Database Develop

Otterbox Commuter Series quick/dirty review

I'll do a more detailed review tonight and switch out the photos with better ones too.
First impressions: Holy crap this is huge!
It is very reminiscent of the commuter series for the HTC Hero (of course). However, this one feels a bit more "rugged".
The case has the standard plugs for the headphones and microusb ports. It also has the raised areas for the volume rocker and on/off button. The front is well protected and thick enough to not really have to worry about placing the phone face down.
It was much easier to attach than the Sedio Innocase! And conversely, it's a PAIN to remove (which is a good thing!)
It takes about the same amount of force to slide open the keyboard. It's borderline too hard for me.
Oh, the keyboard lights aren't completely covered either! Granted you still can't see them looking directly down at the phone, you can see them if you tilt the phone back a little.
My initial qualms are:
1) The case is slightly too long for the phone. The top of the case that is around the keyboard is loose. Not just a little, but it looks like it wasn't even meant for this phone.
2) Like the mini-usb plug on the Hero's commuter series, the micro-usb plug on the Shift's commuter series doesn't want to stay in.
3) Since the back side is beveled and it's semi-hard to slide out, it sometimes takes a couple tries because it keeps slipping out of my hands.
Nit-picks:
1) Backside cover is off-center (flash/camera/speaker aren't centered in their respective cutouts)
2) No silicone on the front so when it's face down it slides around easily (compared to the hero which had silicone bumpers on the front)

Where did you get it from? Still says preorder on my end
Sent from my MiuiSpeedy with that Premium XDA App

just ordered mine, hope its protective. It feels good to raw dog, but its dangerous.

Rooster85 said:
Where did you get it from? Still says preorder on my end
Sent from my MiuiSpeedy with that Premium XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Otterbox.com EVO Shift 4G Commuter Series

southernstyle said:
just ordered mine, hope its protective. It feels good to raw dog, but its dangerous.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's does a very good job of covering up the phone and not being loose.

Got mine today, as wizputer noted the mini-usb isn't snug enough to remain in the port. Otherwise, very impressed with the design and construction of the case.

got mine in today, very pleased. although it was a little bit of a b*^&h to put on. After getting it on I noticed the usb plug being a pain, and the power button seems to need a lil extra force to actually click, but other than that love it. I feel safe now

Good review, disappointed, love my Otterbox's for my EVO and HD2. The split covers though, Shift and Tilt (from experience), just do not seem to provide the same kind of coverage but I do not know what else they could do to make them better.

nativ73 said:
Got mine today, as wizputer noted the mini-usb isn't snug enough to remain in the port. Otherwise, very impressed with the design and construction of the case.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I ended up cutting my usb plug off because of the headache it was causing.
Sent from my MiuiSpeedy

Rooster85 said:
I ended up cutting my usb plug off because of the headache it was causing.
Sent from my MiuiSpeedy
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually you just have to know how to make it stay there's a little trick to it when you close it. You have to kinda pull the thing up a little bit and then slide it in and stays. That's how mine works anyways ..

kbrn said:
Actually you just have to know how to make it stay there's a little trick to it when you close it. You have to kinda pull the thing up a little bit and then slide it in and stays. That's how mine works anyways ..
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh well, too late. The microusb doesn't need to be covered really anyways
Sent from my MiuiSpeedy

I just always wiggle the flap into the port, best case by far would definately recomend. ORDER FROM OTTERBOXS WEBSITE, when it first came out I tried it from amazon (it was $10 less) but the expected shipping date was in june.
No I'm not using Tapatalk... I'm using the XDA Premium app, cause I got balls.

Be careful with the otterbox guys, dropped mine for the first time today and 3 of the 4 clips to hold the back on broke, making the case absolutely useless..... waste of 30 bucks!
Sent from my MiuiSpeedy

When. That happens call otterbox and they will no auestions asked replace it usually takes 1week shipping I've had 5 so fardo this and most recently they sent me 2x so I don't need to calll next timeill. Be prepared...love this company
Sent from my PG06100 using xda premium

+1 to that . They have like you said Replaced mine about 4x's. Never once asked for anything but my address. Best company ever . Have since bought Otter Boxes for all my Devices.

