Related
I apologize if an identical post exist, however after a little research, I personally didn't find anything. With that out of the way, I thought I'd make a post so that the N7 could add their input as to some of the common issues (& the not so noticeable) that they may have experienced. After being ripped off by purchasing a device off of CL, I got home only to realize that I had overlooked something fairly small but it turned out to eventually render the device useless.
I'm currently in the market for a used N7, So, with an effort of helping people to save money by not purchasing electronic time bombs, feel free to pass along any information that you deem helpful for the unsuspecting buyer. Thanks in advanced.
First off, don't buy them in a J-Ville pawnshop.
Look for a raised screen on the left side, top half. Test for "squish" and "creaks", also most commonly found in that same area.
Take a look at the back cover, see if there are any major gaps between the cover and the silver bezel trim. Also look at the bezel trim...is it wavy/dented/scratched? May be an indicator of a device having a hard life.
All of the above are considered somewhat cosmetic, but I know from personal experience that a lifting screen and creaks can drive you crazy, even if the device is perfectly functional otherwise.
Make sure the USB connector is functional, they're somewhat fragile.
Calibrate your MK1 Eyeball and see if the display looks overly washed out, and try the whole range of brightness settings. This one is highly subjective and there seems to be a lot of variation on panel quality with the N7. But rule of thumb is, if you're not happy with the display when you first see it, you're not going to be any happier once you own it.
And my #1 suggestion? For only $200/$250, don't buy used. Buy new at a major retailer that has plenty of stock and no restocking fee, so you can be sure to get a unit you're happy with. It's made by Asus.
Look for screen lift on the left side.
Look for sponginess on the left side (or anywhere).
Look for "oil slick" / ripples down either edge when you press near the bezel.
Look for any signs the back has been lifted (and possibly a clip snapped) and a quick tighten of previous loose screws has been done.
Look for dead pixels
Look for screen bleed (whiter patches in some areas around the edges).
Listen for a blown or staticy sounding speaker.
Second hand, you could also check the serial number to see how old it is and check that the RAM you're being told is in there is there. Also check its got stock rom and hasn't been rooted if that bothers you. Usual obvious things such as scratches on the screen (I read last night the screen can get scratched quite easily) or any damage to the case. Ask why the person is selling.
Can think of anything else. Maybe others will.
First off... The Good:
It seems to protect the screen really well, I like that I can put it in my pocket and not worry about the screen. Even though I carry just my phone in that pocket, I still manage to get scratches on a screen protector. I know the protectors scratch easier, but its still the only thing in there...
Its slim and does not add bulk to an already very large phone.
The lining helps keep fingerprints to a minimum.
It looks really good.
The Bad:
It only protects the screen... and only when in your pocket. It does not latch closed in any way, so if you drop the phone it can come open during the fall, or if you put it in a pocket or purse with other objects, they can work under the cover. Flat objects (say an MP3 player, would probably be fine)
The back and sides are not protected in any way, so some may not like that.
The Ugly:
Its designed all wrong... it is... Most of the worlds population is right handed, yet this cover is designed to best work for a left handed person. (and even the copies, and heck even the iPad "smart" cover do this)
As a right handed person, when I use my phone, I usually hold it in my left hand, and interact with the screen with my right hand... this is doubly true for this phone due to the stylus.
Even when using it one handed, the case flips open the wrong direction. It opens toward my thumb when holding it in my left hand. So instead of grabbing the phone, and using my thumb to just flip it open and let it hang there as I type out a quick text, IM, or other such actions, I must use both hands to open the cover.
I also keep my phone in my left front pocket, because it allows me to grab the phone with the hand that holds it the most, as I want my right hand free to do other things or to interact with the phone. If I kept the phone on my right side, this issue would admittingly be less a hassle, but I have other important things over there... My Space pen (as it is compact and slips in my key pocket easy) Keys... a pocket knife with a pocket clip... I even started carrying other things in my right pocket that normally went into the left, before phones became too large, and in-pocket slip cases with clips became extinct.
Think I am full of it or just complaining? If you have a flip cover, try this little experiment.
