I'm on holiday at the seaside, with my (at times utterly annoying) girlfriend, and when I get to escape for a couple hours of snorkeling around the coast I miss the opportunity to record videos, and maybe a GPS track of my swimming path, other than obviously having the possibility to make and receive calls, which can be a very useful thing while being alone in the aquatic wilderness.
Anyway, I tried the banal search for "waterproof hd2" on google, and the best I came up with is a "Dry Case" container, no more than a PVC bag with a waterproof sealing, and complimentary waterproof stereo jack and a nice vacuum pump plug to make the device stay put inside the case. Cost, 40USD for two sheets of plastic and some more components of plastic yet. Since there are apparently no waterproof tight "hard cases" (and otrageously expensive at that) like the ones they make for some portable compact cameras, I thought I might as well search for supercheap chinese alternatives on ebay, and there are several alternatives of which this one looks best (or least bad) to me. None of them have a waterproof stereo jack plug (but who's going to listen to music underwater anyway, let alone talk at the phone in the same condition), nor the vacuum pump plug, which instead is a very useful addition in my opinion (yet on the other side, the PVC sheet has more strain by being repeatedly sucked against the device surface and adapting to its borders).
I know the usual reasonable arguments like "why entrusting your multihundred euros device to a couple dollars case", but after all it was HTC itself the first to sell a phone which shipped at 630euro here in italy on the release date (sums up to ~800USD), WITHOUT any lanyard hook, and I am efficiently entrusting the freefall safety of this phone to a virtually zero cost hack with a normal lanyard and some adhesive tape under the metal cover (it saved me from at least 2 falls, both at elbow -thus deadly- height).
I am going to buy such a case anyway, since a couple of euros are not going to kill my finances, and will obviously test it with a nokia 3310 first to make sure, and then with a cheap digital camera, yet I'd like to have your opinions or experiences on this matter, before I can produce them myself, as it will take at least a month before I get my case shipped from China, and maybe a year before I can actually test it in a proper seaside vacation, since this one will be over in a week, and I won't be going elsewhere sea-ish before 2011.
Up.
The waterproof case came in today, more than 3 weeks later, but I got lucky as the standard shipping time from china to italy is 1 month.
Bottom line: TOO TIGHT!
I cannot even fit in the HD2, I pushed it as I could through the first sealing closure, but when it got to the second sealing closure it stopped, and I fear to either tear the plastic, or excercise too much strngth and have the HD2 be bulleted far away blowing to pieces.
Curious, as the description says it's 15x9cm, while even including the sealed borders, the width of the thing is 8cm.
I thought that the phone in there would have been to instable, on the contrary! Bah. Let's see in the seller will give me a refund or something, I couldn't even fit my Coolpix S52 in there.
EDIT: won by the curiosity, I pushed away, and the HD2 finally fitted inside. If it wasn't a 2 minutes long procedure each way, the tight fit would be a pro. Anyway, the transparent window thought for the camera lens is too low and partially covers the objective, so only half of the viewport is actually visible, being the other half dark. Overall, still useless, and I somewhat scratched the screen protector while forcing the way out.
Wait... How will you use your phone underwater?
Wdave said:
Wait... How will you use your phone underwater?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the touch screen works perfectly even with the plastic on it.
The phone underwater? Isn't it cool to track your swimming path with GPS, record videos and take pictures, and be able to make emergency calls should it be needed? And tons of other stuff, too.
I'd be surprised if you get a gps fix with even a thin layer of salt water above your telephone.
you cant get GPS signal inside water, I watched a YouTube video on a waterproof Garmin device when it was put in the water, it lost all GPS satellites
hello ,
i have a otterbox 1900 , it s full waterproof and Shockproof .
i sell it with VTT support : http://htc-touch-hd.forumactif.biz/...tt-moto-otterbox-etanche-resistant-t27426.htm
the normal price for it is 120 euros , i sell it for 60 without shipping .
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mail : [email protected]
Lindenia said:
I'd be surprised if you get a gps fix with even a thin layer of salt water above your telephone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
azlan96 said:
you cant get GPS signal inside water, I watched a YouTube video on a waterproof Garmin device when it was put in the water, it lost all GPS satellites
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
this changes things, as GPS was one of the main reasons to bring the phone with me while at sea. I mean, not the only one, as recording underwater videos still rocks, and GSM signal should be available underwater too (I don't do scuba, just your ordinary 4-5m occasional dives while holding my breath). Anyway, I'd be snorkeling on top on the water most of the time.
Anyway, I'll look into it more.
voileuxcool said:
hello ,
i have a otterbox 1900 , it s full waterproof and Shockproof .
i sell it with VTT support : http://htc-touch-hd.forumactif.biz/...tt-moto-otterbox-etanche-resistant-t27426.htm
the normal price for it is 120 euros , i sell it for 60 without shipping .
mail : [email protected]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
that's an interesting price indeed, even if I wouldn't be able to quite use the phone at its best with that. I am not the extreme bike-hike kind of guy, so the phone wouldn't be really in the risk of being dropped, I just would like to be able to use GSM, GPS (ok maybe not that one in light of what it's bene said here) and especially camera while underwater. Portability is not a big issue and the bulky size of the otterbox is not the matter, but I am not too sure otterbox can work up to 10mt underwater, rather than being just "splashes or 10cm waterproof", and what's more important, the back is not transparent so I woudln't be able to record videos
Would it have been otherwise, you would have found a potential buyer
With a huge delay of about 42 days, the last one of the waterproof cases I ordered arrived, it's the last one linked from the first post, and it finally keep its promises regarding the sizes, it's indeed very large, and the transparent rear window is perfect to have the HD2 record the video; you can use the phone with a protective film and the waterproof case on it, just make sure the case plastic is well adhered on the proximity sensor or it will trigger it (I have S2U2 set to turn off display on proximity active).
I will be testing the case at home leaving it underwater for some time, and after that I will probably publish a review on my website
Interested
I, too, am pursuing a similar case primarily for canoeing. I own the Otterbox Defender case which serves its purpose very well but is not waterproof. Currently, I have to move it in and out of my larger dry bag when I want to use it. I found the otterbox 1900 for $25, but it will not allow me to shoot video without removing the case. You are not the only one out there looking for a solution. I look forward to reading your results.
Thanks for stirring up this surprisingly lazy thread, I would imagine shooting videos underwater or carelessly at the seaside would be of more interest to a lot of people
Anyway I tested the second case, and DAM, water came inside
This is my test setup:
put a piece of toilet paper inside the pouch
close the pouch seals
fill a bucket with water
station the case at the bottom of the bucket with a weight on it to keep it down
wait at least 24hrs, the more the better
take out the case and check the toilet paper for moisture
The very first case stayed succesfully underwater for 3 days and no water whatsoeger came in (but it was too small for the hd2 anyway, so doesn't matter), while I decided to test the second one in harder conditions: closed the seals without folding them in and close the velcro... water almost filled the case. I was disappointed, this shouldn't have happened as the velcro is there just for conveniency and has no sealing capabilities; so I tested again, more careful to close the seals (which are somewhat harder to fit than in the first case) and then closed the velcro... stayed under for alittle more than a day, but a few drops of water came in... contacted the seller, got a refund. I bought another identical case with the promise that they will check it before shipping, chinese sellers are the best
Solution
I look forward to hearing the solution if a suitable one is found. Good luck.
I'd love a good case for canoeing as well. let us know if you find anything, and thanks for sharing so far!
I have the second case STILL on the way, anyway I checked better the first one, and it actually works :-|
I apparently asked for a refund on a working item... anyway it IS hard to make working, as the sealing lines must be thoroughly pressed and you've got to make sure there is nothing left open especially on the extremities. A simple way to check if you closed it well is to leave it slightly bulgind with air inside, and try to squeeze it, if you cannot hear air flowing out it's fine to go. In fact, after checking no air cameout, I sent it under the bucket for another test run for 2-3 days, and no water came in.
I suppose the most delicate moment is when you take the phone OUT of the case, as the water drops still hanging around the rims may wet it.
If me and my gf last long enough for me to go at hers at the beautiful seaside of southern Italy, I should be testing it snorkeling this next summer
i use some general transparent plastic bag. it does its job very well, put the hd2 in, tie the plastic up, and ready to go!!
one thing
-the touch screen don't work underwater
-there is no signal underwater
-water is very good cooler, the batt cover get cool as soon as you use the hd2 underwater
a13x4nd3r said:
i use some general transparent plastic bag. it does its job very well, put the hd2 in, tie the plastic up, and ready to go!!
one thing
-the touch screen don't work underwater
-there is no signal underwater
-water is very good cooler, the batt cover get cool as soon as you use the hd2 underwater
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
heh's that's surely bold of you
I mean, that works as long as the plastic bag has no holes, I just would be scared of it being teared apart on the rocks or random garbage floating around when you're snorkeling.