I got this case mid August, and about a week ago, I dropped it. While in free fall, the top of the case just fell off my phone and broke in half. Sad thing is, I dropped it from about 2 feet. But yes, I called it in, and they are sending me in another, just have to watch out for my phone a bit more! (At least I get to replace the screen protector, put it on kinda bad, XP

Back Cover White Replacement?

Does anyone know where I could get a white back cover like the ones they had on the I/O Nexus 7 Devices? Off eBay or Amazon or wherever.
I'm looking for a replacement of the entire back cover, not something to go over it.
Thanks!

Doubt you'll see many third party rear covers, since the stock cover has all the wireless antennas mounted to it.

rohan32 said:
Does anyone know where I could get a white back cover like the ones they had on the I/O Nexus 7 Devices? Off eBay or Amazon or wherever.
I'm looking for a replacement of the entire back cover, not something to go over it.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no way you can get one- too triky installation and will cost a helf of a price you bought it..
i recommend a sticker if you really want a different backing..
xo skins
---xoskins.com/carbon-fiber-skin-protectors/google-nexus-7-silver-carbon-fiber-back--

Nothing is attached to the back cover and it's not particularly complex. I popped mine off with a credit card - it's just a plastic cover, nothing special. Still, I suspect that the market for replacements would be pretty small, but who knows?

drewd said:
Nothing is attached to the back cover and it's not particularly complex. I popped mine off with a credit card - it's just a plastic cover, nothing special. Still, I suspect that the market for replacements would be pretty small, but who knows?
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Click to collapse
You didn't look very hard... it has at least the NFC antenna in it and if I recall other antenna connections as well. Look for the connectors that connect it to the back of the device.

Good lord, I'm a dumbass. You're right. But it doesn't seem like too much of a stretch to duplicate the antenna placements. I suspect, though, that there just wouldn't be enough demand.

It's like anything else, replacement parts are a narrow and usually expensive market. A replacement cover with the antennas would probably run double the coat of a regular replacement back. And that's once dealers get a demand big enough to warrant making them at all. -Ara
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

Hehe well it was worth a shot
I'd love to get it to match my white HTC One X on AT&T but I guess not
thanks anyway!

One option would be to "Paint" the cover. With the correct paint types, it should be easy to do... I've no clue what those proper paint types would be, but it would need to be something that covers well, stays on and doesn't impair the use of all the antennas.
My daughter who makes toys might know. I'll ask her tonight.

Use a vinyl paint such as duplicolor or sem. That's how I painted my gnex and how I plan on painting the n7
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium

When I had my Xperia X1, I bought entire replacement housings for $30 on ebay, buttons and metal bits included lol. Cant the actual antenna itself be removed from the back cover and mounted on a new cover?
I dont see why this would be such an impossible idea.

Interesting, in removed my back cover a few times to pull the battery. Didn't see any connections. Guess I didn't look hard enough. What kind of connections? Metal pins I'm assuming
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

I was wondering if you can hear a noise from the back casing when you hold the tablet from the right side with your fingers?
My white nexus 7 feels empty on that side, the rest of the tablet feels tight on all the other sides.
I appreciate it!

Wall / Fridge mount for Nexus 7

I'm looking for a way to attach the Nexus 7 to my fridge or to my kitchen wall, to be used with cooking apps, kitchen timers, etc, without taking up precious counter space.
I found a product called Hedgie:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/HEDGIE-Univ...905?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item43b2aaadd9
But $17 for a piece of Velcro seems exaggerated. Anyone know of a better solution?