Put the phone down, cover closed, and pick it up with your left hand, and then open the cover.
Now put the phone down, and place it upside down (top of phone pointing down, so the screen is upside down when looking at it) so the cover opens to the other direction.
Pick the phone back up with your left hand and open the cover again.
See how much easier it is to manipulate?
Final thoughts:
I really want to like this thing... and I do in a lot of ways, but I will definitely need to spend a little time with it to see if I can overlook its major shortcoming.
Why Samsung didn't make two versions, one that opened each direction, I don't know...
They have some TPU style cases that include a flip cover, and the Note II is fairly symmetrical, so a little modification might allow one of those to be put on backwards, and then work as I want.
Edit:
Returned the flip cover today... it just didn't work for me. If you like it and it works, good on you and stick with it.
I ordered a TPU case and will see how that does.
I am having issues with the larger size of this phone, one handed operation is not easy. Mostly it is getting to the back button, and the "send" button for messages. (as the enter button does not send) I may or may not be keeping the phone... we will see.
I always use my phone with my right hand, but I rarely use the stylus. Landscape keyboard typing is faster and I don't care to draw or hand write much. I'm surprised it doesn't have a way of staying shut - that really defeats the purpose of it.
I work aviation... and quite often I find myself crammed into small places working, and can't spare or get my right hand to my pockets (or where ever I placed the phone) very easily. Plus just general moving around about the house, I use my phones with my left hand. I like having my right hand free just in case I need to do something.
So far, I'm always holding the Note with my left hand, and writing with the s-pen with my right hand (or thumb typing in portrait with both hands).The flip cover makes sense to me as the edge of the cover isn't digging into my (left) palm when my left hand is cradling the phone.
To each their own!
Marine6680 said:
I like having my right hand free just in case I need to do something.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What about taking pictures though. Seems like it may be a hassle to take pictures with the flip case
Um...which is my left hand and which is my right?:cyclops:
JK...yeah OP I agree with a lot of what you say...I'm not a huge fan of the cover.
omgitswes said:
What about taking pictures though. Seems like it may be a hassle to take pictures with the flip case
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Seems like anything with the flip cover on the phone is a hassle, still like it but needs some side protection
omgitswes said:
What about taking pictures though. Seems like it may be a hassle to take pictures with the flip case
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a pretty good point. I bet a lot of people don't think about that before buying it.
I agree with the OP, but I have to say the stock flip case is the coolest case I have ever seen. It adds almost no bulk to the phone and protects the screen perfectly. I, and everyone who has seen mine, LOVE it.
I have one and can use it with right or left hand no problem, you just get use to it. It's not ideal for everything, but it's workable.
As for using the camera, I just let it hang down out the way for landscape and hold it out the way for portrait. The ability to use voice to take photos is a big plus here
I also have a ShockSock which protects the whole phone when I'm out and about.
I'm learning to use it... but I am still unsure.
Marine6680 said:
First off... The Good:
It seems to protect the screen really well, I like that I can put it in my pocket and not worry about the screen. Even though I carry just my phone in that pocket, I still manage to get scratches on a screen protector. I know the protectors scratch easier, but its still the only thing in there...
Its slim and does not add bulk to an already very large phone.
The lining helps keep fingerprints to a minimum.
It looks really good.
The Bad:
It only protects the screen... and only when in your pocket. It does not latch closed in any way, so if you drop the phone it can come open during the fall, or if you put it in a pocket or purse with other objects, they can work under the cover. Flat objects (say an MP3 player, would probably be fine)
The back and sides are not protected in any way, so some may not like that.
The Ugly:
Its designed all wrong... it is... Most of the worlds population is right handed, yet this cover is designed to best work for a left handed person. (and even the copies, and heck even the iPad "smart" cover do this)
As a right handed person, when I use my phone, I usually hold it in my left hand, and interact with the screen with my right hand... this is doubly true for this phone due to the stylus.
Even when using it one handed, the case flips open the wrong direction. It opens toward my thumb when holding it in my left hand. So instead of grabbing the phone, and using my thumb to just flip it open and let it hang there as I type out a quick text, IM, or other such actions, I must use both hands to open the cover.