Regarding the touch screen, I never tried it myself, yet the screen does work when inside the thik waterproof case I bought, and in several occasions I got to using the touchscreen with very wet fingers, effectively activating it with a thin layer of water under my skin, so well, if actually the touchscreen doesn't work underwater, that's going to be a huge problem as I need that mostly to shoot videos
ephestione said:
heh's that's surely bold of you
I mean, that works as long as the plastic bag has no holes, I just would be scared of it being teared apart on the rocks or random garbage floating around when you're snorkeling.
Regarding the touch screen, I never tried it myself, yet the screen does work when inside the thik waterproof case I bought, and in several occasions I got to using the touchscreen with very wet fingers, effectively activating it with a thin layer of water under my skin, so well, if actually the touchscreen doesn't work underwater, that's going to be a huge problem as I need that mostly to shoot videos
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
just be brave and optimistic, if you are to scared you can just double or triple the plastic bag, as the plastic bag is transparent.
i havent been to beach since i have my hd2, i just try it at bathub in my home, the touch screen don't work at all, so if you want to stop recording you have to pull the phone up and press the stop button
thanks alexander, your input has been dramatically useful, really.
It's so obvious that I never actually thought of it, it's the cheapest of the solutions ever, and especially for me since my mother keeps stacking tons of transparent food plastic bags wherver she finds available space
Obviously with a simple plastic bag you don't get a re-useable case, as untightening the knot everytime makes it prone to get teared, and you don't get a lanyard because I don't see how you could attach one on a plastic bag in a satisfasctory safe manner, yet it's free VS paid, and you can't beat that
A word of warning with taking stuff in "sealed" containers into water. Those little free dives you do down 5-6 feet are one of the larger changes in pressure your container will experience so testing it in 6" water in a bath is nothing like the pressure it will experience at 6'.
Secondly, most "sealed" containers are fine at static pressures but fail when they encounter dynamic pressures such as when you jump from the back of a boat or off a jetty so be careful to make entry to the water as gently as possible unless the container is rated for depths greater than 3 atmospheres, (100')...
Yes, I'm a diver...
If you go to most large discount stores (Wal-Mart in my case)...look for a vacuum food sealer.
The kit comes with different sized bags (which can also be cut down to various sizes) and a countertop vacuum sealer unit.
Place your phone in one of the bags and cut it to size leaving a good 2" of room around each side, then just vacuum seal it. The phone works perfect and the bags are meant for freezer storage...so they are pretty thick and the unit makes an air tight seal
If you want, you can even punch a hole in one (or two) of the outside corners (outside the seal of course) and attach a string (or lanyard..shoelace..whatever) so you can wear your phone around your neck.
We have a swimming pool in our back yard and I have used my phone in the pool using these. I usually always do this to my HD2 and my wifes Vibrant when we are in the back yard with a lot of people (never know when a kid is going to go under, or a drunk friend is going to try and push you in)
I got the idea when we went to SeaWorld and saw a kiosk where they were charging people $15.00 to do this to their phones.
As the poster above me says to be a diver...im not going to argue with him at all, our pool only goes to 4-1/2 feet deep. so I would probably listen to him about the depth preasure information...but if you are just hanging out on the beach or in very shallow water, its a great way to keep your phone dry and still be able to use it.
Cheers
Related
I'd like to share this.
My friend uses a Qtek S200, like me.
He drives the mobilhome of Chris Vermeulen(MotoGP) to the GP's in Europe.
Of course he has lots of contacts etc on his Qtek.
After some jogging he threw his shorts on the bathroom floor.
After a while he came back in and asked his wife where his shorts were.
"Euh... in the washing machine?! It's almost finished now after 50 minutes at 60 ºC".
"You removed my phone, didn't you?""
"Euh, no, was it in your shorts?"
"Oh my God!"
He opened the washing machine and grabbed his phone, all the painting was gone, and also the pad around the phone buttons had melted.
He opened the case, removed the battery and dried it with a blower.
After a while he tried to start it. Very slowly the screen came alive. He then immediately looked at his contacts. The contact screen began scrolling like a I-phone on speed,
About half a hour later everything was back to normal exept:
-the camera does nothing
-the first time someone called him he heard a bubbling sound, :-D
-he can't read the SD-card, seems to be dead
At he GP the IT-man opened it up again and sprayed it with contact spray and silicone spray.
All in all he's a lucky guy, he has all his contacts back, of course synched it on his notebook and now he's waiting for his new phone just to be sure in case.
Excellent story. BTW if I might suggest something to everyone else: zipplock bags make cheap waterproof case. Use the freezer bags with "zippers" for extra protection.
LoL indeed an awesome story and very good advice there with the Ziplock bags however for the more extreme (i.e. Someone kayaking or for leaving phone in pants while wife does your washing) person who really likes to have things wet you cant go past a water proof bag from Aquapac.
Here is a link to one of there bags for example
http://store.pressdigital.com.au/aquapac-small-phone-case-aqua110-p-3887.html
Keep it Wet !
Tim
http://www.pressdigital.com.au
Press Digital Support Team
NTS: Advise gf/mother/grandmother to carry out thorough search of all pockets in all articles of clothing prior to carrying out hygienic recycling activities, automated or otherwise.
Hi guyz, sorry if i didn't post this in appropriate section. Well i had my TD2 for almost a week now and i must say, it rox! well, i was on a way to my friend's house this morning and i ran. As i ran, the front part of the cover for my TD2 was open so the phone just 'leaped' forward and landed flat on the ground. Now there are some scratches namely on the right side of the phone. The phone is really a 'diamond'. No screen scratches, no nuthing; except the right side.
Just wondering, amongst the TD2 community, anyone of you dropped your TD2 before? was it bad? ANy software defects soon after?
Thx!
Bad to hear you dropped it... If you do not have any hardware-damage, you won't have any software-defects either..
I did buy an pounch and leather case to protect my TD2 from damaging if it falls, but also from scratches that I would get in my pocket.
Mr_Q said:
Bad to hear you dropped it... If you do not have any hardware-damage, you won't have any software-defects either..
I did buy an pounch and leather case to protect my TD2 from damaging if it falls, but also from scratches that I would get in my pocket.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What leather case did you get? How is it?
I dropped my phone last night and was pleased to see it didn't have a scratch. Though I'm somewhat more concerned dropping this than I was dropping my (somewhat resilient) Sony Ericsson W880i.
Is there such thing as an attractive case/protection?
I've dropped mine 3 time sadly. 2 of the times were minor and no damage. The third was right in the street. It went flying face down and tumbed. only damage was a little indent on the top left on the silver part. No scratches on the screen protector and no scratches anywhere else. Just the little dimple that was made.
Software wise everything works great! HTC builds Quaility phones. I've thrown my old Elfin around and across a room before and nothing really happened to that either. i abused that phone after 1.5yrs. I still love it.
I dropped mine last night, now there is two dimples on the two right corners of the silver part, also some scratches below the answer button
remember when i was using 818pro (prophet), i dropped my phone for numerous times (even in water for once), hardware and software wise is just worked fine. After I switched to Eten X500+, the GPS module went wrong after my first drop, then many more "drops" later the communication module dead too. That's why I am back in the HTC family
HTC Touch Freak said:
I've dropped mine 3 time sadly. 2 of the times were minor and no damage. The third was right in the street. It went flying face down and tumbed. only damage was a little indent on the top left on the silver part. No scratches on the screen protector and no scratches anywhere else. Just the little dimple that was made.
Software wise everything works great! HTC builds Quaility phones. I've thrown my old Elfin around and across a room before and nothing really happened to that either. i abused that phone after 1.5yrs. I still love it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wow ur hardcore, my friend... so no noticeable defects after the drop?
loadstone007 said:
What leather case did you get? How is it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The leather case:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=390051726132&ssPageName=ADME:X:AAQ:US:1123
Pouch:
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=400048096891
The Pouch is just a simple, soft case that protects your Diamond2 from scratches and small drops.
The Leather case really feels as a quality case, which protects the phone from falling.
The cons about the leathercase is that it makes 'your phone' thicker.
Dropped mine once, about one meter down on the tiles in my hallway. No damage whatsoever
techie_junkie said:
wow ur hardcore, my friend... so no noticeable defects after the drop?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for the blurry pic but this was the only damage after the fall into the street. I'm 6' 1" so it had quite some fall. Especially since my hand was moving upwards when it happened.
