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After opening and closing the door over the SD card slot many times while experimenting with rooting, the door will no longer stay closed and instead flaps. The only way I can keep it closed is with a piece of tape. All of the parts appear to be present and in good condition, it just seems that the magnet either isn't making contact or isn't strong enough.
Is anyone else having this problem and does anyone know how to fix it?
Perhaps you lost that small earth magnet on the flap it self ?
lifeisfun said:
Perhaps you lost that small earth magnet on the flap it self ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I do see a small, circular piece of metal on the center of the flap, which I think is the magnet.
Does anyone have any assistance they can provide?
Use some steel & check to see if the magnet is there. Then check to see if maybe the metal that it touches is intact. Make sure that your SD card is fully inserted & not interfering.
Cheers,
kev
Karine said:
Does anyone have any assistance they can provide?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A small piece of chewing gum? J/K.
I had this happen to me when I first started messing around with rooting. As someone said above, check to make sure that the sd card is inserted all the way. Mine was sticking out just enough to keep it from fastening all the way.
I wasn't too worried about it though because I have one of the book-like covers that would have held it in place anyway.
I really don't like the way they designed the whole belt loop door thing..
I have a hard time getting cards in and out through that hole...
spikey911 said:
I really don't like the way they designed the whole belt loop door thing..
I have a hard time getting cards in and out through that hole...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Definitely agree. It adds a certain style to the device but it creates an annoyance to function.
The little silver disk in the grey hard plastic piece is obviously a magnet. What I found interesting is that the "landing zone" for that magnet is also magnetic, but to a lesser degree. Perhaps the steel bit near the microSD slot is slowly becoming magnetized? That might account for the flap closure failing.
I held a ferrous chain from a keychain (very lightweight) near the slot and it swung right over to the spot where the magnet would sit, if the flap was closed (in case you're wondering how I determined that it, too, was magnetic).
Anyway, I thought that was interesting.
Does anyone know how to put the door back on if it's accidentally removed?
ndiniz said:
Does anyone know how to put the door back on if it's accidentally removed?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
picture?
guessing you have to slide each half of the two pieces of plastic back into the notch... but seeing what the piece looks like out would better help see how it is intended to be secured.
I've found Skype to be a bit awkward on my N7 because the camera is angled at 90degrees from the frame, rather than sloping towards the center of the screen. As a result I have to hold the tablet further away from me, but then I sometimes struggle to hear the audio from the back-facing speaker.
Has anyone else found this? Or, has anyone here heard of other devices where the camera angle has been modified, and how?
Thoughts?
Tilt the tablet slightly
Sent from my Nexus 7 using xda premium
Pretty sure anything involving tilting the camera would be more trouble than its worth, you may be able to stick a small refractive lens to the front of it but not sure if anyone makes one.
MikeMurphy said:
I've found Skype to be a bit awkward on my N7 because the camera is angled at 90degrees from the frame, rather than sloping towards the center of the screen. As a result I have to hold the tablet further away from me, but then I sometimes struggle to hear the audio from the back-facing speaker.
Has anyone else found this? Or, has anyone here heard of other devices where the camera angle has been modified, and how?
Thoughts?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Get a case. The speaker is designed to bounce sound if there's a surface behind it (try putting the tablet flat on a table). Or just hold it such that your hand cups the speaker and redirects sound at your face.
davidcampbell said:
Pretty sure anything involving tilting the camera would be more trouble than its worth, you may be able to stick a small refractive lens to the front of it but not sure if anyone makes one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I might take my N7 apart and possibly wedge something behind the camera depending on how its secured. A small adjustment to the angle would go a long way.
Will let you know if I am able to make any good progress on this.
uberNoobZA said:
Tilt the tablet slightly
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for contributing. Unfortunately, I'm at a loss for words that might help you understand what the problem is.
You might want to sit this one out.
MikeMurphy said:
Thanks for contributing. Unfortunately, I'm at a loss for words that might help you understand what the problem is.
