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Looks cuwl but I think it would be better without the beltclip:
http://www.innopocket.com/EShop/Main/product.php?ID=63
If you are looking for a sleeker look check out www.proporta.com, they have a design in development , hence the special offer, but you will have to wait a while for the alu case about a month or so, but hey who's complaing when you get freeby!
roko said:
Looks cuwl but I think it would be better without the beltclip:
http://www.innopocket.com/EShop/Main/product.php?ID=63
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just got one! its really cool and sleek design... :lol:
I ordered the Proporta about 6 or 7 weeks ago. I received nothing since then (apart from the useless neoprene wallet). Looks like it's going to be a long time before it is finnished. I think the Inno looks far better too. I'm thinking about ordering one instead of the Proporta.
Damoncarl, could you please tell if the beltclip could be removed without to much damage?
Does the case have enough room for the extended battery?? 8) thinking of getting one if the proporta case doesn't have room, by the end of the design reveiws... and it looks like you have to keep removing from the case just to charge or use it.
It looks that neither have room for the XDA+battery.
Both the Inno and the Proporta have their pro's and con's. I think the Proporta is better for daily use, you don't need to remove the XDA from the case before usage. The Inno on the other hand gives far better protection since it completely encloses the XDA.
roko,
judging from the design I can't see how the xda can be used/charged from the case, asking cause that's the way I use mine, and everybody uses their case differently...the Inno case looks to provide better protection, (I have four cases I use depending on my daily use, guys tend to stick to one case, women tend to co-ordinate the cases with their outfits and bags!!) and your right in the respect that the Inno looks good, but as always, looks don't mean a thing if it aint practical (men inclusive in my opinion :twisted: ) and as you already have the case I'd rather pick your brains on it than have a sales person deliberatley trying to sell me something based on looks....
The Proporta has an opening at the bottom so I guess you can sync/charge and replace the smartcard without having to take it out of the case. Here's a better view...
http://www.proporta.com/Zoom.asp?id=XDAcase1.jpg
But still, it is in developement, images of the final product are not online yet (I asked for them but no response so far). The final product could differ. Wait and see
And so my choice is confirmed, da girl goes proporta! spoke to them today they say no to the batttery space but I guess I can't have all
Hopefully you won't get bored waiting for it (like me) :wink:
Did you by any change asked them when the case should be ready for shipping? I keep hearing "probably the next week" :?
roko
Yep, I did ask and was told not for ages as they just rejected the proto-type last week, apparently because you would have to remove the xda from the case for charging etc and that's not what was agreed to design wise....the guy I spoke to was so annoyed he told me not to bother ordering it yet!!! to wait a month but I will... just to have yet another case to co-ordinate.
(as women do :wink: )
Another month
I'll order the Inno so I'll have atleast one case (for the time being) :wink:
I've got one (the innopocket case) and I'm very Impressed with it. Although like anything its not perfect.
Here goes an honest review.
If you think the xda is already too big, dont buy this. If you want to protect your machine while carrying it - its like having an armoured tank protecting it! Imagine your dads old tobacco tin in brushed aluminium with a neoprene 1.5mm lining and there it is.
Its very well built - it does have a serious "no messing about belt clip" that you'd have to have serious impacts hit by a car for it to fall off. I'm a cyclist (during the week ; ) - so you'll have to excuse my practical thinking!
I think the only serious damage you could do would be to the antenna, which is the only potruding part, and even then, if it was on your belt that would never happen.
I did however make one major "mod" when I got it, I got out an electric drill and file and made a headphone socket hole straight away!
Being made of aluminium its very easy to do this, in theory you could do the same for the charger connector.
Street Cred
Although its very practical, to be frank I'm embarrased to carry it in "open view" on my belt, because it is ridiculously large. Under your jumper or jacket it acceptable. Or in your baggy Jeans pocket is another fine alternative.
In use
I even answered a few calls while listening to Mp3s in slough town centre last week, obviously the nice thing is that with the standard handsfree headset you can answer the call with the button on the mic pod, and not have to get the damn thing out of the case. Obviously in normal phone use its a pain to "unholster"
I think the main oversight is a lack of a charging hole, I think a pda on a desk with a charger lead hanging out of it is asking for trouble, one slip and your "preciousss" will go swinging to a clattering smash onto the floor, so I'd love to encase it with the innopocket during charging. (I'm getting the drill & file out now!)
