Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

e13ctron aluminum case Full Review

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 4_2_1 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/533.17.9 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.0.2 Mobile/8C148 Safari/6533.18.5)

BTW, I said I had no connection with e13ctron but forgot to mention that I have no connection with any other case manufacturer or apple reseller. This was purely my initial thoughts.
 
Wirelessly posted (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)

themaskedowl said:
Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 4_2_1 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/533.17.9 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.0.2 Mobile/8C148 Safari/6533.18.5)

BTW, I said I had no connection with e13ctron but forgot to mention that I have no connection with any other case manufacturer or apple reseller. This was purely my initial thoughts.
Click to expand...

Nice review you did. I actually experienced what you did with the plastic inserts. One of them doesn't seem to fit quite right so it bows slightly on the sides. I brought this up with Jacob as I thought it might be why I can hear a slight clicking noise when I push the case against the phone. It only happens in one corner but Jacob sent me a pair of replacement liners so we'll see if that makes things better.
 
I still haven't seen any pictures of the clear aluminum for both the top and bottom pieces. If anyone has these, can you please post some pics? Thanks.
 
Here's a couple pics of the matte black with the black screws.

21aya86.jpg


npf313.jpg
 
maverick86 said:
Wirelessly posted (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)



Nice review you did. I actually experienced what you did with the plastic inserts. One of them doesn't seem to fit quite right so it bows slightly on the sides. I brought this up with Jacob as I thought it might be why I can hear a slight clicking noise when I push the case against the phone. It only happens in one corner but Jacob sent me a pair of replacement liners so we'll see if that makes things better.
Click to expand...

Thanks Maverick. As I said in the review, it was a little tricky to get the phone to sit in the liners with the bowing but once it was in there is was quite snug. I don't have any detectable clicking of the case, nor vibration when playing audio through the speaker. I'm not surprised to hear that Jacob sent you another set of liners, they really are excellent on the customer service and follow up front. I mentioned that my natural stainless screws looked smaller than the black ones and he has offered to send me a new (different) set. Very impressed.
 
themaskedowl said:
I came so close to ordering the matte black (+ black screws of course) and it looks awesome. But the images of the light grey on p2 of the thread swung it for me.
Click to expand...

Yeah, same here, it looks awesome compared to all the other ones. It reminds me of some kind of vehicle that I have seen in the army, although I don't remember what it was, or maybe it was an Air Force plane? I can't remember, a very cool color combination nonetheless.
 
map1978 said:
Can u tell me what matte back you are using?

Phantom? If so, does anyone know of a PS anti glare type static cling type matte back protector?
Click to expand...

Correct, I'm using Phantom Skinz. They had a 35% off sale, and it was a 2 for 1 also. I believe I paid 10 or 11 dollars for two matte backs that includes the matte antenna coverings as well. I'm using Lucky Labs matte white for the antenna though. I had the Wrapsol matte back on the phone for awhile and then switched to the PS static cling back, which was a clear non matte back. I've looked for a matte back that's a static cling application as well with no luck in finding one. The wet application isn't bad, I actually have the Wrapsol matte skins on my MBP and had it on my iPad and 3GS as well. The Phantom Skinz is a good deal, IMHO. It's easy to put on and good quality. I'd recommend giving it a try if you're interested in a matte back.
 
I received a carbon fiber back decal today and I think it looks AMAZING with my color combination! I'll post up some pictures tomorrow, wanna take them in sunlight.

Anyway, I'd also like to comment on the customer service. I noticed that there were a couple blemishes in the finish to my top piece. It looks like some of the color had been kind of brushed off in some places making those areas light and almost a shiny silver (I have a matte aluminum top). I sent an email along with a few pictures about this at about 7:30pm on Sunday expecting to hear from them in a day or two, but nope. I received an email from Jacob within a half hour. It amazes me that I got a response that fast, at that hour on a Sunday! Anyway, he told me he'll send one out immediately and free of charge. He did not even ask to send the top piece that I have in my possession back to them. This is easily the best customer service I've had to deal with.
 
Blinded said:
Correct, I'm using Phantom Skinz. They had a 35% off sale, and it was a 2 for 1 also. I believe I paid 10 or 11 dollars for two matte backs that includes the matte antenna coverings as well. I'm using Lucky Labs matte white for the antenna though. I had the Wrapsol matte back on the phone for awhile and then switched to the PS static cling back, which was a clear non matte back. I've looked for a matte back that's a static cling application as well with no luck in finding one. The wet application isn't bad, I actually have the Wrapsol matte skins on my MBP and had it on my iPad and 3GS as well. The Phantom Skinz is a good deal, IMHO. It's easy to put on and good quality. I'd recommend giving it a try if you're interested in a matte back.
Click to expand...

Thanks for your response. Guess I'll give them a try because I am interested in a matte back. Wanna sell me the extra one u have? I love my carbon back from lucky labs but I've had on for a few months now. I also had the white wraps but they turned yellow after a few months...now going with the matte black.

My all red polished with black screws should be here today....will post some HQ photos for everyone to see :D
 
map1978 said:
Thanks for your response. Guess I'll give them a try because I am interested in a matte back. Wanna sell me the extra one u have? I love my carbon back from lucky labs but I've had on for a few months now. I also had the white wraps but they turned yellow after a few months...now going with the matte black.

My all red polished with black screws should be here today....will post some HQ photos for everyone to see :D
Click to expand...

Yay!! Can't wait to see some pics!! :D
 
chris975d said:
The only negatives I'd give this case is in the area of packaging, but once the retail packaging gets finalized, it should be an even better purchase. That, and it's price is slightly higher than some of the competitors. Then again, you are getting a great attachment system (the plastic inserts), and the quality of milling/finish on this case is outstanding. Once it has better retail packaging, I'd say the case is more justified in it's cost. For those of you considering an Element Vapor, I'd definitely steer you toward this case instead, as it matches it in quality of workmanship, and easily beats it in performance (again, for an all aluminum case).
Click to expand...

It's a shame that we have to evaluate the quality of a product by the packaging. Companies spend some much time and money in packaging which increases their freight carbon foot print by the extra volume needed to frame the product. Then after the pruchase all of this is trashed. Maybe the time has come for these companies to design packaging that can be used after the purchase,like a nice clear bag which can be used to store items in. The package and bag cost would be about the same :)
 
Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 4_2_1 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/533.17.9 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.0.2 Mobile/8C148 Safari/6533.18.5)

ChinaAzzi said:
chris975d said:
The only negatives I'd give this case is in the area of packaging, but once the retail packaging gets finalized, it should be an even better purchase. That, and it's price is slightly higher than some of the competitors. Then again, you are getting a great attachment system (the plastic inserts), and the quality of milling/finish on this case is outstanding. Once it has better retail packaging, I'd say the case is more justified in it's cost. For those of you considering an Element Vapor, I'd definitely steer you toward this case instead, as it matches it in quality of workmanship, and easily beats it in performance (again, for an all aluminum case).
Click to expand...

It's a shame that we have to evaluate the quality of a product by the packaging. Companies spend some much time and money in packaging which increases their freight carbon foot print by the extra volume needed to frame the product. Then after the pruchase all of this is trashed. Maybe the time has come for these companies to design packaging that can be used after the purchase,like a nice clear bag which can be used to store items in. The package and bag cost would be about the same :)
Click to expand...

This was my feeling exactly. I wanted a good case and I was willing to pay for it. The packaging is a minor issue and I would be more concerned had e13ctron spent money on pretty packaging for an inferior product. As it is they have a great product (IMHO) that represents good value with the current packaging (again IMO).
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back