You might want to sit this one out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He's obviously saying that tilting the tablet up a bit is a lot easier than screwing up something trying to modify the camera. I suggest looking long and hard at tear-downs before you attempt anything.
MikeMurphy said:
Thanks for contributing. Unfortunately, I'm at a loss for words that might help you understand what the problem is.
You might want to sit this one out.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know exactly what the problem is. And my suggestion is that the easiest way to fix it is to simply tilt the tablet to aim the camera where you want to aim it. Sorted.
uberNoobZA said:
I know exactly what the problem is. And my suggestion is that the easiest way to fix it is to simply tilt the tablet to aim the camera where you want to aim it. Sorted.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wrote that having the camera at a 90 degree angle to the frame makes for awkward Skype conversations.
Now this next part is critical as to why your suggestion doesn't address anything: If I tilt the frame, the camera is still at 90 degrees to the frame. If you don't believe me, try it.
I haven't pulled my N7 apart to do anything other than loosen and tighten the screws. Looking through the bezel at the camera I see what appears to be some space between the camera and the bezel. This might not actually be the case, but it looks like it is. If the camera is anything like the camera built into my S2 it can be slightly angled with some gentle coaxing. Given the narrow angle of the camera optics I don't believe the edge of the bezel would interfere by blocking part of the camera's image, either.
Perhaps a good place to start is the ifixit tear-downs per suggestion above. Thanks!
Cheers,
Had a look through ifixit, see step 13 on the below link.
http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Nexus-7-Teardown/9623/2
Unfortunately, the connector appears to be on the wrong axis for easy bending / tilting. It would have to be twisted which doesn't work well.
MikeMurphy said:
Had a look through ifixit, see step 13 on the below link.
http://www.ifixit.com/Teardown/Nexus-7-Teardown/9623/2
Unfortunately, the connector appears to be on the wrong axis for easy bending / tilting. It would have to be twisted which doesn't work well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually in that teardown, it appears to be attached via a really short ribbon that might flex a little...
So it may be possible, with the right application of something really thin at the front of the camera on the inside edge, and something at the back behind the camera on the outside edge might be enough to tilt it slightly for your purposes, something thin like a tiny slit of paper, or a tiny bit of sticker you could cut from a bumper sticker maybe.
Hi initial photo review of this case. Will write a full review later tonight.
In a nutshell it is well made and light. Fits very well in trouser pocket. Does not feel bulky.
Price about £10.
You will find them on ebay in various colours.
If these photos help you decide. Feel free to hit the old Thanks button.
Glad to be of service.
That case looks great. I love how it protects the edged of the phone, unlike the official Samsung flip case. Does the flap stay closed using magnets?
zpiders said:
That case looks great. I love how it protects the edged of the phone, unlike the official Samsung flip case. Does the flap stay closed using magnets?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes it does. I will write a detailed review sometime today. Central heating pump failed and looking after a newborn has kept us busy. Lol
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app
Thanks for the pics. A link or two to the ebay sellers would be nice, though...
Edit: Is this the same seller?
Also, does the magnet cause any issues with the s-pen?
Tried one out and found that I had to take the back cover off to fit the phone snugly.
Since the cover doesn't have an NFC chip, you will lose that functionality. The case doesn't fit on the phone with the back cover on unless the one I saw was a duplicate. Moreover the magnetic closure is flimsy too.
Just my 2 cents.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
fawaad said:
Tried one out and found that I had to take the back cover off to fit the phone snugly.
Since the cover doesn't have an NFC chip, you will lose that functionality. The case doesn't fit on the phone with the back cover on unless the one I saw was a duplicate. Moreover the magnetic closure is flimsy too.
Just my 2 cents.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The case has nothing to do with NFC... what do you mean?
mdt73 said:
The case has nothing to do with NFC... what do you mean?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The NFC antenna is embedded in the Note 2's back cover.
For the record. The handset clicked into case. Nothing had to be removed. Grips it fine. Must be a different case if you have to remove covers.
