element bumper "vapor"

[kb0616]

I wish they woulda said if it came w/ a few extra screws. I lose things.

Probably not, but they'll probably sell you a pair for $25.00-lol

 

[SophiaLee]

Probably not, but they'll probably sell you a pair for $25.00-lol

Yeah...you just know those are some super special secret squirrel screws that you won't be able to just pick up at Home Depot should you lose one.

 

[kb0616]

Yeah...you just know those are some super special secret squirrel screws that you won't be able to just pick up at Home Depot should you lose one.

So, I believe you are with me in the pre-order line, right? Still thinking you might get this case, provided more pictures show the same "quality"?

 

[Peterg2]

This was not a review by ilounge but, as clearly stated, a first look. They do this when they first see a product and wish to give an initial impression. Thereafter, they may or may not do a detailed review. A welcome to all the astroturfers too.

 

[ecks618]

I personally like the pictures from the review. They may be bad quality (guy should have at least cleaned his phone before taking the 1st picture) but they show that the case is indeed a great looking case, minus the ugly orange.

 

[kb0616]

What is an "astroturfer"?

 

[Peterg2]

What is an "astroturfer?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astroturfing

 

[SophiaLee]

So, I believe you are with me in the pre-order line, right? Still thinking you might get this case, provided more pictures show the same "quality"?

Yeah I'm gonna wait till I see some more reviews.

Even tho I think thT one guy probably does work for EC I looked on ilounge and they have ripped on almost all their other products.

And that orange is just awful, I hate orange. I also thought the case would br lined, not have a few pads that resemble those thongs you put on the nose rest of your eyeglasses lol

 

[noekozz]

Just saw the pictures from iLounge. Not impressed at all, kind of glad I didn't pull the trigger.

 

[duner]

Just read the ilounge review -- ouch!

Back when I ordered i called element (they answered the phone back then) and ask them about oversized headphone jacks, line out dock connector accessories, etc. They said they had tested it with many headphone jacks but the guy seemed clueless that non-apple dock connecting cables are not the same size as apple ones.

Here's the thing. The headphone problem can be fixed via a short accessory. But the line out problem is major. If you can't use your iPhone car accessory cable, for example, without having to remove the phone from this case -- including moving four screws! -- well then the phone can't be used in your car.
So that dock connector problem has broader implications. If it means it can't be used in the apple dock well duh that's no surprise. But if it means you can't use non-apple dock connector cables well for me that's a deal breaker.

And the signal issue -- if true, yikes!

Awaiting customer reviews now but not looking good at the moment.

Sigh. With all the anticipation it was bound to be a letdown on some level but this seems like a set of serious issues.

Btw I don't always agree with ilounge (they hate all flip cases for example) but they are very knowledgable and I think appropriately biased towards preserving full functionality of the phone over fashion, etc.

Use one of these dock extenders

http://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-media/product-gallery/B000RI09GU/ref=cm_ciu_pdp_images_2?ie=UTF8&index=2

 

[iammike1]

I wonder how many reading this thread are like me.

I have not ordered nor do I have any plans to order the Vapor but I've been drawn into this thread and now I think I'm looking forward to the first review as much as the ones who ordered. lol

What have you all done to me?

 

[kb0616]

that orange is just awful, I hate orange. I also thought the case would br lined, not have a few pads that resemble those thongs you put on the nose rest of your eyeglasses lol

The eyeglass nose things comment was funny- I also plan to wait for more reviews and more pics, however, I'm doubtful its going to make much difference. We'll see.

 

[SophiaLee]

The eyeglass nose things comment was funny- I also plan to wait for more reviews and more pics, however, I'm doubtful its going to make much difference. We'll see.

Pretty poorly typed cuz I was on my iphone tho. LOL!

12:19pm....need more pics!!!

 

[random person]

The apple bumper doesn't even fit many aftermarket headphones and dock connectors

Oh i know but you can easily remove the bumper when you need to.

Use one of these dock extenders

http://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-media/product-gallery/B000RI09GU/ref=cm_ciu_pdp_images_2?ie=UTF8&index=2

I haven't had much luck with sendstation products. Two of their line out cables were dead on arrival. Also I believe this extender is too big for the apple bumper so as for element it depends on how small that connector opening is. Well have to have someone try it out!

Thanks for the heads up on send station -- I may try it again.

 

[johnnybgood15]

This time I think I agree with you!

Good times, we found common ground lol. Yeah He is registered in August and every post he has made just gushes about what a great company Element is and how great their products are....

Im interested to see some other pics and reviews aside from iLounge. However, I have always found their reviews pretty accurate.

I thought the renderings showed the whole inside lined with shock absorbing material?

