any update to when I'll be able to buy the red carbon fiber back for my red case that is coming
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Alumacase
- Thread starter FtrV8
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Seriously, people need to chill. Refuse to answer? The owner just came in and answered everything he could about the situation TODAY, meaning tracking numbers and what not will probably NOT HAPPEN because they already shipped out. FUTURE orders will be normal and should be business as usual. This is why those who ordered early and were part of the mistakenly printed USPS postages are getting charged $3 and refunded $5 to their paypal. Grow up Johnny. Does it suck? Yes. Is it inconvenient? Yes. Did they do it on purpose? No.
Anyway, on to the review. Let's start with the unboxing:
![]()
![]()
Here's the shock absorbing foam:
![]()
![]()
I will break it down into what I think are the more important features and rate on a scale of 10.
-Presentation 9
-Material/Build Quality 8.5
-Looks 9
-Fitment 8
-Usability [Unknown Yet]
I think the packaging speaks for itself in the pictures. Presentation is good. The things I want to focus on are the differences between element vapor 4, quality, and my personal concerns. First off, the case is smaller and lighter than the element vapor 4. This may sound negative but off the phone, it feels brittle. That is not to say that it feels like it will break or it's cheap. It just almost feels like you aren't holding anything. That said, it's actually a good thing once you install because it almost adds no weight. I got a chance to hold one that was already installed on the iPhone 4 when I visit the store and it felt solid enough. The "finish" on the metal is a brushed aluminum look. You can see the grains/lines on the metal... which is preferable to some people. The fitment is a bit of a concern as even when you try to match it, the top and bottom will never be perfect. Concurrently... the bottom half is machined separately so the finish/color isn't perfect between the two (although it wont be super noticeable to anyone else but you). This is where I dock points for fitment. One major difference with the Alumina though... is that the case is not flush with the front/rear glass, which to me is a great feature. It makes the phone more table AND drop friendly. The element case is almost flush with the screen, which raises some concerns if you drop the phone or put it down on a surface. (for example if you drop the phone and it slides a little on it's face or back, the friction will be applied to the screen on the element vapor 4... but will only be applied to the case using the Aluma)
Now here are my concerns. To be fair, this problem of mine could be me being OCD about my brand spanking new iphone... and it is also not a specific problem with Alumacases. I believe it to be a general problem for all current aluminum cases of this nature (besides maybe the fusionwerkz raw). If you look at how the case is designed, it basically slides along the iphone's silver trim/antenna. In fact, it's machined to perfectly wrap around the antenna like the grooves of a puzzle piece. Here's my problem with this design: Sliding the phone in and out will be scraping metal on metal (your antenna and the inner lining of thecase) and since it is cnc'd aluminum, it WILL scratch your trim... especially the corner area between the screen glass and the trim. That is how the case stays secure so there's no way around it. I have put one scratch on my phone just test fitting it and decided to try some of my own voodoo to rectify the issue.
Here is a picture of what I started to do with some 3M vinyl tape:
![]()
It took me about twenty minutes to line only 40% of it. It's also impossible to line some of the other parts due to the cutouts for buttons/cables. Now because of my OCD nature, I'm not going to use this case for the time being. I'm sure it will look amazing once it's on... but I feel like the installation/removal process will make many scuff marks... and if it ever gets dropped, on impact, the shifting of the case will definitely scuff the phone even more. I'm sure many of you aren't as OCD as me so this shouldn't be a problem. I'm currently debating two options:
1.) Sell the case, go for another look besides aluminum
2.) Try to spend another few hours lining the whole thing with vinyl
3.) Try to find some liquid latex/rubber type material to coat the inside of the case.
Personally I believe these things are not ready for mass market. The metal to metal will affect reception if not properly insulated and the metal to metal will scuff the phone. I would pay even more for one of these things if they were lined with some kind of softer plastic on the inside... protecting the phone with more shock absorption, preventing scuffs AND insulating the metal to metal contact for reception purposes.
