Don't know if they charge shipping in the UK ) is quite a deal.
DE : http://www.amazon.de/Swees-Schutzhü...K0ME/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1351992143&sr=8-1
This is exactly where i ordered from. ( all for 12,99€ )
http://www.amazon.de/s/ref=nb_sb_ss...wees+nexus+7&sprefix=swees+%2Celectronics%2C0
Again for DE - diffrent colors are available.
At least for the german amazon, they even give an additional Pen & Screen Protector. Compared to Samsungs "S-Pen" this pen is quite better build wise. I wouldn't recommend using it for drawing professionally. For notes quite alright.
Can't really say much about the screen protector, I don't usually use one and probably won't use it.
At last : 2 pictures showing the Stand function and overall look of the case.
I am open for any question regarding this product. I am not affiliated with this product or company in any way, I just want to help our users to fight an excellent case which is affordable.
( Btw. I had a long way finding this case. There are 100s of cases to be found on amazon and i read through a lot of feedback from each of them. From the cheaper cases, you can expect poor quality, chemical smell as well as rash on skin, and many other things. Therefor i am very pleased with what I've got my hands onto. )

Thanks for the review, but this is the common 'eBay case,' there's a 140-reply thread about it already. Can be had for about $10USD with free shipping.

Related

New Alu hardcase for XDA

Looks cuwl but I think it would be better without the beltclip:
http://www.innopocket.com/EShop/Main/product.php?ID=63
If you are looking for a sleeker look check out www.proporta.com, they have a design in development , hence the special offer, but you will have to wait a while for the alu case about a month or so, but hey who's complaing when you get freeby!
roko said:
Looks cuwl but I think it would be better without the beltclip:
http://www.innopocket.com/EShop/Main/product.php?ID=63
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just got one! its really cool and sleek design... :lol:
I ordered the Proporta about 6 or 7 weeks ago. I received nothing since then (apart from the useless neoprene wallet). Looks like it's going to be a long time before it is finnished. I think the Inno looks far better too. I'm thinking about ordering one instead of the Proporta.
Damoncarl, could you please tell if the beltclip could be removed without to much damage?
Does the case have enough room for the extended battery?? 8) thinking of getting one if the proporta case doesn't have room, by the end of the design reveiws... and it looks like you have to keep removing from the case just to charge or use it.
It looks that neither have room for the XDA+battery.
Both the Inno and the Proporta have their pro's and con's. I think the Proporta is better for daily use, you don't need to remove the XDA from the case before usage. The Inno on the other hand gives far better protection since it completely encloses the XDA.
roko,
judging from the design I can't see how the xda can be used/charged from the case, asking cause that's the way I use mine, and everybody uses their case differently...the Inno case looks to provide better protection, (I have four cases I use depending on my daily use, guys tend to stick to one case, women tend to co-ordinate the cases with their outfits and bags!!) and your right in the respect that the Inno looks good, but as always, looks don't mean a thing if it aint practical (men inclusive in my opinion :twisted: ) and as you already have the case I'd rather pick your brains on it than have a sales person deliberatley trying to sell me something based on looks....
The Proporta has an opening at the bottom so I guess you can sync/charge and replace the smartcard without having to take it out of the case. Here's a better view...
http://www.proporta.com/Zoom.asp?id=XDAcase1.jpg
But still, it is in developement, images of the final product are not online yet (I asked for them but no response so far). The final product could differ. Wait and see
And so my choice is confirmed, da girl goes proporta! spoke to them today they say no to the batttery space but I guess I can't have all
Hopefully you won't get bored waiting for it (like me) :wink:
Did you by any change asked them when the case should be ready for shipping? I keep hearing "probably the next week" :?
roko
Yep, I did ask and was told not for ages as they just rejected the proto-type last week, apparently because you would have to remove the xda from the case for charging etc and that's not what was agreed to design wise....the guy I spoke to was so annoyed he told me not to bother ordering it yet!!! to wait a month but I will... just to have yet another case to co-ordinate.
(as women do :wink: )
Another month
I'll order the Inno so I'll have atleast one case (for the time being) :wink:
I've got one (the innopocket case) and I'm very Impressed with it. Although like anything its not perfect.
Here goes an honest review.
If you think the xda is already too big, dont buy this. If you want to protect your machine while carrying it - its like having an armoured tank protecting it! Imagine your dads old tobacco tin in brushed aluminium with a neoprene 1.5mm lining and there it is.
Its very well built - it does have a serious "no messing about belt clip" that you'd have to have serious impacts hit by a car for it to fall off. I'm a cyclist (during the week ; ) - so you'll have to excuse my practical thinking!
I think the only serious damage you could do would be to the antenna, which is the only potruding part, and even then, if it was on your belt that would never happen.
