I should've added these thoughts to the picture post last night but got busy and then forgot til now.
Yesterday I went a bit over 17hrs on my phone. My usage was Tapatalk, Words with Friends, Facebook , 1 movie, Get Glue (my new fav app) Flipboard, Plume & approx 50-100 emails. The only time my phone wasn't in use was swapping batteries. The Note II battery, I cant say it enough is a BEAST!
Ever since the original Evo I don't like using my phone while on the charger. I feel it adds too much wear and tear on the charging port and back then they were breaking off from the main board like crazy.
As these phones increase in size, the charging port remains the same which is why I think if anyone uses their Note II a LOT, they should do themselves a favor and go for a spare battery.
As far as Samsung's OEM case, (and this is based on the time I've had it) is not going to provide the type of protection we hear about when people discuss cases like Seidio and Otterbox.
This case is not tight fitting and I could actually see the phone tumbling out of it if dropped. I feel like I'm being just as careful with this case on as I was without one. The back of the case is made EXACTLY like the phone-- Samsung's desire for plastic runs deep. It has that same slippery back which I don't like. Honestly, I feel the Bodyglove actually fits better. The OEM, again IMO, will offer minimal protection just like the flip cover- they're more for aesthetics than anything else.
The side finish (matte) feels good in the hand but based on everyone's input, I think the Seidio Surface would be a better choice for overall protection with a light footprint (no bulk).