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Dropped mines tons of times i duno which time hurt more either the first time when i was listenin to music and i went to put the fone in my pocket and it jus slipped out of my hand and landed face down on the floor after doing a 360 bout 3 times back came off, battery skated down the road but fone was fine tho jus 2 scratches where as a later time i was runnin up the stairs to work and it just flew out of my pocket and landed face first down (looked like road kill ) i did wana cry.
I wouldnt of minded if i had the fone for along time but it was about 2 weeks max n i had dropped it like 5 times where as my TD1 i only ever droped it once
HTC Touch Freak said:
I've dropped mine 3 time sadly. 2 of the times were minor and no damage. The third was right in the street. It went flying face down and tumbed. only damage was a little indent on the top left on the silver part. No scratches on the screen protector and no scratches anywhere else. Just the little dimple that was made.
Software wise everything works great! HTC builds Quaility phones. I've thrown my old Elfin around and across a room before and nothing really happened to that either. i abused that phone after 1.5yrs. I still love it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
exact same thing that happened to me when i dropped my phone! my dent is present on the top left hand corner of the phone, near the power switch.
Mr_Q said:
The leather case:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=390051726132&ssPageName=ADME:X:AAQ:US:1123
Pouch:
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=400048096891
The Pouch is just a simple, soft case that protects your Diamond2 from scratches and small drops.
The Leather case really feels as a quality case, which protects the phone from falling.
The cons about the leathercase is that it makes 'your phone' thicker.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Mr. Q these are interesting carying cases that you presented.
I have my TD2 for a week now and I stil did't found apropriate pouch for my precious!
I say today pouch for Diamond 1 which I like much...even forced salesman to open (tear off) the box so I can try it but it was too small.
Does anyone know is there similar pouch 4 TD2??
wow. HTC services are great man! My phone didn't respond to touches soon after the fall but then i send it to repair and they gave me a whole new set without any scratches. unbelievable!
^^ I was in a park, and tried a roller coaster like the one at the picture. Suddenly when the roller coaster was turned around 180 degrees, my Diamond2 felt out of my pocket. SHIIITT! My heart turned beat fastly, and I worried about 2 things:
1. Could the Diamond2 survive a fall of about 15 meters down, directly at asphalt?
2. What if somebody just came by and took the Diamond2, without trying to find the owner (me)...
Damn, when the trip was over, the personal of the coaster, LUCKILY had my phone. Damn, that was my first lucky point. Secondly, my beloved Diamond2 was completely intact! Not a ****ing scratch! The screen = just like before. The backcover, NO scratches at all! Damn, that was my second lucky point. D2 started up immediately when I pushed the TURN-on bottom!
I must say, this phone is amazing!
mooooooa said:
^^ I was in a park, and tried a roller coaster like the one at the picture. Suddenly when the roller coaster was turned around 180 degrees, my Diamond2 felt out of my pocket. SHIIITT! My heart turned beat fastly, and I worried about 2 things:
1. Could the Diamond2 survive a fall of about 15 meters down, directly at asphalt?
2. What if somebody just came by and took the Diamond2, without trying to find the owner (me)...
Damn, when the trip was over, the personal of the coaster, LUCKILY had my phone. Damn, that was my first lucky point. Secondly, my beloved Diamond2 was completely intact! Not a ****ing scratch! The screen = just like before. The backcover, NO scratches at all! Damn, that was my second lucky point. D2 started up immediately when I pushed the TURN-on bottom!
I must say, this phone is amazing!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wow, no scratch!!! thats awesome falling from 15m and nothing happen.
marusha01 said:
Mr. Q these are interesting carying cases that you presented.
I have my TD2 for a week now and I stil did't found apropriate pouch for my precious!
I say today pouch for Diamond 1 which I like much...even forced salesman to open (tear off) the box so I can try it but it was too small.
Does anyone know is there similar pouch 4 TD2??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, the leathercase of my post might be a bit similar.. Althrough you cannot collapse it.. It is really a nice case..
It comes within a nice small box with 'EASECASE' on it.. In this box there was a suede protection bag and in that bag there was the case! Really, not what I thought of an case of 18 euro (that is incl. shipping, which was free)..
guys, try this book case from pdair, if available in your place...
http://www.pdair.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=16549
I have been using my Blue Angel with similar PDAir case for about 5 years now, and very strong. I dropped my blue angel few times, and the leather case protection is very good..The only thing keeping me from buying diamond2 is that this kind of case is not available yet in my city (I live in surabaya, indonesia).... once its available, I would definitely buy D2...
hell man, i even bought 16gb transcend microsd class 6 already...
techie_junkie said:
Hi guyz, sorry if i didn't post this in appropriate section. Well i had my TD2 for almost a week now and i must say, it rox! well, i was on a way to my friend's house this morning and i ran. As i ran, the front part of the cover for my TD2 was open so the phone just 'leaped' forward and landed flat on the ground. Now there are some scratches namely on the right side of the phone. The phone is really a 'diamond'. No screen scratches, no nuthing; except the right side.
Just wondering, amongst the TD2 community, anyone of you dropped your TD2 before? was it bad? ANy software defects soon after?
Thx!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's why mine spends most of it's time in a rubber cover from eBay...
Rob.
I dropped mine yesterday.
The front panel has a little crack and the corner is like scratched.
Now I have to buy front and back panel kit.
I am not so angry because I was going to buy the Matte battery cover anyway anytime soon..
Otherwise all hardware works fine for now.
I didn't drop it, didn't bang it against anything, nope-- it was just in my front pant pocket not being pressed on at all, covered by the official bumper case meant to protect it. Funny how it shattered perfectly around that speaker grill though, if there was a weak point in the glass that could cause a shatter, that would sure be the spot. Makes me wonder if anyone else has had a crack start in the same area, especially spontaneously?
Got a piece of tape on in it here in the picture, wanted to hold in the glass shards. I'd love to get it repaired, but I contacted Nexus and LG support and it sounds like their warranty process is a hole I don't want to dig myself into, probably would end up with a too large bill due to "physical damage" and a phone no more intact than it is now. Not to mention being out a phone for weeks, how can anyone tolerate that? Oh well, I guess I'll just have to take off my nice bumper case and cover up that now uglified back with a more full coverage TPU case.
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Update: Well I'm sure many would say I'm wrong and an impact caused it, but I'm reasonably certain I know when it happened. I work on robotic equipment and was doing a calibration procedure tonight when I heard an odd crack. At first I thought it was the machine, but the sound signature was wrong and repeating the procedure didn't cause it to reoccur. I was standing straight up not leaning on anything or having any pressure against that pocket when I heard the sound. It was only later when I was heading home I noticed the odd feel of the back of the phone and discovered the crack. I figure that crack sound must have been it. Shocked me, I've never had a phone crack before, I'm very careful how I handle them. Oh, and I don't wear skinny jeans - I'm build like a defensive lineman, so relaxed fit all the way.
Some people have suggested sending the phone to LG, but they don't have any advance replacement program, and I can't afford to go without my phone for 2 weeks just to get a repair estimate. Got my Diztronic TPU case on order, frankly this is the first phone in years I haven't used one of their cases on, my mistake for thinking the phone would be well built enough that the official case would do the job. I will have to look and see if my credit card has any extended warranty program thing though.
Update 2- So it looks like the damage might be covered under my credit card purchase assurance plan, I have to get an itemized repair estimate to complete the claim though. Hopefully a local place can give me that, like heck if I'm going to send the phone to LG for 2 weeks just for that. Frankly the cost of being without a good phone for that period is worth more to me than the cost of the repair, I'd rather just wait till the part becomes available and pay for it myself. It sounds like they also do replacements if repair isn't feasible due to parts not available, etc. Although the phone isn't currently available either, so we'll see how that goes.
On another note I spoke to one of my friends last night who works for a cell carrier that has many Nexus 4s on their network. She said that 3 employees at the location she works also had cracks on their Nexus 4's in almost the exact same spot. She didn't say they were spontaneous, but clearly it is a weak area on the back of the phone. At least one of them was using a full coverage case when it broke, apparently a TPU case. Alas as regretful the thought of covering such a nice looking back panel is, those who don't have broken backs yet may want to invest in high-impact cases, simple TPU or the bumper doesn't look to be cutting it. Since mine is already broken, TPU should be good enough I suppose, mainly just want to cover up the damage.
wot that really sucks. and yah.. the speaker and the camera are the soft spots. the really bad thing is the back has a lot to it. i dont see them as being cheap. some guy managed to get a couple from lg.
wow, amazing, that looks JUST like what I would expect from impact...