Opening it Up
It did seem too much hassle to change tracks on media player by "getting it out of my pocket, opening it up, changing tracks, and closing it etc. So I just listened to my mp3s on "shuffle mode" it would be great if one was designed with buttons integrated into it, perhaps so it slots into the bottom edge connector in the same way as the clip on keyboard.
At times like that I was glad of the volume control on the headphone kit!
The opening up catch is nice and firm, so its very difficult for it to open accidentally, and as it opens "upwards" in theory as long as you are standing or sitting, it wouldnt fall out.
One of my friends did force it open because he didnt understand the way it opens, but in actual fact its made the case easier to use, because the stress exerted on the aluminium hinges if you do this enable you to open it further, to about a 80 degree angle from the closed position. This means that if opened on your belt the xda delivers at 45degrees or so.
Build Quality
I think in terms of build quality it is excellent, and certainly does protect the machine All edges were finished off smoothly, all neoprene stuck down well, definately a quality product.
Capacity
Havent tried it with the extended battery, as it hasnt arrived yet, I'll let you know if it fits, or if it can be modified.
Advantages
1) serious protection
2) serious beltclip that wont fall off in usage
3) Aluminium, lightweight, tough, and easy to mod!
4) Website order to Delivery time (under a week) and thats delivering it by airmail from suppliers in Hong Kong.
Disadvantages
1) Overall Size (too big and roomy - I'd prefer a snugger fit!)
2) Beltclip: My only criticism is that the belt clip cannot be removed, its riveted on, and being aluminium, if you removed it I guess you'd never get it back on. Otherwise its the best engineered beltclip I've ever used, I wish my old Cooltrax mp3 player's case had such a good one.
3) the only downside of course is removing it from the holder. to use it, its not exactly "quick release"
4) usual packaging problem though, when it arrived it looked like it had been opened a dozen times en route, cardboard box was creased and torn "open", but the product was intact and undamaged - I guess customs at several points opened it up to see what it was. You'd hope they'd stick tape back over it. I'd hate to send anything of a greater value that distance!
Opinions
Buy two. One for "on your belt" (modding it for headphone hole)
The other for in a bag or pocket, with the belt clip removed! and mod it for charging/mp3 playback.
The one thing I like about it is that it doesent spoil the look of the thing itself when you're actually using it. The standard O2 case sucks in that regard, and looks disgusting in my opinion. And lets face it the most dangerous aspect of using a phone/pda is putting it down. e.g. falling asleep with it on your lap or chest, or even charging it up.
When its in your hand you hang on to it for grim death. Putting it into the case is the riskiest part, especially cycling along, but hey, even doing that on a pavement is a big risk! And as I mentioned this was a doddle!
Walking along and holstering it is more of an embarrassment risk than a risk of dropping it because as I mentioned, it opens very sensibly.
Possible Improvements...
1) add a hole for charger
2) add a headphone hole
3) make the belt clip removable
4) make it less "thick" (width wise)
5) slots for memory cards inside the case, although there's plenty of room to just have them "floating around" - that said, would you risk an £80 memory card dropping out while you're walking.
6) add a button for skip track for when in mp3 usage
Conclusions
Protection 98%
Practicality 40%
Style 30%
It does "what it says on the tin" :lol:
"protect your investment"
Can you please provide a cost for the aloy case for the xda & approximate delivery cost to Australia
Thanks Peter
Follow the previous mentioned link http://www.innopocket.com/EShop/Main/product.php?ID=63 and you will see the price.
I fully agree with Derek's review but like to add a couple of disadvantages:
1) The spring mechanism started to wear out in the case I had. I had to bend them back into shape.
2) Although perfectly padded on the inside there is the possibility of having the metal on the inside come into contact with your screen. Maybe it is just me being clumsy but I was nervous every time the XDA went into or out of the case.
I stopped using it and it is lying around somewhere here.
Robert[/list]
Mine's now laying around as well... climber!
Unfortunetely it wont accommodate the extended battery
Update on the Proporta hardcase:
It seems that the first 1000 will be shippped early July. Hopefully I will be one of the lucky bastards because I'm waiting for it since last January.
http://www.proporta.com/Zoom.asp?id=Alu_XDA.jpg
Hmm... Re the Proporta case, it looks like someone else had my idea about holes for connectors!
