iSkin’s iPod cases have been among our favorites, so we’ve been looking forward to the company’s Revo for the iPhone. Although the $40 Revo is the most expensive silicone “skin” iPhone case we’ve yet seen, it offers a number of unique features.
The silicone-skin part of the case—available in black with light-blue, pink, yellow, dark-purple, dark-red, or black accents—protects most of the iPhone’s body, leaving the screen exposed; the sides and corners of the case are thicker for added drop/shock protection. The surface of the silicone is slightly textured for a better grip, and iSkin says the case’s silicone includes “embedded antimicrobial protection” and is “anti-dust coated.”
The case provides an opening for the Receiver speaker—large enough to not obscure the sensors around the speaker—on the front, as well as openings for the camera lens on the back; the speaker, microphone, and dock-connector port on the bottom; and the Ring/Silent switch on the side. These openings provide the necessary access, although I found the Ring/Silent switch difficult to use with the case on; I had to work my fingernail into the opening to flip the switch. The iPhone’s headphone jack is also accessible, but protected by a rubber flap that you lift up when connecting your headphones; the flap feels sturdy, although I can’t tell you how it will hold up after several months of use. The iPhone’s Volume, Home, and Sleep/Wake buttons are covered by the case, but tactile ridges let you “feel” for these controls and use them through the case.
The case also includes three unique accessories, two for added protection and one for privacy. The first is a clear, scratch-resistant, polycarbonate shield, which iSkin calls ViSOR, that clips into grooves on the sides of the Revo to provide significant protection for the iPhone’s screen. (Obviously, you can’t use your iPhone’s touchscreen with the ViSOR attached.) A nice touch is that these grooves also let you clip the ViSOR onto the back of the case, where it sits flush, for storage when you’re using the phone. The second protection accessory is iSkin’s silicone Port Cover, which plugs into your iPhone’s dock-connector port to keep out dust and dirt. It’s a good idea in theory, but I found that the Port Cover fell out occasionally during everyday iPhone use.
The third accessory is a touch-compatible film that restricts the viewing angle of the iPhone’s screen. With this film applied, you can see the screen clearly from head-on, but turn the iPhone approximately 30 degrees to either side and the screen appears dark and blurry. It’s a neat idea, although it has a couple limitations. First, the film affects—slightly—the clarity of your iPhone’s screen. Second, the privacy feature works only in one plane: when viewing your screen normally, the view of the screen from above or below is unaffected; when the iPod is horizontal, the film doesn’t affect the view from the sides. Still, for use on a plane, train, or other environment where people will be tempted to check out your iPhone, the film works well.
The Revo’s biggest drawback is that, like all cases that offer significant protection, it adds bulk to your iPhone’s svelte figure. But if you’re OK with that tradeoff, the Revo is an excellent protective case.
I've had this case for a couple of weeks, I love it! I find myself using it more then the other 3 cases I have. The visor is also a great idea when it's in your pocket. I found that the case isn't too bulky and it tends to stay in your pocket better. I did drop it twice and sure enough the skin kept my iphone safe and unharmed. It's a great case and I'd recommend it to anyone.
I agree with Jennifer. This is the best case I've used. I'm ashamed to admit, I'm on my 4th. At between $19 and $39 ea., this is getting expensive.
The Revo is thicker than similar cases and has a sturdy feel. You don't feel like it's going to tear putting it on or pulling it off. The color contrast is nice, too. I got the yellow one.
The Visor, while gimmicky for sure, does serve some purpose. It is nice for when the iPhone is in your pocket. For me, it's even added protection for when it's on the nightstand at night. Flipping it from front to back can be a pain though, when the phone rings.
My only complaints about the iSkin Revo, and there are two:
1. The silicone protecting the top of the phone's front .. the earpiece, seems a little warped. The top of the screen - when looking at the phone's front - is a straight line. That part of the Revo... Not so much. If I had the black case, it wouldn't be so noticeable. With the yellow one, it's a glaring annoyance.
2. iSkin claims its special brand of silicone/rubber/whatever it is, is resistant to not only germs, but to lint and dust. I'm not seeing the latter. When you pull it out of a pair of jeans, it's as lint-covered as any other rubbery-type case... Which is to say a lot.
Obviously, those quibbles are minor, but they're there. Bottom line? If you want an iPhone case, it's the one to get if you like the rubbery-type ones. It's my favorite of the 4 I have.
Any screen protection that you will recommend ? I mean a screen that can be applied on the phone and you can still use it ?
So far my phone has no case, and it's impressive how the iPhone is scratch proof -but lucky my iPhone was never dropped.