Get the cheapest TPU case you can buy and attach adessive velcro on the back and on the fridge. Easy as pie.
Or... you can buy a sheet of magnet plastic and glue it to the case and then you don't have to glue anything to your fridge.

I agree with the above post. I always buy a few tpu cases to use for special projects around the house. One word of advice though... Before you adhere a magnet to the Nexus 7 make sure you know where the auto off-on feature is located. If you accidentally glue a magnet under it it will effect you nexus 7 turning on and off.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda app-developers app

If you have a glass splashback, you could use a car mount and attach it to the glass. Just tried this with my exomount and Galaxy Nexus, assume it would work the same with the N7.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

MistaBishi said:
If you have a glass splashback, you could use a car mount and attach it to the glass. Just tried this with my exomount and Galaxy Nexus, assume it would work the same with the N7.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That should work well on the undersides of cupboards and large enough tiles too, depending their surface. I'd say a car mount would the best idea.

manocheese said:
That should work well on the undersides of cupboards and large enough tiles too, depending their surface. I'd say a car mount would the best idea.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, that would work too! Give it a shot.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

Thanks. I'll try your suggestions and post back with pictures...
I was kinda hoping for a result that'll look something like this (check out the fridge picture):
http://www.belkin.com/au/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=577760

http://www.amazon.com/Kitchen-Cabinet-Mount-iPad-2/dp/B005NHR6KM
I got one of those from my wife for her birthday last year, we love it. Holds her 8.9 inch LG G Slate, removes quickly.
Blasted from my HTC Rezound (Zone23s Newtified 3.2.1)

moryoav said:
I'm looking for a way to attach the Nexus 7 to my fridge or to my kitchen wall, to be used with cooking apps, kitchen timers, etc, without taking up precious counter space.
I found a product called Hedgie:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/HEDGIE-Univ...905?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item43b2aaadd9
But $17 for a piece of Velcro seems exaggerated. Anyone know of a better solution?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have an old 20GB hard drive lying around, the magnets in the old 3.5" drives are really strong.
You might want to try what I did with my phone, to attach it to the bottom of my monitor when I'm at my desk.
Take the magnet and the piece of metal that it's attached to and bluetack this to your fridge. Then cut the bottom flat piece out of a tin can and bluetack this to the inside of the Nexus's back cover (I am guessing that there is a suitable flat area).
If you want it attached for the long term than use something else more permanent than bluetack on the fridge.

OP - I am also looking to wall-mount my Nexus 7.
So far, the best options I have seen are:
1) TPU Case with PadTab (Link to PadTab HERE)
2) Wall-Mounted Tablet Dock (link HERE).
Did you already decide how to mount your N7?

Kind of a dead thread, but if anyone else is looking for a wall mounting idea, I'm looking at a couple of these: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004Z88WSK/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A29AY3J0MGBUKJ

jpmi23 said:
Kind of a dead thread, but if anyone else is looking for a wall mounting idea, I'm looking at a couple of these: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004Z88WSK/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A29AY3J0MGBUKJ
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got 2 sets of these when they first came out on some special intro deal and paid $20 delivered. For what they are, they work well enough. Just realize that is simply a pair of cheap plastic holders you glue to whatever surface you want. You only get 1 orientation and size depending on placement. Installing them level and at the correct width is up to the installer
The pad tab from the previous post to your stuck on a TPU case would give more options albeit at about twice the cost, 15 vs 20 + 8 (or more) for TPU case.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

Know anyone with a 3D Printer or CNC Router?
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:37213

fangthorn said:
If you have an old 20GB hard drive lying around, the magnets in the old 3.5" drives are really strong.
You might want to try what I did with my phone, to attach it to the bottom of my monitor when I'm at my desk.
Take the magnet and the piece of metal that it's attached to and bluetack this to your fridge. Then cut the bottom flat piece out of a tin can and bluetack this to the inside of the Nexus's back cover (I am guessing that there is a suitable flat area).
If you want it attached for the long term than use something else more permanent than bluetack on the fridge.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lmao. I use HDD magnets too. Guys are crazy strong and thin = perfect. I used 2 for a LCD drawing note clip board thing and it almost pulls the fridge over (not quite but you know what I mean).
For the Nexus, I would use 1. Glue it to a TPU case and done.