I did however make one major "mod" when I got it, I got out an electric drill and file and made a headphone socket hole straight away!
Being made of aluminium its very easy to do this, in theory you could do the same for the charger connector.
Street Cred
Although its very practical, to be frank I'm embarrased to carry it in "open view" on my belt, because it is ridiculously large. Under your jumper or jacket it acceptable. Or in your baggy Jeans pocket is another fine alternative.
In use
I even answered a few calls while listening to Mp3s in slough town centre last week, obviously the nice thing is that with the standard handsfree headset you can answer the call with the button on the mic pod, and not have to get the damn thing out of the case. Obviously in normal phone use its a pain to "unholster"
I think the main oversight is a lack of a charging hole, I think a pda on a desk with a charger lead hanging out of it is asking for trouble, one slip and your "preciousss" will go swinging to a clattering smash onto the floor, so I'd love to encase it with the innopocket during charging. (I'm getting the drill & file out now!)
Opening it Up
It did seem too much hassle to change tracks on media player by "getting it out of my pocket, opening it up, changing tracks, and closing it etc. So I just listened to my mp3s on "shuffle mode" it would be great if one was designed with buttons integrated into it, perhaps so it slots into the bottom edge connector in the same way as the clip on keyboard.
At times like that I was glad of the volume control on the headphone kit!
The opening up catch is nice and firm, so its very difficult for it to open accidentally, and as it opens "upwards" in theory as long as you are standing or sitting, it wouldnt fall out.
One of my friends did force it open because he didnt understand the way it opens, but in actual fact its made the case easier to use, because the stress exerted on the aluminium hinges if you do this enable you to open it further, to about a 80 degree angle from the closed position. This means that if opened on your belt the xda delivers at 45degrees or so.
Build Quality
I think in terms of build quality it is excellent, and certainly does protect the machine All edges were finished off smoothly, all neoprene stuck down well, definately a quality product.
Capacity
Havent tried it with the extended battery, as it hasnt arrived yet, I'll let you know if it fits, or if it can be modified.
Advantages
1) serious protection
2) serious beltclip that wont fall off in usage
3) Aluminium, lightweight, tough, and easy to mod!
4) Website order to Delivery time (under a week) and thats delivering it by airmail from suppliers in Hong Kong.
Disadvantages
1) Overall Size (too big and roomy - I'd prefer a snugger fit!)
2) Beltclip: My only criticism is that the belt clip cannot be removed, its riveted on, and being aluminium, if you removed it I guess you'd never get it back on. Otherwise its the best engineered beltclip I've ever used, I wish my old Cooltrax mp3 player's case had such a good one.
3) the only downside of course is removing it from the holder. to use it, its not exactly "quick release"
4) usual packaging problem though, when it arrived it looked like it had been opened a dozen times en route, cardboard box was creased and torn "open", but the product was intact and undamaged - I guess customs at several points opened it up to see what it was. You'd hope they'd stick tape back over it. I'd hate to send anything of a greater value that distance!
Opinions
Buy two. One for "on your belt" (modding it for headphone hole)
The other for in a bag or pocket, with the belt clip removed! and mod it for charging/mp3 playback.
The one thing I like about it is that it doesent spoil the look of the thing itself when you're actually using it. The standard O2 case sucks in that regard, and looks disgusting in my opinion. And lets face it the most dangerous aspect of using a phone/pda is putting it down. e.g. falling asleep with it on your lap or chest, or even charging it up.
When its in your hand you hang on to it for grim death. Putting it into the case is the riskiest part, especially cycling along, but hey, even doing that on a pavement is a big risk! And as I mentioned this was a doddle!
Walking along and holstering it is more of an embarrassment risk than a risk of dropping it because as I mentioned, it opens very sensibly.
Possible Improvements...
1) add a hole for charger
2) add a headphone hole
3) make the belt clip removable
4) make it less "thick" (width wise)
5) slots for memory cards inside the case, although there's plenty of room to just have them "floating around" - that said, would you risk an £80 memory card dropping out while you're walking.
6) add a button for skip track for when in mp3 usage
Conclusions
Protection 98%
Practicality 40%
Style 30%
It does "what it says on the tin" :lol:
"protect your investment"
Can you please provide a cost for the aloy case for the xda & approximate delivery cost to Australia
Thanks Peter
Follow the previous mentioned link http://www.innopocket.com/EShop/Main/product.php?ID=63 and you will see the price.
I fully agree with Derek's review but like to add a couple of disadvantages:
1) The spring mechanism started to wear out in the case I had. I had to bend them back into shape.
2) Although perfectly padded on the inside there is the possibility of having the metal on the inside come into contact with your screen. Maybe it is just me being clumsy but I was nervous every time the XDA went into or out of the case.