It looks a bit slimmer than the innopocket. I'm hoping it has a cutout in the back to allow for the extended battery to poke out as well...
Somehow I dont think they will think of that one, otherwise it looks a much better design. Do let us know with a full on review when you get it Roko....
Hi I got the ali case, the thing is almost twice the width, but I really needed to stop the XDA from crashing out of my pocket, so I tried it for a few days, its like an ejector seat, My xda has hit the ground 6 times in one day, I lost my pen & a big card I had in it. Sorry it has gone in the draw.
Hi, i got my proporta ali case this morning - seems quite nice Very light and doesn't bulk up the device too much! Very strong too, no way i'll loose the screen with this baby on. All connectors/buttons can be got to with the case closed.
Will test it over the next few days!
If you're into soft cases, this fits quite well:
http://www.caselogic.com/sony_psp_g...il/index.cfm?modelid=126770&productid=1328570
I removed the game organiser (the black board with the 2 slots for UMD discs) before using it.
There's a cm worth of slack at the top flap, but that remains flat in use and the whole case fits well without any slack at the sides and without stretching excessively. Most importantly for me, the device is completely protected and the inside of the case is made from microfiber rather than velvety stuff. It's been 2 weeks and I haven't noticed even fine scratches.
With a bit of extra stretching (not recommended for everyone), I can even get the case on with a pair of earphones plugged in.
If anyone needs pics, let me know and I'll post some.
Thanks for sharing that with us
I see they have something similar on Ebay and in Amazon
I was lucky enough to be selected to receive an review one of the new Artech 21 cases for our LG G4's. I have always wanted to try a case like this because I like the concept of having my phone and wallet stuff combined, can't forget either that way (or both if I'm really scatter brained). Sadly, I never pulled the trigger due to my wife having had a couple and the quality just not being there a various points, enough to cause a total lack of will to try one for myself.
Enter Artech 21.
I received my case very quickly and packaged VERY well. No pics there, sorry. Let's just say that their attention to detail extends beyond simple production. I got it yesterday and immediately put it to use, and let me just sum it up like this. Simply stunning craftsmanship, and perfect in every way.
All pictures were taken on a Nikon D5000 using a 35mm f/1.8 lens for ambient light with some later flash shots and the really close ones towards the end were switched to a 18-55mm kit lens.
Let's just start with a couple of ambient light overview pics.
On the front side, we have a clean leather face with a reinforced spine stitch line down the left side, and a very classy and subtle company logo on the bottom right.
On the rear we have the same spine reinforcement stitching going down the right side, and very well sized and placed cutouts for the speaker and camera. Very very well done.
Throwing that one in simply because I like how the focal point and bokeh came out.
Opened up you can see I've already put it to use. It's housing my work ID card and drivers license in the clear thumb hole pocket (VERY good idea to put the thumb hole there, makes accessing those a snap). Also houses the two debit cards I carry along with my costco membership card.
The pocket underneath the cards won't hold a fully unfolded bill, but I wouldn't expect it to either. I don't carry a lot of cash so folding bills up to put in the pocket isn't a concern. If you do carry more than a few bills this may not work for you because they would bulk up the front side quickly. Money clips ftw.
The inside of the case is finished in a very fine suede to go wonderfully with the super nice leather exterior parts.
This pic above is a look at it closed. The clasp while small, is perfectly strong and small enough to be unintrusive. The back side never sits perfectly flat due to it's designed fold for stand usage, which isn't a big deal. Even with all my cards in the front side it still sits very flatly closed. Very well made in terms of size.
Flipped view on the bottom side. You can see how the back never lays truly flat, but this is by design.
Now, I want to move on to some good stuff. I've done sewing professionally on industrial machines, so I have a good idea what I'm looking at in terms of quality. And this case is just dripping with quality. The craftsmanship is absolutely fantastic. Extremely even stitching lines, wonderful stitch spacing, straight cuts, even the back stitching on the starts and ends is perfect. Here are some close up shots below:
Last part, the holder for the phone. This was a huge fail point on the couple of cases my wife had for her G2. There are ZERO worries here. Below are installed pics of either end:
The closest comparison I can make is that Artech 21 took an Incipio Feather case and used it in their folio case. The phone is VERY tightly held in place, but utilizes the least amount of shrouding possible at the same time. I have zero worries of the phone ever popping out of this holder and case.
