I just ordered one from Amazon for less than $20. We'll see.
From the you tube reviews I've watched using the back plate optional.
Technically it is optional. The problem is on the 2 cases that I tried the phone actually didn't fit tightly enough without the backplate. There was movement with the phone.
As for the price, when they were originally released they were $40. I believe they are still roughly the same price on the official site.
I didn't like the case since it just didn't fit right and you had to use the smaller cut screen protectors that it came with or else it will bubble your SP. Well at least the several that I tried.
Side-note: As for the youtube reviews, most of the reviewers don't pay for stuff. Not only that but they don't use them for more than a day. I'm not saying they are all full of it as there are some reviewers that are pretty good and give a legitimate review. Most though are all positive and very little negative.
In reality there is no perfect anything. True for some people it may be the right fit, but if you look at the dates of the reviews of the big reviewers you will notice that they all get them around the same time and generally have the same opinion. If anything use their videos as first looks and ignore the actual rating part. You can tell when Larry or the Snazzy guy for instance actual buys something on their own as there is usually a listing of good and bads. When things are given to him he very rarely gives any type of negative even when the cases are just bad.
I mean really, who thinks a Phosphor watch that can't be used in low light, has a terrible fit on the wrist and is actually hard to read even in daytime is a good watch? Especially for $150. Not only that, but why is a case/phone reviewer getting a watch to review.
It is because the stuff is sent to them for free. Same with those little metal magnet balls (I have a box around my house somewhere but I can't remember the name). I know this because I get a ton of stuff for free from a marketing agency. I rarely pay for stuff unless it is something I truly want that I can't get in a timely manner.
I just don't use reviews as my living and have to appease no one so I say things how I see them. I do submit a review but it is for the company only and not for public consumption. People can take my views here however they see them.