I stopped using it and it is lying around somewhere here.
Robert[/list]
Mine's now laying around as well... climber!
Unfortunetely it wont accommodate the extended battery
Update on the Proporta hardcase:
It seems that the first 1000 will be shippped early July. Hopefully I will be one of the lucky bastards because I'm waiting for it since last January.
http://www.proporta.com/Zoom.asp?id=Alu_XDA.jpg
Hmm... Re the Proporta case, it looks like someone else had my idea about holes for connectors!
It looks a bit slimmer than the innopocket. I'm hoping it has a cutout in the back to allow for the extended battery to poke out as well...
Somehow I dont think they will think of that one, otherwise it looks a much better design. Do let us know with a full on review when you get it Roko....
Hi I got the ali case, the thing is almost twice the width, but I really needed to stop the XDA from crashing out of my pocket, so I tried it for a few days, its like an ejector seat, My xda has hit the ground 6 times in one day, I lost my pen & a big card I had in it. Sorry it has gone in the draw.
Hi, i got my proporta ali case this morning - seems quite nice Very light and doesn't bulk up the device too much! Very strong too, no way i'll loose the screen with this baby on. All connectors/buttons can be got to with the case closed.
Will test it over the next few days!

We need better cases produced for the Nexus 7

Guys I have contacted a few case manufacturers to see if they will produce cases or covers for this tablet as its going to be a popular device I hope they will listen and so do it quick.
I contacted Rock cases that do the quicksand series which is absolutely beautiful, and contacted Beyza cases as they do very elegant designs for good prices.
yeah, of course, in fact, many cases have been produced,
njfkdzxfm said:
yeah, of course, in fact, many cases have been produced,
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But not of high standard that I come to expect from Rock or Beyza, there is allot of the bulk produced cases which have the same design but different branding but nothing out of the ordinary has been made yet.
I think in the next coming month or so, higher quality/better cases will start to be produced. We just have to be patient
Some very high quality cases are available for custom order already:
Portenzo
Treegloo
beestee said:
Some very high quality cases are available for custom order already:
Portenzo
Treegloo
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Click to collapse
beestee those are too similar bookstyle, there isnt any backcover style that rock does or slip in cases like beza's out there at the mo but I do agree those cases are quality but I dont want to add bulk so I rather the other styles.
It'll take time for the more known manufacturers to decide or make cases for the Nexus 7.
If you want a quality case, just be patient and buy a cheap one for now.
Sent from a telegraph via my blood, sweat, and tears
Yeah that what I am thinking of doing, but impatient as always
IMO
Usually, unless for some unforeseen reason, manufacturers have a plethora of case options selling well before an item's release.
Probably, my theory here is; they didn't know when it was coming out, it was all too quick, not enough buzz, they don't see a large market demand, time money invested would be more than their return due to low number of preorders/orders, they didn't get the dimensions/sample early enough to have them ready, considered the existing universal 7" case options would be sufficient.
Consider most screen protector companies didn't even have them ready and became available for preorder after the fact.
I'm trying this one for now: moko case it's relatively cheap, but one of the problems I have with almost all of the cases on the market at the moment is that they wrap the entire bezel, which is just lame. This one at least, is only attaching at a few points. Plus it has the auto wake magnet in the cover (despite the one reviewer's statement that apparently he was shipped the wrong one).
I'll update when I get it.
This one has got my vote so far; but since it won't be in stock until August 20th I'll be looking for other options until then.
http://www.amazon.com/Poetic-Portfo...UTF8&colid=34IOBDUA8QYLA&coliid=I3SDQI9PTYL6A
Try to hold off as long as possible, remember most places that are taking orders haven't even delivered units yet.
I'd say mid-August early September would be the best time frame to expect an abundance of cases to hit the market.
There may be some reluctance to make an expensive case for a cheap tablet that so far has not been explicitly marketed to the image conscious. It is not really a fashion accessory like an Apple product might be. So they may be waiting to see if the market develops.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Yes! I bought this one (was $3 less at the time). It's not great. N7 slips a slight amount to make the camera hole off, or the sides look angled. Adds some weight. No out-off. I may just buy a pouch, I like the feel with no case much better.

Is a Case Really Needed?

When I had my Note 1 I looked for hours for a case, couldn't find one I liked just just ordered a cheap crappy one until I could find one I liked, in the end I found an okay one, but was still cheap and just rolled with that. But it wasn't what I really wanted. Ending up selling the phone a few months later, not based on the case.
Today I have ordered my Note 2, and the same case problem has arisen. I've spent a good 2 hours watching reviews, searching the web and I haven't found anything I like. The one in this thread is okay: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2030149 But link was to US Ebay and auction has ended. I searched elsewhere but cannot find. But still would be like my Note 1, kinda cheap and just go with it.