CrazyPeter said:
wow, amazing, that looks JUST like what I would expect from impact...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This happened to a guy who went to the movie theater a few weeks back. Same exact place on the phone.
Wow ...
If you search the forums there was one guy with the exact some thing... claimed he treated the phone very well and then for no reason all the glass smashed around the speaker like that.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1999345&highlight=cracked+glass
OgremustCrush said:
I didn't drop it, didn't bang it against anything, nope-- it was just in my front pant pocket not being pressed on at all, covered by the official bumper case meant to protect it. Funny how it shattered perfectly around that speaker grill though, if there was a weak point in the glass that could cause a shatter, that would sure be the spot. Makes me wonder if anyone else has had a crack start in the same area, especially spontaneously?
Got a piece of tape on in it here in the picture, wanted to hold in the glass shards. I'd love to get it repaired, but I contacted Nexus and LG support and it sounds like their warranty process is a hole I don't want to dig myself into, probably would end up with a too large bill due to "physical damage" and a phone no more intact than it is now. Not to mention being out a phone for weeks, how can anyone tolerate that? Oh well, I guess I'll just have to take off my nice bumper case and cover up that now uglified back with a more full coverage TPU case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Obviously impact. Nice try though. Next.
I voided my warranty.
Looks like the crack propagated from the picture's top right "corner" of the speaker opening. Assuming that it is not the result of an impact as you say, the radius of the cut out could be too tight to account for flexing of the phone.
OgremustCrush said:
I didn't drop it, didn't bang it against anything, nope-- it was just in my front pant pocket not being pressed on at all, covered by the official bumper case meant to protect it. Funny how it shattered perfectly around that speaker grill though, if there was a weak point in the glass that could cause a shatter, that would sure be the spot. Makes me wonder if anyone else has had a crack start in the same area, especially spontaneously.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Uh, pretty sure official bumpers aren't meant to protect that. it's meant to make the phone land on its bumper edges. Not protect the phone's back or front. Only protection for that would be having your device to never touch the surface.
Not sure people should be so quick to assume it's always the result of mistreatment. The phone has problems with the glue, the glass is thin, if it separates even marginally from the back of the phone, that's enough to open the door up for cracking your glass with ease.
happened to a friend of mine as well..not as bad as this but it is happening to a lot of people
Well I'm sure many would say I'm wrong and an impact caused it, but I'm reasonably certain I know when it happened. I work on robotic equipment and was doing a calibration procedure tonight when I heard an odd crack. At first I thought it was the machine, but the sound signature was wrong and repeating the procedure didn't cause it to reoccur. I was standing straight up not leaning on anything or having any pressure against that pocket when I heard the sound. It was only later when I was heading home I noticed the odd feel of the back of the phone and discovered the crack. I figure that crack sound must have been it. Shocked me, I've never had a phone crack before, I'm very careful how I handle them.
Man that sucks. Also recall another user that had the same shattering. Assume you ate going to give Google a call? Did the other guy get a replacement for his phone?
OgremustCrush said:
I didn't drop it, didn't bang it against anything, nope-- it was just in my front pant pocket not being pressed on at all, covered by the official bumper case meant to protect it. Funny how it shattered perfectly around that speaker grill though, if there was a weak point in the glass that could cause a shatter, that would sure be the spot. Makes me wonder if anyone else has had a crack start in the same area, especially spontaneously?
Got a piece of tape on in it here in the picture, wanted to hold in the glass shards. I'd love to get it repaired, but I contacted Nexus and LG support and it sounds like their warranty process is a hole I don't want to dig myself into, probably would end up with a too large bill due to "physical damage" and a phone no more intact than it is now. Not to mention being out a phone for weeks, how can anyone tolerate that? Oh well, I guess I'll just have to take off my nice bumper case and cover up that now uglified back with a more full coverage TPU case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This guy has an OEM back covers, you can replace it if you want, shouldn't be too expensive.
zephiK said:
Uh, pretty sure official bumpers aren't meant to protect that. it's meant to make the phone land on its bumper edges. Not protect the phone's back or front. Only protection for that would be having your device to never touch the surface.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well somewhat, a bumper still protects the back by distributing an impact along the edges of the phone as long as it is from a source wide enough it does not point through that perimeter. Drop a phone with a bumper 4 feet onto a flat surface vs one without, odds are the bumper will save the first phone. As I was not whacking my pocket against sharp edges, I don't see how having a bumper vs a full case would make a difference here.
This is reminding me of a time when the back window on a what was a virtually brand new Fiat Cinquecento shattered whilst parked in my drive. Fiat replaced it under warranty as these things happen from time to time. It was a hot day, and the glass ran out of room to expand (and the seal was not fitted properly), and it just shattered, I'm wondering if the glass expands at a different rate to the rest of the phone back, when it gets warm. If this is the case, then this problem will become very common.
Point of impact.
Case closed.
Too bad it happened buddy.
Maybe a jean snap put pressure on it in a specific spot? Really unfortunate :crying:
richteralan said:
Point of impact.
Case closed.
Too bad it happened buddy.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It that's a point of impact, it's exceedingly small, like tip of pen small.
Glass back meeeeeeeeh :silly:
Another guy wearing skinny jeans messing up his phone? j/k
I would be fairly pissed off if this happened to me, that and I'm sure 99% would just think I'm full of it.
TOAST
Note: all pictures are hidden inside spoiler tags. Pictures are not downsized. All pictures and videos were shot on my old Galaxy S6. Videos will be 1080p 60fps (installation) and 4K (end result).
A little bit of a personal background on me first. I am a repair tech for a Houston-based phone/tablet/computer repair shop. I have been doing this for over two years, and I have seen and fixed just about everything imaginable. Phones with cases, skins, and screen protectors, and those without. Tablets with cases, skins, screen protectors, etc. You get the idea. I know exactly what kind of protection every type of material can provide, be it TPU, polycarbonate, silicon, and others.
Let me start off by saying that I have never encountered actual real wood in a protective or decorative scene before. Faux wood, sure. But not real wood (not counting the wooden backs on the Moto X here, since they're part of the actual device). I hadn't even heard of Toast before this first post here almost two weeks back. Let me tell you, the second I found my way to their homepage, I was captivated. I had never thought something like this would even exist. It's brilliant. I spent the next two hours watching every YouTube video I could that showed off these "skins". I use the word skin lightly, here. This is the only skin that I would say provides real protection. But I'll touch on that later.
I received a full set of a style of my choice with the option of a design. I decided on Walnut with no design. I figured most people would choose it this way, and personally I find it the most attractive.
First, the packaging. The skin is shipped via USPS first class, inside a small and nigh-indestructible cardboard box. Not cheap UPS-style cardboard, but that solid white American ****. You can see for yourself below. Everything was snuggled neatly inside paper gift wrapping. I had a shipping confirmation on 11/12, and it got to my apartment on 11/16.
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I'm waiting on the videos I took of the skin installation to upload and process on YouTube, and I'll embed that below as soon as I have it ready. I need to cut out a lot of wasted time and replace the audio, but I'll have it ready in a few days I hope. By the end of the weekend, worse case.
*edit, 11/21/2015*
Here's the installation video:
But, words will have to do for now. I started by installing the back. It was very easy to simply line up the camera, fingerprint scanner, LED flash, and laser focus. The corners, sides, and camera folds all folded up/down nicely. Next I installed the right side with the buttons. That was also as simple as the back, just line up the buttons and you're good to go. After that I did the top, then left, then bottom. Things were going smoothly until the bottom. The part that goes over/around the 3.5mm headphone jack and microphone, at least for my set, seem to be shifted 1 mm too far to the left (towards the USB C port). I'm not sure if the laser cutter became misaligned or what happened there. It's not a fatal flaw, the microphone hole and 3.5mm jack are still totally open and accessible, they're just shifted a little bit. They didn't square up perfectly with the back and the right piece. You'll see what I mean with the pictures below. Finally, we have the buttons and camera cover. You'll be able to see how those are packed once the video is ready. Again with these, there may have been an issue with the laser cutter. The longest sides of the power and volume buttons, along with the sim tray, were cut properly, whereas the short sides were only cut with the laser through what appeared to be most of the wood. You'll see this in the video as well, but I had to take a razor blade to these parts to separate them from the packaging. The buttons all turned out fine, but if you don't have anything tiny and sharp around, you would likely break the buttons. The camera cutout did not suffer from this problem.
Here now are some HD pictures of the finished installation. I was sent a front cover along with the back and sides, but I decided to keep my tempered glass screen protector installed on top and not the wooden skin. It is definitely possible to install the skin on top of the tempered glass, but that would raise it a far amount off of the phone. To me, it wouldn't look as good like that. If I had a thin film protector, I would go ahead and install the skin on that, but I would not install it on tempered glass. Just my two cents there.
