HTC Desire Case-Mate 'Barely There' cases

Forums › Android › HTC Desire Case-Mate 'Barely There' cases

shreyas

80 posts

Master Geek

#63438 26-Jun-2010 21:22

Has anyone bought one of these for their HTC Desire?

http://www.case-mate.com/HTC-Desire-Cases/Case-Mate-HTC-Desire-Barely-There-Cases.asp

I just ordered one along with my Desire from Clove. How are these in comparison to Zagg Invisible Shields and PhantomSkinz? Feedback appreciated.

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65 posts

Master Geek

#345731 27-Jun-2010 11:41

That looks good. Let us know what you think. I got phantom skinz for my desire and I'm not that fussed. They look ok but the corner pieces don't really offer enough impact protection imo.(although maybe I had unrealistic expectations). I also removed the skin from around the lower buttons, as they make the buttons harder to use

shreyas

80 posts

Master Geek

#345733 27-Jun-2010 11:54

I wanted to get PhantomSkinz as well but I saw these pics of the barely there case and was mighty impressed.

It doesn't seem to alter the form factor much at all!

n95

188 posts

Master Geek

#345846 27-Jun-2010 20:37

Is there a NZ supplier do you know? I think it may be the case mate brand I saw in a Vodafone shop the other day with iphone cases?

meanderingmark

65 posts

Master Geek

#345865 27-Jun-2010 21:41

n95: Is there a NZ supplier do you know? I think it may be the case mate brand I saw in a Vodafone shop the other day with iphone cases?

Not that I know of. Trademe is probably the best place to look, and I didn't see anything.

I assume once Vodafone start importing Desires, more people will sell accessories.

I've gone an ordered a white Barely There case, directly from their website. I was going to get a pink one... but nah :)

meanderingmark

65 posts

Master Geek

#348089 5-Jul-2010 16:42

The Gelli cases are out now too. In lurid red, or spewtastic pink
https://www.case-mate.com/HTC-Desire-Cases/Case-Mate-HTC-Desire-Gelli-Case.asp

(still waiting for my barely there case. come on USPS!

meanderingmark

65 posts

Master Geek

#350101 12-Jul-2010 09:45

12 July - just received the barely there case via USPS from case-mate.com. That's about a 2 week delivery time.

I think i might have been a bit daring with the choice of a white case. It looks a bit funny :). Black would be the safer choice. It fits nice and snugly though (i've left the phantom skinz on). The barely there case came with a screen protector too, which i haven't tried yet.

shreyas

80 posts

Master Geek

#350381 12-Jul-2010 19:29

meanderingmark: 12 July - just received the barely there case via USPS from case-mate.com. That's about a 2 week delivery time.

I think i might have been a bit daring with the choice of a white case. It looks a bit funny :). Black would be the safer choice. It fits nice and snugly though (i've left the phantom skinz on). The barely there case came with a screen protector too, which i haven't tried yet.

What do you think of the case Mark? Any better than the generic rubbery plastic cases on Trademe? I have my Desire now but haven't yet got the case from Clove, apparently they are awaiting new stock.

I am using one of the generic rubbery plastic cases atm and it seems to be doing the job quite well (see below). I might just stick with this and cancel my order.

Sharesies

Trade NZ and US shares and funds with Sharesies (affiliate link).

meanderingmark

65 posts

Master Geek

#350463 12-Jul-2010 23:16

it's a good fit. I took the phantom skinz off in the end, and it fits perfectly. the cut lines around the camera, flash, ports etc are absolutely bang on. it doesn't look like it would ever come loose.

it's a hard shiny ABS plastic, which i think is a disadvantage, as it slides off surfaces. however, it would probably protect the phone more if you dropped it (on the sides or the back). the case is flush with the front of the phone, so there isn't a lot of protection on the front side (i see there is a rim around the edges of your case).

so... i don't know. it's a matter of personal preference i guess! if you're not worried about the price, i think you'd be very happy with it

shreyas

80 posts

Master Geek

#350469 12-Jul-2010 23:45

meanderingmark: it's a good fit. I took the phantom skinz off in the end, and it fits perfectly. the cut lines around the camera, flash, ports etc are absolutely bang on. it doesn't look like it would ever come loose.

it's a hard shiny ABS plastic, which i think is a disadvantage, as it slides off surfaces. however, it would probably protect the phone more if you dropped it (on the sides or the back). the case is flush with the front of the phone, so there isn't a lot of protection on the front side (i see there is a rim around the edges of your case).

so... i don't know. it's a matter of personal preference i guess! if you're not worried about the price, i think you'd be very happy with it

Fair enough, I noticed that it didn't have any protection on the front as well. That is kinda making me wanna cancel my order right now.

