JPA Just Arrived - Initial Impressions
Just received my JPA from Amazon. Obviously haven't had anytime to see how it works out, but here's some initial impressions and/or reactions to claims in this thread or elsewhere.
Look & Feel
First off, the case itself does feel a little plasticky, particularly the sides. However once you put it on the phone you don't notice it as much. I certainly wouldn't want to drop it on concrete though. Phone would most likely fare well, but doubtful the case would survive without some damage. There is also a slight gap on the sides where the top/bottom halves meet. Aside from that it looks great and the back has a satin feel to it which is nice.
Battery Controls & Phone Control Access
The controls for the battery work great. I like the recessed on/off switch for the battery and the charge indicator works as you'd expect. One thing I'd like to point out: I read one review that pegged the charging lights on the case as being overly bright and problematic at night (if charging while sleeping). Perhaps they've changed the brightness of the LEDs, but I can't imagine these lights causing problems unless you sleep with the phone on your chest or perhaps next to your pillow. If it is on your nightstand it should be fine.
With the case on, the phone's controls are another story. The sleep/lock button is least affected and doesn't bother me. The mute switch isn't too bad, but you will need to use the edge of a finger to manipulate it. The volume button access is my biggest beef. You cannot push these without using the edge/tip of your finger. Unlike with the mute switch, I think most folks typically control the volume buttons with the pad of the thumb (while cradling the phone - a one handed operation) and this is absolutely not possible with the JPA. It takes both hands now: one to hold the phone and the other to push the buttons. Not a deal breaker for me and maybe not for most, but may be a major annoyance for many.
Syncing
The phone syncs with zero issues via the case's mini jack. No problems here as others have reported.
Sound Ports/Speaker Volume
These seem to work as advertised. They direct the sound towards you as you're looking at the screen. This is nice as the last few days I've been laying in bed watching some Netflix and I needed to cup my hand to get the sound directed at me. I haven't made any calls with it, but I assume that the microphone port doesn't hinder clarity.
Size/Bulk
This case (of course) adds some length and thickness to the device, but it doesn't do so in a bad way. It feels well balanced in your hand and the weight increase IMO is marginal. The case/phone combo maybe weighs roughly what my old Treo 650 did. I will say that I would not want the phone much larger so I am glad I opted for the
Air over the
Plus.
Note for Incase Case owners: The plastic stand which comes with some of the Incase products will not hold a phone clad in JPA attire. I mention this only because I was secretly hoping it would but no such luck.
Thats about it for now. Will report back after putting this thing to use in the real world!
**EDIT TO ADD:
Camera Flash Wash
Sorry to report that I just tested the flash and it does in fact wash into the photos in both portrait & landscape modes.

Thats a bummer, but since I don't take many photos to begin with and this won't be my only case I can live with it.