I also keep my phone in my left front pocket, because it allows me to grab the phone with the hand that holds it the most, as I want my right hand free to do other things or to interact with the phone. If I kept the phone on my right side, this issue would admittingly be less a hassle, but I have other important things over there... My Space pen (as it is compact and slips in my key pocket easy) Keys... a pocket knife with a pocket clip... I even started carrying other things in my right pocket that normally went into the left, before phones became too large, and in-pocket slip cases with clips became extinct.
Think I am full of it or just complaining? If you have a flip cover, try this little experiment.
Put the phone down, cover closed, and pick it up with your left hand, and then open the cover.
Now put the phone down, and place it upside down (top of phone pointing down, so the screen is upside down when looking at it) so the cover opens to the other direction.
Pick the phone back up with your left hand and open the cover again.
See how much easier it is to manipulate?
Final thoughts:
I really want to like this thing... and I do in a lot of ways, but I will definitely need to spend a little time with it to see if I can overlook its major shortcoming.
Why Samsung didn't make two versions, one that opened each direction, I don't know...
They have some TPU style cases that include a flip cover, and the Note II is fairly symmetrical, so a little modification might allow one of those to be put on backwards, and then work as I want.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is probably the most intelligently written and concise review I have ever read, both on this forum or on an actual review by a professional.
I totally agree with the left hand using it as a right handed person. I just received mine about an hour ago and I love the look, but I think I will be selling it as I don't want to screw it up so I can say it is indeed new. What a shame really. And yes the camera becomes a big issue.
I do think I would tire of opening the cover constantly as well. To each their own.
Sent from my SPH-L900 using xda premium
CitizenLee said:
I have one and can use it with right or left hand no problem, you just get use to it. It's not ideal for everything, but it's workable.
As for using the camera, I just let it hang down out the way for landscape and hold it out the way for portrait. The ability to use voice to take photos is a big plus here
I also have a ShockSock which protects the whole phone when I'm out and about.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As if we didn't look silly enough already when holding it up to take pictures lol
I love the flip case. After just a few days I've gotten used to handling and have adjusted completely to it. It's just natural at this point.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using xda premium
I was set on getting one. I only wanted a case that matched the color of the phone. When I went to the AT&T store to buy one, the rep said most of what you said. And how it got on his nerves to have to flip it around to ever use the phone. He had a S III (man I wish the Note was available in that garnet red). I played with a display that had one, and while it was soft and seemed like it would help wipe finger prints off like my TouchPad case does, it did worry me about flipping it open each time.
Just finally got the Samsung TPU case and my vinyl sample today. I am liking the case. Not bad for $18 with the Samsung coupon. Really tight, snug, and doesn't impede the S-Pen. Not as rubbery as I thought, I was worried it would be rubbery and sticky in the pocket.
I'm still getting used to the idea of a phone that isn't naked. After all these years of phones I haven't used a case before this phone.
Sent from my Note ][
jdyowa said:
This is probably the most intelligently written and concise review I have ever read, both on this forum or on an actual review by a professional.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I try... but I don't think I'm that good.
quarlow said:
I'm still getting used to the idea of a phone that isn't naked. After all these years of phones I haven't used a case before this phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As phones have gotten larger and even heavier, clumsiness increases... having a slick feel and no texture increases this.
After using this thing a couple days... I really think a case with some shock protection is in order. So I ordered a matte clear TPU case, matte for a little extra grippiness... and the TPU is stiff but absorbs a lot of shock when dropped.
I use my phone with my left hand, pretty much 100%. As such, I knew the stock flip would be a problem for me. I looked high and large for a vertical flip, and the best I found was this one:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009VKSVEW/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00
I have never been a fan of cases, but this thing is so large it is inviting danger, so I figured I'd give one a chance. I also dislike the rubber cases. I like clean, smooth, and easy to use without having to rethink my entire phone operation. I thought the flip at the bottom might get in the way, but I find myself holding the entire thing between my middle and little fingers, and I actually have better reach one handed now. I still don't keep it on all the time, but I won't leave home without it now. It does add some bulk, but it was the only vertical flip that had a latch that didn't add even more bulk. My wife laughed when I made a phone calk and let the flap just hang under the phone since it hung to my chest...the front has a squishier padding over the stiff inner piece, the back is much firmer. The flap actually stays shut, but I can flick it off with one finger and be using my phone, even when walking two puppies.