Overall I'd say the product is a good one... but doesn't fit my needs out of the box and I'm not sure at this point if I can make it work with the vinyl etc. As of right now, I'm not installing it.
One thing is for sure though... if you are looking for an aluminum case anyway/sold on the idea and looks, don't wait for the element or fusionwerkz one when something like this is already available on the market at a competitive price. I paid $65 after tax. These guys are worth doing business with and they will stand by their product. I'll be happy to answer any other questions.
Anyway, on to the review. Let's start with the unboxing:
Here's the shock absorbing foam:
I will break it down into what I think are the more important features and rate on a scale of 10.
-Presentation 9
-Material/Build Quality 8.5
-Looks 9
-Fitment 8
-Usability [Unknown Yet]
I think the packaging speaks for itself in the pictures. Presentation is good. The things I want to focus on are the differences between element vapor 4, quality, and my personal concerns. First off, the case is smaller and lighter than the element vapor 4. This may sound negative but off the phone, it feels brittle. That is not to say that it feels like it will break or it's cheap. It just almost feels like you aren't holding anything. That said, it's actually a good thing once you install because it almost adds no weight. I got a chance to hold one that was already installed on the iPhone 4 when I visit the store and it felt solid enough. The "finish" on the metal is a brushed aluminum look. You can see the grains/lines on the metal... which is preferable to some people. The fitment is a bit of a concern as even when you try to match it, the top and bottom will never be perfect. Concurrently... the bottom half is machined separately so the finish/color isn't perfect between the two (although it wont be super noticeable to anyone else but you). This is where I dock points for fitment. One major difference with the Alumina though... is that the case is not flush with the front/rear glass, which to me is a great feature. It makes the phone more table AND drop friendly. The element case is almost flush with the screen, which raises some concerns if you drop the phone or put it down on a surface. (for example if you drop the phone and it slides a little on it's face or back, the friction will be applied to the screen on the element vapor 4... but will only be applied to the case using the Aluma)
Now here are my concerns. To be fair, this problem of mine could be me being OCD about my brand spanking new iphone... and it is also not a specific problem with Alumacases. I believe it to be a general problem for all current aluminum cases of this nature (besides maybe the fusionwerkz raw). If you look at how the case is designed, it basically slides along the iphone's silver trim/antenna. In fact, it's machined to perfectly wrap around the antenna like the grooves of a puzzle piece. Here's my problem with this design: Sliding the phone in and out will be scraping metal on metal (your antenna and the inner lining of thecase) and since it is cnc'd aluminum, it WILL scratch your trim... especially the corner area between the screen glass and the trim. That is how the case stays secure so there's no way around it. I have put one scratch on my phone just test fitting it and decided to try some of my own voodoo to rectify the issue.
Here is a picture of what I started to do with some 3M vinyl tape:
It took me about twenty minutes to line only 40% of it. It's also impossible to line some of the other parts due to the cutouts for buttons/cables. Now because of my OCD nature, I'm not going to use this case for the time being. I'm sure it will look amazing once it's on... but I feel like the installation/removal process will make many scuff marks... and if it ever gets dropped, on impact, the shifting of the case will definitely scuff the phone even more. I'm sure many of you aren't as OCD as me so this shouldn't be a problem. I'm currently debating two options:
1.) Sell the case, go for another look besides aluminum
2.) Try to spend another few hours lining the whole thing with vinyl
3.) Try to find some liquid latex/rubber type material to coat the inside of the case.
Personally I believe these things are not ready for mass market. The metal to metal will affect reception if not properly insulated and the metal to metal will scuff the phone. I would pay even more for one of these things if they were lined with some kind of softer plastic on the inside... protecting the phone with more shock absorption, preventing scuffs AND insulating the metal to metal contact for reception purposes.
Overall I'd say the product is a good one... but doesn't fit my needs out of the box and I'm not sure at this point if I can make it work with the vinyl etc. As of right now, I'm not installing it.
