[Sprint HTC EVO 4G LTE] bohiti:
Set the stage: I'm not a case fanatic. I used my OG Epic naked for almost 2 years. I do like the style of the EVO LTE and don't feel the need to cover it up. However, coming from the junk-in-the-trunk OG Epic, this thing is THIN and LIGHT. I wanted a case just to add a little bulk, make me a little more comfortable that I won't drop my new baby. And if I do, she'll be a little better protected. I'll probably take the case off in 6 months when its no longer my new baby. :)

The day before we got our nasty blue silicone case, I ordered two online because I couldn't decide.

UPDATE 5/31 I contacted Diztronic regarding the bulge in the Matte Black case, and got a response quickly. Clay from Diztronic has been extremely helpful and dedicated to making me a happy customer. He has sent a replacement, and I will be sure to update this post with an image of the new case. He assures me that a properly molded case should not look like that, so I trust that maybe a few were bad but most fit properly. I would urge anyone with a concern to contact them. I do not work for them, I honestly knew nothing about them before a few days ago, but now I am a loyal customer simply based on the customer service I've received. I will be recommending them to friends!

First, the

Diztronic Matte Black

(http://tpu-cases.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=48_66&products_id=259), $9.99

Saw mention of this elsewhere, but there is a bulge/gap below the kickstand that bugs me, and will probably be a dirt magnet:

Two things about this picture. 1) I was surprised to see the (extremely minor) defect near on the seam on the right side. But 2), I was surprised that the top half of my Matte Black case is shiny!!

The cutout of the bottom microphone, while it doesn't actually cover the hole, seems a bit off:

Flimsy section above the volume rockers:

PROs:

Subtle bump around the camera will protect the lens.

Matte doesn't attract fingerprints.

Subjectively good looks.

Cutouts for all buttons prevent sticking.

Good company & support from what I hear

CONs:

Bulge near kickstand (See update!)

Kind of awkward to push the buttons through the cutouts

Flimsy section near volume rockers

Matte black bottom, shiny top? Little strange (subjective).

Little less grippy than the shiny one.

Second, the

el cheapo eBay "Candy" (shiny) black TPU case

. There are a number, from a number of different sellers at slightly different prices, but I'd guess they're all the same. The one I got is: http://www.ebay.com/itm/GLOSSY-BLACK-HARD-GEL-SKIN-CASE-COVER-HTC-EVO-4G-LTE-SPRINT-PHONE-ACCESSORY-/270982902775?pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item3f17d6f3f7#ht_1432wt_1396 ($6.95)

Shiny!

This image is grainy, that's just an artifact of the camera. The case is shiny all over. This one shows the covered-up power button.

Covered-up volume and camera buttons:

PROs:

Covered buttons will provide a little more protection from dust/moisture

Subjectively good looks.

Provides a little more of a rubbery-grippy texture, but doesn't stick to the inside of pockets like silicone.

CONs:

Potential for sticking buttons (Haven't experienced yet)

Two-stage camera button doesn't seem to work

Fingerprint magnet (subject to preference)

As with most things, this is definitely subject to personal preference. I prefer the cheapo shiny one, for a couple reasons. Most of all, I (personally) like the look. I kind of like having to wipe the fingerprint magnet on my pants all the time (really! :)). I'm going to use the shiny to start off with. I'll update this thread if I find a reason to switch.

Word to the wise: When removing a TPU case, take it off from the bottom first. Otherwise you will probably inadvertently rip off the top half phone cover for the SD card.