This probably the one you are looking for, it's a specific kitchen mount for Nexus 7, i got it on Independence Day, it's doing 20% discount promo again now, good time to get one.
http://www.wanpool.com/prod-Kitchen_Mount-Nexus_7/item291.html

Use it to choose between crushed or cubed ice.
Sent from my fridge using xda app-developers app

Inexpensive charging dock from Smartphonepedia

Just received this dock and have been using it for a couple of days.
Only $10 -- a cheap alternative so some of the 40-50$ options.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Data-Sy...531363?pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item3f1de5aea3
It's small, feels like a decent quality piece. It's glossy black with rubber feet on the bottom so it doesn't slide around. It keeps the Note 2 supported nicely when it's dropped in. It's got a floppy rubbery insert that you can take out if you have a case.
One con is that a few times when I've yanked my phone out, the rubber piece has either partially or completely come out. My advice would be to decide on a case of not and, if you leave the rubber insert in, put a drop of hot glue or something to keep the insert in place.
See pics below. Let me know if you have questions.

Does it work with the slimmer cases?
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda app-developers app

This is basically a glorified charger. No USB no HDMI no speak out. Does it even charge a spare battery? Whats the point?
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda premium

What voltage and amperes does it deliver?
Beamed from Jupiter on my Galaxy Note II

I think it's cool man, it's just a simple charging dock. Great to keep at the office or your bedside.

So the only difference then my stock cable is my phone will be standing upward?...Lol...

blane73 said:
Does it work with the slimmer cases?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, it works with a slim case for me without even taking the rubber insert out. When you take the rubber insert out, there's a good 0.5-0.75cm around it, particularly the edges. A case with a big beefy back probably would not fit.
AjunNg said:
What voltage and amperes does it deliver?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It doesn't come with a cable -- you use your phone's provided cable or anything else, so whatever those deliver. I just have a usb-to-microusb running from my computer to it and it works fine.
wish777 said:
So the only difference then my stock cable is my phone will be standing upward?...Lol...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
shook187 said:
This is basically a glorified charger. No USB no HDMI no speak out. Does it even charge a spare battery? Whats the point?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sheesh guys. Think a little more outside your own world.
I have this dock connected to my computer at work. I walk in from a meeting, drop the phone in the charger (instead of setting it down, picking up the cable, jamming it in, etc) and it's immediately mounted as a drive on my computer and is charging anytime I'm at my desk. Need to run to a meeting? You just pick it up...no fussing with cables.
Nope, no spare battery. Surprise, most people don't need one. I spend half my day working at my desk, meaning my phone is charging half the day. In fact, I don't even feel like I ever "charge". It's just sitting in its stand. I never need to plug it in at home.
Nope, no USB or HDMI. Surprise, 99% of the people that use this phone care about that, so why pay for a $100 for a dock with it (that's the wrong color, BTW).

20 bucks? Wow, they saw you coming a mile off.
It's the same dock as this, which is in black or white.

FloatingFatMan said:
20 bucks? Wow, they saw you coming a mile off.
It's the same dock as this, which is in black or white.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Different dock and doesn't ship to the US. But yes, I see your point, there are cheaper alternatives on ebay. Thanks for trying to make me feel like an idiot, Baron. You are very thoughtful.
Here is the same dock for a better price for those of us in "the colonies"
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Data-Sy...531363?pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item3f1de5aea3

Roark1138 said:
Yes, it works with a slim case for me without even taking the rubber insert out. When you take the rubber insert out, there's a good 0.5-0.75cm around it, particularly the edges. A case with a big beefy back probably would not fit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks man, that's the piece of info I needed. Ordered. I've got the Samsung TPU case, will report if it fits when the dock comes in. If it doesn't fit, I'll fix it up with some polymorph plastic.