I'll put up some pics of it on my phone, once I find some time.
I like the looks of the flip case but functionally it hinders my use of the phone. First time some one called me I about dropped it trying to hold it appropriately up to my ear for talking.
And especially the price...I returned mine within a day.
Im right handed and always hold with my right hand. I have had the flip case on the last 3 devices ive had.. love it! Its not for everyone, but I think its awesome.. and for the record, im willing to bet if you started a poll, right handed ppl hold their note (or ANY phone) right handed and do other things with their left (im holding a cup of coffee right now). If you can thumb type real well with your left hand then you are probably not right handed.. the reason I say this is because I believe Sammy does their homework with things like this.. a righty holding with left is probably in the minority.
Sent from my AT&T Galaxy Note II /w wireless charging.
Just my reaction and my perceived negatives of the QuickWindow Case.
It might help someone who is considering buying it in the future.
But let me repeat that these are MY experience, MY problems, yours might differ
Also excuse my english, am trying my best to explain with the little knowledge of it as I have.
Intro, as I see still some questions and reviews, threads popping out for the quick window case let me summarize the negatives.
(I do have the original LG case for 30 euro, but I do believe most of this will go for a cheap case as well)
For the TL;DR ppls out there. Just scroll down there is a quick list..
Wrong hold.
It ads incredible bulk, might not look like it, but since the phone is thin,
when you get it out of the case after a month of use you will notice the huge difference right away.
The phone does feel amazing outside the case.
When you wanna play you need to put the cover to the back, and its really strange if you play games,
or even watch videos, there is a bit of force that is trying to pull the cover back,
small but you can still feel it, and as well, on your hand you will feel that there is something not smooth.
You can't actually put it properly in most of the car holders... I own an universal one.
You have to push it to the back and few times it just flipped out of the holder etc. Taking it out it will wear out faster.
The window in my case was the reason why I actually thrown the phone on the ground few times.
Finger stuck into the whole and I actually threw it few times down. (
Thank God I had the case that it was a bit protected from the impact.... see the irony in that? )
Maintenance and looks
The open space gets more dirty, more oily, more dusty then any other place on the screen, for apparent reasons.
Every time I open the cover, I spend some time cleaning it...
If you use like me a screen protector (later I will explain why this is actually needed!)
it changed even the color slightly of the always exposed part, I would have not noticed this,
but the cut out part made the protector to be more yellow, maybe due to more exposure to sunlight.
It doesn't age the same way, even though this might be the protectors fault and glass protectors out there won't probably get yellowish.
The case, being used already for 3 months now, shows wearing of the materials, the joints and the soft tissue parts are starting to clutter.
The metal rim or plastic, destroyer of the Gorilla Glass... I do not know who's "smart" Idea was this,
but if I was the one buying the case, having the actual receipt I would try to make LG give me a new phone or money
as this protection cover actually scratched the phone... I suspect something got stuck between the rim and the screen,
maybe sand, and actually scratched the screen. Who adds something so hard on a soft cover....
This was the reason for the screen protector btw....
Software and applications.
3 basic applications
Clock, always changes when I put it in my pocket, I do not like to switch always to the one I can best read
I do not appreciate the randomness
Weather stopped updating, or updates randomly, I have it frozen as I did not like the wakelocks
and the bad accuracy of it, compared to custom apps I use
Music player as I again use something custom, Google Play music its no use for me and was frozen
Are there any custom applications anyway?
The window is too small for my huge fingers in most cases and I have problems operating it.
The controls are too near the rim, should be located more to the accessible middle of the cover.
Means I not able to refresh the weather, use the music controls and when in hurry taking a call is a drag
Have to open the cover to re-check if the person just stopped talking or the call ended.
