In my continued quest for cases large enough to handle an extended battery Tilt2, I picked up a Naztech Ultima 5  Horizontal Case and it has turned out to be an almost perfect solution. As a point of information, I stretch (train) my cases using a block of wood cut slightly larger than my phone. The blocks stay in the cases when not in use, so they are always ready when I need them. I would rather my case be slightly loose than too tight.

The Naztech Ultima is an elegant all leather case, available in; brown (pictured), black, and according to the manufacturers website, "a plethora of sizes and colors". It has a leather covered 8 position metal belt clip on the back and a large magnetic flap on the front that covers about half the phone. The top corners of the phone are exposed, so this case is not designed to be worn hiking or on the job site, but fits right in with any formal or casual attire. The case measures; 4.875" x 2.50" x 1.25" (1.75" including clip). There are finger holes at the bottom and at both corners, to assist with lifting the phone out of the case, which can be done with one hand but works better with two (damn slippery phone). The top flap is soft in the hinge area so it easily folds flat helping to facilitate phone loading & removal. The Naztech logo debossed on the front flap and the belt clip are nice added touches. After some training, my thick phone fits easily into this case, but will only work facing inward as the stiff leather corners are rounded and follow the contour of my extended back cover nicely. The stock Tilt2 actually wobbles a bit (see photo comparison below) facing both inward (worse) or outward (better), so unless you like a loose fitting case, I would not recommend this model for a standard battery Tilt2. The inside of the case is the same leather as the outside, so its not all that soft and smooth like other felt lined cases, but I think it would be fine provided a device has a screen protector.

I did start out this reviewing saying “almost” perfect. While I like most everything about this case, when you insert or remove the phone, especially when using one hand, you stand a pretty good chance of turning the phone on when the bottom of the phone sweeps against the opened top flap. Unlike what many people contend (the phone turns on because of the stylus sensor-wrong) the magnet actually activates the slide out keyboard sensor, which I assume is located somewhere near the bottom of the phone. I can confirm this because I have the Xylophone tone set to activate when I slide out my keyboard and that’s what I hear when I insert/remove the phone from this case. Additionally, the phone turns on in horizontal mode, then quickly switches to portrait. I only need to get within about 3/4" to make it activate. You will also trigger an on action if you touch the mini USB connector to the magnetic flap. Not that big a deal when removing the phone (as you probably want it on anyway), possibly even a "feature", but it could be a nuisance when inserting your phone. Since I started using S2U2 which reliably turns off my phone in 20 seconds even if you press against the screen, the impact of this problem has probably been reduced. But with the built-in lock screen, your phone could be on for hours without you knowing about it if you are moving around and retapping/pressing the screen. With a little practice you can avoid activating most of the time (insert/lift straight up without twisting), but it is still a potential hazard so I wanted to point it out.

Overall, this is the nicest, best fitting case I have found for an extended battery Tilt 2. The all leather build, magnetic flap (no Velcro rip in a quiet setting) and classic styling make this case a perfect match for the busy executive, while carrying a reasonable price tag. I still prefer vertical cases for ease (one handed) of phone removal, but this is a close second. I look forward to adding a black version (actually, just ordered one) to my collection to cover almost any wardrobe option. Available at online retailers from $14.95 to $19.95. Worth every penny if you ask me. You can take a closer look at the Ultima and other file leather Naztech cases by visiting their site: http://www.naztech.com/naz_catalog/cases/cases.html

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That about sums up my opinions about the Android experience on the Tilt 2.  I even recorded a 8 minute video that I ultimately scrapped in favor of this since I had so many issues.  It’s nothing against the XDAndroid blokes.. no, they’re awesome.  Doing great work with limited resources.  It’s the Tilt 2.  I mean, the damn thing is slow as hell and there’s no saving it.  Please, don’t come up with some excuse for it.  It’s just NOT GOOD.  And fighting with WinMo before I booted into android (and yes, it’s a custom ROM from NRGZ28 on XDA) was a very painful and humbling experience.  I have officially adopted the iPhone 4 as my device of choice and will remain there until something better comes along.  Will it be Windows Phone 7?  Time will only tell.  All I know, is that it sure as hell won’t be Android hacked onto an inferior device like the Tilt 2.