I honestly have found no flaws with this case. It's new to me so using the phone is a little awkward at first, but I'm adjusting fast. Using my shoulder to hold the phone to my ear is actually much easier now due to the added case thickness. It holds what I NEED to carry with me with extra room to shove a days worth of receipts and a little cash, but without leaving enough room that I start packing my wallet full of stuff.
As far as recommendations for future changes or improvements, the only thing I could think of is the potential to make the magnetic clasp two sided so you could flip the front of the case all the way around and reuse the clasp to hold it open. And maybe give the option for people to have a ID card pocket installed on the front and not have the clear one in the inside (I'd choose that because I use my ID card to get into the plant I work at every day I work). But those are two very very minor things that aren't necessities, just feedback for possible future options.
One last parting shot for posterity sake:
I'd like to say thanks to Artech 21 for giving me the opportunity to try your wonderful case and just say that if you're looking for a wallet or folio case, by all means give them a try. They're worth every penny and you won't be disappointed.
Piggyback Review
I'm going to take the opportunity to piggyback on the review by Fastbird here and not clog up the accessories thread with 50 of these reviews on the same case.
To begin with, mine is the dark version of the case, and so aside from it's obvious dark color difference, it also has a full plastic case around the phone vs. a side-to-side hug case and the wrist strap. But enough talk, let's get into the case itself.
Opening the package reveals a few things, the case which looks, feels, and smells great; a wrist-strap (I chose not to use this), a business card, and a 10% coupon code for another product with a request for an Amazon review (to come later). Having used my phones naked for the past 4 years, a case, especially the folio wallet type, was quite a change, but after 3 days of use I'm completely adjusted to it. The case definitely adds some bulk to the phone as you’d expect, but my phone spends most of its time on a desk or somewhere else, not in my pocket. I’d say ladies with small pockets are not going to find this comfortable to have in there, and even for guys with tighter pants/jeans, it’d be the same deal.
The case is very well made, definitely had the touch of an Artisan in the stitching. You will notice the backing on the leather is most likely a nylon which is glued to the natural leather back and sewn around the edges. The front and back are both double layers of leather and the spine seems to be only a single layer. Holding it in your hand is easy enough when you fold the front around. As I mentioned earlier, the plastic phone case is a full edge case vs the light brown only hugging the sides. I use the Skinomi Tempered Glass protector on the screen and it doesn’t push any of the edges up. The phone definitely isn’t coming out of the case either.
Taking pictures in portrait mode is somewhat difficult because the back tends to want to fold around easily if you don't hold it right. If a way to lock this in until you want it to be a kickstand was developed, it’d be a major improvement. The cutouts on the back don’t get in the way of your shot and landscape is easy to manage. My cutouts aren’t quite centered, but it is such a small offset, you can't notice unless you are looking for it.
Closing the case comes easy because of the magnets in the clasp. However, if you want to really use it as a wallet, you’ll find it initially difficult to put more than three cards in the slots. I couldn’t get it closed with all four slots full. I don’t plan to really use it other than for cash because I have too many cards to fit in here anyway, but if you only have a few you use often, it could be really useful.
As a kickstand, I found no complaints. It doesn’t fall down, close or otherwise cause any problems if you are just watching a show. The cutout for the speaker does muffle it if it is closed and face up, but that’s what you get with a rear speaker phone.
Overall, if you want to make a statement with your phone, don’t already have a leather back, and plan to hold some cash, IDs, etc… then I say grab one of these cases. The best part about any case is that you can always take it off when you don’t want it and put it on when you do!
TL;DR
Pros:
- Hearty construction, high quality material, artisans touch
- Firm grip on the phone
- Card slots if you're into that
- Kickstand when you want it
- Wrist strap (dark version only)
- Keeps your phone safer than it is naked
- Color choices
- Compatible with glass screen protectors
- On sale on amazon right now! http://www.amazon.com/Artech-21-Premium-Italian-Handmade/dp/B00XKHWIG4/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1435201794&sr=8-2&keywords=artech+21+lg+g4
Cons:
- Floppy back when using portrait mode camera
- Needs some stretching to fit a card in every slot and close
- Probably too bulky for tight pants, jeans, short shorts, ladies pants, small pockets in general (although I think it'd be a problem without a case in some pockets too)
- Everyone is jealous!?!
