Review: HTC TyTN II (AT&T Tilt) carry case

One of several differences between the HTC TyTN II and the AT&T Tilt, its US counterpart, is that the HTC-branded carry case isn't included with the Tilt. Disturbed that an official case (my favorite kind of accessory) was being withheld from me, I did some searching and found it at MobilePlanet for $18.

And after using it for about a week, I'm convinced that it should have been included free. Read my full review below to find out why.

Packaging

The case is packaged in a spare-no-expenses plastic bag with a lopsided sticker identifying it as "HTC Standard Pouch with Logo" stuck on one side.

Design

I prefer pouches over cases that are meant to stay on a device while in use because I like my gadgets naked. Although they're unprotected when not encased in leather, silicone, or any other material, they just look and feel better in the hand to me. That's why this case appealed to me when I first saw it in BGR's TyTN II unboxing gallery and why I bought it a few days after getting my Tilt.

The case is fashioned out of synthetic suede and is lined with a fuzzy, slightly cushioned material that I'm guessing is some kind of polyester or cotton blend.

It's evident from the uneven, somewhat crooked stitching and off-centered belt clip on the back that quality craftsmanship wasn't a top priority during the manufacturing process.

The sides of the case are open, with a thick strap on both sides to hold the phone in place while still allowing access to some of the ports.

A Velcro strap keeps the pouch, which opens envelope-style, securely shut. The strap adds an extra step between opening the case and removing the phone, as it needs to be pulled down to free the main flap (which then needs to be lifted up), so I actually wish it wasn't there.

Belt clip

As noted above, a non-removable belt clip is attached to the back.

The clip is covered in the same suede-like material as the rest of the case, so it blends in pretty seamlessly. It's also flatter than most belt clips, allowing the pouch to be laid on its back without being too lopsided.

Size

The case is relatively compact and not unreasonably bigger than the Tilt itself.

It isn't as slim as, say, a silicone skin or leather bodysuit, but it doesn't add that much bulk to the device if you carry it in a purse or bag. The Tilt is fairly chunky on its own, though, so tucking it into a front/back pocket while in the pouch isn't easy (depending on how baggy your pants are).

Fit

The Tilt fits perfectly into the case, sliding into and out of it with little effort.

Most of the ports and buttons are inaccessible when the pouch is closed, but given that it wasn't designed to enable in-case use, I don't see this as a problem. What is always accessible is the USB port, which is used for both charging the battery and connecting to a computer.

Conclusion

The carry case offers decent-looking protection for the HTC TyTN II, AT&T Tilt, and other similarly sized devices. Compared to cases I would normally buy (specifically those by Noreve and Vaja), this one is also very affordably priced.

The problem, and the reason I think it should be bundled with the Tilt for free, is its usability. Pulling the Velcro strap down and lifting the top flap up is clumsy, requires two hands, and involves too many flips and turns if the case is pulled from a bag upside down or backwards. In other words, it just takes too long to get the phone out.

My search continues . . .

The HTC TyTN II carry case is available for $17.95 from MobilePlanet (US) and £9.95 from eXpansys (UK).

Comments

[John-Video]

Jenn-

Great site!

I'm about to get the Tilt and am looking around for accessories. This clip style holster cause my eye:

http://www.wirelessground.com/tiltholster.html

I'm a little worried that it won't protect the screen the way that the iPhone clip does, but it's another option.

John

[Jenn]

Thanks for sharing that, John-Video. I'm personally not a fan of belt clips (I don't even own a belt!), but it looks like a nice option for people who are. Does the Tilt just snap in? The fit has to be secure enough so that it won't fall out, of course, but it also looks like it might be difficult to remove. Then again, I suppose this isn't a case that is really meant to be removed very often.

I'm getting a Noreve case in a few days that I'm looking forward to. The flap looks like it'll get in the way when talking on the phone, but maybe there's a way to hold it back. Either way, I'll take a bunch of pictures and write up a review.

