Accessories Case-Mate's "Barely There" DInc Case (Pics + First Impressions)

[marcelob]

Since I'm probably one of the first people on these boards to receive one of these, I figure I'd take some pictures and post them online along with my first impressions.

Now, onto the pics:
















As for my first impressions:

Pros:
+ Fits like a glove. Despite the fact that it looks like it might come off easily, it is the exact opposite. It's clear they took their time with making it just right.
+ Very slim while still flush with the camera. Adds minimal bulk and keeps a similar feel to the original backing (but with a bit more grip).
+ Does not push up against your screen protector.
+ Holes cut out so that buttons won't get stuck like with some other cases.
+ Material is hard and will definitely protect the phone's body if it lands on its back and corners.
+ Less than other cases at $19.99 and INCLUDES a screen protector (which you will need since--see cons below)!
+ Looks stylish!

Cons:
- Would probably not help in preventing your screen from shattering due to its hardness. It also doesn't cover any part of the screen or bezel, so that may still get damaged/scratched/dirty. You will want to use a screen protector (the one included or another one) if you plan to protect the screen in a fall.
- Will not help you get a raise at work/laid/a friend/etc.

Very happy with my purchase so far. I came from a VZW silicone case and threw it in the trash. I had to cut out holes for the volume and power buttons since it kept holding them down, and it looked like crap.

Anyways, feel free to ask questions.

 

[smile44]

Good review.

I'd just like to point out though that the cases at Verizon have a 30 day return policy like the phones do. I haven't had any problems with the silicone case holding down my power or volume buttons, but if I did, I'd exchange it for another that doesn't fit as tightly.

 

[dan h]

If you like this type of case, I would recommend checking out the shell from the shell/holster combo at Verizon. It looks the same as the above case and the lip on the sides are higher than the phone so you can rest the phone face down and not have it touch the surface.

 

[marcelob]

Good review.

I'd just like to point out though that the cases at Verizon have a 30 day return policy like the phones do. I haven't had any problems with the silicone case holding down my power or volume buttons, but if I did, I'd exchange it for another that doesn't fit as tightly.

Really? I wish I knew that before I decided to try and cut out holes with a razor.

 

[akvtiger]

Sweet, I just ordered one to replace the Verzion case that keeps messing up my PhantomSkinz.

 

[isoelectric]

What's the point in a case if it doesn't prevent your screen from shattering, ie the biggest problem facing these phones?

 

[marcelob]

What's the point in a case if it doesn't prevent your screen from shattering, ie the biggest problem facing these phones?

Because even a small or thin case is better than no case. Also, for a screen to not shatter, you need a body glove or something that is softer and thicker and really envelops the phone and distributes energy well. That requires a much thicker case, or one that covers the bezel which may mess up your screen protector.

Not everyone (myself included) wants to bulk up this beautiful, slim phone. This case adds a little protection, feels nice in your hands and looks nice and simple as well.

 

[Dmark]

Good review. You said the feel of the back is similar to the phone, does that mean it haste soft touch surface?

 

[marcelob]

Good review. You said the feel of the back is similar to the phone, does that mean it haste soft touch surface?

Kind of... It seems a tiny bit more slick than the phone's own backing, if that makes any sense.

But the plastic is very smooth and doesn't have the plastic texture feel to it. It feels similar enough to the back of the phone but perhaps a little more slick while still having decent grip.

 

[Legobricke]

To bad it doesn't come in more colors...

I used on of these on my Blackberry Storms and it was pretty good...

Lego!

 

[akvtiger]

I received my case today in the mail. So far I like it. The case feels almost exactly like the battery cover. The camera lens is flush with the case, which it should have been from the get go. I believe the case is true to its name “barely there”. You can barely feel a difference when holding the phone with or without the case. It fits the phone snug with no movement at all. Plus it comes with a decent screen protector.

If you are looking for a nice case that does not add much bulk this case is for you.

 

[Pazzo]

I received my case mate barely there...3 days ago. So far I am very excited about it. I love it adds barely no bulk and it feels similar to the phone backing itself. Fits great. My Innocase (Seidio) scratched my bezel and im so sad about it. But the case mate is adorable and doesnt seen to have the same issues. I bought it in pink, its a hot pink and cute for the ladies! I will order different colors as they come out, as I like to change.

 

[killadanny]

- Will not help you get a raise at work/laid/a friend/etc.

No, just showing off the phone does that.

 

[BzB]

imo they should have extended the back slightly more to protect the camera lens. with the casemate flush to the camera lens if you lay it flat it's more likely to expose the lens to getting scratched. that's the only deal breaker for me, but i like the case otherwise.

 

[xkingofgodzx]

Link where i can get one?

 

[gavin77]

So for those of you that have the case, does it actually make the camera more prone to getting scratched?

 

[nicksender]

I received this case, but am going to return it. It fits snug, but the camera lens only sits flush. It's better than nothing, but not by much. The lens needs to be below the case surface or it's worthless. It has a nice feel, but was ultimately too slick for my use. I'll go back to my Verizon silicone case again for now. Just my $.02.

 

[akvtiger]

I wouldn't say more prone but it sits flush so it indeed can get scratched. Not anymore then other phones out there with flush camera lens. I would say it protects the lens better then no case at all. I am satisfied.

So for those of you that have the case, does it actually make the camera more prone to getting scratched?

 

[BzB]

I wouldn't say more prone but it sits flush so it indeed can get scratched. Not anymore then other phones out there with flush camera lens. I would say it protects the lens better then no case at all. I am satisfied.

in comparison to all the other cases out there for the incredible, the casemate protects the camera lens the least. or should i say, not at all if it is truly flush.

i'm actually surprised that casemate didn't extend the back further (at least where the lens is) to protect the lens better. that's the most sensitive and exposed area of the phone, other than the screen itself.

if they fix that one glaring issue with their case i'd give it a try. otherwise i'll stick with my cases from seidio.

 

[MattyMo]

I bought this case a week ago and I LOVE it. I have the Zagg full body skin on my DInc, so the case actually extends slightly farther than my camera lens, so i don't have to worry about that scratching (not sure if that's even the cause, but my lens sits inside the case low enough to not make contact with anything i sit the phone on).

I love the feel of this case, being very similar to the DInc's battery cover. The case is thin and unobtrusive, it looks good, and it protects the corners of my device. Perfect for me considering I never drop my mobile devices and have never broken a phone. *knocks on wood*

The case is also very easy to remove, so i'm actually waiting on a second one to keep affixed to my SoundGate car mount. I don't see myself ever needing another case =D

 

[fortesquieu]

Just pulled the trigger on this. Can't wait to get it. Mine to tell how fast the shipping was from case-mate.com?

 

[brikholl]

Just pulled the trigger on this. Can't wait to get it. Mine to tell how fast the shipping was from case-mate.com?

I purchased one a week or so ago and they shipped immediately. Think I ordered it on Wed night, and had it on Sat with USPS express (2-4 day I think) shipping. Very pleased with the case so far.

 

[PossumK]

I got mine early this week and love it. The Seidio Innocase I had was starting to feel too bulky, and I was getting tired of the phone getting caught up in my pocket from the rubbery surface. I dropped the phone once because of it snagging when taking it out of my pocket. The Innocase protected it well, but I don't have to worry about these snags with the Barely There.

 

[fortesquieu]

Yes, i got it earlier today. Loving it, it is REALLY BARELY THERE. hah!

I bought it on Wed and got it on Fri.

 

[SeattleYanksFan]

Any other thoughts from those who ordered?

Deciding between this one or a cheapo snap together for $6 on ebay.