Props to Artech 21 for making a superb product, allowing me to review it for free, and bringing some extra class to my already awesome LG G4.
So it's been nearly 2 weeks since I started using this case, figured I'd post up an update. I'll just say that I'm NOT going back to anything else. I just spent the past week on vacation in Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge TN and having this case was remarkably not cumbersome at all and extremely convenient. Case is holding up fine, no signs of wear, no split seams, no pulled stitches. Holding up extremely well for the amount of use I gave it over the past week.
Sean , you better hide your id
and remarkable photography skill
I just want to say it looks poor quality!!!!!
james491225 said:
I just want to say it looks poor quality!!!!!
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Not sure if serious or just plain stupid.
officerdoofy said:
Not sure if serious or just plain stupid.
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plain stupid i guess
carolineOHIO said:
plain stupid i guess
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I vote for stupid... or troll.
Like above, I too dont want to clutter up the accessories page with reviews of the same case so ill throw some additional pictures out there and give a few pros and cons for me.
PS: Im using a leather back on my phone, just a FYI
Pro:
- Leather quality looks and feels great
- Stitching was done with what looks like a good quality thread
- Glue that holds case to leather cannot be seen and holds the two parts together great
- Leather back phone fits very snug in the plastic holder, might be a con if it pops out, but for now its a pro
- Wireless charging works with a generation 1 Samsung charging pad
Cons:
- I can fit 3 cards in my case and it closes fine, when I put my 4th card the case sometimes opens up, and with the 5th card it never stays shut. I wanted to use the case and leave my wallet at home, but I unfortunately will not be able to, at least right now. I will give the case a few weeks with 4 cards in it and trying to stretch it out. If I can fit 6 cards in the case I can ditch the wallet completely and just put everything in this case.
One last note, its not really a con for me because I have big hands and long fingers but the thick leather might be hard for some users to hit the volume down button.
If you would like any additional photos or have any additional questions feel free to ask
UPDATE 1Well I just got to my office today and I was really excited to see if it would charge on the wareless charger....and even with the thick leather back it DOES! Now I'm sure it all depends on the charger you have, but I am using a 1st generation Samsung charging pad and it works perfectly with the phone. Im sure any newer name brand unit will also work, the china models, YMMV. Pictures below
UPDATE 2After having the case on the phone for less than a week the plastic holder for the phone has started to crack with the leather back on my phone. The cracks look minimal at the moment but I will keep an eye on them to see if they spread. Updated with pictures below.
UPDATE 3Well a week and a day in one of the corners is starting to crumble. The phone looks to be falling out of the case as well. Its a shame, since I absolutely love this case. Just in case anyone is wondering, I keep the phone in my back pocket at all times when walking aroud. I have never dropped it, sat on it or anything. This is just the wear and tare of having the leather back and pulling the phone in and out of my back pocket.
Below pictures are with no cards in the wallet
Below 2 pictures are with 5 cards in the wallet, ID and 4 debit cards
Below pictures are with 3 cards in the wallet, ID and 2 debit cards
Below pictures show the phone charging on a Samsung 1st generation chargin pad
Below pictures show the cracking in the plastic
Below picture show the crumbling of the plastic and the phone starting to fall out of the case
Posted updates #1 and #2 above. Will continue to update this review as I use it.
dtmcnamara said:
Posted updates #1 and #2 above. Will continue to update this review as I use it.
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sorry for that inconvenience
I'd like to apply to review this case, but would like to know if the plastic cracking is an isolated issue or if it's being addressed in a newer version to be released for review. Thanks!
Thank you for sharing and the photograph great
dtmcnamara said:
Posted updates #1 and #2 above. Will continue to update this review as I use it.
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Any idea how / why the cracks appeared? Like how do you use the case, do you put your phone/case in your pocket where it would get stressed? I ask because I store my phone in my pocket and wonder.
Posted update number 3 above. Looks like it might be time to retire this case already.
dtmcnamara said:
UPDATE 2After having the case on the phone for less than a week the plastic holder for the phone has started to crack with the leather back on my phone. The cracks look minimal at the moment but I will keep an eye on them to see if they spread. Updated with pictures below.