One thing is for sure though... if you are looking for an aluminum case anyway/sold on the idea and looks, don't wait for the element or fusionwerkz one when something like this is already available on the market at a competitive price. I paid $65 after tax. These guys are worth doing business with and they will stand by their product. I'll be happy to answer any other questions.
Excellent start of an initial first look. I'm more curious about whether or not the case affects Cellular reception, Cellular data speeds, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and/or GPS. I know you don't want to use it because you don't want to scratch up your phone, so I challenge whomever is kind enough to actually put it on and test it thoroughly, to post their findings and/or make a youtube video!
Seriously, people need to chill. Refuse to answer? The owner just came in and answered everything he could about the situation TODAY, meaning tracking numbers and what not will probably NOT HAPPEN because they already shipped out. FUTURE orders will be normal and should be business as usual. This is why those who ordered early and were part of the mistakenly printed USPS postages are getting charged $3 and refunded $5 to their paypal. Grow up Johnny. Does it suck? Yes. Is it inconvenient? Yes. Did they do it on purpose? No.
Anyway, on to the review. Let's start with the unboxing:
Here's the shock absorbing foam:
I will break it down into what I think are the more important features and rate on a scale of 10.
-Presentation 9
-Material/Build Quality 8.5
-Looks 9
-Fitment 8
-Usability [Unknown Yet]
I think the packaging speaks for itself in the pictures. Presentation is good. The things I want to focus on are the differences between element vapor 4, quality, and my personal concerns. First off, the case is smaller and lighter than the element vapor 4. This may sound negative but off the phone, it feels brittle. That is not to say that it feels like it will break or it's cheap. It just almost feels like you aren't holding anything. That said, it's actually a good thing once you install because it almost adds no weight. I got a chance to hold one that was already installed on the iPhone 4 when I visit the store and it felt solid enough. The "finish" on the metal is a brushed aluminum look. You can see the grains/lines on the metal... which is preferable to some people. The fitment is a bit of a concern as even when you try to match it, the top and bottom will never be perfect. Concurrently... the bottom half is machined separately so the finish/color isn't perfect between the two (although it wont be super noticeable to anyone else but you). This is where I dock points for fitment. One major difference with the Alumina though... is that the case is not flush with the front/rear glass, which to me is a great feature. It makes the phone more table AND drop friendly. The element case is almost flush with the screen, which raises some concerns if you drop the phone or put it down on a surface. (for example if you drop the phone and it slides a little on it's face or back, the friction will be applied to the screen on the element vapor 4... but will only be applied to the case using the Aluma)
Now here are my concerns. To be fair, this problem of mine could be me being OCD about my brand spanking new iphone... and it is also not a specific problem with Alumacases. I believe it to be a general problem for all current aluminum cases of this nature (besides maybe the fusionwerkz raw). If you look at how the case is designed, it basically slides along the iphone's silver trim/antenna. In fact, it's machined to perfectly wrap around the antenna like the grooves of a puzzle piece. Here's my problem with this design: Sliding the phone in and out will be scraping metal on metal (your antenna and the inner lining of thecase) and since it is cnc'd aluminum, it WILL scratch your trim... especially the corner area between the screen glass and the trim. That is how the case stays secure so there's no way around it. I have put one scratch on my phone just test fitting it and decided to try some of my own voodoo to rectify the issue.
Here is a picture of what I started to do with some 3M vinyl tape:
It took me about twenty minutes to line only 40% of it. It's also impossible to line some of the other parts due to the cutouts for buttons/cables. Now because of my OCD nature, I'm not going to use this case for the time being. I'm sure it will look amazing once it's on... but I feel like the installation/removal process will make many scuff marks... and if it ever gets dropped, on impact, the shifting of the case will definitely scuff the phone even more. I'm sure many of you aren't as OCD as me so this shouldn't be a problem. I'm currently debating two options:
1.) Sell the case, go for another look besides aluminum
2.) Try to spend another few hours lining the whole thing with vinyl
3.) Try to find some liquid latex/rubber type material to coat the inside of the case.