It's not really about the price, the Trademe one cost about the same. Maybe they'll come up with a better design that protects the front as well. Thanks for your feedback Mark :)

eXDee

4032 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#351189 14-Jul-2010 00:59

Currently i have no screen protector or case for my Desire.
I want a screen protector which doesnt hinder the touch screen in any way in terms of sensitivity, or the screen being a bad texture to move your finger across (one person said theirs made swype hard to use).
A case would be nice also to protect it from knocks.

Suggestions? Whats this one like?

meanderingmark

65 posts

Master Geek

#351289 14-Jul-2010 10:47

eXDee: Currently i have no screen protector or case for my Desire.
I want a screen protector which doesnt hinder the touch screen in any way in terms of sensitivity, or the screen being a bad texture to move your finger across (one person said theirs made swype hard to use).
A case would be nice also to protect it from knocks.

Suggestions? Whats this one like?

I currently still have the glossy (not matte) Phantom Skinz screen protector on the front of my phone. It is a softer material than the screen, so your thumb doesn't glide as well. It doesn't bother me much though. In terms of clarity, it is fine, but not perfect.

The Barely There case came with a screen protector too, but i haven't tried it yet. It looks like a slightly harder type of plastic, however i can't tell how slippery it is as it has a backing film on both sides.

Another thing to note is that the Phantom Skinz was a wet application, which made me really nervous. I think it results in a smoother less bubbly finish though. The Barely There screen protector is a dry "sticker" application.

Have you had a search on androidforums and xda-developers.com? There are plenty of people discussing screen protectors. Bear in mind that it probably comes down to personal preference.

For cases, i think trademe.co.nz is the cheapest option. Case-mate now has four case designs, but they're a bit more expensive. I see there is now a blue gelli case which looks nice.

shreyas

80 posts

Master Geek

#351331 14-Jul-2010 11:50

eXDee: Currently i have no screen protector or case for my Desire.
I want a screen protector which doesnt hinder the touch screen in any way in terms of sensitivity, or the screen being a bad texture to move your finger across (one person said theirs made swype hard to use).
A case would be nice also to protect it from knocks.

Suggestions? Whats this one like?

I think you'll find that the PhantomSkinz full-body protectors are really good. I'm yet to source one, but a number of people have commented in the 'HTC Desire Tips, Tricks and Apps' thread that it is really good. Maybe give that a try?

About this case, as Mark said, it's quite good but it doesn't quite offer protection on the screen. So if your phone falls with the screen facing down, it will most likely get damaged. I am using one that I sourced off Trademe and I can't complain (see my comments in a couple of posts above).

shreyas

80 posts

Master Geek

#352632 17-Jul-2010 12:43

eXDee: Currently i have no screen protector or case for my Desire.
I want a screen protector which doesnt hinder the touch screen in any way in terms of sensitivity, or the screen being a bad texture to move your finger across (one person said theirs made swype hard to use).
A case would be nice also to protect it from knocks.

Suggestions? Whats this one like?

How about these?

http://www.boxwave.com/products/easyfinder/buy-best-htc-desire-accessories_3829.htm

I am considering the MicroDot Crystal Slip case, looks quite nice. Does anyone have one of these?

Giggs

252 posts

Ultimate Geek

#352653 17-Jul-2010 13:44

I purchased a combo set on Trade Me for $40 and which I have found to be fine. It has a case, screen protector, car charger and car mounting unit. You can see it here.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Mobile-phones/Accessories/Cases-protectors/Other/auction-303072182.htm

androidmnz

178 posts

Master Geek

#353133 18-Jul-2010 22:48

Does anyone else have issues with the stick on screen protectors? On my 3rd attempt I was able to get one on the phone without any bubbles.

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