UPDATE 3Well a week and a day in one of the corners is starting to crumble. The phone looks to be falling out of the case as well. Its a shame, since I absolutely love this case. Just in case anyone is wondering, I keep the phone in my back pocket at all times when walking aroud. I have never dropped it, sat on it or anything. This is just the wear and tare of having the leather back and pulling the phone in and out of my back pocket.
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So pocket stress in other words. Walking and bending in part crushing / extreme pressure to the case and phone.
This is why I usually keep mine in softer plyable tpu in my front pocket. I know just walking around and going up and down stairs I apply a lot of pressure on my phone and cases. I had other previous model phone in white cases that would form stress cracks. The black versions would be slightly more flexible and not crack. Used to be many people complaining about it being a manufacturers defect.
In larger pockets my phones would sometimes rotate horizontally. If i didnt catch and rerotate reposition the phone I wouldnt be surprised to find my screen cracked from the bending pressure.
Perhaps artech should redesign the inner holder would be my suggestion. Use a more plyable nylon material, instead of ridgid plastic?
Is it a hard clip on? How hard would it be to replace the inner holder? Would be easy for a user to do it?
My review
Just got my case in today JULY/25/15. So I will edit and update as time goes by using the case.
Initial thoughts;
First I must say it is a very nice solid yet soft and supple case. The color is like a natural imperfect tanned turmeric and honey. I really like the magnetic clasp. It auto locks, you can pull flap open and clasp detaches or you can manually flip it.
Was disappoint to see it does not have the ability to turn the phone on and off when opening and closing the case.
Update JULY/26/15;
The clip on portion is ultra thin and hard-rigid plastic. The case exposes the top and bottom, allowing for direct access to 3.5mm headphone jack, micro usb port, mics and remote IR.
Functionality that is missing for me is the ability to use the phone while the case is closed, it has to be flipped open to answer and stay open for the duration of the call. It does not have a front speaker cutout.
UPDATE August/02/2015, 1 week + 1 day;
Flip back kickstand is a nice feature. It allows for the phone to be propped up while watching videos / youtube.
With normal use the case as held up nicely, showing no signs of wear.
I've been able to remove and reinstall the phone several times and have not experienced any signs of the inner holder cracking.
It is still annoying to have to open the wallet and keep the cover open to talk on the phone. It makes it awkward to handle. I've also not wanted to crease the bind by flipping the cover all the way back. This makes the phone thicker and harder to hold for smaller to medium sized hands.
So far I would recommend this case for those that like a wallet you can carry your phone in. Although what fits into it as a wallet is very limited. Perhaps better to call it a stylish leather case capable of protecting the phone and holding some important essentials.
..to be continued..
clockcycle said:
Any idea how / why the cracks appeared? Like how do you use the case, do you put your phone/case in your pocket where it would get stressed? I ask because I store my phone in my pocket and wonder.
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the cracker due to frequently take the phone out with innappropriate way
should gently hold the case , press the camera hole to take the phone out
---------- Post added at 12:03 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:01 PM ----------
clockcycle said:
Just got my case in today JULY/25/15. So I will edit and update as time goes by using the case.
Initial thoughts;
First I must say it is a very nice solid yet soft and supple case. The color is like a natural imperfect tanned turmeric and honey. I really like the magnetic clasp. It auto locks, you can pull flap open and clasp detaches or you can manually flip it.
Was disappoint to see it does not have the ability to turn the phone on and off when opening and closing the case.
Update JULY/26/15;
The clip on potion is ultra thin and hard rigid plastic. The case exposes the top and bottom, allowing for direct access to 3.5mm head phone jack, micro usb port, mics and IR.
Functionality that is missing for me is the ability to use the phone while the case is closed, it has to be flipped open to answer and stay open for the duration of the call. It does not have a front speaker cutout.
..to be continued..
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it is no automatic for the wake up due to we have no certification from LG , and we think we just keep it traditional way to use the wallet case
Leather quality looks and feels great!! It is very useful for me to put cards.
hahahayiji said:
Leather quality looks and feels great!! It is very useful for me to put cards.
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maybe you I.D too
Pictures of mod items down below.
Back to the topic of modding the IE Gear VR for the note 4:
I just received my IE unit days ago and had a look at the various modding attempts be it on this thread, youtube or google altogether.