To all you Tilt 2 owners and operators:  I’m sorry that I just crapped all over the Tilt 2.  I really am.  In the past, I honestly thought that I liked my phone.  Now I see that I was just a little crazy.  I just hope that you don’t use an iPhone 4 or an Evo 4G (or hell, ANY 1GHz+ phone w/Android) without having some extra cash laying around, cause you’re going to want one of those INSTANTLY.

If you’re still curious about experiencing the eye gouging I just endured, click over to the Android section of the Rhodium forums on XDA-Developers.com by clicking HERE.

I feel that I need to reiterate that I’m not hating on the XDAndroid people, the OS, or anyone that uses it.  In fact, I like Android.  I am however, hating on the Tilt 2 something crazy.

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Having an extra battery handy for our power hungry devices (sorry iPhone fanboys) is always a welcome option. But not having a simple way to charge it creates a real hassle. Charging one battery in your phone and then switching out and charging the second is no fun, especially because you need to remain tethered for hours and hours. And the charged spare battery loses juice while it sits around waiting to be used. Stand alone chargers are OK but as soon as you replace your device, your investment becomes obsolete. Wish there was a charger that would work with my current device battery as well as future batteries. Well, my wish has been granted.

The Seidio Multi-Function Battery Charger changes everything. Instead of a dedicated charger for a specific battery, this "why didn’t I think if that" device is comprised of two components; a base and a battery charging plate which is designed for each specific size/shape battery (pretty much everything is 5V today). Currently plates are available for; TouchPro2/Tilt2, Droid Incredible/Evo, Droid2, Eris/Hero, Nexus One, Touch Diamond, TouchPro/Fuze, Tilt, etc. More plates are added as new devices hit the market. Simply pop out one plate and pop in the other and you are ready to start charging. This feature alone would make the charger worth its $29.95 price tag (for base and one plate or $12.95 for a plate alone) but there is more, plenty more.

The Multi-Function Charger lives up to its name as you can use the flip-out, two prong AC plug or connect (with an optional standard USB cable) to any USB port. There is a switch on the side of the charger that allows you change power sources. Additionally, you can plug the charger into an AC outlet (I presume with/without a spare battery) and use the supplied USB to Mini USB (or micro USB) cable to charge both your spare battery and device at the same time. Ingenious. That means this spare battery charger can serve double-duty as an all inclusive travel charger. BTW, the charger handled both my standard and extended capacity battery without issue, as I am sure it would with any extended battery as they all have the same footprint/pin configuration (per device design).

There is a single LED on the front of the unit that turns RED when you insert a discharged/partially discharged battery and changes to GREEN when fully charged. I would not consider this a quick charger, as it might have taken a bit longer to charge my spare battery. But that can be explained with the specs: Input 100-240V, 0.2A – Output: to USB Port: 5V, 1A Max (same as a standard device charger) – Output: to Battery Port: 4.2V, 500mA Max (for a slower trickle charge). Input to USB Port: 5V, 500mA (when charging spare battery via USB). The charger measures: 3.875 x 2.50 x 1.06 and weighs in at about 3.0 oz. (base & plate).

Glad to have found an accessory that won’t become obsolete (like the spare batteries) as soon as I grow tired of my current device. Definitely a keeper. You can find the Multi-Function Charger along with spare/alternate charging plates at Seidio’s site, http://www.seidioonline.com/ or at other online retailers.

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I got my Extended Battery from WM Experts ($49.95) which offers both the battery and replacement back cover for $65.00. The battery itself is about .150″ thicker than stock, .350″ vs. .200″ and weighs about a half ounce (1.5 oz. vs. 1.0 oz.) more. With the battery and extended cover installed the Tilt2 measures .850″ thick vs. .700″ for the stock phone. Overall weight increases to about 6.7 oz. compared to 6.0 oz. for stock. The extended back cover has a depression to accommodate the camera, speaker and mute button, so all the normal functionality is still there. As this battery and extended cover are both manufactured by HTC there are no issues with compatibility or fit. The back of the stock Tilt2 is already a little slippery so the extended cover doesn’t make things any worse. Actually the extended cover feels more comfortable in my hand.

While certainly possible, its pretty hard to wear this battery down over the course of a day. I put my phone on charge every night and it is typically between 45 and 60% when it gets plugged in. That’s usually at the end of a 17+ day, along with 3 or 4 hours of uptime (screen on activity). I have had some days with as much as 8 hours uptime and it just keeps, going, and going and going….. On days I do drain down to 30% or less (too much YouTube or TV watching) I am thankful that I didn’t have to tether my device to a charger or switch out the battery for a backup. So, even though I don’t need the extra power ever day, I like knowing it’s there. And should I really want to slim down for a special event, it only takes a couple minutes to switch battery/cover, but that’s not very often. There is so much you can do with this phone, why not have the power available to do it.