Now, for my thoughts after the installation. The feel of real wood is much better than polycarbonate. You can immediately feel the change in grip. The texture of everything looks and feel perfect, just like real stained walnut. Hell, it even smells like it. I'm going to get weird looks from people seeing me smelling my phone now. Points off for that (kidding). The way the back bevels itself into the sides make it a little more comfortable, too. The buttons are pretty tactile, just about as much as without the skin. My volume buttons seem to be a little mushier, but that's probably because I cut it out of the packaging myself. I will say though that since even 12 hours later, the buttons feel a little better, so we'll see how that plays out. The power button is just as clicky as ever. I really like how the skin raises above the tip of the camera lens, I have always hated (hate is such a strong word) putting my phone back-down on rough surfaces because of it. The opening for the USB C port is plenty big, and should fit even the largest chargers (I'm looking at you, cheap cables).
And finally, my thoughts on protection. By no means is this an Otterbox replacement. Time will tell if this can substitute thing cases like the Spigen Thin Fit (which I was previously using). Without a doubt though, this skin can provide minimal basic protection. Since it is actually real wood, I can see it providing some impact protection on the corners. The wood should cave in first before it starts to put too much stress on the housing. Now, don't expect it to save you if you drop it onto tile or concrete from 3 or 5 feet up. But I can see it providing decent if not good protection from a small drop, like slipping out of your pocket when sitting down.
Finished results video:
Do you like wood? Damn right you like wood. Do you not want a case, even though you've used one for years despite the fact you have never dropped or broken a phone? Buy. Buy buy buy. It's going on all of my future devices.
I just got mine as well and will add my $.02 to your excellent review.
I also had a slight misalignment for one of the wrap pieces but mine occurred between the top and the left side. It's about a 1 mm gap so not really that noticeable, but will be curious to see if it snags pockets over time and pulls away. It also took a very bright light (and for a 48 year old reading glasses) to make sure the top microphone holes aligned. My only other installation issue was even with using a blade to help cut out the small cover punchouts, the sim card cover broke above the removal hole since it is such a thin piece there. If they could fully cut around those pieces with their lasers so they came off with the adhesive backing that would make it much easier and less likely to break. I've also noticed a slight lifting on a couple of the backs corner wrap pieces, once again it will be worth seeing if they become a snag hazard and potentially get pulled away. But overall installation was easier then most screen protectors I've put on.
Post install, a couple of items to note. I came off an Adopted case so this skin is definitely much slicker. It does feel when I'm retrieving it from my car mount or grabbing it quickly off my desk that it might slip out of my hand and given the minimum protection hitting the pavement may not survive (thank goodness for Google insurance The other issue I've had post-install is getting my headphones to seat well in the 3.5 mm jack. As noted in other threads, you need them in pretty tight to get connections and the first time I put mine in (I use the Bose QuietComforts) they didn't seat right and I had to really push on them to get them to connect. We'll see if things shift a little over time and it gets easier.
That all said, I'm very happy with the overall look and would definitely buy one again.
dpwhitty11 said:
TOAST
Note: all pictures are hidden inside spoiler tags. Pictures are not downsized. All pictures and videos were shot on my old Galaxy S6. Videos will be 1080p 60fps (installation) and 4K (end result).
A little bit of a personal background on me first. I am a repair tech for a Houston-based phone/tablet/computer repair shop. I have been doing this for over two years, and I have seen and fixed just about everything imaginable. Phones with cases, skins, and screen protectors, and those without. Tablets with cases, skins, screen protectors, etc. You get the idea. I know exactly what kind of protection every type of material can provide, be it TPU, polycarbonate, silicon, and others.
Let me start off by saying that I have never encountered actual real wood in a protective or decorative scene before. Faux wood, sure. But not real wood (not counting the wooden backs on the Moto X here, since they're part of the actual device). I hadn't even heard of Toast before this first post here almost two weeks back. Let me tell you, the second I found my way to their homepage, I was captivated. I had never thought something like this would even exist. It's brilliant. I spent the next two hours watching every YouTube video I could that showed off these "skins". I use the word skin lightly, here. This is the only skin that I would say provides real protection. But I'll touch on that later.
I received a full set of a style of my choice with the option of a design. I decided on Walnut with no design. I figured most people would choose it this way, and personally I find it the most attractive.
First, the packaging. The skin is shipped via USPS first class, inside a small and nigh-indestructible cardboard box. Not cheap UPS-style cardboard, but that solid white American ****. You can see for yourself below. Everything was snuggled neatly inside paper gift wrapping. I had a shipping confirmation on 11/12, and it got to my apartment on 11/16.
I'm waiting on the videos I took of the skin installation to upload and process on YouTube, and I'll embed that below as soon as I have it ready. I need to cut out a lot of wasted time and replace the audio, but I'll have it ready in a few days I hope. By the end of the weekend, worse case.
But, words will have to do for now. I started by installing the back. It was very easy to simply line up the camera, fingerprint scanner, LED flash, and laser focus. The corners, sides, and camera folds all folded up/down nicely. Next I installed the right side with the buttons. That was also as simple as the back, just line up the buttons and you're good to go. After that I did the top, then left, then bottom. Things were going smoothly until the bottom. The part that goes over/around the 3.5mm headphone jack and microphone, at least for my set, seem to be shifted 1 mm too far to the left (towards the USB C port). I'm not sure if the laser cutter became misaligned or what happened there. It's not a fatal flaw, the microphone hole and 3.5mm jack are still totally open and accessible, they're just shifted a little bit. They didn't square up perfectly with the back and the right piece. You'll see what I mean with the pictures below. Finally, we have the buttons and camera cover. You'll be able to see how those are packed once the video is ready. Again with these, there may have been an issue with the laser cutter. The longest sides of the power and volume buttons, along with the sim tray, were cut properly, whereas the short sides were only cut with the laser through what appeared to be most of the wood. You'll see this in the video as well, but I had to take a razor blade to these parts to separate them from the packaging. The buttons all turned out fine, but if you don't have anything tiny and sharp around, you would likely break the buttons. The camera cutout did not suffer from this problem.
Here now are some HD pictures of the finished installation. I was sent a front cover along with the back and sides, but I decided to keep my tempered glass screen protector installed on top and not the wooden skin. It is definitely possible to install the skin on top of the tempered glass, but that would raise it a far amount off of the phone. To me, it wouldn't look as good like that. If I had a thin film protector, I would go ahead and install the skin on that, but I would not install it on tempered glass. Just my two cents there.
Now, for my thoughts after the installation. The feel of real wood is much better than polycarbonate. You can immediately feel the change in grip. The texture of everything looks and feel perfect, just like real stained walnut. Hell, it even smells like it. I'm going to get weird looks from people seeing me smelling my phone now. Points off for that (kidding). The way the back bevels itself into the sides make it a little more comfortable, too. The buttons are pretty tactile, just about as much as without the skin. My volume buttons seem to be a little mushier, but that's probably because I cut it out of the packaging myself. I will say though that since even 12 hours later, the buttons feel a little better, so we'll see how that plays out. The power button is just as clicky as ever. I really like how the skin raises above the tip of the camera lens, I have always hated (hate is such a strong word) putting my phone back-down on rough surfaces because of it. The opening for the USB C port is plenty big, and should fit even the largest chargers (I'm looking at you, cheap cables).
And finally, my thoughts on protection. By no means is this an Otterbox replacement. Time will tell if this can substitute thing cases like the Spigen Thin Fit (which I was previously using). Without a doubt though, this skin can provide minimal basic protection. Since it is actually real wood, I can see it providing some impact protection on the corners. The wood should cave in first before it starts to put too much stress on the housing. Now, don't expect it to save you if you drop it onto tile or concrete from 3 or 5 feet up. But I can see it providing decent if not good protection from a small drop, like slipping out of your pocket when sitting down.
Do you like wood? Damn right you like wood. Do you not want a case, even though you've used one for years despite the fact you have never dropped or broken a phone? Buy. Buy buy buy. It's going on all of my future devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much for the in-depth review, and sorry to hear of the alignment issue! Looking at the picture #2 of the Toasted 5X, it appears that that side wrap is a little low. I suggest (and thought it was mentioned in the instructions) using the scorelines of the actual back cover to align the sides. The ports may not be perfectly centered within the cutouts, but they should all be fully functional. We have a "butterfingers" replacement policy on everything, so if you'd like another set of wraps, just shoot an email to [email protected] referencing your order.
In regards to the sim/button covers, it's best to peel the paper off and then push them through the little slots. Those guys can be tricky to get the laser to cut all the way through, but our QA should have caught them in the production process. We'll gladly send replacements any time!