Personally I believe these things are not ready for mass market. The metal to metal will affect reception if not properly insulated and the metal to metal will scuff the phone. I would pay even more for one of these things if they were lined with some kind of softer plastic on the inside... protecting the phone with more shock absorption, preventing scuffs AND insulating the metal to metal contact for reception purposes.
Overall I'd say the product is a good one... but doesn't fit my needs out of the box and I'm not sure at this point if I can make it work with the vinyl etc. As of right now, I'm not installing it.
One thing is for sure though... if you are looking for an aluminum case anyway/sold on the idea and looks, don't wait for the element or fusionwerkz one when something like this is already available on the market at a competitive price. I paid $65 after tax. These guys are worth doing business with and they will stand by their product. I'll be happy to answer any other questions.
Thank you very much you said all the things I was interested in. Nice in depth review.
I may have found my solution:
http://www.plastidip.com/
Comes in spray or paint types. I will pick up a bucket and can tomorrow to try coating the inside with a thin layer to see if it holds. After that, I'll report back and perhaps revise the review...
http://www.plastidip.com/
Comes in spray or paint types. I will pick up a bucket and can tomorrow to try coating the inside with a thin layer to see if it holds. After that, I'll report back and perhaps revise the review...
Have you ever tried to paint over anodized aly before? It ain't easy or will last as paint tends to chip or peel.
Though technically you can paint over anything, before you try the super-duper plastic dip paint, be sure you etch-prime the aly first, good luck!
Very true. I would not suggest using that stuff or you will have a 65 dollar of piece of aluminum that does not fit anymore. That stuff expands and its just a mess. Use tape or a thin layer of foam but not that stuff. Just giving you a heads up, I tried it and it wasn't pretty. Now it's Saturday and where the hell is my case? After that reviews it does not seem to promising I have to admit. I really don't feel like modifying a brand new product to make it use-able. If that is the case, I guess that is what their 14 day return policy is for.
just lucky labs the antenna band with their clear decals and you're protected. Protect the band vs line the case....I slide all my metal cases on and off about 5 times a week as I like a diff case every few days - and have yet to scratch the phone....
Thanks for the early review. One of these days I'll get my shot at a first review of something new.
One question I have to ask. Aside from the potential scratching of the metal issue do we know if the case needs to be lined for reception purposes?
I'll also second what UFC said, Do Not use that plastic dip stuff. You will never get it on just one side, it expands and it very think from the onset and is just a huge mess, even when used for its intended purposes of dipping your tools.
One question I have to ask. Aside from the potential scratching of the metal issue do we know if the case needs to be lined for reception purposes?
I'll also second what UFC said, Do Not use that plastic dip stuff. You will never get it on just one side, it expands and it very think from the onset and is just a huge mess, even when used for its intended purposes of dipping your tools.
Just a follow up, I saved a picture from each poster mentioned above to see if the gps will show up in "places" on the photo app and guess what? they live in the san jose, santa cruz area so they could have gotten theirs early since alumacase is located in san jose or...
Cross2
toobs18 and whitefish10
Zoomed In
coincidence? that these two are in the exact same area? remember gps could be off a bit.
ps I could no longer find the post by toobs18 and whitefish10 they may have been deleted.
I just got my "vampiric" red alumacase. Had it on for now 15 minutes and all I have to say is this is a great case. The aluminum feels good, not noticing any reception issues either. Just hooked my ipad dock charger into it and it required a little "push" but it plugged in, but it worked other than that. It looks slick as well. I am glad I held out on the other aluminum ones as now this case is my favorite one of the 3 I have owned.
edit: forgot to take and add pics:
http://yfrog.com/2s8hlj
http://yfrog.com/jwit7j
edit: forgot to take and add pics:
http://yfrog.com/2s8hlj
http://yfrog.com/jwit7j
At this point I could care less about that. I am just wondering how my case was shipped out on wed. and its still not here and its only going 2 states. I don't think the cases were actually shipped when he said they were or they would be here by now. Not real happy.
