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element bumper "vapor"
- Thread starter txr0ckabilly
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Based on Larry Greenberg's review of the SGP Carbon Fiber skin, I've opted to go with that and the free Apple Bumper in black. It will look just as good, probably better than the Vapor, won't impede antenna performance and be a fraction of the cost! 
No but I'm thinking of spending $100+ with the carbon fiber back plus shipping and sales tax. I look at the Vapor as being a really cool looking chi-chi for my iP4. No different than the chi-chi's I buy for my cars, motorcycles, or bicycles.
I got my replacement case this morning.
It's a red/black version.
First off the sleep awake button is where it should be.
Second, there is a MUCH larger cut out for the headset jack port and secondary mic, although I'm not actually sure why. It's shaped so that I don't know that it'll help fit headphones.
There is also a cutout for the SIM card slot - which again I'm confused at. I don't need that.......
I'll get some pictures up soon and a full video later.
It's a red/black version.
First off the sleep awake button is where it should be.
Second, there is a MUCH larger cut out for the headset jack port and secondary mic, although I'm not actually sure why. It's shaped so that I don't know that it'll help fit headphones.
There is also a cutout for the SIM card slot - which again I'm confused at. I don't need that.......
I'll get some pictures up soon and a full video later.
Larry,
Not for me to tell you your job as the review you did was quite superb.
That being said, for most of us here, could you advise on the drop in signal strength with the case on and off in various parts of your house/apartment or wherever you are testing it.
My suggestion would be say to walk around the house and see how many bars in each area. Then choose say a "good" area and an area somewhat less so. Note the average bars or the range there.
Then put on the case and do the same there.
Yea I don't understand why they have a sim cutout I don't think people are switching sims every two minutes but does this version of the case have better padding in it and also does it deteriorate the signal at all and is there an issue with the gps
Okay, it's hot!
The new version has the sleep/awake but which works perfectly.
I teamed it up with my SGP Carbon Fiber Skin Guard - which I reviewed here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzEGdM9s5rE
And a white Lucky Labs Apple Logo/Sides kit.
I'm also using a SGP Anti-Fingerprint screen shield.
Pictures for your pleasure.
Yes, I realize a lot of people want to know about the signal. I just don't want to rush to judgment. Let me use it for a little while and then I promise I'll report back. I wanted to wait until the new version came before I started testing.
The new version has the sleep/awake but which works perfectly.
I teamed it up with my SGP Carbon Fiber Skin Guard - which I reviewed here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzEGdM9s5rE
And a white Lucky Labs Apple Logo/Sides kit.
I'm also using a SGP Anti-Fingerprint screen shield.
Pictures for your pleasure.
Yes, I realize a lot of people want to know about the signal. I just don't want to rush to judgment. Let me use it for a little while and then I promise I'll report back. I wanted to wait until the new version came before I started testing.
Attachments
got the new case? Sweet...
We're expecting pics mate
I just posted them. LOL. Look back.
.
Good news indeed. In your upcoming Vapor YT review would you please include a check of the GPS issues
. Thankszornet
I know I sound like a Vapor hater! I really wanted one of these cases when I first saw the renders. However, even pics of the black/red combo aren't doing it for me.
Perhaps this is because this product has been over hyped, over priced and over delayed. The finished product just doesn't live up to the hype IMO. I sincerely hope that those of you out there that still want one, get one soon and that you get a lot of enjoyment out of it. It's just not for me.
Perhaps this is because this product has been over hyped, over priced and over delayed. The finished product just doesn't live up to the hype IMO. I sincerely hope that those of you out there that still want one, get one soon and that you get a lot of enjoyment out of it. It's just not for me.
+1Larry,
if you still have the old defect case, maybe try a scratch test and drop test (obviously without your phone in it) and see how the case hold up. that would be awesome
Just got my Vapor 4 and I am quite disappointed. Here is my list of issues:
1. I installed the case onto my phone and my signal strength immediately dropped from 3 bars to 1 bar. I tried changing locations but nothing worked. I removed the case and my signal immediately increased to 3 bars. Maybe just bad timing but I don't think so.
2. I was led to believe that the only logo on the case was going to be the Vapor4 writing (which I also do not care for but can live with). At no time did Element Case mention or specify (or show in any pictures) that the Element Case logo and writing would be placed on the opposite side of the case (which I don't like one bit).