Or problems just to end the call...
No energy saved whatsoever by the use, the screen is no Amoled.
So no matter what you see through the window, it's all lights up.
All of these problems makes the LG original case just very expensive accessory with no real benefits.
The custom cases only no real benefits.
Here the promised quick list
too bulky, phone amazing without, games and car holders a no go
[*]already showing sings of wear after 3 months
[*]window gets more dirty, oily
[*]the metallic or plastic rim, can be trace back as a reason for scratches
[*]no energy saved
[*]no time saver either ....
[*]good applications not present
[*]control of the phone more complicated due to bad ergonomic of apps
[*]limited protection
What is your addition to my Negative Experience? I will edit my review when I remember other nice things about the cover...
Also I stopped using it and now testing this http://goo.gl/SFK6Nl
PS:Sorry if similar thread exists.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2622144
Maybe this can help... It offer a simple notification, but can be improved if you have time.
I'll agree with most of this. I wish there was another official LG case.
I don't see it as too bulky - it's pretty thin in my hands. More so than the Ballistic Aspira, the Otterbox cases, the Trident cases, or the Spigen Slim Armor. The MAIN issue I find with it is, beyond needing to fold the flap back to hold the phone comfortably, is that it covers the proximity sensor. This means it kills the Answer Me functionality, or any functions using the proximity sensor while the case is closed. Aka: a lot of the touted features.
I just wish the Quick Window Apps were more useful. The three that exist... aren't.
I agree. The worst part about the case was that the one time I did accidentally drop my phone it bounced right out of the case and on its face... Basically makes the case not useful as a case for me
Sent from my LG-VS980 using Tapatalk
I received this case by requesting it here
With that said, here's my initial thoughts on the case:
It arrived well packaged from Amazon, as most items I order are.
The case itself feels nice in the hand and does not really bulk the phone up like I expected it to do. Its stitched all the way around with no fraying and the edges are rolled over allowing for an appealing look. It has the magnet clasp that does cause a bit of havoc with the s-pen, but no too bad and thats to be expected with a magnet. I attached an image showing lines drawn and the magnets field to give you an idea of what to expect. Overall the exterior of the case is nice, feels good in hand and I like it.
Moving inside, it does have 4 slots for cards and an opening for bills on the left side, my cards slid in and out without issue and just enough is left exposed so you can grab them easily, the same stitching in used on the inside, however, around the card slots it appears to be rolled and glued, its neatly done so hopefully the edges will remain rolled over as the cards are slid in and out, time will tell.
The actual part you put your phone in is like a rubber material. Not hard at all but seems to to an adequate job of retaining the phone, it shouldn't scratch anything and all the ports are easily accessible. I do not like how it makes the volume and power buttons recessed as it makes them a bit difficult to use but not unusable at all, just a bit harder is all.
Drop protection? Honestly, I don't know. I have never used a case like this before as I tend to need rugged ones for my line of work but looking at it, I think it would do good. No obvious weak areas, with that said I'll call it adequate seeing as I am not willing to test it.
Lastly, my wireless charging works fine with this case installed, it also doesn't interfere with my tempered glass screen protector, no issues at all. I would say it's a good quality case that should protect decently and I appreciate the workmanship that went into making it. I have never had a leather case prior to this one so I don't have a whole lot to compare it with, I don't know how it will wear, if it will or really what to expect...time will answer that one.
more pictures
more pictures
couple more
s-pen magnet distortion
Just an update here, I don't know what's triggering it but when using this case I would say probably 40% of the time when I remove it from my pocket and open it, the camera will be running. It wasn't like that the first day or so but it's becoming an issue. I swap cases and problem goes away, I don't wear tight pants or anything so don't know. Anyways, might just be mine doing it for some reason but felt it a significant enough issue to post here.