Roark1138 said:
Just received this dock and have been using it for a couple of days.
Only $10 -- a cheap alternative so some of the 40-50$ options.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Data-Sy...531363?pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item3f1de5aea3
It's small, feels like a decent quality piece. It's glossy black with rubber feet on the bottom so it doesn't slide around. It keeps the Note 2 supported nicely when it's dropped in. It's got a floppy rubbery insert that you can take out if you have a case.
One con is that a few times when I've yanked my phone out, the rubber piece has either partially or completely come out. My advice would be to decide on a case of not and, if you leave the rubber insert in, put a drop of hot glue or something to keep the insert in place.
See pics below. Let me know if you have questions.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just picked one up, and thanks for sharing man :good:

While their prices aren't always the best, I do like Smartphonepedia's video reviews on youtube (the full shows, not the 30 second blips) and the guys there are very pro-android and know their devices. I would throw business at them vs a random guy on ebay any day.

May be ordering one of these. Thanks for the tip!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Just bought 2 of the $9.99 ones. I'll try to post my thoughts when received but it will be in a long time 14 to 30 days of expected delivery.

i'm thinking of getting this for my note http://www.mobilefun.de/36639-samsung-galaxy-note-2-dual-dockingstation.htm, this dock also charge an extra battery.
sorry for the german website, you can click flag above to change into uk/us site for mobilefun.

I got the dock in the OP this past Friday, and so far so good. Very nice looking, no cheap feel to it, and the Bodyglove case fits perfect on the dock. No complaints over here folks :good:

Nice find OP. Rough crowd lol.

wish777 said:
So the only difference then my stock cable is my phone will be standing upward?...Lol...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can just plug the phone into the dock without having to pick up the charge cable and plug it into the phone. Same for removing it from the dock. Since we have to charge the phone everyday, I would say the dock has a value.

$3 Case that's actually good

Hey guys just wanted to let you guys know about my experience with this case. I didnt want to make my phone bulky but I wanted some protection so I got this and its perfect, best part is was only $2.80 shipped!
Check out the video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3vfiRvDwUU

krayzielilsmoki said:
Hey guys just wanted to let you guys know about my experience with this case. I didnt want to make my phone bulky but I wanted some protection so I got this and its perfect, best part is was only $2.80 shipped!
Check out the video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3vfiRvDwUU
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Love the S cases been using them on every phone since the EVO3D

Any problems with charging?
I have a similar case and you have to take it off in order to charge as the bottom bit extends the length of the phone and the micro USB connector can't form a secure connection.

liqn7 said:
Any problems with charging?
I have a similar case and you have to take it off in order to charge as the bottom bit extends the length of the phone and the micro USB connector can't form a secure connection.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope no problem here. I did watch somebody do a video review of a similar case and his cut outs didn't look as precise as this one so maybe you have a similar case to his but this one gives me no problems at all.

I bought the same one on ebay for 3 bucks. Great case for the money.
Sent from the TermiNOTEr 2!

exactly what i'm using now, only £2 from UK seller on ebay. includes a screen protector and a mini stylus lol
1 thing i like to add is the grip on the side is very useful!

liqn7 said:
Any problems with charging?
I have a similar case and you have to take it off in order to charge as the bottom bit extends the length of the phone and the micro USB connector can't form a secure connection.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use finger nail clippers to make the hole bigger if you need to (I've done this before with other TPU cases). This case looks nice but I need more protection on the corners in case my phone gets dropped.

I got exactly the same case, but in black.
Decent for the amount paid for it...

I picked up the version with the kickstand. Pretty sweet so far.
Sent from the White Monolith: Part Deux

Big fan of the S Line cases. I love the grips on the sides. I'm using the smoked one right now.
Sent from my Galaxy Note II using XDA Premium.