I love my Otterbox case but....

[JnEricsonx]

Because the Home button is a physical button, not a touchspot on the base of the phone, it does mean that since it pushes in, dust CAN get inside the Defender case, which is why every several days I have to open the frakking thing up.

 

[twister6]

Because the Home button is a physical button, not a touchspot on the base of the phone, it does mean that since it pushes in, dust CAN get inside the Defender case, which is why every several days I have to open the frakking thing up.

That and the whole lousy experience of using that built in screen protector is why 90% of Note 2 Defender uses grab a hair dryer to heat up the glue around screen protector edge and push it out. Just get something like spigen or ismooth screen protector to keep scratches away from the screen. Thicker tempered glass would be ideal, but that plastic partition piece of inner plastic case above visible portion of the display will be rubbing against it.

Bottom line, just get rid off that plastic screen protector. Taking the case constantly apart will compromise inner-locking tabs that hold plastic shell of the case together.

 

[JnEricsonx]

I know, one of them is already broke. Are there any other cases, minus built in screen protector, that are as durable/solid as the Otterbox ones? Also, please note, it'd have to be available at Best Buy first, simply because I'm going to see if I can exchange the case-which I bought there when I got the phone, towards a new case+screen protector package. Or, I can finangle removing that screen protector built into the case and get one that goes straight on the phone.

 

[twister6]

I know, one of them is already broke. Are there any other cases, minus built in screen protector, that are as durable/solid as the Otterbox ones? Also, please note, it'd have to be available at Best Buy first, simply because I'm going to see if I can exchange the case-which I bought there when I got the phone, towards a new case+screen protector package. Or, I can finangle removing that screen protector built into the case and get one that goes straight on the phone.

Super tough with flexibility of going "light" - Seidio CONVERT. I reviewed it here: http://androidforums.com/samsung-ga...idio-convert-combo-case-review-lots-pics.html

 

[JnEricsonx]

Nice option, though I sadly right now am looking more for options purchaseable through Best Buy, again, thats where I got my case from, so if I can't necessarily get my money back due to use, but can do a exchange, I'd have to naturally get another case BB offers.

 

[NeoGrandizer]

You can check out the Otterbox Commuter. Less bulky than the defender and still provides the protection. Also have the Vitreo tempered glass protector on mine. I have no complaints with it.

 

[JnEricsonx]

Hows the screen protector that comes with the Commuter? I guess its a single sheet thing like Invisible Shield, etc?

 

[NeoGrandizer]

I didn't like the PET film screen protector that came with the commuter. Didn't look nice on the phone and I was able to scratch it in a few days use. Total garbage by my standards. Settled with Spigen's Ultra Oleophobic Screen Protector (which usually last about a month) for a short while until I was able to get the Vitreo. I seriously abuse the screen.

With the Vitreo and Commuter on the Note 2, I do feel it is well protected.

 

[daehttub]

I solved the dust problem by carefully cutting two strips of scotch tape and taping both sides of that idiotic hole. It works just fine and lasts about 3 months before I have to reapply tape. My beef with the defender case is that the belt clip is so flimsy. I broke yet another one and am wondering when OB will stop replacing it. They actually changed the belt clip I think and made it even flimsier.