My major concern is for the screen, so if someone has a suggestion, please let me know.
Steve
http://www.inewsonly.com
The first ZUI news aggregator for the iPhone
El:
As for complaint #1, I thought this, too, at first. It turns out that the case is fine; it's just that it grips your iPhone so well that if you don't put it on perfectly straight, it's obvious. Try taking the case off and then putting it back on, being careful to get that edge straight before pulling the bottom of the case on.
Steve:
I like Power Support's Crystal Film Set:
http://iphone.macworld.com/2007/07/review_power_support_crystal_f.php
Dan, you're right. I took the Revo off and reapplied it top-first. It's a lot better now. Not 100% straight, but much better than it was before. In time, maybe I can "train" the silicon to stay where it needs to.
After reading the review here on iPhone Central, I went back and installed the privacy screen and the little rubber connector cover. I like both. The privacy screen makes it so fingerprints don't show up so readily.
I really like this case. It feels secure and the privacy film takes a bit getting used to but I have grown to like it. I haven't dropped the phone yet but I feel much more comfortable handling the phone without worrying about that.
To El from AZ:
If lint is stuck to the case don't try to brush off with your fingers, instead blow on it lightly and it'll fly right off. I also heard if you wash the case with some soap and water the case won't attract as much lint but I haven't tried that yet.
I just got this case with the blue. I love it! it feels sturdy in my hand. the textured case does add protection and a better grip! I looked at several cases and this was the last one i looked at and it was the right one! i highly recommend it.
Anyone have any thoughts on a case (iSkin Revo?) that also allows for some sort of stand?
We travel every once in a while and it would be nice to be able to have the iPhone stand up on the tray in front of us to watch movies, etc.
i had a question, i have read many things about this case. i am very excited in getting this case. but i was curious does end on scratching the iphone at all? I've had problems with past cases on my ipod and was curious if this case would effect my iphone at all?
can someone please help
Has anyone tried the belt clip for this, seems like it would be pretty bulky.
I am thoroughly impressed with how my case has held up. Maybe I got lucky but this one fits perfectly no problems with warping. FYI I put my iphone in top first.
The ViSOR is the coolest and keeps the screen from getting scratched while in my bag/pocket. Not to mention keeps my 2yr old from pressing buttons and making calls to god knows where, he's a busy one for sure! I also like the privacy film keeps prying NOSEY eyes off of my business ;)...
As far as the lint thing goes, it does seem to attract (just the nature of the silicone/rubber) lint HOWEVER I really think the "lint free technology" is meant to be applied moreso for the easy removal of the lint from the iskin. I just rub my fingers across the parts that got linty like magic it rolls up and comes right off! YAYE, Lint free once more!
I will comment that the rubber "port" cover didn't stay put and eventually fell off, so now it's lost. It could be user error in the installation though, maybe I didn't put it on good enough.... who knows?
I've *gasp* dropped my phone a couple of times on hard surfaces but all is well.... I think I will go now and order a new color! BLUE!
After finding myself not wanting to lug around my bulky iphone in it's clear protective case (with belt clip that folded out so the phone could stand on it's own), the revo has been a HUGE hit! It looks incredible! And there is something about how different the iphone feels when I hold it in my hand now that is makes it seem almost like a brand new & improved iphone. In the clear case the phone felt plastic. The revo fits very snugly and the phone feels more rugged and durable, if that makes any sense. It is so snug that my old belt clip will fit over it... but I prefer no clip. The revo allows my iphone to now sit on the dash while I am driving and has yet to slide off. And did I mention how incredibly cool it looks? Port cover and screen cover: two items that were designed to be lost as far as I am concerned. Other than that, the revo is hands down the best case out there!
Great case! i had the incase rubber thing that stretched out in a few weeks and finally bought this revo and love it.
My wife and I love the iSkin revo we both have iPhones... We are very impressed and thankful for the case... our 17 month old daughter is able to listen and watch her videos with the shield in place so she can't use the touch screen. She knows to press the home button but with audio the music keeps playing... she loves to carry it aroun with her listening to music or at restaurants watch videos. She has dropped the phones from her high chair and other places and the cover has worked perfectly. We can not say enough about how this case has allowed us to entertain and educate our daughter... We recommend this case to any one with small children
Can you dock the iphone without taking the iskin off?
the iskin revo is a great case, i had two previous cases and so far this one is by far my favorite! i am kinda bummed that i lost the plastic cover that goes over the screen witch really helps but i ordered another one so everything will be better. I HIGHLY RECOMEND THE ISKIN REVO!!!