Just a follow up, I saved a picture from each poster mentioned above to see if the gps will show up in "places" on the photo app and guess what? they live in the san jose, santa cruz area so they could have gotten theirs early since alumacase is located in san jose or...
Cross2
toobs18 and whitefish10
Zoomed In
coincidence? that these two are in the exact same area? remember gps could be off a bit.
ps I could no longer find the post by toobs18 and whitefish10 they may have been deleted.
Do you know how to get the phone in field test mode? If so, actually give us some readings with and without the case and test out the gps also, go for a drive and see if its working like its supposed to. Those are my main two concerns.
dabomb665m:
Fitment: I do not think it means what you think it means. From dictionary.com:
fit·ment
[fit-muhnt]
noun
1.
equipment; furnishing.
2.
fitments, fittings: the fitments of a ship.
The word you are looking for is simply "fit," as in, "This is where I dock points for fit." I know it's not just you, I've seen it a lot on here lately, but it's incorrect!! Do you talk about the fitment of your jeans when you try them on? I don't think so.
Fitment: I do not think it means what you think it means. From dictionary.com:
fit·ment
[fit-muhnt]
noun
1.
equipment; furnishing.
2.
fitments, fittings: the fitments of a ship.
The word you are looking for is simply "fit," as in, "This is where I dock points for fit." I know it's not just you, I've seen it a lot on here lately, but it's incorrect!! Do you talk about the fitment of your jeans when you try them on? I don't think so.
No I do not know how to do that, I should be able to do a drive with it during the week while working as this weekend my gf has the car. If I get any calls today I'll let you know if I notice any drops or anything like that.
Now that's funny s**t right there.
Have no fear, Grammar Police are here....
Just playing with you.
cracks me up when grammar is corrected here - save it for the spelling bee....who gives a sh**? I got what he meant....(oh is that incorrect?)
the second picture that we see the bottom of the phone up, shows a misalignment of the bottom part to the top part of the case. Is that just an illusion or is the fitment poor.
grammar police, this is what I found:
Definition of Fitment
Fit´ment
n. 1. The act of fitting; that which is proper or becoming; equipment.
to me using fitment sounds right. If not, you should visit the car forums and show them your badge, bc everyone uses that noun to describe how the new parts they install on their cars fit.
Alumacase - Grey
Just got case and I'm on the east coast. First impression, really nice. I like the brush look. It does have cushion on the corners. I have Lucky Labs Texture wraps to protect the bezel. I'll post pics of the phone with case when I get back from a wedding.
Just got case and I'm on the east coast. First impression, really nice. I like the brush look. It does have cushion on the corners. I have Lucky Labs Texture wraps to protect the bezel. I'll post pics of the phone with case when I get back from a wedding.
Serious, East Coast I can't even get one in Colorado?
Oh Mr Mailman you better be leaving something in my mailbox today.
Oh Mr Mailman you better be leaving something in my mailbox today.
that's the color I've been waiting to see on a phone. I can't wait for the wedding to be over.
the second picture that we see the bottom of the phone up, shows a misalignment of the bottom part to the top part of the case. Is that just an illusion or is the fitment poor.
grammar police, this is what I found:
Definition of Fitment
Fit´ment
n. 1. The act of fitting; that which is proper or becoming; equipment.
to me using fitment sounds right. If not, you should visit the car forums and show them your badge, bc everyone uses that noun to describe how the new parts they install on their cars fit.
Well they're all wrong lol:
Fit
noun
17.
the manner in which a thing fits: The fit was perfect.
18.
something that fits: The coat is a poor fit.
19.
the process of fitting.
Just got my red case so far so good getting about the same coverage as I did with my otterbox on gps works great so far... Be careful when u take it out of the packaging I almost lost a screw. The only problem is the sleep button is hard to get at.