Section: iPhone / iPod touch / iPad, iPhone, iDevice Accessories, Reviews
Provides: Complete protection for iPhone 4
Developer: iSkin
Minimum Requirements: iPhone 4
Price: $39.99
Availability: Now
Truth: I can’t own an iPhone without owning a revo from iSkin. I just won’t do it. I won’t always use the case…in fact, most of the time I won’t. But when I want full protection for iPhone 4, the revo4 is my case of choice.
I’ll get to my specific uses in a moment. First, here’s what the revo4 provides.
Protection
When your iPhone is in the case, next to nothing is exposed, not even the touchscreen; the clear plastic ViSOR latches down over top of it. When you need access to the screen, you can latch the ViSOR onto the back. A wide opening at the top allows the ear speaker, front camera and such to do their thing, but the home button is covered with a recessed circle for easy location and use. On the side, the volume buttons are covered but accurately indicated on the case. The silencer switch is open.
On top, the headphone port is open, the power button is covered. On the bottom the mic and speaker are open, while the dock port has a flap that tucks in comfortably but can be easily pulled back for access. The opening for the camera on the back is wide enough that I noticed no problem with the flash.
In other words, the chances of damage are greatly reduced should you drop your case. Obviously, a firm grip is your best protection from a cracked iPhone screen, but the revo4 will give you solid protection against shock and impact.
Safety
The revo4 “... is made with premium Japanese silicone - a safe, inert and hypoallergenic polymer that is made with silica, a natural element found in sand ... and does not contain chemicals such as phthalates, BPAs, PVC or lead.” Do other iPhone cases? I have no idea, but I guess this is good to know. It’s also good to know that the revo4 is “... embedded with Microban antimicrobial product protection which protects against fungus and bacteria that can cause stain and odor on the product.” This all adds up to case that’s safe to hold and pass around.
Design
Cases with this much protection are often bulky hunks of silicone that aren’t all that great to hold or look at. The revo4 won’t be winning any fashion awards, but it looks pretty sharp considering its focus on functionality. The duotone shell comes in four designs: dark brown + black, dark brown + white, pink + black and dark brown + yellow. At least, that’s what the website says. My case is the yellow one, and you have to study it pretty hard to believe that the dark brown isn’t black. I would like to see more color options made available, with some that don’t involve dark brown or black, but it’s not worth complaining about.
Use
Now, like I said, I don’t use this case all the time. Because it slips on and off easily enough (although I did at one point put a slight tear in one of the corners of the screen opening), I mainly use it when carrying my phone in a laptop bag or luggage. No matter what scrapes against the screen or back, my iPhone is safe.
But my favorite use is when I’m using the iPhone as a GPS unit. My cradle is attached to the windshield via suction cup. It’s secure, but it still makes me uneasy when travelling over bumpy roads. What if the cradle falls off or the iPhone slips out? It hasn’t happened, but I have the revo4 as insurance in case it does. I can’t say for certain that a fall will be completely absorbed by the revo4, but I feel a lot safer nonetheless. Even if the screen smacks right up against the gear shift, I’ve got it protected by the ViSOR.
Conclusion
If you like to keep your iPhone slim and natural, I won’t recommend the iSkin revo4 for everyday use. It’s built to be used that way, yes, but I prefer to not mess around with the screen protector, dock flap and such every time I have a call or need a charge. But when travelling, or even just going to an event where I know my phone will be passed around a lot, the revo4 is a must have accessory. $40.00 may seem expensive, but the first time you see the phone fall or end up in the hand of some kid who’s using his other hand to wipe his nose, you won’t mind the purchase.
Appletell Rating:
Buy the iSkin revo4
Full Story » | Written by Kirk Hiner for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »
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