Actually if you do a little adjustment you can make it fits pretty nicely. The first time I put it on my phone ,the top and bottom piece wouldn't align. I had to take it off and put a little piece of tape on the inside bottom part of the top piece .Before I screw it on tight I had to hold it to make it align first then screw it tight . I'm not defending alumacase and I think you shouldn't have to do anything to make it fits but for anyone that want to keep this case you can adjust it to make it fit.
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Alumacase
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Actually if you do a little adjustment you can make it fits pretty nicely. The first time I put it on my phone ,the top and bottom piece wouldn't align. I had to take it off and put a little piece of tape on the inside bottom part of the top piece .Before I screw it on tight I had to hold it to make it align first then screw it tight . I'm not defending alumacase and I think you shouldn't have to do anything to make it fits but for anyone that want to keep this case you can adjust it to make it fit.
Thanks - everybody is so torqued out of shape that they will return it, and be out a case. Good, buy something else. But if everything else is good, I'll make the adjustments you made and be happy. This is what's necessary with all these mfr's on 1st gen units, IMO.
Me returning mine had nothing to do with it being misaligned, it hurts signal and the gps does not work. Other than that, I would have kept it. But if it reacts just like the vapor, then i will just use my vapor instead cause in my opinion it looks a hell of alot better.
ok I'm torn now.
If this case lines up like crap and it degrades the signal as much as Vapor, which would you guys say is better for those of you who have both?
I got email from Vapor the other day that i can now place my order, but if I return the Alumacase is Vapor the way to go or no?
Thanks
If this case lines up like crap and it degrades the signal as much as Vapor, which would you guys say is better for those of you who have both?
I got email from Vapor the other day that i can now place my order, but if I return the Alumacase is Vapor the way to go or no?
Thanks
Yea, I have some signal issues with this case also which I didn't have with my Vapor case, I have no idea why. I also think the vapor case looks a lot nicer. Think I'll give this case to my brother or something and use my vapor instead.
Assuming the signal and fit is ok, I'll keep it for a while but it's looking like my goto case will be the frost red Vapor. The fit is perfect, quality is excellent and no signal problems (don't use gps). So far it's head and shoulders above the others....however, my atomic is a good everyday case too....
Your Alumacase's should benefit as the Vapor4 does with the insulation modifications. Loads of them on the "Element Vapor Case" thread, I updated my fix yesterday 
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To address Glens point, the bigger issue here is not if we are willing to make adjustments to make the case work, but the fact we shouldn't have to.
I'm sorry but this is an higher end purchase as far as a case goes. (no assumptions about being able to afford it either please).
When I purchase what some might call a luxury item, my expectations are higher. Now I understand some of us here could be considered "high maintenence" customers while most others will just buy this case and think the world of it.
We however are the customers who will be willing to modify and try to make better which in turn might help the makers of these products adopt changes and make them more successful. I don't think that can be said of the guys at Vapor. For months they must have seen us documenting problems yet they make no attempt to improve the product.
From a sales point of view they don't need to. The cases still fly off the shelves and the black market prices show there is demand for what is a flawed product. From a customer service standpoint what they are doing is just bad business, but who ever acused Element of being concerned with customer service.
Alumacase however have made every attempt to offer exceptional customer service. So is his product flawed, perhaps? I'm willing to bet if we want to return them he won't give us grief.
I'm also willing to bet he is reading everything we type and will take what he can into consideration.
To echo my earlier statement, if I'm just considering the case and not the service my vote goes to Element as the better of the two.
I'm sorry but this is an higher end purchase as far as a case goes. (no assumptions about being able to afford it either please).
When I purchase what some might call a luxury item, my expectations are higher. Now I understand some of us here could be considered "high maintenence" customers while most others will just buy this case and think the world of it.
We however are the customers who will be willing to modify and try to make better which in turn might help the makers of these products adopt changes and make them more successful. I don't think that can be said of the guys at Vapor. For months they must have seen us documenting problems yet they make no attempt to improve the product.
From a sales point of view they don't need to. The cases still fly off the shelves and the black market prices show there is demand for what is a flawed product. From a customer service standpoint what they are doing is just bad business, but who ever acused Element of being concerned with customer service.
Alumacase however have made every attempt to offer exceptional customer service. So is his product flawed, perhaps? I'm willing to bet if we want to return them he won't give us grief.
I'm also willing to bet he is reading everything we type and will take what he can into consideration.
To echo my earlier statement, if I'm just considering the case and not the service my vote goes to Element as the better of the two.
Thanks!
I may just place the order and compare the two and keep the better of the two which I'm guessing will be Element!
Just take note that its seems per Alumacase web site that they w/provide the following when a product is returned:
- Repair
- Replacement
- Store Credit
After reading some of the reviews on here I cancelled my order with Alumacase. My order is an international one so it wasn't shipped yet. I emailed Alumacase to cancel and refund my money. I received notification today that the order was cancelled. The money was refunded to my Paypal account.