But it's still not good enough. With the iPhone that I currently use, although not perfect, there are a number of top cases and is a little easier to pick a case. So my question is, is a case really needed? I'm not clumsy and rarely drop my phone, but always buy a case just incase. But looking at the Note 2 cases, I just cannot find one that suits my needs. Low profile, but good overall protection. Those otterbox cases are huge, plus the phone is huge itself.
I've looked through the "what case do you use" thread and I didn't see a single one I wanted to get.
A phone that big, you definitely need a case, unless you have hands like André the Giant.
You can't tell me that you perused the Note 2 accessories forum and couldn't find something that would suffice? I come across good TPU stuff on eBay all the time. Look harder, they are there.
Scott from DBA Cases is selling that case on his website if you are interested in getting that one. He has about 20 left. I dropped my phone once and it cracked the back cover, so I'm always going to be rolling with a case from now on.
I think that choice is up to you, but based on what you said I think you answered your own question. I'm in the same boat right now tho, except I know I atleast want some protection for the chrome trim. There are atleast 5 iphone cases Ive seen and would have bought if they made them for the note 2
http://www.dbacases.com/note-ii-cases.aspx
Dba cases sells em. Plus the owner can help you if u have any concerns.
If you want an awesome case (I have it for my S3, so I'm sure on the Note 2 it'll be huge), check out Urban Armor Gear. Their cases are awesome. Cases for the Note 2 are about to come out.
Pompsdai said:
http://www.dbacases.com/note-ii-cases.aspx
Dba cases sells em. Plus the owner can help you if u have any concerns.
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UK shipping cost is the same price as the case
Short answer, NO, you don't "need" a case. Whether you want one is up to you. All my phones run naked through the wilderness, and I have yet to have any break in the rare drop I've had. IMO It's a bit of insurance, and like extended warranties that stores, car dealers etc are always pushing I quit buying them years ago, and figure the money I've saved on all those little insurance policies will more than pay for whatever it is I have that may break, and I'll just buy a new one. Of course I am am in a stable financial position to be able to do that and if everything I own broke at once I would have issues, but that's my thoughts.
craiigman said:
UK shipping cost is the same price as the case
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I feel ya its the same shipped to canada. Contact scott for a coupon or maybe buy tje jlg screen protector with the case to offset the shipping cost.
Just dropped my brand new Note 2 in the parking lot and cracked/spidered the entire screen. $200 through insurance for a replacement.
So yes, a case is worth it.
Normally I forgo the case. This is the first phone that I have one for. The thing is the chassis is made with %10 butter. It's gotta be the slickest phone I've ever held. If I could find a backplate that's made with that hard rubbery material and a kickstand I'd probably go with that.
I ordered that case from DBA Cases, thanks for the info or damages. Not sure it will fully protect even from a drop, but it's worth a go. Still a little disappointed by the lack of really good cases though. There doesn't seem to be that in the middle perfect spot like some other phones.
I have never dropped my phone. I can also say that a big part is due to the case. My cases usually add some grip. Just in case I ever drop my phone, the case is already on there. I never run naked more than the 20 seconds it takes me to take it off, clean off my phone for dust or debris, and then put on another case.
END OF STORY!
Don't be a fool, wrap your... Phone...
Once again, Urban Armor Gear is probably the best case you can get for the S3 and Note 2.
You need food water and shelter. You dont need a case.
It is a good idea though
swyped all these spelling errors from my galaxy note 2
It only takes one good drop and your screen could crack. The choice is based on the amount of risk you are willing to take (and if you have insurance)
God forbid you do actually drop it you'll kick yourself for not buying one....especially after writing a post about it!
craiigman said:
When I had my Note 1 I looked for hours for a case, couldn't find one I liked just just ordered a cheap crappy one until I could find one I liked, in the end I found an okay one, but was still cheap and just rolled with that. But it wasn't what I really wanted. Ending up selling the phone a few months later, not based on the case.
Today I have ordered my Note 2, and the same case problem has arisen. I've spent a good 2 hours watching reviews, searching the web and I haven't found anything I like. The one in this thread is okay: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2030149 But link was to US Ebay and auction has ended. I searched elsewhere but cannot find. But still would be like my Note 1, kinda cheap and just go with it.
But it's still not good enough. With the iPhone that I currently use, although not perfect, there are a number of top cases and is a little easier to pick a case. So my question is, is a case really needed? I'm not clumsy and rarely drop my phone, but always buy a case just incase. But looking at the Note 2 cases, I just cannot find one that suits my needs. Low profile, but good overall protection. Those otterbox cases are huge, plus the phone is huge itself.
I've looked through the "what case do you use" thread and I didn't see a single one I wanted to get.