 

[PittsDriver]

I have to agree with the iLounge review just from what I have seen. I haven't had the chance to play with it like the rest of you in the thread but man, 100 bucks for this thing!? I dont get it, I dont even like the form factor... But I hope you all get your case and enjoy it.

 

[kb0616]

Good times, we found common ground lol. Yeah He is registered in August and every post he has made just gushes about what a great company Element is and how great their products are....

Im interested to see some other pics and reviews aside from iLounge. However, I have always found their reviews pretty accurate.

I thought the renderings showed the whole inside lined with shock absorbing material?

I thought the same about the shock absorbing material. For $80, I want to see the entire thing lined with rubber

 

[h1r0ll3r]

its actual carbon fiber, not a sticker...sure it doesn't slide in to and lock in to the frame itself but its still a real piece of carbon fiber

OK, how about "the cheap application of the genuine carbon fiber backplate?"

The carbon fiber back is $20.... Let me repeat it is $20...What in gods name do you want for $20????? Most carbon fiber back stickers are $15-$20 and they are not even REAL carbon fiber... this is the last thing people should be complaining about... Instead lets look into the issues of signal quality and foam liner.

Having such a fancy, CNC machined case complimented with a GENUINE carbon fiber backplate.....that's taped into place. For a case that costs $100 total, I would think they could've come up with a little better application of the backplate then using some 3M tape to stick it on there. Guess I was expecting TOO much from a case manufacturer.

 

[White/Rhino]

I'm not sure why anyone would have their mind changed after one review. If that was the case none of you would own an IPhone 4. Consumers Reports gave the IPhone a thumbs down. Cnet wouldn't endorse the IPhone. Maybe a lot of you guys are using Black Berry's and are here just for kicks.

I need to hold this puppy in my hands before I can make any fair judgments.
I thought that the case design looked wicked. He could't confirm or deny signal issues. I would think that, that would have been worth his time checking out if he was in fact doing a review.

 

[kb0616]

I'm not sure why anyone would have their mind changed after one review. If that was the case none of you would own an IPhone 4. Consumers Reports gave the IPhone a thumbs down. Cnet wouldn't endorse the IPhone. Maybe a lot of you guys are using Black Berry's and are here just for kicks.

I need to hold this puppy in my hands before I can make any fair judgments.
I thought that the case design looked wicked. He could't confirm or deny signal issues. I would think that, that would have been worth his time checking out if he was in fact doing a review.

I don't know, to me, the iLounge pictures make it look like a piece of buyer's remorse. I would've bought one based on the renderings, but not on the pictures I've seen here so far...

 

[Romanesq]

Yup....

This was not a review by ilounge but, as clearly stated, a first look. They do this when they first see a product and wish to give an initial impression. Thereafter, they may or may not do a detailed review. A welcome to all the astroturfers too.

True, it's not a full review, but how much of a "full review" do you need when you get a thumbs down?

Thumbs down is thumbs down.

 

[Vapored]

OK, how about "the cheap application of the genuine carbon fiber backplate?"



Having such a fancy, CNC machined case complimented with a GENUINE carbon fiber backplate.....that's taped into place. For a case that costs $100 total, I would think they could've come up with a little better application of the backplate then using some 3M tape to stick it on there. Guess I was expecting TOO much from a case manufacturer.

+1

funny how they said that it was a sticker that AFTER all the pre-orders..

If i had known that, shoot, i would have said no on the $20 sticker and used something else... LOL like a real sticker!!!

also, i will have to agree with half of the posts here... the review pics... bad.... if that had been on the web site i would not hae ordered, i WILL wait till we get more pics up, but at this point... i will just have to see my case when it comes in and ill know right then if its going right back or not....

 

[Steveo47]

Its hard to tell from the picture, but i want to know how tight it fits, I dont want dust and debris falling into the sides of the case. From the pictures it does not look like it fits tight enough to keep dust and stuff out. Anyone else notice that?

 

[Jashmid]

Meh! So much for the "very high tech shock absorbing material". Just a couple of 3M stickers. NOT at all impressive. But then again, iLounge guys are brutal. Horrible photos too.

Still need a couple of more decent reviews... One ain't enough.

 

[Cynikal.Mindset]

As crappy as the photos are in the iLounge review, the final product looks exactly like the renders so I don't see how anybody could think any less of it. The price point wasn't aimed at the masses but it seems like the masses bought in to it anyways. I've spent more money on booze, blow and b*tches and have got nothing more than a hangover, nosebleed and some landmines to deal with the next day to deal with. $100 is a small price to pay for something unique.

Its hard to tell from the picture, but i want to know how tight it fits, I dont want dust and debris falling into the sides of the case. From the pictures it does not look like it fits tight enough to keep dust and stuff out. Anyone else notice that?

it looks like it fits pretty tight as that inner section is milled to fit the metal band of the phone in there perfectly. I would still recommend use of a skin on the sides though.