Hey, did you know we have forums? Check them out for more information! CLICK HERE

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While I have several soft and hard button options to soft reset my phone, none of those options help much when the device is frozen solid. The thought of popping the back cover every time I needed to soft reset was not something I ever considered and constructed the fixture pictured in preparation even before I had received my first Tilt2. I was amazed that at least a third of negative comments posted on the AT&T website regarding the Tilt2 had to do with frequent soft resetting and most especially having to take the phone apart to do so.

The soft reset button is on the upper right side of the phone just below the microphone. You can try to measure or just eye things up, but I prefer to use a fixture for accuracy. The phone and back cover are almost flush along the upper edge, so you start by placing the phone, minus the back cover, into the fixture facing down. Simply transfer the location of the reset button onto the fixture using a pen. Now apply an address label to your back cover (don’t worry it peels right off) almost flush with the front edge and making sure to keep the microphone hole uncovered. Place your back cover in the fixture facing down and transfer the mark you made on the fixture onto your back cover. Remove the back cover and complete the vertical line down to the front edge. Using the microphone hole as reference, and referencing the microphone and soft reset button on your phone, make a horizontal mark about 3/32″ from the front edge of the cover. Now you are almost ready to drill your hole. As the back cover is slightly shorter (the chrome bezel around the phone protrudes a bit) you will need to make your hole just slightly (about 1/32″) to the left of your mark. I used a 3/32″ drill bit in my Dremel to make my hole. You can use a 1/16″ drill bit but you will need to be really accurate with your hole. After making the hole, remove the label and wipe around the hole with your finger to remove any burrs. Reassemble your phone and check to see if the hole aligns properly. As the point of the stylus is pretty small you don’t have to be dead on. Think I am 1 for 3 on DNP (damn near perfect), but that’s close enough for me.

I have already drilled out the standard covers on my Tilt2 and backup 1 cent Tilt2 (thank you AT&T) as well as the new back cover that came with my extended battery (use the exact same instructions as above) so the fixture has really come in handy. Sure, now I can inadvertently introduce foreign matter or moisture through my modified back cover, but I stopped playing in mud puddles quite a long time ago so I am not too worried. I don’t need to hit the physical soft reset button often, maybe once or twice a week, usually when testing new software, but I am sure glad I can do it without a hassle.

For more infromation and Discussion, check this out over at our Forums: CLICK HERE

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All you Verizon Touch Pro 2 owners smile because it looks like Big Red is updating you Touch Pro 2 with a new ROM. Check out what you get:

• ROM: 4.01.605.15/Radio: 2.35.00WV
• Operating system has been upgraded to Windows Mobile®
• 6.5 COM2.5.
• The HTC Sense™ user interface has been improved.
• Visual Voice Mail (version 1.1.12.11) now comes preloaded on the device.
• GlobalAccess Connect support. For international Internet access, you can tether your smartphone to a notebook.
• Enhanced VZ Navigator® performance.
• Improved auto-configuration of Daylight Saving Time.
• Improved word prediction and auto correction.
• Enhanced on-screen keyboard layouts.
• New, compact QWERTY keyboard option.
• When composing email or text messages, type the first few letters of the recipient’s name in the To field to see a list of possible matches.
• Quick setup of common email account types and an option to set up an email account manually.

Head on over to Verizon for the update or just click here.

[read]

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According to PPCGeeks forum user brent372 (who evidently works for Verizon), Big Red is aiming to update its Touch Pro 2 (again) with a build of Sense 2.5.

Although it it just rumored at this point, this update would be a welcomed updated for most of us that use Verizon’s Touch Pro 2.

Get the rest of the story here: http://www.wmexperts.com/verizon-touch-pro-2-getting-sense-25-where-art-thou-sprint

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FYI: Bodyguardz did not provide me with the this product or pay me in any other form  to write this review. I bought the product myself and decided to write a review on it.