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I had a similar torrid time trying to find a case that I like and I agree that the bulk Otterbox adds totally turns me off. In the end I just settled for a standard TPU case until I can get my hands on a UAG.
milkycoins said:
Just dropped my brand new Note 2 in the parking lot and cracked/spidered the entire screen. $200 through insurance for a replacement.
So yes, a case is worth it.
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Depends. A thin case won't do anything to protect against drops. It's more for scratch protection and for 99.9% of the people out there, it's just for style/fashion.
It depends. I've never used a case. I've had cell phones for more than a decade and I've never broken one.
You can't make it totally impossible to break your phone. But if you're careful enough, breaking a phone will be such a rare event that it will cost you less than all the years of buying cases would have cost you to try to prevent the rare breakage. And cases don't always prevent breakage anyway.
Beyond the matter of protection, some people prefer the aesthetics of cases, while others have the opposite preference. So it's really up to you.
craiigman said:
I've looked through the "what case do you use" thread and I didn't see a single one I wanted to get.
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I assume you have looked at Mobile Fun Galaxy Note 2 cases. They have about the best selection in the UK. I went for one of the Zenus cases. I have liked them since I first had one on my original Galaxy Tab. I like the one I have as it is quite low profile but protects nearly all parts of the Note. The only thing i don't like is that they have used a press stud for the closure rather than the magnetic clasp they used on my Galaxy Tab case.
craiigman said:
But it's still not good enough. With the iPhone that I currently use, although not perfect, there are a number of top cases and is a little easier to pick a case.
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EXACTLY what I say all the bloody time! The only thing I miss about the iPhony device is the sheer number of quality cases and accessories for it.
You know what, after having purchased multiple cases for all the phones I have used; GS3, GN2, GS2, GNex, N4 yada yada, I have come to the conclusion that with the exception of iP5, every single phone looks better WITHOUT a case. Just as the manufacturer intended it to be. Everything else just looks like an appendage. Sure, you run the risk of dropping your phone and breaking it, but then hey, you also run the risk of killing yourself every single day when you drive. Doesnt stop you from driving, does it? Doesnt even make you get a tank of a car just to be safe.
Here's to running butt naked :good:

REVIEW 2 custom photo cases for the note 2 with video slideshow

Today we’re looking at the two custom cases for the Galaxy Note 2.
Click here for the full review with clickable links and where to buy
First, a very basic thin plastic case from Casetagram. Casetagram, as you've no doubt figured out by now, involves your social media in the design process. Another case from Case-Custom is thicker hard glossy plastic and it has almost squared off sides that turn the Note 2 into an almost iPhone shaped smartphone. They'll both take about 1 month from the time you order them unless you select expedited shipping which will cut that time in half. While they are the same thing in theory, these two products are different on just about every level, read on.
Click here to see a video slideshow of the two cases
Casetagram case $39.99
Pros: Great if you're social, very thin case, decent printing, layouts and effects are unique to customizing sites, case design app available for iOS
Cons: a bit expensive for what you get, no Android design app
A very thin, lightweight case that is made of a clear white or clear dark plastic. It's thin enough that it should still fit in some custom molded note 2 docks. Either color you decide to design on, you'll be able to see through to the back of your phone if you pick a design that leaves empty negative space. I personally can see the “Galaxy Note 2” logo and ugly “Verizon” logo and huge “4g” graphic through the cracks in my photo collage. If you read this site frequently, you know how I feel about Verizon, the fact that I can't cover up their graffiti makes me angry. I don't see the benefit of the negative space being clear when you're designing a cover to “cover” your phone. To be fair, the design tool on the website does clearly show you that the negative space will be see through. It shows the international back plate on the phone though without all of the Verizon clutter on it so you don't notice it while designing.
The only way to avoid negative space showing is to select the “single” layout which is one full sized picture across the back of the device. The problem with that is it doesn't really accommodate full pictures. Any Instagram picture that you insert is automatically 72% below the recommended resolution (the site never says what the recommended resolution is?) This becomes a guessing game that isn't very easy, It took me a half hour of resizing, uploading, and selecting pictures until I had a picture that supposedly fit in full sized design mode. Even then, when I was said to be within the recommended resolution, I still received a low resolution warning on the screen even though the picture looked fine. It isn't made clear anywhere on the site but in order to edit or move your image once it's placed, you have to double click on the working image of your designed phone. You are then given a crude set of tools to re-size and move your image. In trying to re-size the picture, the cursor would go out of the borders of the web page numerous times and it became quite frustrating to finish.
Things become almost humorous when you realize that Casetagram, which is a name derived from Instagram, offers it's own filters which they call “effects.” What this ends up meaning is that you can take a filtered instagram picture and re-filter over your initial filter. If you've always wanted to double sepia all of your photos and you didn't know how, problem solved.