Thanks for your comments.

[Rob from Huntsville, AL]

Funny how Jenn and I keep ending up with the same toys. I found this site, last year, when I had just bought my UX180p UMPC. I dropped Nextel two weeks ago, after 10+ years, and bought an ATT Tilt

Glad to see I'm not the only one having trouble finding a suitable case for my Tilt. So far I am on my second case.

First I purchased one of the aluminum cases from ebay. The case was black and had a velvet interior, this gave the tilt a cushioned ride and they used high quality velvet. We're talking velvet that's nice enough to have an Elvis painted on it. This case worked well, EXCEPT, the one I bought latched on the left side of the phone. This was a bad location for the latch, since I usually carry the phone on my left pocket or belt. Several times, I bumped the latch, the case would open and the Tilt would fall to the ground. Also, it used the universal belt clip that I am notorious for breaking in half when the phone catches on my car seat or seatbelt.

I am now using a Nite Ize universal phone pouch. I carried my Nextels in these type pouch cases, for years. The Nite Ize case has a permanently attached swivel clip, so you can adjust the angle of your phone. Their website is http://www.niteize.com/productdetail.php?category_id=27&product_id=130 and I purchased mine at my local ATT Wireless store.

One of the best purchases I made was a set of the clear protector "invisible armor" sheets for the Tilt. This is a clear plastic sheet that is precision cut to fit the front edges and entire back plate of the phone. They were really easy to install and have stayed in position. I suggest you let the protector stay on the phone, overnight, before you begin to use the phone for daily use. This will insure the adhesive is firmly stuck to your Tilt. They were about $20 on Ebay. Here is a link to the clear protector website: http://www.clearprotector.com/servlet/Detail?no=168

[Jenn]

Thanks for all the info, Rob. I'm curious about how the clear protector feels on the back of the Tilt. I like the smooth, rubber-like finish of the "naked" back; it's what I imagine Batman's suit to feel like. I've considered buying an invisibleSHIELD or a BSE for various DAPS before, but never thought about getting one for a phone (I guess because neither company makes anything for the Tilt).

What toy should we get next? :-)

[dustin]

i luv the case that came with the tytn II
i wear it on my waistband and i can get it out or put it up with just one hand. i think its perfect i just want something a little more secure for when i work out.

[Jill]

Jenn,
Did you ever get your new Noreve case for your Tilt? I am hoping you'll review it as it looks great. Right now my new Tilt is caseless and I need to find one soon. The only thing holding me back so far on ordering the Noreve one is the price.

[Craig]

Jenn,

Have you tried the Incipio Leather Pouch Holster Case (link) which is also available from Amazon. It is a lot easier to open and much sturdier than the HTC OEM case (which I also own). I use both cases intermittently and the only drawback to the Incipio case, is that it doesn't allow you to attach the usb cable to the phone. Other than that, here are the features:

* Includes two SD card holders inside the case
* Made of high-quality, soft leather
* Magnetic closure holds phone securely in case
* Attractive design with durable stitching
* Horizontal Holster design provides easy access to your phone at all times!

Check it out.

[kris]

Jenn, have you got your Noreve case? If so, your comments would be appreciated. I'm really drawn to buying this case for its look but like you I fear the flap may get in the way when using the phone.

[Jenn]

I do have my Noreve case now and have been using it for a few weeks. I'm working on some other reviews at the moment, but the case review is coming.

@ kris: The flap actually doesn't get in the way at all. It's heavy enough to sort of hang away from your face (if that makes sense), so it never becomes a problem.

[Jenn]

Thanks for the link, Craig. I don't really like the look of the case, but the price is quite nice. It isn't clear from the image whether the belt clip (assuming there is one) is removable. Is it?

[Craig]

Sadly no, the belt clip is intricately stitched into the case. And trust me, it looks a lot better than the pictures displayed.

[Jenn]

Good to know, Craig. Thanks!