Pre installation and Installation (Red= Con, Green=Pro)

• Way too many individual pieces. I really wish they consolidated some of the pieces together. It would have made installation a lot more easier and accurate
• Two full sets. Really good idea because I did not install the first screen protector properly and got some dirt under the screen.
• Pieces were not cut exactly to the shape of the Tmobile Touch Pro 2. I did not install everything properly but even if I did there would have still been exposed areas of the phone which I think could have been covered if the pieces were cut to the right measurements.
• The body guardz adds some much needed traction to the phone. Prior to installing body guardz the phone slipped out of my hands a few times when I was trying to open the keyboard but after installing the body guardz I have not had the problem
• Too thick. As soon as I installed the protector I was disappointed at the thickness of the screen protector. The protector really affects the tactile feedback of the power button, volume buttons on the side and the 4 buttons on the bottom of the phone. The answer, power and end buttons as affected the most, I can barely feel the buttons being pressed and the home and back buttons have a little more movement but I was still disappointed.
• It does not feel sticky or hard to maneuver on the screen when using the stylus. This might be because I was used to the bodyguardz from my fuze. However, compared to bare screen it is a little sticky and the stylus does not glide as easily but I assume you will have some change in the feel between having a screen protector and no screen protector. Eventually you will get used to it and it will not be a problem at all. Sensitivity is also not affected after installing the protector.

After few Months of Abuse:

• Still too thick and lack of feedback when pressing the buttons gets annoying at times.
• Some of the edges of the protector on the sides are peeling off. This might be just because of the abuse it goes through
• Collection of dirt on the edges of side edges of the protectors and exposed part of the phone. (Just gets annoying and ugly to look it)
• Good at standing up to abuse. Yesterday, I had my phone on the hood of my car as I was cleaning my car and after I was finished cleaning I went to back my car into the driveway. I forgot the phone was on the hood and drove out of my drive way and reversed my car on to the driveway and then I realized my phone was gone quickly looked for it and saw it on the street with the battery out and back cover off and a SUV just passed by and missed it by inches (PHEW!!! my heart stopped when I saw that SUV miss my phone by inches). I put my phone back together quickly and inspected the phone for scratches of damage and I do not see a single scratch or dent even on some of the exposed edges of the phone since it fell face down.

Taking pictures of the bodyguardz is hard. For one I do not have a great camera and two I do not have proper lighting equipment. I am sorry for the lack of photos but here is one decent photo I was able to get.

Few other thoughts:

It is really invisible. I have handed the phone to few of my friends and said I have a phone protector on there and they don’t even notice it. They give me a puzzled look and I tell them to look closer and then the realize it. Overall I like the protector and I would recommend it to other people but first I would like to try some other protectors like Invisible shield and few other protectors before I say that this is the best full body protector. If any of you have tried any other protectors or have a different view on bodyguardz let us know in the comments section below.

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Register and head on over there…..NOW!

By the way, Matt is looking for some inspiration for a new theme. Matt was the developer behind Fuzeberry which was easily the most popular theme for the AT&T Fuze and HTC Touch Pro so you know that anything he does is going to be the BOMB!

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All of the details on the HTC Tilt 2 Trade in can be found after the break or just head over to their website by CLICKING HERE

How do I trade-in my used smartphone and get my $100?*

1. Buy and activate a HTC TILT2 smartphone with AT&T – either online or at any retail location.
Click here for more information on business or personal plans.

2. When you’re ready to trade-in your eligible smartphone, go online to www.recyclerebates.com/htc-att
and use the promo code UPTOTILT2 for access.

3. Fill in the required info about your eligible smartphone and print out a free return shipping label.

a. Program start date begins November 18, 2009. Purchase a new HTC TILT2 and trade-in your qualifying smartphone by
January 31, 2010. Package and send in all of the below items postmarked by February 28, 2010.

1. To qualify for the promotion you must trade-in a working smartphone made by BlackBerry®, an Apple® iPhone,
a Palm device by Palm, a Nokia smartphone or any device running on the Windows Mobile® or AndroidTM operating system.

Click here to see if your phone qualifies.
2. A copy of the UPC code from the box of your new HTC TILT2 smartphone.
3. A copy of the invoice/receipt from the purchase of your new HTC TILT2 smartphone.

Hint: Ask your retail rep to make copies of the box UPC Code and your receipt before you leave the store!

4. Once the eligible used smartphone is received at the Trade-In Center we will mail you a check for $100*.

Note: Please pack up your old smartphone carefully. When we receive it, it must be in the same condition that you specified on the website or you will not get the $100* trade-in credit. Please read the trade-in terms and conditions carefully. We will not return non-qualifying smartphones

>>Have questions? email us.

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