Thanks again, and enjoy your Toasted 5X!
---------- Post added at 11:31 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:19 PM ----------
rgerrans said:
I just got mine as well and will add my $.02 to your excellent review.
I also had a slight misalignment for one of the wrap pieces but mine occurred between the top and the left side. It's about a 1 mm gap so not really that noticeable, but will be curious to see if it snags pockets over time and pulls away. It also took a very bright light (and for a 48 year old reading glasses) to make sure the top microphone holes aligned. My only other installation issue was even with using a blade to help cut out the small cover punchouts, the sim card cover broke above the removal hole since it is such a thin piece there. If they could fully cut around those pieces with their lasers so they came off with the adhesive backing that would make it much easier and less likely to break. I've also noticed a slight lifting on a couple of the backs corner wrap pieces, once again it will be worth seeing if they become a snag hazard and potentially get pulled away. But overall installation was easier then most screen protectors I've put on.
Post install, a couple of items to note. I came off an Adopted case so this skin is definitely much slicker. It does feel when I'm retrieving it from my car mount or grabbing it quickly off my desk that it might slip out of my hand and given the minimum protection hitting the pavement may not survive (thank goodness for Google insurance The other issue I've had post-install is getting my headphones to seat well in the 3.5 mm jack. As noted in other threads, you need them in pretty tight to get connections and the first time I put mine in (I use the Bose QuietComforts) they didn't seat right and I had to really push on them to get them to connect. We'll see if things shift a little over time and it gets easier.
That all said, I'm very happy with the overall look and would definitely buy one again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much for the feedback! As I'd told OP, in his second picture of the Toast 5X, it appears that his side wrap is a little low. I suggest (and thought it was mentioned in the instructions) using the scorelines of the actual back cover to align the sides. The ports may not be perfectly centered within the cutouts, but they should all be fully functional.
With the sim/button covers, it's best to peel the paper off and then push them through the little slots. Those guys can be tricky to get the laser to cut all the way through, but our QA should have caught them in the production process. We'll gladly send replacements any time. We even have a "butterfingers" replacement policy on the actual covers; just send a picture of the misaligned cover and we send a replacement. Please shoot an email to [email protected] referencing your order and we'll send another set of buttons, as well as wraps, if necessary.
Thanks again, and enjoy your Toasted 5X!
Looks really nice but it's a shame that they don't have mahogany, dark reddish wood alá art deco..
So I had one of these toast covers a few years ago on my Nexus 5. Sure they're ok for the feel and all but the adhesive they use picks up a lot of lint from pockets, general dust etc.
If not for that, I may consider them again.
LAURCORE said:
Thank you so much for the feedback! As I'd told OP, in his second picture of the Toast 5X, it appears that his side wrap is a little low. I suggest (and thought it was mentioned in the instructions) using the scorelines of the actual back cover to align the sides. The ports may not be perfectly centered within the cutouts, but they should all be fully functional.
With the sim/button covers, it's best to peel the paper off and then push them through the little slots. Those guys can be tricky to get the laser to cut all the way through, but our QA should have caught them in the production process. We'll gladly send replacements any time. We even have a "butterfingers" replacement policy on the actual covers; just send a picture of the misaligned cover and we send a replacement. Please shoot an email to [email protected] referencing your order and we'll send another set of buttons, as well as wraps, if necessary.
Thanks again, and enjoy your Toasted 5X!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
On the alignment, it's tight on the power button side, just 1 mm short of full wrap and/or the sim card side is just short of coming up high enough. Thanks for the offer on the replacement but it's such a small piece that snapped off that it's barely noticeable and not worth the effort to replace.
For me the bigger issue is turning out to be the size of the 3.5mm audio cutout. I can't get my Bose to get a secure connection. Unfortunately, it looks like the only way to get the opening big enough would be to actually take it into the first bend cut since the Bose plug cover is 6mm in diameter vs. what looks like a 5mm cutout now. Not sure if that's even an option? May have to see if I can cut back part of the plug cover on the Bose.
Other then that, still liking the cover. No issues with snagging or extra lint pickup from the small side gap or any of the corner cuts.
I was thinking of picking one up for my 6p and debating one for my 5x. I kinda like leaving my 5x naked.
If I were to get it I would for sure get it engraved with the nexus logo text across the back. You can request this as they can't put it as an option on the site due to trademark. You select the custom text engravings option ($5 more) and then in the custom text field write: "Nexus etching" or "X etching" (for the X in nexus only) as the custom text.
My videos have processed and are live on YouTube. I've embedded them into the first post.
littleguevara said:
So I had one of these toast covers a few years ago on my Nexus 5. Sure they're ok for the feel and all but the adhesive they use picks up a lot of lint from pockets, general dust etc.
If not for that, I may consider them again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's typically a little bit of exposed adhesive around the edges, but this should never be an issue after a few days of use. We always tell people to just leave it be and it will go away on it's own. :good:
---------- Post added at 08:28 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:25 PM ----------
ElecTriX666 said:
Looks really nice but it's a shame that they don't have mahogany, dark reddish wood alá art deco..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry for the disappointment, but we plan on adding a cherry wood this Spring!
---------- Post added at 08:30 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:28 PM ----------
graffixnyc said:
I was thinking of picking one up for my 6p and debating one for my 5x. I kinda like leaving my 5x naked.
If I were to get it I would for sure get it engraved with the nexus logo text across the back. You can request this as they can't put it as an option on the site due to trademark. You select the custom text engravings option ($5 more) and then in the custom text field write: "Nexus etching" or "X etching" (for the X in nexus only) as the custom text.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for sharing the Nexus etching info, and you won't regret Toasting them!
---------- Post added at 08:37 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:30 PM ----------
dpwhitty11 said:
My videos have processed and are live on YouTube. I've embedded them into the first post.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excellent video - thanks again! Those button covers were definitely underscored by the laser... don't know how that passed through QA. Please let me know if you'd like a replacement set of wraps & buttons!
So, a little update for me here.
I have, to my own disappointment, dropped my phone. It slid out of my pocket when I was getting into my Jeep and fell onto a parking lot. The skin performed just as I thought! The wood caved/dented in where the impacts were. There is no actual damage to my phone. A++.
Another note, we have finally had some colder days here in Houston. Because the skin is real wood, the ambient air temperature and relative humidity factor into the grippiness of the skin. It is definitely much more slippery in colder & drier weather, about as slick as an iPhone 6 (at least that's what I would compare it to).
dpwhitty11 said:
So, a little update for me here.
I have, to my own disappointment, dropped my phone. It slid out of my pocket when I was getting into my Jeep and fell onto a parking lot. The skin performed just as I thought! The wood caved/dented in where the impacts were. There is no actual damage to my phone. A++.
Another note, we have finally had some colder days here in Houston. Because the skin is real wood, the ambient air temperature and relative humidity factor into the grippiness of the skin. It is definitely much more slippery in colder & drier weather, about as slick as an iPhone 6 (at least that's what I would compare it to).
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the update. In general, would you say the wooden toast skin is more or less slippery than the naked device?
These look amazing. I'm thinking about getting the darkest (teak?) one for my 5X. Just had a quick question. I use a Mountek magnetic phone holder in my car. What I currently do is put the thinner of the two metallic "badges" (that hold the phone to the magnetic mount) under my phone's case. Do you think it would it work to do the same under the Toast skin? I don't have calipers, but the piece of metal is quite thin.
Great review thanks!
bblzd said:
Thanks for the update. In general, would you say the wooden toast skin is more or less slippery than the naked device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you use the skin without the button covers? I like cases/skins that keep the buttons free or is the thickness too much and the buttons are lower than the wood?
bblzd said:
Thanks for the update. In general, would you say the wooden toast skin is more or less slippery than the naked device?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here in Houston, I'd say (generally) more grippy. But like I said, once it got cold and less humid, it easily became more slippery.
bkjones88 said:
These look amazing. I'm thinking about getting the darkest (teak?) one for my 5X. Just had a quick question. I use a Mountek magnetic phone holder in my car. What I currently do is put the thinner of the two metallic "badges" (that hold the phone to the magnetic mount) under my phone's case. Do you think it would it work to do the same under the Toast skin? I don't have calipers, but the piece of metal is quite thin.
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Click to collapse
I use a similar kind of magnetic mount. I have mine just stuck right on the back. If the magnet is strong enough it should be okay.
radeon962 said:
Can you use the skin without the button covers? I like cases/skins that keep the buttons free or is the thickness too much and the buttons are lower than the wood?
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Click to collapse
You could, but they're basically flush with the skin. It would be pretty hard to press.