They offer cases for Apple smartphones and tablets, the Galaxy smartphone line, and the nexus 4 currently.
Case-Custom case $32.99
Pros: thicker printing, thicker case for better protection, unique squared off sides, relatively cheap
Cons: difficult to communicate with customer service if you have to, buttons can be hard to press in recessed cutouts
This is a thicker case, but in a substantial kind of way. It feels stronger and fits in the hand better in my opinion. It's unique straight sides give it a modern look but also make it easier to grab. Samsung and others design phones to better slip out of your hand. They want your phone broken so you're lining up to get a new one as soon as possible. Why do we put up with this? My old Motorola Droid X was perfect, a rubberized metal exterior that felt solid and stayed in your hand. This case is very glossy, but the design of the sides makes it feel secure in my hand. For those of you that love the clean simple design of the iPhone but hate Apple's controlling grip on software, this gets you a little closer to the look you love.
Case-custom has a much fuller selection next to casetagram. They offer options for most any current smartphone and many tablets besides just the iPad. They also offer custom designed leather case options and for the Galaxy Smartphones that means flip cases. Custom printed leather flip cases are something I've never seen available, I'm in the process of trying to get one for review so hopefully I can answer some questions. I don't know how sturdy the actual cover is, whether they've added an NFC chip to the cover or what the inside that touches the screen is lined with. I'll have answers to those questions and more possibly soon. It's only $6 more for the flip cover over the snap on so it should be worth it if they offer the same quality that I see in the case I'm currently holding.
Case-Custom's design tool online is a bit odd. Everything is there, including facebook and instagram integration as well, but it's just a bit clunky. It's less flashy that Casetagram's tool, but in the end it's simple in a great way. Where Casetagram's design tool makes you guess, Case-Custom's is straight forward. Unfortunately, you can't see any other angles of the case besides a head on view while designing, it doesn't show off the unique straight sides anywhere? The case also looks as if it is soft plastic in the first picture you see on the site, but it is in fact, hard plastic. You aren't given a choice to pick the color of the plastic that is used for your overall base case. I designed a full sized picture to take up the whole back and the sides and inside are a bright clean white gloss plastic by default. It looks great in the end but It was a shot in the dark. Everything seems a bit confused with Case-custom, down to their customer service. It was odd talking back and forth and I assume it is all thanks to an English-Chinese language gap. All of my email exchange with the company was signed by a person named Zoe Saldana. It's a completely unique name and the equivalent would be if I told you that this article was written by me, Arnold Schwarzenegger, thank you for reading.
The process of ordering a case through Case-Custom reminds me of the words of the late great Hunter S. Thompson:
“Buy the ticket, take the ride...and if it occasionally gets a little heavier than what you had in mind, well...maybe chalk it off to forced conscious expansion”
It might not feel like the case will arrive, but if and when it does, it might be one of the better cases that you've ever seen. I wish I could be more certain for you here but all I can tell you is that the Case-custom case costs less, it was easier to design, and I'm much happier with the final product next to the Casetagram case. Buy the ticket, take the ride...
Final thought: A big part of which of these makers gets your business will come down to personal preference. The printing is good enough on both, they are both tough enough cases, and they both have cutouts that line up well to accommodate the Note 2. If you want thin and light and putting filters on top of filters on top of filters interests you, then Casetagram is for you. If you don't mind a thicker plastic case and you like the modern straight edges a la the iPhone, you'll be happy with the Case-custom case.
If you haven’t already, click here to see a video slideshow of the two cases.
ENJOY YOUR GADGETS!
@examinerPhil
Ok. You've got me.
I'm not even interested in this type of case. I use the zero lemon battery and the tpu that came with it.
However, after all the debates about the music in your slide shows I just had to click to see what you chose for this one.
lol ok I was a little curious about how the cases look too...
Nice review and nice pics.
Sent From My Ginormous Note 2
planetbeen said:
Ok. You've got me.
I'm not even interested in this type of case. I use the zero lemon battery and the tpu that came with it.
However, after all the debates about the music in your slide shows I just had to click to see what you chose for this one.
lol ok I was a little curious about how the cases look too...
Nice review and nice pics.
Sent From My Ginormous Note 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's all I can ask for! Thanks for reading.
Good news to report,
The company mentioned here, Case-Custom, offers a customizable flip case for our note 2! If you read through the review above you'll see that I was really impressed with their design and build quality.
I've designed a custom flip cover on their site and it is shipping out today. I'll report as soon as I receive it (quoted 10 - 20 days) on the quality.