I appreciate their customer service. It's too bad the case has problems though. Back to the never ending search for a nice case that works
I appreciate their customer service. It's too bad the case has problems though. Back to the never ending search for a nice case that works
Received my palladium silver Alumacase yesterday. Actually arrived USPS with no problems, despite receiving the email about possible postage amount problems. Looks like I got $5 for trying the thing out! Here are my thoughts comparing my Vapor 4's and my Alumacase:
Fit:
Hard to compare since they both mount the phone in somewhat different ways. That being said, I like them both equally in this department. I don't thing one shines over the other as far as fit is concerned. I do like the table-top design of Alumacase, however. Don't have to worry about which side I'm laying it down on. Also, with some adjustment at the bottom of the Alumacase, you can get both pieces lined up pretty good. Vapor is tighter, but Alumacase isn't as bad as some make it out to be.
Finish:
Finish is definitely awarded to Vapor. I'm not saying that Alumacase finish is horrible, just not near the quality of the Vapor. I see a lot more of the milling marks on the Alumacase compared to the Vapor. The finish isn't very uniform on the Alumacase as well. By that I mean the grain of the aluminum is very random. Not consistent throughout the entire case.
Quality of materials:
Both feel like they use the same aluminum. However the anodizing and finishing is better on the Vapor's, so I give them the edge. Gaps are tighter on Vapor, too.
GPS/Wifi:
I realize we are wrapping our stainless steel antenna in aluminum, which is not optimum. Both seem to have the same degradation in GPS, however Alumacase seems to be consistent with how off it is. Vapor likes to jump around when finding my GPS location, Alumacase does not. Wifi was fine on both of the cases, at least for how I use my cases. Edge goes to Alumacase.
Cell Signal:
Same pretense as GPS/Wifi. Both show some signal loss, it appears that Alumacase does keep the signal better than Vapor (stock Vapor). Both do lose some signal, but Alumacase not as much. Here are my results after testing all situations:
Naked iPhone: -89 to -93
Naked iPhone (deathgrip applied!): -112 consistently
Vapor 4 (insulated): -98 to -110, -108 consistently
Vapor 4 (stock): -118+ consistently (from previous tests in the same spot)
Alumacase (no mods): -101 to -110, -109 consistently
I did try insulating the deathgrip area on the alumacase, but no changes were seen during testing.
Functionality:
Both have pros and cons on this. Vapor has the built-in power button which is a huge plus to me. The Alumacase only has the cutout, but is still accessible by my finger during normal operation. Volume/mute area is as easily accessible on both phones. The dock is bigger on the Alumacase, which allows me to charge in the car, and would probably be better for docking, but I don't do much of that so it doesn't concern me (The dock doesn't concern me since I use all apple chargers excluding car charger, but rarely do I use this, and I can still jimmy the charger to stay put and get the phone to charge with the Vapor on). Headphone jack is also more accommodating on the Alumacase. I would give the Alumacase more functionality just for dock and headphone reasons.
Overall, both are cool cases. They each have their pros and cons. I will keep both and change them every now and then. If I go traveling, I imagine I'll use the Alumacase for headphone and charging purposes. Normal everyday use, will be switched between the two. Definitely give the style award to Vapor though. Nothing so far can match how much it stands out while on your phone.
Hope this helps some people with making decisions. Let me know if you have any questions about the quasi-review. I can post pics, if necessary, however at this time I think we know what both cases look like!
Fit:
Hard to compare since they both mount the phone in somewhat different ways. That being said, I like them both equally in this department. I don't thing one shines over the other as far as fit is concerned. I do like the table-top design of Alumacase, however. Don't have to worry about which side I'm laying it down on. Also, with some adjustment at the bottom of the Alumacase, you can get both pieces lined up pretty good. Vapor is tighter, but Alumacase isn't as bad as some make it out to be.
Finish:
Finish is definitely awarded to Vapor. I'm not saying that Alumacase finish is horrible, just not near the quality of the Vapor. I see a lot more of the milling marks on the Alumacase compared to the Vapor. The finish isn't very uniform on the Alumacase as well. By that I mean the grain of the aluminum is very random. Not consistent throughout the entire case.
Quality of materials:
Both feel like they use the same aluminum. However the anodizing and finishing is better on the Vapor's, so I give them the edge. Gaps are tighter on Vapor, too.
GPS/Wifi:
I realize we are wrapping our stainless steel antenna in aluminum, which is not optimum. Both seem to have the same degradation in GPS, however Alumacase seems to be consistent with how off it is. Vapor likes to jump around when finding my GPS location, Alumacase does not. Wifi was fine on both of the cases, at least for how I use my cases. Edge goes to Alumacase.
Cell Signal:
Same pretense as GPS/Wifi. Both show some signal loss, it appears that Alumacase does keep the signal better than Vapor (stock Vapor). Both do lose some signal, but Alumacase not as much. Here are my results after testing all situations:
Naked iPhone: -89 to -93
Naked iPhone (deathgrip applied!): -112 consistently
Vapor 4 (insulated): -98 to -110, -108 consistently
Vapor 4 (stock): -118+ consistently (from previous tests in the same spot)
Alumacase (no mods): -101 to -110, -109 consistently
I did try insulating the deathgrip area on the alumacase, but no changes were seen during testing.