Ducter said:
Just an update here, I don't know what's triggering it but when using this case I would say probably 40% of the time when I remove it from my pocket and open it, the camera will be running. It wasn't like that the first day or so but it's becoming an issue. I swap cases and problem goes away, I don't wear tight pants or anything so don't know. Anyways, might just be mine doing it for some reason but felt it a significant enough issue to post here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you have the "double tap on home to launch camera" enabled? This might be a culprit if it only happens on this case. Perhaps when you pull the device out of your pocket the home button is being pressed.
Also - I submitted a request via that thread about two weeks ago and still heard anything back. Honestly, I am kind of put off that they replied asking for a post and likes and then haven't had the decency to uphold their end of the deal.
palosjr said:
Do you have the "double tap on home to launch camera" enabled? This might be a culprit if it only happens on this case. Perhaps when you pull the device out of your pocket the home button is being pressed.
Also - I submitted a request via that thread about two weeks ago and still heard anything back. Honestly, I am kind of put off that they replied asking for a post and likes and then haven't had the decency to uphold their end of the deal.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good call, I'll check when I get home. Also, I got it by asking via message on Facebook. I replied to that thread then messaged them. If you haven't, give that a try. They seen like a nice enough company.
I have read many mixed reviews of this glass screen protector here, on other forums, and on Amazon.
Amazon's the best, IMO, because you're reading product reviews from real everyday normal folks from all different walks, so the compilation of reviews includes the whole range of skill level.
Inarguably, the Whitestone Dome Glass protector is probably THE MOST difficult to install, save the fact that the kit includes an allignment jig that helps installation inmeasurably. I recently did this (this evening) and can't imagine attempting this without such a jig, though I understand similar UV activated glue is available to use with separately sold glass protectors.
So I'll start with some background info to set the scene for accuracy...
I'm a landscaper by day, but a jeweler part time. That means I chunk heavy crap around all day long like a farmer, but on the weekends I show off my dexterity like a watchmaker.
That's important, because this installation requires steady, confident hands, much forethought, patience, and it ain't cheap!
Sooooo...
Let me say that I was really nervous. I already accepted the idea that I might have to decide whether to purchase another one or go a different route and just choke on losing 45 dollars.
I watched 8 YouTube videos on installation, including one completely failed installation, and a demonstration on the removal of one.
The package arrived today but was outside the house in the cold. Of course I wanted to pop it on immediately, but figured that it should warm up to temperature first.
During that time I prepped my table. I used a marble to see if it was level. During preparation, i also prepared myself for the possibility of failure. LOL!
I layed out all of the items like I was about to perform surgery.
CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN!
Use those dust removal stickers! Even after you let the glue fall and remove the "bridge", check again for dust.
Don't flail about to much. That simply stirs up dust.
"Relax", is the best advice I can give. Peeling the backing off the glass from underneath it so dust that's in the air doesn't land on the inside surface sounds like a logical idea, and you should, but static from peeling it can become a pain.
If you're calm enough, you can do this just like the videos.
I wiped the edges after the first and second curing with the UV light. I did end up with excess flow out one side, and on the other side during the second wipe down, I had an ever so tiny bubble (if you'd even call it that) on the edge. The bubble was from wiping away the partially curred glue, which pulled a tiny, TINY bit out. (Literally one third the size of the exposed part of the SPen tip.)
I remedied this OCD-killer by using a toothpick dabbed in what remained at the top of the glue tube and simply touched it to the edge, which sucked it right in to fill the tiny void.
I used the UV light several times with the idea that it simply couldn't hurt to do it as often as I could.
My screen literally looks like a perfect install. Absolutely fantastic, as Sakitech would say!
I would say the skill level required for this is about average, but you really have only one chance to get it right, and there are a few steps that need to be followed perfectly or else they can trip you up.
Watch those videos. Many show people doing an imperfect installation with decent or good results, but after watching several you'll see just how to avoid mishaps.
On a different note, I did notice something very strange while utilizing the UV light; there is a weird shape in the center of the screen that shows up under the light. I have no idea what it is, but it shows as a slightly different color in the center third of the screen, nearly full length with rounded corners and perfectly symmetrical. I'm assuming it's an adhesive beneath the screen for the interactive SPen screen? I dunno. Kinda neat.
