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Vapor Knockoff (Pics)

I got one of the knockoffs (Black/Orange) for around $20 shipped. The case is much heavier than the Atomic Hybrid (supposedly 15 grams) I have, at least twice as heavy, probably more, dont know how it would compare with the Vapor's weight. The point is the iPhone felt really heavy after installing this case. I went back to my Atomic Hybrid and what a difference!

My GPS worked fine, drove to a meeting about 20 miles away with it and had no issues. I use the TomTom app which stores all the info it needs on the iPhone itself, so I did not use data, in fact I had 3G turned off.

Cell reception dropped two bars, sometimes more, but I did not have problems receiving or dialing calls. At home, the iPhone showed only 1 bar (normally 3-4 bars/full) but again had no problems with calls. I do have a very strong signal normally.

Wifi signal reception had some reception issues when I tested it at home, there was signal loss even though I was in the same room as the router. Browsing seemed noticeably slower.

Compared to this case, my Atomic Hybrid does not affect the number of bars or wifi reception at all.

I guess just like the Vapor, dont get this case if you have weak reception, otherwise for 20 bucks (that I spent, and that included shipping), its a great buy :).

This is the seller I bought from (Zinc Aluminum case):
http://shop.ebay.com/huanhuan-2008/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p3686

HTHs someone, cheers

BTW, i just looked at the auction for the silver one posted above by Mechinyun. The padding on my case was similar to the whats showed in the photos. Mine was Zinc/Aluminum while the one Mechinyun has posted is all-Aluminum. Dont know if that makes a difference to the reception, I would be inclined to think not.
 
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weisjt said:
did you put any additional padding in with the case? that pic looks like minimal barrier from the aluminum and antenna
Click to expand...

No additional padding for this case,but I do have the bodyguardz full body installed. As for my experience with aluminum cases, I usually have no signal issues,maybe 1 bar drop here or there but nothing major but with some cases my Gps is totally mess up, but not with this one though.
 
kaikai830 said:
No additional padding for this case,but I do have the bodyguardz full body installed. As for my experience with aluminum cases, I usually have no signal issues,maybe 1 bar drop here or there but nothing major but with some cases my Gps is totally mess up, but not with this one though.
Click to expand...

i just moved and the only case that i have that works still with my low signal area is the e13ctron, i only get one 2 to 3 bars and on egde.:(
 
I don't know why, but I feel like ordering one of these knock offs. Something tells me 3 weeks from now when it arrives I will have reconsidered.
 
Having both the vapor and the knock off, they are almost identical. The vapor does have a bit better finish to it, but no way would I have spent over 100 on a vapor knowing what i know now. Also TBH not having huge logos on the sides was a big plus with the KO for me.
 
Mechinyun said:
Having both the vapor and the knock off, they are almost identical. The vapor does have a bit better finish to it, but no way would I have spent over 100 on a vapor knowing what i know now. Also TBH not having huge logos on the sides was a big plus with the KO for me.
Click to expand...

How is the weight compared to the vapor?
 
These case does block the signal for sure. I used it for a month and had to take it off. Sometimes i would go into places like restaurant or a building that block out the signal, i would have no service while other iphones 4 have at least one bar or 2. Just letting everyone know, like other ppl said, if ur in places that u usually get one or two bar on ur phone, this case is not for u, one or two bars will turn into no service with this case.
 
These guys are selling knockoffs for $20 including shipping, possible 5% off as well with code GOFF5SW
I checked their "contact us" page, they seem to be in California, so the shipping will probably be faster than the ebay sellers too.

Black/Red
http://www.cellularfactory.com/det.jsp?d=45670&c=585686&eng=dn

Black/Blue
http://www.cellularfactory.com/det.jsp?d=45672&c=585686&cpi=430&cpmi=39183

Black/Silver
http://www.cellularfactory.com/det.jsp?d=45673&c=585686&cpi=430&cpmi=39183

Black/hotpink
http://www.cellularfactory.com/det.jsp?d=45671&c=585686&cpi=430&cpmi=39183
 
I checked into this before from alibaba. The cheaper ones are cast aluminum!!! which are brittle and much weaker then treated CNC versions. They dont have the sharp corners that CNC gives you.