Here is a link if you want to see for yourself:
http://www.case-custom.com/custom-galaxy-note-2-flip-cover.html

ArmorX Waterproof Case Review

Recently upgraded my Galaxy S4 to a Note 8, and since I'm a contractor, well... Felt the need for a solid case that is both dustproof and waterproof. My S4 has spent its life in a Seidio Obex case, and I've managed to keep it fairly pristine because of that fact.
The use case for a smart phone for a contractor pretty much implies that the phone is going to see a lot more abuse than average; the implication that follows is that a solid, waterproof/dustproof/drop-proof case is an imperative. Either that, or a very understanding insurance program...
The lack of seals on the case is a deal-breaker when it comes to ruggedized cases. Because of that, I've gravitated towards the ArmorX case, and ordered one for $59.99. They ship from China, and while customer service is excellent with that company, the delay inherent to shipping led me to acquire a cheapie Lanwow case from Amazon for $21.99 while I waited for the ArmorX. The Lanwow waterproof case is a pretty good value for the money, and appears to maintain the water- and dust-proof integrity that I wanted. If you're looking for something to put your phone in while doing something that would require that sort of protection, I'd suggest it.
What's interesting is that when the ArmorX case showed up, it appeared to be a note-for-note copy of the Lanwow case, which I found somewhat annoying. Closer examination shows, however, that the ArmorX version has a bit more in the way of internal bumpers around the buttons, and it has different moldings for grips on the sides of the case. Who copied who, or what the exact provenance of these two cases are, I can't say, but they're basically very similar: A front half that the phone drops into, with a full plastic screen protector, and a back that has the o-ring seal in it. Port access is virtually identical, and you're going to have a bunch of fun prising the S-Pen out of its happy little home, unless you've got some nice, long fingernails. So far, both cases seem to be very similar in format, with flexible plastic backs and very similar screen protectors. I'm pretty happy with them, although I sort of wonder about the price on the ArmorX--The value the company placed on it for customs was $12.00.
Overall, the sound quality hasn't suffered at all--Both cases allow you to hear the speakers quite well, and nobody has complained about what's coming from my end. After I have a bit more time with this case, I'll update this, but so far, so good.
Time will tell, and I'll update on this case. Several others on Amazon seem very similar in design, to the point where I wonder whether or not the same company is producing them.
I am also somewhat dubious as to the protection and durability factor, what with the flexible clear plastic back. I'd have preferred something a bit more substantial, but you get what you get with this design. A thicker and stiffer back wouldn't allow it to flex enough for it to seal properly.
As is, the case isn't that much bigger than the phone, appears to protect it well enough, and fits into the Night-ize XXL Clip Case Hardshell Holster. Between the two, I think I'll be able to keep this phone protected and working damage-free in a fairly harsh environment.
Ultimately, however... I'm probably going to shell out the $300.00 or so for a Juggernaut case, once they're available, and call it good. A thousand-dollar phone needs solid protection around my workplace, and the investment is more than worth it.
Good evening, I wanted to ask you what are the main defects of this case ?? The photos with the flash are perfect ?? The sound that the interlocutors perceive, is it perfect or low? When we speak, do we perceive "eco"? Thanks in advance.
elettr said:
Good evening, I wanted to ask you what are the main defects of this case ?? The photos with the flash are perfect ?? The sound that the interlocutors perceive, is it perfect or low? When we speak, do we perceive "eco"? Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So far, I've found no major defects or game-stoppers with this case. The pictures taken with it are more than adequate, the flash works, and the sound is fine, without echo.
Overall, I think this is a good, solid design. It works with a Samsung wireless charger, although it does make placement a bit finicky. Also, removal of the on-phone stylus may be a bit of an issue, but since I mostly use another stylus for working with it, due to my preference to a larger size, I personally don't have a problem with that fact.
I think this is an excellent case, for what it is. I'm still likely to move over to Juggernaut, should they ever get a Note 8 case out on the market, but that's due to a desire for having something as bombproof and durable as possible.
Phone manufacturers are really missing a bet, by not building really well-ruggedized designs in the first place. The old Casio g'Zone phones had a market niche, and it's one that hasn't really been filled to anyone's satisfaction.
takirks said:
Recently upgraded my Galaxy S4 to a Note 8, and since I'm a contractor, well... Felt the need for a solid case that is both dustproof and waterproof. My S4 has spent its life in a Seidio Obex case, and I've managed to keep it fairly pristine because of that fact.
The use case for a smart phone for a contractor pretty much implies that the phone is going to see a lot more abuse than average; the implication that follows is that a solid, waterproof/dustproof/drop-proof case is an imperative. Either that, or a very understanding insurance program...