So far only really annoying thing is using it one handed. The folding cover is in the way of fingers.
There is a similar case that has a rotating cover. That would resolve this issue. Also enables a portrait stand.
Also as suspected. The home button is being pressed by the cover due to no recess (think thats the correct word) in the cover. This is activating the voice assistant. Disabled it as it is rubbish. But will mod cover at later date.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app
Another little update, these stand cases are really good for watching iplayer etc. But I think I am going to buy a leather sleeve/pouch type case. Ive always used them with htc handsets, due to most usage is one handed. And save the stand case for movie time.
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app
I bought the Original Samsung Note 2 flip case instead. Although it was expensive £30 .... but I think it looks really nice and still have NFC function.
zero.fx said:
I bought the Original Samsung Note 2 flip case instead. Although it was expensive £30 .... but I think it looks really nice and still have NFC function.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The biggest flaw with the original Note 2 flip case is that the corners/edges are completely unprotected. If you drop the Note 2 and it lands on the corner it might shatter the whole screen.
Not enough protection for my taste...
I bought this case yesterday in a shop and was massively disappointed. If you fold the cover behind the phone to use it the phone is hard to handle and doesn't sit ergonomically in your hand.
BUT BIGGEST FLAW: The little magnet on the right side interferes with the wacom digitizer. Try pulling out the S Pen and draw a straight line along the right edge, and the line curves outward around the magnet.
I was about to return the phone when I realized the error was next to the magnet. Pulled it out of the case and problem gone. I could reproduce this problem anywhere on the screen by holding the magnet part next to it.
There are tons of reports if you google "wacom magnet s pen" about interference, so I would avoid using this case. There is apparently even a note about this in the manual somewhere.
sz1a said:
I bought this case yesterday in a shop and was massively disappointed. If you fold the cover behind the phone to use it the phone is hard to handle and doesn't sit ergonomically in your hand.
BUT BIGGEST FLAW: The little magnet on the right side interferes with the wacom digitizer. Try pulling out the S Pen and draw a straight line along the right edge, and the line curves outward around the magnet.
I was about to return the phone when I realized the error was next to the magnet. Pulled it out of the case and problem gone. I could reproduce this problem anywhere on the screen by holding the magnet part next to it.
There are tons of reports if you google "wacom magnet s pen" about interference, so I would avoid using this case. There is apparently even a note about this in the manual somewhere.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This happens because wacom digitizers use magnets to work (partially, there's more to it) - the pen is a magnet. Crash course: A magnet creates a magnetic field around it. Whenever you're moving the pen, you're moving this field - any given point in space near the magnet experiences a change in this magnetic field (this creates an electric potential and a potential difference between points affected by the field). A really cool thing about moving magnets near wires is we create what's called an induced EMF - the change in magnetic fields causes electrons to move because of changes in relative potential difference between nearby points.
A static magnet (in relation to a point) will have a static field, but a field none the less - the magnet on the casing. When you bring two magnetic fields together, they interact to form a resultant field at any point in time.
The pen is still working as intended, but the other magnet has changed the potential you produce near that magnet via movements of the pen - thus, different and incorrect readings. It's relative to the position of the case magnet, so you get a different effect at different distances from the magnetic source.
The result is that the same motions of the pen near that magnet are causing different currents to be read than the wacom digitizer expects for that motion.
While it's great to hear through some empirical data that physics still works, I was already actively avoiding this case for this reason.
In contrast, previous smartphone cases with phones that use capacitive touch don't have as much an issue because it's basically a field of current that your touch (finger, capacitive stylus, etc) redirects some of that flow across. While a magnet could indeed affect this field, the magnet isn't moving so it's not as much an issue (it's still an issue because, depending on field strength, orientation, and relative locations, the electrons are still moving with respect to the magnet, and are repelled/attracted by the field in this manner to different degrees. However, the difference is constant and like is accounted for because digitizer system can't guarantee constant currents necessarily, so there is variation allowed for. With the Wacom pen magnet, it's weak enough to be noticeable.
