Thanks for the feedback Twister! I agree it looks pretty awesome, but I know it probably won't hold up. I'm really just thinking about getting the rugged case you reviewed. How much bulk does it add? There are a few other cases I like on ebay, like this one
Samsung Galaxy Note 2 Hybrid Hard Case Skin E Green Black Tuff Enuff Dot VA | eBay
I like it because the hard shell goes on first then the silicone skin. (or is it better to have the hard shell on the outside and the silicone on the inside like the rugged?) The only thing I don't like is that it doesn't have a belt clip cover for the front. Also I wonder if I order that rugged one if the holster will work for the one I just linked. Did you get your UAG case yet? It looks pretty awesome, but once again I just really like a front cover.
Which rugged case per my review are you referring to? The ebay knock off of Active/Commuter with inner silicon shell and outer plastic shell (
http://androidforums.com/5333428-post187.html) or the Defender knock off with inner plastic case and outer silicon shell (
http://androidforums.com/5424726-post388.html) I just assume by your ebay reference link its the later one? It actually looks pretty cool and has these round notches on the back to mate with a rubber part of the case to keep it from sliding (similar to the design of the one I got, but different shape of notches).
To answer your second question about holster/cover to protect the screen, you might want to read my other review about Tough Case here:
http://androidforums.com/samsung-galaxy-note-2/687623-case-mate-tough-case-review-w-lots-pics.html
That holster only works with slimmer type of cases, such as the one with inner silicon shell and outer plastic rib cage
I more rugged cases will not fit in there.
Regarding which one is better, well the most bulkier one will give you a better protection. The one with an inner plastic case and outer rubber shell will be the bulkier one. But it will easily double/triple the weight of the phone; the ebay case I got adds more bulk than even Defender. My big gripe with it was a very narrow opening of micro-usb port (only fits a slim connector similar to Samsung OEM) and flimsy construction of inner snap on case where interlocking latches will most likely break off after a few undressing of the phone. Defender has a better interlocking design that will last. Plus, Defender's inner case has a soft cushion lining, while ebay knock off doesn't. I suspect the one in your link will have the same interlocking latch problem (flimsy stuff) and no inner lining of the case, and could have a narrow port for micro-usb. Defender is built like a brick, but it's plastic screen protector is a major issue due to a gap between a screen of the phone, and I also saw it leaving marks from s-pen when I tried that case. Not to mention people complaining about sound echo due to mic port being too deep/narrow.
The other case with inner silicon shell and plastic outer shell - from ebay will have an issue with silicon pulling away around the edge where outer shell doesn't hold it down. It gets worse with time, at least in my case since I carry phone in the pocket. Collects a ton of lint and weakens protection when you drop the phone on the face since lip will pull away. Commuter uses a better rubber material with a sturdier high lip, but it still pulls away slightly around volume and power buttons and will probably get worse with time. Plus, Commuter outer shell is slippery. Sorry guys, I know we have a lot of people who find Otterbox to be the one and only. I have my own personal opinion about it, at least for N2 cases.
With all that said, when you talk about ebay case under $10 and some even cheaper, what the heck - try them out and see how you like it. If it doesn't work, not much of a lose. Just keep in mind, I got back to some sellers pointing out thing which doesn't work, and got refund from a few (even so I still left them 5-star positive rating). As a result of half of a dozen of refunds I received, I had 2 week suspension from ebay from buying - that was their way of protecting sellers from a-hole buyers like me who are not allowed to voice their opinion when something is defective lol!!!
But anyway, hope I didn't confuse you or anybody else reading my reply too much. Whatever case you get, please come back and post pictures and review, please.