Cheapest CNC case i found was $20 CNC'ed version however I had to buy 200!
 
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genetic said:
has anyone tried these from deal extreme?

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.51954

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.51955
Click to expand...

I just got mine in yesterday, black/red version. So far i think it was a good choice.

Pros: I love the design, and it seems high quality. I've never seen the original so I can't compare, but this looks nice enough. The lock button feels perfect. Came with foam pads and was simple to assemble. Came with a carbon fiber sticker that covers front, back and all sides. Cheap!

Cons: There is a tiny opening around the entire thing, so when looking straight on I can see the slightest bit of my iPhones attenna. Not sure if this is how they all fit or not. My iGo charger no longer fits, and it most likely won't dock into anything. Degrades signal one bar approximately, but I haven't tested that extensively. Rearranging foam inside may assist. Or possibly placing the carbon fiber sticker around the bumper inside?

Overall it's pretty sweet, and for the price I can't complain. I love the look of these type of bumpers.

**update**
Paint has already chipped a little on top, and I dont even take my phone into work. Not sure where/how it happened but it's there. Maybe it's not any good after all!
 
iPadztr said:
is that comes with silver back cover like yours? or did you buy that seperately?
Click to expand...

I bought the back separately. You can get one on ebay for around 10-15 bucks. They have better backs now which comes with the shiny apple logo and raise iphone lettering.
 
kaikai830 said:
I bought the back separately. You can get one on ebay for around 10-15 bucks. They have better backs now which comes with the shiny apple logo and raise iphone lettering.
Click to expand...

raised iPhone lettering ? That sounds interesting, please share a link, thanks :D
 
UCLAKoolman said:
I just ordered this one from dealextreme. I know they have cheaper ones but this one comes with the power button and looks a lot more legit.
http://www.dealextreme.com/feedbacks/browseCustomerPhotos.dx/sku.51954~id.87054

I'll post back with my impressions. The photos on the website look pretty nice.
Click to expand...

Definitely let us know what you think. I hadn't paid attention otherwise I may have chosen this one.. Really does look more legit. Just as an FYI, mine (the $14.14 one) did come with a button, which works great. But yeah I'd still choose the one you grabbed now.
 
polzii said:
Looks very very nice :), the only issue is there is no flash diffuser. Some of the glass ones have the diffuser but none of the metal ones on ebay do :(

Is there a DIY solution ? cheers
Click to expand...

can you just buy install the one from the original back of your iPhone? I'm new to this and Im not sure if you can buy one and install it.
 
iPadztr said:
can you just buy install the one from the original back of your iPhone? I'm new to this and Im not sure if you can buy one and install it.
Click to expand...

You can take the one from your original back and put on the new one but I don't think it's a good idea. I just want to keep the original back original in case I want to reuse it. Actually I have no problem with this new back without the flash diffuser. The flash is working fine, no glare whatsoever. The back I bought before with the black apple logo does have the problem with the flash though.
 
kaikai830 said:
You can take the one from your original back and put on the new one but I don't think it's a good idea. I just want to keep the original back original in case I want to reuse it. Actually I have no problem with this new back without the flash diffuser. The flash is working fine, no glare whatsoever. The back I bought before with the black apple logo does have the problem with the flash though.
Click to expand...

nm, wrong thread :(
 
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UCLAKoolman,

I'm excited to see your post about the case that you bought. If you like it, I'm going to buy one exactly like it
 
TeddyN said:
UCLAKoolman,

I'm excited to see your post about the case that you bought. If you like it, I'm going to buy one exactly like it
Click to expand...

I'm still waiting for it to arrive. Shipped about a week ago. When I get it I'll definitely give my impressions!
 
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