TL;DR - Anyone with a course in EMF and an understanding of induction would be able to tell you this right off once they found out the pen uses a magnet. Incidentally, the magnet is also why you can do the hovering stuff so accurately. Other forms of non-touch gestures have many ways they could work too, but one way is your body affecting a field around the digitizer enough (whole hand swipe across without touching) that is is measurable.
It's also how inductive chargers (ones where you don't plug in the device) work. Changes in current flowing through wires creates a magnetic filed which, by orientating the wires, using loop/solenoid type configurations, this field changes (an AC signal). When your device is in the field, a similar configuration in the device is subjected to this changing field, and, more simply put, energy is exchanged via magnetic fields.
This is really cool because you've taken a changing current, which creates an electromagnetic field across other wires, which causes a flow of current.
Anyways, yeah avoid having magnets near devices depending upon EMF induction to work
In response. Regarding the case and holding it. I agree, does my head in sometimes. Hence why i may get a sleeve instead for when at work and use it one handedly most of the time. Regarding nfc, i aint convinced it would be affected until i get to test it. Regarding magnet, never noticed it until tested. Only effects 5mm of right side of screen and 15mm vertically, not the end of the world.
Just tested a piece of tin foil placed between handset and case at the point of the magnet. Didn't make any difference. Shame it cant be shielded.
Gotta say. The mobli is very well protected and the white case and mobile has yet to look dirty. Day job, hands get mucky.
Anyone got the case that the stand rotates? Does it make holding it less annoying?
Sent from my GT-N7100 using xda app-developers app
So, can the magnet cause any permanent damage to the gyroscope, compass and wacom bundle? I did notice that the compass is off by 10 degrees with the case on versus off.
I've used the phone for a few days without the case and it gets greasy too fast. So its back into the case again. It is pretty sturdy, just wonder if its possible to extract the magnet somehow! Maybe lodge a knife in there or something.
Anything that works by sensing the Earth's magnetic field, such as a compass, will be screwed up by a magnet in a case. It's really not worth buying a case that has a magnetic clasp...
I lodged a kitchen knife in between the magnet and the case and jerked around. It broke up into several pieces and came out attached to the knife. Since its either in my pocket or on a table the flap stays closed and no more magnetic issues.
...
FloatingFatMan said:
The NFC antenna is embedded in the Note 2's back cover.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
isnt the NFC chip in the battery??
yusssi said:
isnt the NFC chip in the battery??
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
... Why would they put the NFC chip in the battery?
On the SIII, the NFC -ANTENNA- is in the battery... The chip is on the phone motherboard. In the Note II, the antenna is in the back cover. Are you blind? Have you never taken your back cover off?
don't be so harsh.
some of us ex galaxy nexus owners had NFC built-in batteries..
FloatingFatMan said:
... Why would they put the NFC chip in the battery?
On the SIII, the NFC -ANTENNA- is in the battery... The chip is on the phone motherboard. In the Note II, the antenna is in the back cover. Are you blind? Have you never taken your back cover off?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To all people who have this problem! I recently got the Nexus 7 3G and the back was creaking so badly you could easily hear it across a large room. The noise seemed to come from the "nexus" logo near the top of the device.
I found the culprit an double checked with an older 16GB model. They changed the design of golden contact springs for the wireless radios from a simple C shape design to some complicated folding Z shaped spring design. It is those springs that upon being depressed rub metal on metal and make this horrible creaking noise. I don't know how many 3G's are affected but mine definitely was.
My solution was to open it up, which is easy enough to do with a guitar pick or something similar, just check YouTube, and to bend the springs until they stopped making noises under load.