Functionality:
Both have pros and cons on this. Vapor has the built-in power button which is a huge plus to me. The Alumacase only has the cutout, but is still accessible by my finger during normal operation. Volume/mute area is as easily accessible on both phones. The dock is bigger on the Alumacase, which allows me to charge in the car, and would probably be better for docking, but I don't do much of that so it doesn't concern me (The dock doesn't concern me since I use all apple chargers excluding car charger, but rarely do I use this, and I can still jimmy the charger to stay put and get the phone to charge with the Vapor on). Headphone jack is also more accommodating on the Alumacase. I would give the Alumacase more functionality just for dock and headphone reasons.
Overall, both are cool cases. They each have their pros and cons. I will keep both and change them every now and then. If I go traveling, I imagine I'll use the Alumacase for headphone and charging purposes. Normal everyday use, will be switched between the two. Definitely give the style award to Vapor though. Nothing so far can match how much it stands out while on your phone.
Hope this helps some people with making decisions. Let me know if you have any questions about the quasi-review. I can post pics, if necessary, however at this time I think we know what both cases look like!
beedish - thank you - great write up..as I use mine exactly like you, I hope my fit and finish is the same, then I'll keep it...
Very nice write-up, also as side note your Atomic Youtube video while a little hard hearing was also very nicely done.
Very nice write-up, also as side note your Atomic Youtube video while a little hard hearing was also very nicely done.
Wrong guy?? Haven't done any video reviews. And I refuse to buy an Atomic, too many horror stories about Customer Service and quality of materials.
Very nice write-up, also as side note your Atomic Youtube video while a little hard hearing was also very nicely done.
Yep that one was me.
For what it's worth, Atomic seems to be really trying to step up customer service. I initially had issues with them as well, but over the last week or two they've really stepped up, been quick to respond and eager to address issues - I can only speak for my own experience of course, not for anyone else's...and I'm hesitant to give too much praise since the paranoia bug seems to have bitten macrumors: don't want to be accused of being an employee
I'm hesitant to give too much praise since the paranoia bug seems to have bitten macrumors: don't want to be accused of being an employee
At least you're an equal opportunity pitchman. If we were going to suspect you of being a paid shill I'd have to say you'd be on everyones (Atomic, Fushion, Element, alumacase) payroll.
At least you're an equal opportunity pitchman. If we were going to suspect you of being a paid shill I'd have to say you'd be on everyones (Atomic, Fushion, Element, alumacase) payroll.
LOL fair enough. so far the only one I've gotten my hands on is atomic...I'm just giving the others some "benefit of the doubt" love. I tend to assume that all companies (especially those that produce high end stuff) are going to give me a quality product, until they prove me wrong
So I sent an email on Friday, since my order had not shipped, asking if I could order a carbon fiber back. I was in to much a rush when I ordered and wanted yellow that I didnt order one. I also wanted to know how shipping worked, I seem to remember reading on here is was $5 per item, except us canadians who are charged $15. Anyways got no repsonse but did get my shipping email for my yellow case today. But I'm getting a little worried since I get 1-3 bars at home ( dam you Rogers ) that this case will not work at all. I admit I put my faith in his YouTube videos on reception.
Guys that have this case
1. Any room for adding some padding or material to separate the phone from case?
2. Anyone know if other carbon fiber back stickers would work?
I guess if this case doesnt work Ill have to eBay it and hope fusionworks case is the one, I really wantEd something unique and different on my iPhone
Winky
Guys that have this case
1. Any room for adding some padding or material to separate the phone from case?
2. Anyone know if other carbon fiber back stickers would work?
I guess if this case doesnt work Ill have to eBay it and hope fusionworks case is the one, I really wantEd something unique and different on my iPhone
Winky
Well, in addition to all the performance concerns, I find it somewhat interesting that the "contact us" form still goes to nowhere (Error when trying to submit it). One would think this would have been fixed in a big ol' hurry.
Oh dear, as they say.
Oh dear, as they say.
Wirelessly posted (iPhone 4: Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 4_1 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/532.9 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/4.0.5 Mobile/8B117 Safari/6531.22.7)
I too have had a great experience with atomic lately, I made a post on their Facebook page and received a personal response within six hours. Also I am sure many are aware by now, the email used jn the contact page is incorrect so those emails are going nowhere.
bighabeeb said:Very nice write-up, also as side note your Atomic Youtube video while a little hard hearing was also very nicely done.
Yep that one was me.
For what it's worth, Atomic seems to be really trying to step up customer service. I initially had issues with them as well, but over the last week or two they've really stepped up, been quick to respond and eager to address issues - I can only speak for my own experience of course, not for anyone else's...and I'm hesitant to give too much praise since the paranoia bug seems to have bitten macrumors: don't want to be accused of being an employee
I too have had a great experience with atomic lately, I made a post on their Facebook page and received a personal response within six hours. Also I am sure many are aware by now, the email used jn the contact page is incorrect so those emails are going nowhere.
Hey man, post up the email so people can get ahold of them. I was wanting to ask them some info about their new case.