Some do look clean enough still I was pondering the idea of the cleanest sleekiest modding design, while keeping costs to a minimum.
After about 3 days of hectic googling, I came up with the following:
1- 8000mah Note 4 extended battery:
Link: http://www.ebay.de/itm/391342722159?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&var=660582850100&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
As opposed to the many more or less higher capacities at about 9000mah up to 10000mah which cover more width area of the phone. This piece at 8000mah has the same proportions as the original battery, only two times thicker.
That should be taken into consideration as the heating parts on the phone when used with the VR are usually around the back camera upper area. Having a normal sized extended battery should leave free room for air-cooling later on. As opposed to the wider kind at say 10000mah (Wink Wink Zerolemon ) that unfortunately cover the heating-up back side of the phone, theoretically causing the air-cooling mod not to work.
Last but not least, this battery at its offered capacity roughly costs 10 bucks. It should be a steal, once I'll confirm it is indeed offering a close enough performance to its claimed 8000mah capacity. More on that soon.
2- USB Cooling Fan
Link: http://www.aliexpress.com/item/1Pcs-Cool-Cooler-Cooling-Fan-USB-Foldable-Folding-Pad-w-2-Fans-for-Laptop-Notebook-Free/32435788330.html
Now to the main course, the cooling!
Most mods I've seen use an elaborate approach based on adapters and long cables.
Now I have found this piece, two fans already USB'ed and sized at :
167*66*20mm (respectively: Length*Width*Thickness)
These proportions should easily fit my rough calculation of the VR removable Front cover which more or less are:
180*80*18mm
USB is a 5V DC easily powered by any powerbank.
Price is just about 3 bucks. well 2,36 euros for me.
More on that after I receive my order and see to it.
Plan is double sided tape. More on that later.
3- Powerbank for the USB Fan:
With portability always in mind and me not willing to give up any aspect of that portability. Mods I've seen around just velcro-strap a sizeable powerbank on the headstrap or backstrap then call it a day. That is neither cool nor comfy. It is of course a matter of opinion and that was mine. Anyhow, here is the link of the smallest powerbank I've seen.
Link: http://www.aliexpress.com/item/keychain-Mini-Powerbank-1800mah-5V-1A-Mobile-Phone-Power-Bank-Mini-usb-Universal-Portable-External-Battery/32585393797.html
proportions: 51.5*41.5*17.5mm
weight: merely 70g
These proportions perfectly fit the left side of the VR where the GEAR VR OCULUS logo is.
It is planned to be installed by surrounding the edges and corners of that logo with thin double-sided tape/Velcro. That should keep the logo visible, harm the appearance as little as possible and hold the 70gram powerbank just fine.
Also more on that when I receive the goods.
The powerbank has a decent 1800mah for something the size of a key (designed as a keychain). That should be enough to run the fans for two days at least, again theoretically.
The price is an alluring 10 bucks or less if site's discount is applied.
Edit: If all works according to calculations, this mini powerbank would be sprayed white so it would fit with the IE Gear VR colors, and not stand out with its gold finish.
Conclusion:
My note 4 with the original 3220mah holds about 3h to 3h30 inside the VR without mods.
With the 8000mah it should hold up double the time or if conservative then a decent 5 hours. Again without cooling.
Double Fan cooling should be extreme as most of the seen mods report no heating whatsoever with just one fan, still lets see if double fans might be the new standard !
The Powerbank is to be installed as plug and play (with velcro) on the side. Just press it in or pull out from the left side. Easy.
The powerbank's own proportions are fitting the left side, so neither appearance nor design are compromised.
At 23 bucks, this is the lowest cost/design mod seen yet.
Well not seen it perse, I have to make it :laugh:
Pictures down below.
Actual DIY mod
Update 07-05-2016
I recently received my orders for the DIY and started working on it.
Challenges were met, but let's keep it brief.
My piece of advice on all this would be:
No matter how good your calculations are (for this particular kind of mod that doesn't involve damaging or altering the cover case but rather duct-taping your way around it):
Always make sure to double check your calculations as you will be working on a Millimeter -mm- basis here. . It literally took me tens of trial and error and loads of patience to find that particular right spot where the two fans don't hit on anything be it the camera or any part of the phone .The concave form factor of the protective cover definitely was of no help as only the center can be used, and that center hardly houses two fans.