3. The surface of the case is too smooth and I feel at all times that I do not have a secure grip on the phone even with the grip cutout on the case. If improvements could be made such as having the grip protrusions on both sides of the phone (which makes much more sense) or some sort of texturing on the sides this would help. Also, why are the grip protrusions on the side of the phone opposite your fingers (assuming you are holding it in your right hand)? Seems it would give a better grip on the side where your fingers touch.
4. The headphone jack cutout is much too small to be used with any of my headphones except the standard Apple headphones which I do not use. I suspect most headphones would be incompatible.
5. Most charging and dock connectors will be useless with the case including the connector that comes with the phone. The standard charging connector does go in but it goes so far in that there is barely any thing to grip other than the cord (which is definitely not good) to be able to pull it out.
6. The machining of the case is nowhere near as good as everyone was led to believe. Lots of machining marks are easily visible. The finish should have been just as good as the finish of the stainless steel band of the iPhone 4. That is what Element Case's renders of the Vapor4 showed.
7. The carbon fiber back plate is also not very well finished. I have no problem that it is a sticker but it is very roughly cut out. The out side edge and the cutout for the camera is very rough and uneven.
8. When the phone/case is gripped tightly, the case visible flexes inward because of the gap between the case and the phone. The entire inside perimeter of the case should have been lined with the shock absorbant material to make sure the case would fit tight and so that no parts of the case could move or flex.
To me, this case needs a complete rethinking and redesign. I will be sending mine back for a refund.
1. I installed the case onto my phone and my signal strength immediately dropped from 3 bars to 1 bar. I tried changing locations but nothing worked. I removed the case and my signal immediately increased to 3 bars. Maybe just bad timing but I don't think so.
2. I was led to believe that the only logo on the case was going to be the Vapor4 writing (which I also do not care for but can live with). At no time did Element Case mention or specify (or show in any pictures) that the Element Case logo and writing would be placed on the opposite side of the case (which I don't like one bit).
3. The surface of the case is too smooth and I feel at all times that I do not have a secure grip on the phone even with the grip cutout on the case. If improvements could be made such as having the grip protrusions on both sides of the phone (which makes much more sense) or some sort of texturing on the sides this would help. Also, why are the grip protrusions on the side of the phone opposite your fingers (assuming you are holding it in your right hand)? Seems it would give a better grip on the side where your fingers touch.
4. The headphone jack cutout is much too small to be used with any of my headphones except the standard Apple headphones which I do not use. I suspect most headphones would be incompatible.
5. Most charging and dock connectors will be useless with the case including the connector that comes with the phone. The standard charging connector does go in but it goes so far in that there is barely any thing to grip other than the cord (which is definitely not good) to be able to pull it out.
6. The machining of the case is nowhere near as good as everyone was led to believe. Lots of machining marks are easily visible. The finish should have been just as good as the finish of the stainless steel band of the iPhone 4. That is what Element Case's renders of the Vapor4 showed.
7. The carbon fiber back plate is also not very well finished. I have no problem that it is a sticker but it is very roughly cut out. The out side edge and the cutout for the camera is very rough and uneven.
8. When the phone/case is gripped tightly, the case visible flexes inward because of the gap between the case and the phone. The entire inside perimeter of the case should have been lined with the shock absorbant material to make sure the case would fit tight and so that no parts of the case could move or flex.
To me, this case needs a complete rethinking and redesign. I will be sending mine back for a refund.
Thanks for posting your opinions about the Vapor. You address many of the concerns some of us have. Regrading the grip protrusions most people are right handed and hold the phone in their left hand. That's what I do and the protrusions would be setup properly for my use.
Thanks very much for your well-thought-out comments.
I think certain things are becoming quite settled now....
Not trying to disagree but for me it is natural for me to hold my phone in my right hand since I am right handed and hold it to my right ear.
If I may ask, why do you hold the phone in your left hand if you are right handed?
Regardless, I think Element case should make the case ambidextrous which would improve the grip for everyone regardless of handedness.
I am just like Duffinator. I hold it on the left as when I am on the phone I often may be using my mouse (right handed there too) or have a pen (in my right hand).
I know him and I are not holding our phones "properly" but old habits die hard
I listen with my left ear so I can write with my right hand. I see your point though.
That sim card cutout looks stupid and it annoys me so much because it is so unnecessary
Yeah, why the hell did they think that we need a cutout for the sim card?!? Most useless feature ever, and it just further takes away the design of the case (as if the logos didn't do enough of that already).
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