Does the camera lens ring affect light going into it? That's my only concern, as this phone is marketed with more light capturing capabilities.
ShishkaBerry said:
Does the camera lens ring affect light going into it? That's my only concern, as this phone is marketed with more light capturing capabilities.
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Click to collapse
Not a bit.
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk
dpwhitty11 said:
Not a bit.
Sent from my Nexus 5X using Tapatalk
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Click to collapse
Sweet! I've been working on a custom case design since yesterday, the first time I've ever used photoshop lol. The fingerprint sensor looks like a full moon to me, so I'm thinking forest treeline with orion constellation above it on ebony. Currently waiting for the ice blue 5X, just ordered it Friday.
dpwhitty11 said:
You could, but they're basically flush with the skin. It would be pretty hard to press.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I ended up just trimming the opening for the buttons with an Exacto knife so that I could leave the buttons bare.
Just a quick update to my experience with my Toast cover. Unfortunately, after 7 months I had to take it off. The cover on the power button had slowly chipped off (kept snagging on my pocket) down to the point it was difficult to press and a couple of the corner curve pieces had snapped off. Fortunately using a hair dryer helped it come off with no leftover adhesive.
So, I was excited to get this installed and I did a really good job with it. It's really clear and for the most part looks great on the phone. Sensitivity is also on point.
But I have two quips.
#1. The edges of the glass protector are sharp. I was intending to use the phone naked but because of how sharp it is I have to keep a case on to get that weird feeling of two screens gone.
#2. The edges of the glass catch so much dirt and dust because of the adhesive. If I try and clean it off it gets worse cuz the adhesive then balls up and becomes part of the dirt.
I'm really not happy with how the dirt looks. Showing off my new phone to people they asked me why it's dirty like that. And I think I did an excellent job with the install, I cleaned off everything I could after the first cure. Anyone else have these concerns?
Hey!
This is Whitestone! I am so sorry about has happened to you. By reading your post, I would just have to give a guess that UV light was not enough or the glass did not fully stick. Sometimes edges may be sharp and dirt may get in because the space in between the glass and the LCD display may have thicker adhesive layer than other installations. If you could contact us through the website you bought it from, we may be able to help you out!
For more information on Whitestone Dome Glass visit our website: https://www.whitestonedome.com/
Whitestone Dome Glass said:
Hey!
This is Whitestone! I am so sorry about has happened to you. By reading your post, I would just have to give a guess that UV light was not enough or the glass did not fully stick. Sometimes edges may be sharp and dirt may get in because the space in between the glass and the LCD display may have thicker adhesive layer than other installations. If you could contact us through the website you bought it from, we may be able to help you out!
For more information on Whitestone Dome Glass visit our website: https://www.whitestonedome.com/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good to hear. I purchased my first Dome Glass directly from you via eBay. The bridge was broken in half but I tried to install it anyway. Glue went everywhere and the liquid did not fill the very top of the protector. It's been 4 days and no response to my request for a refund.... I've already purchased a new one at Amazon as they don't give me any issues with returns. Please respond via eBay. Same user name on eBay as here. As you know, this is the most expensive screen protector available for the Note 8. While it seems like a great protector, you guys should be bending over backwards when a customer has a problem when these cost 50 bucks. I'm holding out hope that you will do the right thing.
Watching this thread as I was about to purchase one of these..... Hopefully like you say... $50 should at least give you better than this in regards to customer service
I too am interested in their Customer Service. As I have said in another post and on my Amazon review, there is NO EXCUSE why there aren't two protectors in a product that costs $50 period. If they want better market penetration they need to ease some minds and remove the risk of flushing $50 down the toilet if the first attempt goes off poorly. I have already heard that from more than one person as why they won't buy one.
I followed all the directions, was very careful during the install even to the point of wearing mask and gloves so I couldn't blow dust on the screen while working. All that effort during the install was successful for a clean dust free install but I still ended up with a bubble on the left side of the display because I couldn't see it under/through the Jig that holds the phone and holds the glass in the right place to know there was a bubble there :/ Every time I look at the screen that bubble "lights up" like a neon sign saying "Hey you screwed up" and bugs me. I will absolutely NOT be spending another $50 for this again to correct that mistake.
This product could be NUMBER ONE in the US market if they added that ease of mind of a complete do-over installing the glass if a mistake is made even after drying the glue. That and an actual break warranty like ALL of their competition has. Instead they charge $40 now (was $35 a couple days ago) for the "refill kit" ??
Whitestone Dome is the best looking, best finger sensitive protector I have ever used (12 years and counting). My friends and colleagues won't touch it at that price for fear of blowing the install and being out that amount of money when the can spend 1/5th the money on something else. I can't say I disagree with them. I was very excited to receive it and try it out. I wanted this phone to look the best it could. In the end I took my time, did it right but still ended up with a mistake :/ Now it is both a source of joy in that for the most part it looks good, but also embarrassment/frustration over a simple mistake I can't fix without spending double the money. Instead of showing off my phone and telling people what I bought and them thinking that they should get one too, what happens is they know me a guy who fixes phones (even displays) and has never had an imperfect install of a screen protector until now living with a bubble due to the price. One of my friends actually said "If you couldn't do it right, what chance in hell do I have?"
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hx4700 Killer said:
I too am interested in their Customer Service. As I have said in another post and on my Amazon review, there is NO EXCUSE why there aren't two protectors in a product that costs $50 period. If they want better market penetration they need to ease some minds and remove the risk of flushing $50 down the toilet if the first attempt goes off poorly. I have already heard that from more than one person as why they won't buy one.
I followed all the directions, was very careful during the install even to the point of wearing mask and gloves so I couldn't blow dust on the screen while working. All that effort during the install was successful for a clean dust free install but I still ended up with a bubble on the left side of the display because I couldn't see it under/through the Jig that holds the phone and holds the glass in the right place to know there was a bubble there :/ Every time I look at the screen that bubble "lights up" like a neon sign saying "Hey you screwed up" and bugs me. I will absolutely NOT be spending another $50 for this again to correct that mistake.
This product could be NUMBER ONE in the US market if they added that ease of mind of a complete do-over installing the glass if a mistake is made even after drying the glue. That and an actual break warranty like ALL of their competition has. Instead they charge $40 now (was $35 a couple days ago) for the "refill kit" ??
Whitestone Dome is the best looking, best finger sensitive protector I have ever used (12 years and counting). My friends and colleagues won't touch it at that price for fear of blowing the install and being out that amount of money when the can spend 1/5th the money on something else. I can't say I disagree with them. I was very excited to receive it and try it out. I wanted this phone to look the best it could. In the end I took my time, did it right but still ended up with a mistake :/ Now it is both a source of joy in that for the most part it looks good, but also embarrassment/frustration over a simple mistake I can't fix without spending double the money. Instead of showing off my phone and telling people what I bought and them thinking that they should get one too, what happens is they know me a guy who fixes phones (even displays) and has never had an imperfect install of a screen protector until now living with a bubble due to the price. One of my friends actually said "If you couldn't do it right, what chance in hell do I have?"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't blame you mate for not wanting to spend another 5% of your phones total cost.
2 of these equate to 10% of what you roughly paid for the device...How does that even make sense ...10% for the equivalent of 2 glass protectors which probably cost less then a few dollars to the manufacturer.
Unfortunately at this time they are the only ones with this product and will continue to sell at this price point
I'll return mine if they don't step up and take care of their customers!
twistanesh said:
So, I was excited to get this installed and I did a really good job with it. It's really clear and for the most part looks great on the phone. Sensitivity is also on point.
But I have two quips.
#1. The edges of the glass protector are sharp. I was intending to use the phone naked but because of how sharp it is I have to keep a case on to get that weird feeling of two screens gone.
#2. The edges of the glass catch so much dirt and dust because of the adhesive. If I try and clean it off it gets worse cuz the adhesive then balls up and becomes part of the dirt.
I'm really not happy with how the dirt looks. Showing off my new phone to people they asked me why it's dirty like that. And I think I did an excellent job with the install, I cleaned off everything I could after the first cure. Anyone else have these concerns?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1 on this! I thought it was just me . I have had 2 of them do this. The other I installed for a friend and he hasn't said anything. If you try to remove that glue and dust on the edge it just makes it worse. Then you have a weird dirty looking spot right on the edge. I can give you a perfect example. Just below the speaker at the top where your ear might hit during use the edge looks ragged and dirty. Had this thing on for 3 days.
iowamoe300 said:
+1 on this! I thought it was just me . I have had 2 of them do this. The other I installed for a friend and he hasn't said anything. If you try to remove that glue and dust on the edge it just makes it worse. Then you have a weird dirty looking spot right on the edge. I can give you a perfect example. Just below the speaker at the top where your ear might hit during use the edge looks ragged and dirty. Had this thing on for 3 days.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That area especially looks the worst!