The lack of seals on the case is a deal-breaker when it comes to ruggedized cases. Because of that, I've gravitated towards the ArmorX case, and ordered one for $59.99. They ship from China, and while customer service is excellent with that company, the delay inherent to shipping led me to acquire a cheapie Lanwow case from Amazon for $21.99 while I waited for the ArmorX. The Lanwow waterproof case is a pretty good value for the money, and appears to maintain the water- and dust-proof integrity that I wanted. If you're looking for something to put your phone in while doing something that would require that sort of protection, I'd suggest it.
What's interesting is that when the ArmorX case showed up, it appeared to be a note-for-note copy of the Lanwow case, which I found somewhat annoying. Closer examination shows, however, that the ArmorX version has a bit more in the way of internal bumpers around the buttons, and it has different moldings for grips on the sides of the case. Who copied who, or what the exact provenance of these two cases are, I can't say, but they're basically very similar: A front half that the phone drops into, with a full plastic screen protector, and a back that has the o-ring seal in it. Port access is virtually identical, and you're going to have a bunch of fun prising the S-Pen out of its happy little home, unless you've got some nice, long fingernails. So far, both cases seem to be very similar in format, with flexible plastic backs and very similar screen protectors. I'm pretty happy with them, although I sort of wonder about the price on the ArmorX--The value the company placed on it for customs was $12.00.
Overall, the sound quality hasn't suffered at all--Both cases allow you to hear the speakers quite well, and nobody has complained about what's coming from my end. After I have a bit more time with this case, I'll update this, but so far, so good.
Time will tell, and I'll update on this case. Several others on Amazon seem very similar in design, to the point where I wonder whether or not the same company is producing them.
I am also somewhat dubious as to the protection and durability factor, what with the flexible clear plastic back. I'd have preferred something a bit more substantial, but you get what you get with this design. A thicker and stiffer back wouldn't allow it to flex enough for it to seal properly.
As is, the case isn't that much bigger than the phone, appears to protect it well enough, and fits into the Night-ize XXL Clip Case Hardshell Holster. Between the two, I think I'll be able to keep this phone protected and working damage-free in a fairly harsh environment.
Ultimately, however... I'm probably going to shell out the $300.00 or so for a Juggernaut case, once they're available, and call it good. A thousand-dollar phone needs solid protection around my workplace, and the investment is more than worth it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have never heard of Juggernaut cases before.... looked them up and those are some real cases, but the price is half that of the phone.
Snowleopard1900 said:
I have never heard of Juggernaut cases before.... looked them up and those are some real cases, but the price is half that of the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
True, that... But, which is cheaper? A $300.00 milspec case that could probably be dropped out of a C-130 during airborne operations and still have the phone inside be functional (true story related to me by an end-user of one of their products--They used the "find my phone" app to locate the damn thing on the drop zone. Case was scratched, phone inside still completely intact...), or buying a new phone every time something happens to it?
They don't make ruggedized phones with Note 8 features. So, the only option is, buy a case that gives you the durability and ruggedness you need, while letting Samsung provide the phone...
One of these days, the manufacturers will get their acts together on this, and start building phones that aren't fragile little technologic flowers. Something about like the Panasonic Toughpad FZ-X1, but with state-of-the-art OS and hardware and an affordable price...
Thanks so much!!! What are the best or worst things compared to "Lanwow"?
takirks said:
True, that... But, which is cheaper? A $300.00 milspec case that could probably be dropped out of a C-130 during airborne operations and still have the phone inside be functional (true story related to me by an end-user of one of their products--They used the "find my phone" app to locate the damn thing on the drop zone. Case was scratched, phone inside still completely intact...), or buying a new phone every time something happens to it?
They don't make ruggedized phones with Note 8 features. So, the only option is, buy a case that gives you the durability and ruggedness you need, while letting Samsung provide the phone...
One of these days, the manufacturers will get their acts together on this, and start building phones that aren't fragile little technologic flowers. Something about like the Panasonic Toughpad FZ-X1, but with state-of-the-art OS and hardware and an affordable price...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I really miss Nextel Phones...... Sprint needs to stuff it.
Snowleopard1900 said:
I really miss Nextel Phones...... Sprint needs to stuff it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I keep hoping someone will start looking at this market segment again, and doing something original. I'd be happy if someone just started building their damn consumer phones with an eye towards integrating them with a ruggedized case, and then built from there. There's a lot of stuff that's less than optimal, when you look at how the phones integrate into the cases, which the manufacturers could easily rectify--If they were interested.
Problem is, the market isn't entirely rational. Too many folks want to have their "fashion phones", with all the bling, and too few want the features with the durability. As well, the market for "rugged' is too small and niche-oriented, like with the Panasonic line.
Still don't understand why Panasonic isn't marketing the hell out of their ToughPad line of phones, though--If they were available, and reasonably priced, well... I think they'd sell a lot of 'em.
Thanks so much!!! What are the best or worst things compared to "Lanwow"?
Post some photos, pls...

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