Anyway, after reading reviews stating problems with lifting of the edges of the Whitestone Dome, I figured I would contribute here by checking in and giving updates as to the longevity of this very beautiful, but slightly expensive and fiddly (to say the least) installing screen protector.
Feel free to ask any questions.
O.K., so not a month, but 3 weeks later:
Bear in mind that I do NOT abuse my phones. I do tend to coddle a nearly $1000 phone.
So far the screen saver has been great. No lifting at the corners like others have experienced.
I have my Note 8 in an Amovo wallet case- Good stuff; check it out on Amazon.
I remain thrilled with my Whitestone screen protector.
I certainly cannot say that I don't notice that it's on there, but it's only the edges that I can see. While I'm immersed in actually using the phone, I notice nothing at all.
I'm now considering getting one for my S8+, which currently sports a cheap edge adhesive glass screen saver that feels like there's room to slide a business card under.
AddictedToGlass said:
O.K., so not a month, but 3 weeks later:
Bear in mind that I do NOT abuse my phones. I do tend to coddle a nearly $1000 phone.
So far the screen saver has been great. No lifting at the corners like others have experienced.
I have my Note 8 in an Amovo wallet case- Good stuff; check it out on Amazon.
I remain thrilled with my Whitestone screen protector.
I certainly cannot say that I don't notice that it's on there, but it's only the edges that I can see. While I'm immersed in actually using the phone, I notice nothing at all.
I'm now considering getting one for my S8+, which currently sports a cheap edge adhesive glass screen saver that feels like there's room to slide a business card under.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here with mine. Very satisfied. Nearly 3 months now and it's been rock solid for me.
Same here, great bit of kit.
Agreed - I love my Whitestone. It picked up a scratch, and I used the new warranty facility to replace it. It's not exactly cheap (around £20) to get the replacement, but it's better than having to buy one at full price.
This one ended up being a little more fiddly to install, but that was my fault - I allowed the LOCA to flow too far towards the bottom of the device before dropping the glass. I had tiny cluster of bubbles near the power switch which I worked out with some patience, and I also ended up sticking the jig together because I cured it for too long before removing the phone. However, the overall result is better than my original install, and I haven't had the touch up the edges of this one at all.
As much as I want to use the whitestone, I have some pretty big issues with it right now. For one, the glass is unnecessarily big. If the flaps that went up around the top were just a little smaller, it'd be compatible with so many more cases. The other issue is the type of glass their using. I don't know what it is, but it collects oil and gunk REALLY well on the surface of the glass (not the edges). I especially notice it on colder days (which we have plenty of in minnesota), but it's like the oil builds up into a thick layer that I have to wipe off with a cloth. All my whitestones have been like this. I ended up ordering a cheap full adhesive protector from amazon, and even though it has that STUPID black border and doesn't stick at the edges properly, it's sized way better than the whitestone and the glass feels of a much higher quality.
jooniloh said:
As much as I want to use the whitestone, I have some pretty big issues with it right now. For one, the glass is unnecessarily big. If the flaps that went up around the top were just a little smaller, it'd be compatible with so many more cases. The other issue is the type of glass their using. I don't know what it is, but it collects oil and gunk REALLY well on the surface of the glass (not the edges). I especially notice it on colder days (which we have plenty of in minnesota), but it's like the oil builds up into a thick layer that I have to wipe off with a cloth. All my whitestones have been like this. I ended up ordering a cheap full adhesive protector from amazon, and even though it has that STUPID black border and doesn't stick at the edges properly, it's sized way better than the whitestone and the glass feels of a much higher quality.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Strange, no oil/grease issues like that with mine and it's plenty cold here too (unfortunately!). I haven't even had to wipe often for fingerprints and stuff. Not sure what would be causing that type of problem.
sefrcoko said:
Strange, no oil/grease issues like that with mine and it's plenty cold here too (unfortunately!). I haven't even had to wipe often for fingerprints and stuff. Not sure what would be causing that type of problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed - I would say it has one of the better oleophobic coatings.
StevePritchard said:
Agreed - I would say it has one of the better oleophobic coatings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe I've just been getting bad batches? idk.
