iSkin duet case for iPhone review

Section: iPhone / iPod touch / iPad, iPhone, iDevice Accessories, Reviews

Category: iPhone soft case protection, belt holster
Developer: iSkin
System Requirements: iPhone 4
Price: $39.99 (revoClip available for $19.99)
Availability: Out now

Are holsters necessary for phones? Probably not, but there’s something fun about them—the tactile, tactical feel of snapping your phone out of a belt clip, because, ya know, your phone calls are so important that you need to be able to make them at a moment’s notice. The iSkin duet is actually two products: the revoClip belt holster and the iSkin solo skin for the iPhone itself. You can purchase them separately, or together as the duet.

The solo is a minimalist case—black, soft-shelled plastic with a rubbery feel. It’s a nondescript case with a low profile that comes in Onyx black if you buy it as part of the set (though it comes in a variety if purchased alone). It’s advertised as being incompatible with the Verizon iPhone; but the mute switch butts right up against the hole cut in the case, and is completely accessible. So, no problems there.

The revoClip holster has a belt clip that rotates 180 degrees with a solid click-stop action. The clip is hooked and hangs tightly on to a belt. In fact, I had a little trouble taking it off once or twice, but that’s probably a good thing. It grabs the iPhone by two corners on the bottom and one clip along the top.

You have to use the revoClip with a case—the iPhone itself it too skinny. iSkin notes that several of its cases are compatible with the revoClip, though most iPhone cases with a slim design should work as well. I tried the clip out with my Capsule case from Uncommon and the revo held it securely, though the top clip was holding it by the top of the thicker, hard plastic case, rather than wrapping around to the front.

The release action on the duet is a bit of a problem; the latch isn’t on a hinge, you’re just bending it away from the case enough to push the phone out.  One bonus of the revoClip’s design is that it can be used as a stand (in landscape mode), allowing you to videoconference or watch movies because you can store the iPhone in both face out and in positions. Oh, and in case you were curious, there aren’t any “holster settings” like you might find in a Blackberry product.

If you want to keep your iPhone on a belt, the iSkin duet is a good combo. While the iSkin is a decent if nondescript case, the revoClip does an excellent job of holding the iPhone securely. I wish it were a little easier to get the iPhone out (especially one-handed while hanging on a belt), but better that it hold a little to tightly than a little too loosely. My advice? Buy the clip, and look for a skin that better suits your sense of style.

Appletell Rating:

Buy the iSkin duet

Full Story » | Written by Bill Stiteler for Appletell. | Comment on this Article »

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