While I was in there I also added double sided tape wherever necessary to stop the plastic from creaking (because they left out a lot of the foam they put in the older models, maybe to fix the screen lift issue??) and I re-wrapped the battery protection circuit because the circuit board was rubbing on the battery and making noises as well. (also, my battery was strangely wedged sideways in it's compartment)
All in all it's rock solid now, no creaks, nothing. And it feels like a really quality device now. Suffice to say that I should never have had to do this in the first place in order to own a device that is in satisfactory condition and one is not embarrassed to pass along in a group of friends because of the noises it makes
fabian.ecker said:
To all people who have this problem! I recently got the Nexus 7 3G and the back was creaking so badly you could easily hear it across a large room. The noise seemed to come from the "nexus" logo near the top of the device.
I found the culprit an double checked with an older 16GB model. They changed the design of golden contact springs for the wireless radios from a simple C shape design to some complicated folding Z shaped spring design. It is those springs that upon being depressed rub metal on metal and make this horrible creaking noise. I don't know how many 3G's are affected but mine definitely was.
My solution was to open it up, which is easy enough to do with a guitar pick or something similar, just check YouTube, and to bend the springs until they stopped making noises under load.
While I was in there I also added double sided tape wherever necessary to stop the plastic from creaking (because they left out a lot of the foam they put in the older models, maybe to fix the screen lift issue??) and I re-wrapped the battery protection circuit because the circuit board was rubbing on the battery and making noises as well. (also, my battery was strangely wedged sideways in it's compartment)
All in all it's rock solid now, no creaks, nothing. And it feels like a really quality device now. Suffice to say that I should never have had to do this in the first place in order to own a device that is in satisfactory condition and one is not embarrassed to pass along in a group of friends because of the noises it makes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Would u mind taking a picture of the inside where u added tape to stop the backplate from creaking and upload it. I've tried many things to fix it to no avail.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2
i will as soon as i find some time. there is another thread here on xda. it's for the wifi model but i adapted the suggestions for my nexus 7. also, what i did for mine might not work for yours. my suggestion is, figure out where the noise is coming from, add some double sided tape or foam close it partially and try it. took me about 2 days of trial and error to achieve an acceptable state
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1848013
here is the link
fabian.ecker said:
i will as soon as i find some time. there is another thread here on xda. it's for the wifi model but i adapted the suggestions for my nexus 7. also, what i did for mine might not work for yours. my suggestion is, figure out where the noise is coming from, add some double sided tape or foam close it partially and try it. took me about 2 days of trial and error to achieve an acceptable state
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks very much. My only creak is on the right side where the battery is and close to the bezel. Did u happen to have one there as well? Wish me luck lol off to void my warranty
Sent from my [insert phone model here]
fabian.ecker said:
To all people who have this problem! I recently got the Nexus 7 3G and the back was creaking so badly you could easily hear it across a large room. The noise seemed to come from the "nexus" logo near the top of the device.
I found the culprit an double checked with an older 16GB model. They changed the design of golden contact springs for the wireless radios from a simple C shape design to some complicated folding Z shaped spring design. It is those springs that upon being depressed rub metal on metal and make this horrible creaking noise. I don't know how many 3G's are affected but mine definitely was.
My solution was to open it up, which is easy enough to do with a guitar pick or something similar, just check YouTube, and to bend the springs until they stopped making noises under load.
While I was in there I also added double sided tape wherever necessary to stop the plastic from creaking (because they left out a lot of the foam they put in the older models, maybe to fix the screen lift issue??) and I re-wrapped the battery protection circuit because the circuit board was rubbing on the battery and making noises as well. (also, my battery was strangely wedged sideways in it's compartment)
All in all it's rock solid now, no creaks, nothing. And it feels like a really quality device now. Suffice to say that I should never have had to do this in the first place in order to own a device that is in satisfactory condition and one is not embarrassed to pass along in a group of friends because of the noises it makes
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bookmarking so I recognize your nick on an upcoming "My wifi doesn't work!" thread.
Don't worry about your warranty! there is a "seal" sticker INSIDE the case but popping the back off will most certainly not void your warranty. it's more like the battery cover on a galaxy s3 or a nexus s than anything else!
fyi i had it on the right, left, and top of the device
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).
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
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?
Click to expand...
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.
Click to expand...
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
Click to expand...
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.