So the fans had to be stripped down to the very bone, taking off every single part that had the potential of being removable. (used a heated knife and/or scissors)
The result can be seen in the video, where literally less than 5 millimeters separate the fan blades from the highest point of the phone, being the camera.
I did mention "this particular kind of mod" as not only does it not involve any cutting into the cover nor holes, but also it is built with completely removable material eg: Double-sided duct-tape and double-sided Velcro.
That provides two advantages: a clean design obviously as the title suggests and the possibility to keep your case undamaged and unaltered by simply scratching off all the Velcro and duct-tape at some point in the future, if you decide to.
I haven't received the 8000mah extra battery (mentioned above) yet so I'll update on that at a later date. Although now I highly doubt it would fit with the two fans, if one keeps the protective cover unaltered.
One last piece of advice: a 4mm wide double-sided duct-tape on the back of the battery is a good trick to keep it well snugged in the phone, not suddenly falling down, and still keeps the battery easily removable later on with finger pressure.
Pictures down below, and a short video made just after I finished the project (ps: humming is from something playing on the laptop, the two spinning fans don't make any noise).
Link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXPEArWpgm0&feature=youtu.be
Shoot away your questions, I'll be happy to help!
This is my first attempt at any sort of DIY, and I'm glad it turned out just fine, and also happy I can give something back to this great community!
So much for trying to be brief ! Sorry !
Cheers.
I am interested in the 'Dual screen' thing that is available for the velvet. As they dont seem to be available, I would like to get some feedback on it, before spending any time tying to track one down,
Any Opinions?
t1moc said:
I am interested in the 'Dual screen' thing that is available for the velvet. As they dont seem to be available, I would like to get some feedback on it, before spending any time tying to track one down,
Any Opinions?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What would you like to know, since i have one
This is a good review of dual screen, pen support and desktop mode, it's in italian langauge but it's intuitive:
Im writing from my LG Dual Screen right now. It looked cool and was fun from the beginning but now I feel the dual screen gets in the way a lot. I purchased mine directly from LG and believe I paid around $200 US for it.
I am interesed in using it as a flat keyboard or pen capture/side by side book notes on the move.
on the telegram (see https://android.fandom.com/wiki/Velvet ) they say it s good to play games ...
I quote the @CryptoBushido (Bushido) user :
"buy drasticds and you can play nintendo ds games with that"
It's a nice gimmick, i used it for a few weeks. It makes the phone just to big and heavy in my opinion. It is great for multitasking tho
I got my LG Velvet 5G just to get the dual screen accessory.
Pro:
- Each screen can run some apps independently. I run chrome in two instances, one on each screen to do comparison research.
- taking notes on phone while on a zoom call
- works well in A frame position for watching video
- watching YouTube video at the same time to fix an issue on the phone
- I dropped phone many times but case takes a beating and protects the screen better than curve glass screen protector (broke two screen protectors so far)
- when I need a simple smaller phone, I pop the dual screen out and put my phone in regular case
Con:
- add weight to the overall phone (but I got use of carrying it) Feels more like having a big otter case but at least the bulk and weight is useful
- about 20-30% more battery drain with dual screen on
- only charge the phone via wireless fast charging 10W or the proprietary magnetic USB C adapter (I only got one) with my case $200US but adapter is like $30US?!?
- hurts my wrist, not from the direct weight but holding angular weight with one hand (like holding a tablet from a corner with one hand. Sure you can grip from the back of the phone like a book but still awkward and not a stable grip.
- also zero car docks to hold the phone and be used while being open. I finally bought wireless charge all at home & work and move my magnetic USB C to the car for my Android Auto and modded my phone car cradle to allow holding the phone open. But doesn't hold it perfectly, sometimes a bump will drop my phone.
- taking pictures with 2 screens is not useful (at least to me) I look like those people taking pictures with a big tablet lol.
- not all games actually support the gamepad screen. Wish support was better
- typing in landscape is odd and honestly I use Google Voice type more than pecking away as screen keyboard on one screen or two
Despite the cons. I still love dual screen after getting use of it after operating like this for 7 months. It's like getting use when you first put that second monitor on your PC. But after I don't know how I work without 2 screens on a phone.
All I know is I will living the dream when light & durable foldable phones are a norm.