I've had no problems with mine. Looks and works great! My wife's has started to come up on a corner. It's because she was mishandling it and not realizing what she was doing. All the warnings that we are aware of she is basically unaware of because... I don't know. It's still working for her and doesn't bother her. I don't plan on using another brand when I have to replace hers.
After 3 months the glue went bad on mine and started peeling on a top corner, then it went down both sides over night. Frankly at £40, it needs to last a lot longer for that money.
So;
It's mid August, 6½ months after the installation and it still looks great.
To be fair I have to mention that I do have two phones I use on a daily basis, but the Note is used for many more hours a week as a tablet as compared to my naked S8+, which I really only use to make and take calls.
In other words, the Note sees a lot of touch screen activity.
The Whitestone is holding up much better than I expected, given all the problems I've read about it. I do have a very subtle problem spot on the right side edge right in the middle where it has started to bubble. Though it's really only visible at certain angles, and quite small, my OCD magnifies this visual defect a great deal for me! When I hand over my phone to someone (always reluctantly...LOL) to view a picture or an app, I still get compliments on the screen protector, and no one has ever pointed it out to me. (It is very small.)
IT HAS DONE IT'S JOB...
-At least once, because there's a small scratch in the surface of the glass. Again, another thing hardly noticable, but if it were in the screen itself of my Note, I would be very upset. (Give me 6 more months to get to the point where it's perfectly acceptable for this handheld device to show signs of use.)
A CORNER DID START TO LIFT...
Last month, the upper right hand corner developed a very small bubble. I knew right away from what I've read that this might be the start of the end of this screen's life. But I continually massaged the screen down many times, and it actually worked and resealed.
My take on this is that firstly, it's been ridiculously hot in my region. That might've helped with resealing. But secondly and most importantly, I never allow dust to get near my phone.
Dust is the enemy. A single microfiber particle between the screen and glass cover might've made resealing impossible. People pop their phones in their pocket all the time, and because the phones are dust proof now, it's even easier to take for granted what they are exposed to. As soft and protective as pockets are, they expose phones to a lot of dust. (Look at the lint trap in a clothes dryer!)
IN CONCLUSION...
I'll keep monitoring this thread to answer any questions, but I'll probably only post an update of when the Whitestone finally needs to be replaced. At that point I'll probably throw some photos up before I remove the old one.
As far as I'm concerned it has already exceeded my expectations of longevity, and I'll gladly be getting a replacement when the time comes. But I will continue to try to get the most life out of this one despite the small lift on the edge.
BTW...
The "problem" side of my screen is where it had less of the LOCA bleeding out of the edge during installation. Even though the puddle of adhesive was dead center when I dropped the glass on, when I wiped the excess from the edges, the right side had less run-off. Right now I'm wondering if I wiped the excess off of the edges too soon. During the next installation, I'll be sure to give more time for the glue to stay where it needs to.
COMPARED TO NO SCREEN PROTECTOR...
Well, I never, ever, ever have used any of my smart phones without a screen protector. But I finally grew weary of the cheap crappy edge-adhesive glass protector I had on my S8+, and threw it out! The screen would often not register touches, etc, and was an under-screen dust catcher. I havn't bought a Whitestone for it yet because I spend so little time using it that I keep forgetting. So for about 4 months, I've been using my S8+ with no protection save a case that does have a screen flap (like a wallet).
I have a small rub mark on the screen, hardly noticable, but it's there.
If and when I purchase a Whitestone for that phone, I'll post here as to whether or not the LOCA actually hides that mark, as I've read in other threads that it can hide existing scratches presumably because it fills them in (makes sense).
A FINAL PLUG FOR THE NOTE 8...
I doubt the NOTE 10/X will wow me enough to drop my 8 like a wet sock and bolt to the store. I do figure that it'll be feature-packed since the advances of the 9 weren't anything crazy special. But I'm far from tired of this phone and given what I paid for it, I expect I'll have it long enough to have to perform the inevitable battery replacement surgery before I finally upgrade.
I believe the Whitestone protection will help me stay that course. :good: