Found this case at Staples for $24. It is made for the IPad or other e-Readers and has two different size elastic straps so it fits the G-tab well with a little extra room. I use the extra space for headphone storage. The case also zips close which is nice.
It is the Solo iPad/e-Reader Jacket, Classic Collection Style# CLA132-4/5
I had the same one and liked it at first. After a couple of days it will loosen a bit but it worked ok until I ordered the one did the zt180. Now I'm just waiting for a real gtab case.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
it2steve said:
I had the same one and liked it at first. After a couple of days it will loosen a bit but it worked ok until I ordered the one did the zt180. Now I'm just waiting for a real gtab case.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I picked the case up from Staples yesterday and I'm of the same opinion so it's going back today. I hope to get the one that apx_ was trying to get together in the closed thread. Maybe we can pick that discussion up over on tegratab.com?
got the same case at staples $24. Works OK but definitely not completely secure.
I was thinking about throwing some velcro on the back of the tab and sewing some into the case OR sewing in some more elastic in...AND somehow add a kick stand or maybe another piece of elastic so the case will stay in a tent shape
I cut a piece 1\16" inch flat board template the size of an Ipad and attached the Gtablet to it with Velcro and put it in case. GTablet is secure, centered and most importantly does not move.
Elastic bands being loose no longer an issue since the 2 Velcro strips do most of the the work of keeping Gtablet in place.
With this mod keeping case. I got the two tone grey with blue pleather.
Yup. Nice case. I did a review of it a few weeks ago here:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=886759
They had that color also, but I opted for the brown professional look. Nice find.
Scott
ByByIpad said:
I cut a piece 1\16" inch flat board template the size of an Ipad and attached the Gtablet to it with Velcro and put it in case. GTablet is secure, centered and most importantly does not move.
Elastic bands being loose no longer an issue since the 2 Velcro strips do most of the the work of keeping Gtablet in place.
With this mod keeping case. I got the two tone grey with blue pleather.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did the same with mine. I had a hard time getting it to fit right, especially keeping the corners in the pocket. I also took it a step further by cutting out the card on the outside of the case. That little pocket is perfect for a Mi-Fi...
http://i.imgur.com/NxvJD.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/Bgx3h.jpg
I am planning to get a gtab in a few weeks, I think this is what I will use (will take a peek at the local Staples and see if they have one).
Scott
I bought that same case a couple weeks ago. What I did to make it work better is cut a piece of heavy duty cardboard to fit the dimensions of the case, then glued a thin layer of foam to the back. Then I put a really think piece of foam at the bottom to fill in the extra space and glued a piece of elastic along the bottom to hold the Gtab. Holds the tablet very well, and the thick foam makes a nice wrist rest when I'm using the on screen keyboard. Turned out rather well.
karlkarloff said:
I bought that same case a couple weeks ago. What I did to make it work better is cut a piece of heavy duty cardboard to fit the dimensions of the case, then glued a thin layer of foam to the back. Then I put a really think piece of foam at the bottom to fill in the extra space and glued a piece of elastic along the bottom to hold the Gtab. Holds the tablet very well, and the thick foam makes a nice wrist rest when I'm using the on screen keyboard. Turned out rather well.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That sounds really interesting. Any chance of some pix?
Sure, I'll snap some pix and put them up as soon as i get home.
okay, finally got home so I could take some pictures of my case. here you go.
Related
Just received the rooCASE Slim Fit from PC Micro via Amazon.com. Sorry, I can't yet post links, so the product title is: rooCASE Slim-Fit (Black) Folio Case Cover with Multi Adjustable Viewing Angles for Asus Eee Pad Transformer 10.1-Inch TF101 Android Tablet Wi-Fi.
I had been looking for a while for a case with clips that would leave the bottom edge open so that one could dock the tablet without taking it off, so I was excited to try it out. My initial feelings are very positive.
It's PU leather, so while not top grain, it's still pretty supple and smooth. The leather is also slightly padded, so the case is comfortable to hold. The reinforced edges are crisp and straight, so there's not a lot of give or bend. The interior is a soft, padded microfiber. The foam is pretty firm, so it seems like it might retain its shape fairly well.
Structurally, the tablet is held in by two clips on each side, one each holding the top corners (when in landscape) and the main clip about 2/5 of the way down each side. On the bottom corners, there are clips, but they're more like corner protectors as they're there to guide the tablet when the case is closed.
Setting the tablet in the first two grooves felt good. The furthest groove which puts the screen in the flattest position though doesn't hold very well. This is because the rounded back of the tablet near the edge doesn't let it sit all the way into the groove. This doesn't bother me though since I don't see myself wanting to use it that flat. It actually sits nicely on my lap in the middle groove, so it's nice to be able to prop up the tablet without having to rely upon the dock.
Speaking of which, swinging the bottom edge of the tablet away from the case allows it to easily connect to the dock. Before receiving the case, I wondered whether the clip that holds it closed would get in the way. In actuality, it props up the keyboard rather well -- the keyboard rests flat between being propped up on the clip and because of the way the dock hinge props up the rear of the keyboard. Alternatively, the case cover folds back out of the way easily as well, and kind of works to support the screen a little bit. This configuration is probably better suited for a desk vs. one's lap, but I'll have to experiment a little bit.
I'm interested to see how I like using it over time, but for right now, this case has potential. I was worried about the clips: whether they'd be too weak (they're not) and whether they'd prevent the case from folding flat (they don't). I like that they hold the tablet securely in place, without the need to have the bezel surrounded/covered by leather.
The overall look resembles a small notebook/portfolio and the branding is understated -- just an embossed rooCASE logo in the lower right.
It seems like the case will protect the tablet from accidental bumps and bruises, give it a sleek appearance and quench my thirst for a higher end case until Noreve or Piel Frama attempt to separate me from my money. We'll have to see how durable it winds up being -- right now, the surface seems to repel light scratches pretty well.
Overall, for $30 I'm pretty pleased. And it comes with a small capacitive stylus, that connects to the tablet via a small plastic plug that fits into the 3.5mm jack. Shipping was via USPS and took just two days from CA to the east coast.
Lots of pics to follow.
More pics.
Last two.
(I promise, Mods)
And to complete it all, here's the link: http://amzn.com/B0058DLAA8
Can't wait for mine to arrive!
Mine came in yesterday as well. I am extremely happy with it, I did not anticipate being able to dock it with the case on, so all the best. The bundled stylus from roocase is just the cherry on top!
damn thats nice
It's great news that there's finally a decent case that you don't have to remove in order to be able to dock with the keyboard. Hopefully more manufacturers start making cases in this design.
EDIT: Hmm I have a theory... if you buy one of those cases with velcro at the bottom, could you theoretically dock it without taking off the case by just unattaching the velcro? Can anyone confirm or deny?
Can you fold it up in the dock with the case on?
maxpower47 said:
Can you fold it up in the dock with the case on?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no
--------
This is the first case I have seen that uses clips to hold the Transformer, instead of a leather or fabric frame of some sort. I was beginning to think there weren't any out there. Thanks for the review.
Thank you for the review, I was waiting to see if you could plug the dock with the case on..
BTW, there are 2 other brands of what looks like the same case: Acase and Poetic...
http://www.amazon.com/Poetic-Stand-...B3PU/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1311946471&sr=8-5
http://www.amazon.com/Transformer-L...Q6J0/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1311946529&sr=8-5
SoundSurfer said:
Thank you for the review, I was waiting to see if you could plug the dock with the case on..
BTW, there are 2 other brands of what looks like the same case: Acase and Poetic...
http://www.amazon.com/Poetic-Stand-...B3PU/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1311946471&sr=8-5
http://www.amazon.com/Transformer-L...Q6J0/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1311946529&sr=8-5
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Their are the same one from same factory. Just selling via different sellers.
xjarl said:
Their are the same one from same factory. Just selling via different sellers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Acase one is eligible for Amazon Prime. It can be in my grubby paws tomorrow.
Just received one.
I originally bought the regular multi-angle roocase version. As soon as this slim-fat was announced, I unloaded that one and pre-order this one.
They delayed the shipment for 1 week but refunded my $5 shipping charge (nice). I like this slim-fat version a lot. It's the best case I've seen (I need some protection, but I really hate to cover-up the beauty of the Tab).
Received mine today. I echo everything that the OP noted. Very nice and exactly what I was looking for.
I just ordered the $18.95 Poetic one with free shipping. I can wait a few days and save $16
I have a cheapy $12 case now from ebay. Gets the job done, but with my ghetto cutting of the area around the light sensor and front camera, it looks just a wee bit unprofessional.
Thank you for the informative review. You may have just convinced me to buy a second case.
I already have this on order it shipped out yesterday so I'm hoping it arrives soon, and after your review and all the great pics. I hope it comes even faster now. Thanks for your time in making this, good info.
thaibruin said:
I just ordered the $18.95 Poetic one with free shipping. I can wait a few days and save $16
I have a cheapy $12 case now from ebay. Gets the job done, but with my ghetto cutting of the area around the light sensor and front camera, it looks just a wee bit unprofessional.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I unfortunately do not have that kind of patience. Case ordered and overnighted. My TF will finally have a case that doesn't hide it.
Mine arrived today too. OP is spot on - this is a great case; clean lines, excellent fit and looks sharp.
There is no slot at the bottom to connect to the charger, so to charge it, I have to lay it face up w/ the cover open.
I have been looking for some decent book like cover/folio cases (preferrably thin and minimalistic) and the ones on the BN store are quick pricey but fit the bill. Anyone tried these and confirm their quality?
antonyfl said:
I have been looking for some decent book like cover/folio cases (preferrably thin and minimalistic) and the ones on the BN store are quick pricey but fit the bill. Anyone tried these and confirm their quality?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try JavoEdge covers at Amazon.com
hwong96 said:
Try JavoEdge covers at Amazon.com
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pricey as well. Would like the b&n covers with the snap on holder instead of the flap holder. Anybody find one at a discount?
I have the "Leather writer's cover" from B&N for my NT. It's really nice. The thing I like about the official covers are that the mounts are solid and non-intrusive. I can carry it around like a book. It looks (& feels) as nice in person as it does in the B&N photos.
The third party covers don't have those solid mounts, they have either cheap straps for the corners or have leather that cover all of the bezels.
Btw, I had a "Canvas writer's cover" before, for my Nook color. It wasn't bad, didn't feel as good as the leather, and was slightly heavier. Kinda felt like rubber coated canvas, whereas the leather cover just feels like normal leather.
Currently imlooking for something like the lautner case on BN. With the magnetic clasp
Speck Fitfolio case
i just bought this from Target for 29.99 for my nook tablet. I love it! Speck Fitfolio in black sweet!
antonyfl said:
I have been looking for some decent book like cover/folio cases (preferrably thin and minimalistic) and the ones on the BN store are quick pricey but fit the bill. Anyone tried these and confirm their quality?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Best Buy has a M-Edge incline cover like Ipad2's in navy blue on sale for $30.
oldsv6 said:
i just bought this from Target for 29.99 for my nook tablet. I love it! Speck Fitfolio in black sweet!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Couldn't find it on target but found it on amazon. Looks good.
http://www.amazon.com/Speck-Product...TF8&coliid=I3KMK3WORPWROT&colid=220ODX6L6ZJNO
Cheaper too. $19.50.
Actually oldsv6, can you tell me if the speaker is blocked or if there is like a gap so the sound isn't muffled. Also how tight is the grip of the case? I want put a skin over my nook and hopefully it will still fit in the case. Thanks.
It was not on Targets website but store by me had all three colors. This is no opening for the speakers, however, there is a space near the usb and it acts like a port for sound. The sound level is only stlighly decreased if any.
I think I will have to go with one of the BN official cases sigh.
im torn between the Brunel : http://www.barnesandnoble.com/p/brunel-cover-in-iron/20831286?ean=9781616837327
and the Lautner: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/p/lautner-book-cover-night/19952457?ean=9781616865146
Since I hate twilight, I am leaning towards the brunel (lol not really) but Lautner is a bit cheaper. Maybe I should wait until there is a sale on cases
YMMV, but Best Buy in store is selling a Black M-Edge Go! Jacket model for $15 on clearance . I picked up one today. A couple of caveats though...
First, there is no hole in the back so the speakers are covered. If you are using the headphones that's not much of a problem since all other ports are available.
Second the fit is VERY tight, so getting the unit in and out easily is a problem. Once in it's super nice and snug, but I tend to like to remove the tablets from their cases when using most of the time. I am actually going to perform surgery on my case and remove the part along the top so I can slide my tablet in and out easily. The rubber back on the tablet and velvety insides should hold everything in fine by friction. At the price I think it's not a bad gamble to modify it...
hwong96 said:
Best Buy has a M-Edge incline cover like Ipad2's in navy blue on sale for $30.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried two M-Edge cases for Nook Color/Tablet, but they both covered the speaker, so the audio was muffled. They also covered the mic hole at the top edge, so if you want to use the mic, you have to take the device out of the case. However I do like their constructs - compact, slim and solid.
---------- Post added at 07:38 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:34 PM ----------
aarrgus said:
YMMV, but Best Buy in store is selling a Black M-Edge Go! Jacket model for $15 on clearance . I picked up one today. A couple of caveats though...
First, there is no hole in the back so the speakers are covered. If you are using the headphones that's not much of a problem since all other ports are available.
Second the fit is VERY tight, so getting the unit in and out easily is a problem. Once in it's super nice and snug, but I tend to like to remove the tablets from their cases when using most of the time. I am actually going to perform surgery on my case and remove the part along the top so I can slide my tablet in and out easily. The rubber back on the tablet and velvety insides should hold everything in fine by friction. At the price I think it's not a bad gamble to modify it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AARRGUS, please post it when you find out how to drill/punch holes on the back cover to allow the audio come out. I like the case but it covers the speaker and the mic (at the top).
So I just received the Lautner case and Ill give it a quick review
the faux leather isnt as nice as i was expecting for a 35 dollar cover, but its clean, the clips are sturdy and the magnet is nice.
B
found one on ebay that acts as a stand for portrait mode, pretty cheap around 10 dollars or so.
its called Premium PU leather Stand case Pouch Cover For Nook Tablet E-reader, sold by everydaysource, can i get some feedback on this product from you guys? thanks!
I purchased the Brunel cover in Iron from BN (I can't post links as of yet).
I like it a lot. The clips are very sturdy and the magnet keeps it closed. It can be propped up for viewing in landscape mode. The pocket on the inside of the cover flap is also handy. You do need to take it out of the cover in order to access the sd card. Audio sounds fine/clear while in the cover.
I haven't scuffed the leather yet, it's been tossed in and out of my purse for the past few days (got the NookTab this past Tuesday).
Anxiyz said:
I purchased the Brunel cover in Iron from BN (I can't post links as of yet).
I like it a lot. The clips are very sturdy and the magnet keeps it closed. It can be propped up for viewing in landscape mode. The pocket on the inside of the cover flap is also handy. You do need to take it out of the cover in order to access the sd card. Audio sounds fine/clear while in the cover.
I haven't scuffed the leather yet, it's been tossed in and out of my purse for the past few days (got the NookTab this past Tuesday).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd maybe consider this, but I wonder if I'd want something that could prop up in portrait too.
thatdude90210 said:
I have the "Leather writer's cover" from B&N for my NT. It's really nice. The thing I like about the official covers are that the mounts are solid and non-intrusive. I can carry it around like a book. It looks (& feels) as nice in person as it does in the B&N photos.
The third party covers don't have those solid mounts, they have either cheap straps for the corners or have leather that cover all of the bezels.
Btw, I had a "Canvas writer's cover" before, for my Nook color. It wasn't bad, didn't feel as good as the leather, and was slightly heavier. Kinda felt like rubber coated canvas, whereas the leather cover just feels like normal leather.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also picked up the Leather writer's cover. It looks and feels great and has a nice pocket on the inside cover to slip a thin Moleskine journal style notebook into. I picked up the notebooks in a 3 pack with a thick paper cover and they slip in with a bit of trimming to one cover. I can't remember exactly what their called but you'll see them if you go into a BN store and check out the Moleskine rack. It's good for doodling or taking down notes.
I had the canvas cover before this and when I used it at a coffee shop, it picked up the cookie grease/oil from the table top and stained permanently. The leather option is much better.
slim case
I need a real slim case. One of the things I love about the Book is how I can slip into a pants pocket. The bulky cases at BN make this impossible. Anybody find a slim case with front flap?
I got the Tasume cover from B&N...its rather pricey at $50, but it's nice. It tri-folds over the screen for good protection, and the flaps fold origami-syle to prop the tablet up in either portrait or landscape.
Sent from my Nook Tablet using (((sonicboom)))
pdl1 said:
I need a real slim case. One of the things I love about the Book is how I can slip into a pants pocket. The bulky cases at BN make this impossible. Anybody find a slim case with front flap?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Perhaps look into the Speck Fit-Folio
https://www.speckproducts.com/fitfolio-for-nook-tablet.html
Poetic(TM) Leather Case Cover With Stand from Amazon
I bought this case earlier when it was just $10 shipped, but now the price is $13 shipped which I think is still a great price.
Pro:
-Nice quality hard leather cover
-Magnets to hold cover shut
-Very sturdy stand
-Big clear cutouts for cameras AND speaker grill
-Soft velvety interior
-Easy to access all ports and buttons
Cons:
-Interior of case is dust magnet
-No way to stand in portrait mode
-Only available in black
-Can't charge while case is closed
Hmmm, I hadn't realized there was more than one Poetic case. I also purchased mine for $10 w/ free shipping and just received mine. It doesn't even look close to that.
But I am very pleased with it.
OP, I have the same case. I agree with everything you said. I really like it, I also wish I could charge with it closed. I think it would be easier to hold while using if the flap, hinged from the top. The flap also blocks the speaker, when folded back, but it is still more than loud enough. All in all, great case!
Sent from my PG86100 using XDA App
I have the same, and am about ready to attack the binding with a sharp knife, as well judicious use of superglue to keep the edges neat-ish.
There's also an additional con - the exterior separates somewhat from the interior if you hold it for along time, so that you end up with some bubbling. It's still stitched well enough to hold together well, but it doesn't look quite as clean anymore.
wokka00 said:
I have the same, and am about ready to attack the binding with a sharp knife, as well judicious use of superglue to keep the edges neat-ish.
There's also an additional con - the exterior separates somewhat from the interior if you hold it for along time, so that you end up with some bubbling. It's still stitched well enough to hold together well, but it doesn't look quite as clean anymore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I haven't ran into any of these issues. How long have you had your case?
SirAnkie said:
I haven't ran into any of these issues. How long have you had your case?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A week or so. If I put it down, it goes away.
This case is back down to $10 including shipping.
Link
Alright, The case the box came is in is kind of girly, anyways the quality of the case is amazing! It doesn't feel like it was cheaply made at all. It doesn't add too much bulk and I can still fit it in my skinnys(Levi's 511 Skinny 29 x 30) front pocket. The buttons are easily accessible even the the volume button being covered by the front flap it is still easy to press / locate since the case has a steep cut out for the volume buttons. Aswell as the S-Pen being so easily accessible. An added perk i liked about this case is that the speaker hole is actually covered by its own mesh. It also has an accessory hole so you could attach an accessory / lanyard to it. The Magnetized kick stand does not interfere with signal(atleast none i can tell).
Album
Zenus cases are the best I've seen so far for the Galaxy Note. I was thinking of getting this one as well but the color combinations just don't do it for me. Also, there's not cutout for the front speaker so it would be a little awkward to have to hold the front leather part back every time. I like that the case clips onto the metal part on the side and doesn't rest on the top of the phone so that a screen guard will thankfully be left untouched. I also love that it has a stand (The only reason I'm not getting the Zenus Masstige Stripe Case). I was wondering though, when the stand is set up, does the little latch (idk what it's called lol, the little thing used to clip on to the front cover to close the case) hide a little part of the screen since presumably, it'll be hanging down a little bit?
EDIT: Ordered it lol. It may have its flaws but it's the best I could find at its price range.
I have one of these (different colors, but this color looks great).
They are extremely high quality. As good or better than Vaja, for instance.
I've posted this before, that make sure you pay more and get the leather ones, as they have a few lines and some of the lines aren't as good quality.
This particular case is just great. The flap is a tad annoying but well worth it overall.
Note: one thing worth mentioning is that they are very light also.
would it be okay to use this case with a FULL skin applied? Ie. sides and back??
i'm sure the front would be okay, but just wanted to see if the sides of the phone with skin be okay.....
i've been looking at cases that have the flip cover, but they all look like it would peel off the side skins..... this one looks like it like it might be okay.
predation said:
would it be okay to use this case with a FULL skin applied? Ie. sides and back??
i'm sure the front would be okay, but just wanted to see if the sides of the phone with skin be okay.....
i've been looking at cases that have the flip cover, but they all look like it would peel off the side skins..... this one looks like it like it might be okay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hmmm...that's a tricky one. Obviously, it clips in tightly and securely so it might damage the skin during insertion and removal but once it's sitting in there, as long as you don't constantly remove it, it should be fine. I would recommend going to a store and testing out either this case or similar leather cases, but then again, if you harm the skin in the process, then this whole discussion is useless lol. On another note, why use a skin? The note is such a beautiful sleek beast. I wouldn't want to hide away any of the sides or take away from the beautiful protruding glass. That's why I hate my current Capdase Jacket XPose and am going for this case. Just increases the beauty XD. Anyways, yes, back on topic, I wouldn't recommend using a skin with this cover but hopefully someone who's actually tried it will reply.
Side-note: I ordered the Wine-Red / Dark Brown version
predation said:
would it be okay to use this case with a FULL skin applied? Ie. sides and back??
i'm sure the front would be okay, but just wanted to see if the sides of the phone with skin be okay.....
i've been looking at cases that have the flip cover, but they all look like it would peel off the side skins..... this one looks like it like it might be okay.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's a Flip case that would most likely not interrupt your skin.
Link
xCeejayy said:
The aluminum bumper wasn't doing it for me so I was looking around and I found this case. The colors are pretty subtle and calm. I'll update this with a review / pics of the case on when I receive it. I just wanted to share this case with you because it just looks so nice.
Link
Alright, The case came in the box it comes in is kind of girly, anyways the quality of the case is amazing! It doesn't feel like it was cheaply made at all. It doesn't add too much bulk and I can still fit it in my skinnys(Levi's 511 Skinny 29 x 30) front pocket. The buttons are easily accessible even the the volume button being covered by the front flap it is still easy to press / locate since the case has a steep cut out for the volume buttons. Aswell as the S-Pen being so easily accessible. An added perk i liked about this case is that the speaker hole is actually covered by its own mesh. It also has an accessory hole so you could attach an accessory / lanyard to it. The Magnetized kick stand does not interfere with signal(atleast none i can tell).
Album
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
These Zenus cases look great and seem very usable. But the downside is that they have a magnet at the back that interferes with S-pen functions (not with the signal). Check in the screen area in front of the magnet by trying to draw several long thin lines with the SPen that cross this area. That case was a money waste for me...
drkalo said:
These Zenus cases look great and seem very usable. But the downside is that they have a magnet at the back that interferes with S-pen functions (not with the signal). Check in the screen area in front of the magnet by trying to draw several long thin lines with the SPen that cross this area. That case was a money waste for me...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I tried this and it works fine for me Maybe contact Zenus for another one?
xCeejayy said:
I tried this and it works fine for me Maybe contact Zenus for another one?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I got these symptoms after a couple of days usage. I contacted the dealer and got a substitute with Capsule Stand Slide Series - White / Lime
When I got my Note off CL came with the Eel leather case. It's slick but I wish it was the capsule.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using xda premium
** I will post some pictures later today - I'm at work currently **
The Nillkin Fresh case came about 2-3 days ago and I was quite excited. But that was short lived. The case is a faux-leather flip cover case with a thin plastic shell on that clips to the phone. It looks decent enough, but I have some problems with mine (possibly QC problems):
The case though didn't completely fit!! Along the right side (near the SD/SIM) it is a bit warped - not bad or noticeable unless your looking right at it and for it.
The case is held closed by a magnet, but the magnet on the flip cover is quite small which then requires it to be precisely over the other pole or it does nothing. Not a big deal, but I wish this was thought out better.
Additionally, one of the main features of the case is (link below) how the case being used as a stand. The flip cover is a tri-fold design which should act as a stand but I haven't had much luck with it. The inside of the seemingly leather flip cover is a soft touch, almost suede, material that is quite slippery. This plus the fact that the case seems to be needing to be broken in makes for the "stand" feature unusable... it falls right over currently. (I have tried multiple configurations).
Over all, I bought the case on eBay for $9.99 with no shipping cost (ships from china - companies home country) and it took about 15 days to get here (in the US). Not bad, but I am already looking for a replacement that will make my device feel premium again rather then cheap.
Would I recommend this case? Yes, but only as a temporary case until more come out - like the official Sony cases or a case from Incipio (link below).
** Complete side note: I had a Nillkin case for my old Nexus 4 which only lasted a few short months because the leather started to peel away from the flip cover! I knew this would be a temporary case when I bought it, so keep that in mind!
http://www.nillkin.com/english/proshow.asp?mid=2&sid=0&tid=0&cid=1&scid=13&id=3526&page=1
http://www.incipio.com/cases/smartphone-cases/sony-smartphones/sony-xperia-z-ultra-cases.html
I was fortunate to get to try that case out and many others (being in hk and china) - and I posted about this case. It's unfortunate you didn't read my post and what case eventually went with in the big Z ultra case thread.
This case is definitely not recommended if you want one to work well with desk stand, and want to use the trifold ipad style cover as a stand.
The snap-in style plastic mounts doesn't make it easy to pop in and out of to use the desk stand, and the plastic mounts are shiny thus looks and feels cheap.
Finally, the cover doesn't even come close to the quality and feel of the ipad cover, even the vinyl kind. The material is stiff and plasticky and most importantly doesn't fold together to function as a working stand at all. It will unfold/collapse and fall over.
In addition, there's an issue with the the magnet. With the magnet closed, there is a gap between the last third of the tri-fold cover and the phone's screen. This gap exists because the case (mold or design) is not the right fit - the wider flap makes it essentially unable to align with the opposing magnet. If you try to push the flap down to get rid of the gap, you inadvertently push/slide the magnet off and the cover comes loose. In practice, the magnet will never be engaged because you'll always push the cover down somehow (pocket, bag, stacking something on top).
The only Nillkin I recommend is the http://www.nillkin.com/english/proshow.asp?mid=2&sid=0&tid=0&cid=1&scid=13&id=3516&page=1 shield case. I ended up buying the black one for scenarios where I don't want a flip cover. The fit is good, texture is good (good grippy backside), and it doesn't look too cheap (no shiny plastic). It's decent protection for rougher than usual situations. There are sections where there's a thin piece of plastic on the edge of the phone (like over the usb flap) where it feels weak, cheap and easily breakable. Besides that only issue, I like this case as a back-up.
For a flip cover case that works well with a desk stand, actually stands up, and feels decent quality - I recommend Kaso and Krussell. I went with Kaso as a cheaper alternative for now.
So I guess it's not just me... which is kind of a bummer, but I have already found a replacement. Now if only October 22 was here (my Birthday) I could get a new case!
Thanks for the replay, some good thoughts there!
toonhead85
Funny how the 2 Nillkin cases the OP talks about are the exact 2 I bought online.
I bought the white Fresh, and Yellow leather.
Anyway, after having used both, now I know that flip covers, despite the protection it gives, tend to get in the way of general use. Answering calls involve one extra hassle step.
Taking pictures, you have to roll the flip cover up into the triangle as if you are going to use it as a stand and hold it in your left hand, because simply flipping it and folding it over will obstruct the camera.
Nothing wrong with the build quality...I am sure it is better than most cheapos out there. All the useful ports are left uncovered (one of the reasons why I chose Nillkin...there is actual thought process that has gone into the design). If you want to use the magnetic charging port, not many other manufacturers apart from Nillkin make them uncovered.
The yellow I chose is less vibrant in colour (than what it seemed on screen), and does not go so well with the white ZU I have, so that got retired until the day I get SBH-52 and leave my phone in the bag.
For the Nillkin Fresh, I got in white, and am very happy with it, and currently in use.
It has a nice tight fit, seems to be made of good tough plastic, and the texture on the back helps with general grip.
I did make one modification to it, because even though the magnetic charging port is left open by design, it was impossible to get a good connection while the pone was still in the case. So I cut off the thin strip that runs along the screen side of the mag port. Filed it down with nail clipper file, and now it is perfect. It has not lost structural rigidity.
The number of times that i thought that I had closed the USB port properly, but was still slightly open (thus not making it fully waterproof) has prompted me to get the magnetic charging cable. I knew it was something I wanted while I was out choosing the case, so for those who are still looking for cases, I won't say go Nillkin, but make sure you go for one that has the magnetic charging port uncovered.
Whether you buy DK-30 is a different debate. Some like it, but some find it expensive for what it is. There are not many covers out there tat allow you to dock with it on.
But the USB magnetic charging cable is something I believe every ZU owner should have. For that reason get a cover with the port uncovered.
jewelkobayashi said:
I did make one modification to it, because even though the magnetic charging port is left open by design, it was impossible to get a good connection while the pone was still in the case. So I cut off the thin strip that runs along the screen side of the mag port. Filed it down with nail clipper file, and now it is perfect. It has not lost structural rigidity.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can we please get pictures of this modification? Keen to replicate. Otherwise attractive looking case, be a shame to waste.
liqn7 said:
Can we please get pictures of this modification? Keen to replicate. Otherwise attractive looking case, be a shame to waste.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here u go
jewelkobayashi said:
Nothing wrong with the build quality...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I came back to post a quick update about the case I got and this caught my eye... actually the build quality is the reason as well!!
The case is broken ><. On the top left hand side (near the charging port) the case has snapped. A piece is broken clean off and only after about 2 weeks. I know the case was $10, but I also had build quality issues with a Nexus 4 case, so I am going to say the quality is rather low.
With this new information, I am going to say stay away from this case. The long import time (from HK to US), and poor quality aren't worth it. Spend the few extra bucks and get a quality case you will have for more than a few weeks.
Just my 2 cents though...
toonhead85