Whitestone Dome Glass said:
Hey!
This is Whitestone! I am so sorry about has happened to you. By reading your post, I would just have to give a guess that UV light was not enough or the glass did not fully stick. Sometimes edges may be sharp and dirt may get in because the space in between the glass and the LCD display may have thicker adhesive layer than other installations. If you could contact us through the website you bought it from, we may be able to help you out!
For more information on Whitestone Dome Glass visit our website: https://www.whitestonedome.com/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for your response, I'll go ahead and direct message you guys!
hx4700 Killer said:
I too am interested in their Customer Service. As I have said in another post and on my Amazon review, there is NO EXCUSE why there aren't two protectors in a product that costs $50 period. If they want better market penetration they need to ease some minds and remove the risk of flushing $50 down the toilet if the first attempt goes off poorly. I have already heard that from more than one person as why they won't buy one.
I followed all the directions, was very careful during the install even to the point of wearing mask and gloves so I couldn't blow dust on the screen while working. All that effort during the install was successful for a clean dust free install but I still ended up with a bubble on the left side of the display because I couldn't see it under/through the Jig that holds the phone and holds the glass in the right place to know there was a bubble there :/ Every time I look at the screen that bubble "lights up" like a neon sign saying "Hey you screwed up" and bugs me. I will absolutely NOT be spending another $50 for this again to correct that mistake.
This product could be NUMBER ONE in the US market if they added that ease of mind of a complete do-over installing the glass if a mistake is made even after drying the glue. That and an actual break warranty like ALL of their competition has. Instead they charge $40 now (was $35 a couple days ago) for the "refill kit" ??
Whitestone Dome is the best looking, best finger sensitive protector I have ever used (12 years and counting). My friends and colleagues won't touch it at that price for fear of blowing the install and being out that amount of money when the can spend 1/5th the money on something else. I can't say I disagree with them. I was very excited to receive it and try it out. I wanted this phone to look the best it could. In the end I took my time, did it right but still ended up with a mistake :/ Now it is both a source of joy in that for the most part it looks good, but also embarrassment/frustration over a simple mistake I can't fix without spending double the money. Instead of showing off my phone and telling people what I bought and them thinking that they should get one too, what happens is they know me a guy who fixes phones (even displays) and has never had an imperfect install of a screen protector until now living with a bubble due to the price. One of my friends actually said "If you couldn't do it right, what chance in hell do I have?"
View attachment 4278272
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Click to collapse
Wow sounds like you went through a lot there. Hopefully they get this resolved for you
twistanesh said:
That area especially looks the worst!
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Click to collapse
I did send them an email with pictures and my receipt. I bought 3 whitestones from mobilefun.com and they don't even have any in stock anymore. Mobilefun also put a note in the package that basically says no warranty replacements. Let us know if you hear back from whitestone and I will do the same.
I'm sad to say that Whitestone's QC isn't the best either, which was surprising to me given the rather high price of admission...
I'm in the process of returning one of the dome protectors through Amazon - the glass itself had an imperfection which showed up like a dust bubble between the tempered glass and the plastic initial protector - it was visible as soon as I took the tempered glass out of the package to start the process.
I thought it was dust to begin with, but no amount of alcohol wipes or dust removal stickers worked, and as soon as the plastic protector was put back, the "dust bubble" re-appeared.
I didn't try to install the protector properly as I wasn't happy paying £40 for a protector with a defect.
Not entirely sure I want to roll the dice again, especially given the fact that the edges are sharp - I was expecting a sort of "2.5D glass" beveled edges to be honest - are these available on curved edge tempered glass protectors? If so I might go down the DIY loca route rather than get another Whitestone.
Amazon sellers are required to maintain a certain product defect / return rate, FBA or not.
Buy only from Amazon and return it if you didn't get a working product. First comes the performance "review" (month ban) then a permanent termination. Hit them where it hurts. They'll either have to step up their customer service and provide replacement kits for free or lose product exposure on the largest e-commerce site.
Though to be honest they'll probably buy/setup another account under the guise of a distributor at that point.
Well, I decided that if I was going to return it, I might as well give it a try and see how it goes on, and the "tiny dust bubble", which appeared to be a very slight imperfection in the glass (I couldn't feel it, but you could see reflections in the glass being distorted) has "blossomed" into a nasty looking pinkish-purple mark, visible on both black and white backgrounds.
And half an hour later two air bubbles have developed next to the pink mark as well. They seem to be forming into a sort of halo shape around the defect. e: the bubble is now a full ring with 1-2mm separation between the bubble and the defect e: #2 Ok, now it's a 1cm wide "spider bubble". Weird.
I'm absolutely positive that it isn't a piece of dirt/dust under there - it was perfectly clean before I put the protector on, the pinkish-purple mark only appeared when the glue was applied. The mark also "floats" ever so slightly above the air bubbles, as it it part of the glass protector.
I'm going to try and contact Whitestone directly and request a replacement glass only, if at all possible. I'd prefer to keep the phone protected for now, even if that means a hideous mark right in the middle of my screen.
The applicator works great though, really simple and effective - and damn satisfying to watch, too!
https://i.imgur.com/o6Rhghq.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/aJR2VTa.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/thzxlAl.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/mNlqbrx.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/clMmNM8.jpg
*the pics are massive, hence links rather than dropping them into the post
After reading this I've decided against purchasing this specific screen protector. I bought three different types on Amazon, on my second one and am completely satisfied. It looks as good or better than pics in this thread and all three were cheaper than one Whitestone Dome.
Currently I'm using this one...
Galaxy Note 8 Screen Protector, Klearlook [S-Pen Compatible][Case Friendly Tempered Glass][Free Alignment Tool] + 1 Piece Back Carbon Fiber Skin for S https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074SDR9MQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_OylkKxgZC6Eu7
I installed mine last night w/ my new Note 8. I used my countertops which I know are level and spent SO much time making sure there was no lint, etc. Bought through Amazon. Had a couple 10 dollar protectors in case this didn't do the trick. I followed instructions to the T, and even did more UV light afterwards for good measure. I'll be happy to report that mine turned out better than expected. Really happy with it. Is it worth 40+ bucks? Not sure but if customer service helps you out and ships you a new one I'm sure it will be. I can't count the number of 10 dollar 'glass' and other screen protectors I've purchased over the years. If this is the only one I have on my Note 8, it will also be worth it. Side note: Using Spigen tough armor and it lines up almost perfect....no room for error at all.
Just installed mine a few hours ago and the glue itself had some type of dust particle in it. Luckily I improvised and used a canned air compressor straw to pick it out while also making sure no dust from my environment made it on the glass. After about 30 mins of cleaning and removing that odd dust particle, I finally let the glass down and the adhesive take hold. I waited about 5 minutes, used the lamp and noticed the edges weren't completely covered by adhesive. Nevertheless, I did the lamp step then thought I was finished. Wrong... I never took my phone out of the frame... Long story short I glued my phone to the inside of the frame. After breaking the frame apart and plastic shards flying everywhere I had my phone out with adhesive on the back. 10 mins later all glue wiped away from the back and sides of the phone and I'm finished. Here's photos of the corners not being completely covered on the glass
gwar11d2 said:
I installed mine last night w/ my new Note 8. I used my countertops which I know are level and spent SO much time making sure there was no lint, etc. Bought through Amazon. Had a couple 10 dollar protectors in case this didn't do the trick. I followed instructions to the T, and even did more UV light afterwards for good measure. I'll be happy to report that mine turned out better than expected. Really happy with it. Is it worth 40+ bucks? Not sure but if customer service helps you out and ships you a new one I'm sure it will be. I can't count the number of 10 dollar 'glass' and other screen protectors I've purchased over the years. If this is the only one I have on my Note 8, it will also be worth it. Side note: Using Spigen tough armor and it lines up almost perfect....no room for error at all.
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Click to collapse
Glad you got a good looking install! Most of the ones I have seen/read have at least one issue :/ even the reviewers for cases that fit of the dome itself all had at least bubbles if not more issues :/
hx4700 Killer said:
Glad you got a good looking install! Most of the ones I have seen/read have at least one issue :/ even the reviewers for cases that fit of the dome itself all had at least bubbles if not more issues :/
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Click to collapse
Yah, mine came from Whitestone Direct via Amazon. Maybe that helped? I can see where these can be very prone to error though. Even the tinest of tiny dust particle or if your table isn't level is going to throw off the installation.