iSkin solo

I recently received word from iSkin that their iSkin solo for iPhone 4 has been through a makeover with several improvements. As I own an ‘older’ version in my stable of iPhone 4 covers, I requested the new and improved version for a review.

iSkin solo

iSkin makes a wide range of iPhone and iPad covers, cases, and sleeves, as well as keyboard protectors. Both the iSkin solo and solo FX SE are one of the latest cases to incorporate Microban antimicrobial treatment. This helps to both prevent bacteria from growing on the case and to retain its bright colour.

iSkin solo colour range

Speaking of colours, both the solo and solo FX SE are available in Vive (the translucent purple featured in this review), Carbon (translucent black), Cosmo (translucent pink) and Bondi (translucent blue). I put the two cases together and compared them, feature for feature.

iSkin solo

First off, the case passes my test for launching iTunes/iPhoto when a standard 30-pin connector/USB cable is attached. The mic portal holes are now perfectly rounded to match the ports on the iPhone. You can see the difference between the two designs in the photo below.

iSkin solo

iSkin solo

The vibrate on/off switch area access design is also more streamlined: a tad narrower and less boxy in shape.

iSkin solo

I had hoped that the volume controls would now be exposed, but iSkin merely switched up the design, bringing the volume up and down buttons closer together. I can access the volume controls more easily in the new model, as the area contains less definition, making it touch-friendlier.

iSkin solo

The same definition is given to the power on/off switch area at the top, while the earphone jack hole is minimally smaller. I discovered another difference in the case’s rim: the two small notches located at each corner of the top are no longer.

iSkin solo

Why they were there in the first place is something I never figured out. The case looks much sleeker without it.

iSkin solo

The rear camera hole has been updated and now includes a dark molded ring around the edge of the hole, to help avoid photo flash glare. I also noticed that the side texture is easier to grip than in the earlier model.

iSkin solo

I still like this simple, well designed case for the one big feature that protects my phone the best: the beveled front! I’ve often been asked what to look for when buying an iPhone case, and my top two must-haves include this and the iTunes launch upon connection, mentioned above. If a case passes these two markers, I’m game to give it a try.

iSkin solo

The iSkin solo also comes with both a screen cleaning cloth and an LCD anti-static cleaning wipe. The handy little soft cloth stays inside my bag for use on the go.

iSkin solo

If you’re looking for a hard case, this won’t fit the bill. If however you’d like something flexible, easy to put on and remove, and to keep clean, the solo is a great choice.

iSkin solo

Kudos to iSkin for improving upon an already successful, easy to maintain case. All iSkin products come with a lifetime warranty. The iSkin solo retails for US $29.99, while the fancier, patterned iSkin solo FX SE costs $34.99. I’ve seen both models in stores around Vancouver.

Disclosure note: I was sent the iSkin solo for the purpose of writing this review: cmply.2

9 Comments

  • Comment by Ariane Behrend — October 12, 2011 @ 11:39 pm

    Thank you so much for this review! As a result of it, I ordered one online (after unsuccessfully searching for it around Vancouver). It arrived today and I am very happy with it!! I was afraid, after I placed my order through an Amazon reseller, that perhaps it was the old case since the (very small) photo seemed to show the notches, but luckily it was the new one that appeared on my doorstep! I do like the absence of the notches (which, I read, where intended to make it easier to put on and take off, though it seems easy enough without them) and the improved camera surround. What I most love about this case is that it seems sturdy enough to provide adequate protection, without having to go to a hard case. I like that it is easy enough to remove, without being too easy. My old rubbery case was wearing out and starting to come off on its own and was too sticky to easily slide into a pocket. The iSkin is sleek and slideable without being too slippery – love the grippy edges! Plus, I love the funky aqua-y colour (the “Bondi,” I guess). I don’t mind that the volume controls are covered – they still seem easy enough to operate … As far as I’m concerned, the more that is covered, the better, to prevent dirt/dust/moisture from getting in there. I feel this case provides the perfect amount of coverage while still providing easy access to all of the features of the phone. All in all the perfect design for my purposes. Thanks for the tip! 🙂

  • Comment by Gregg Klinger — November 15, 2011 @ 7:56 am

    I really have liked Iskin product in the past. Concerned about color choices that are more exciting than just black. Is the case you had more blue like it shows in the picture or is as purple as it looks on the website? I have a white phone.

    Thanks

  • Comment by arianec — November 15, 2011 @ 8:09 am

    It’s definitely more purple as on the iSkin website! I think it’d look great with a white phone (mine’s black, still looks good).

  • Comment by e — November 29, 2011 @ 2:57 pm

    I really like how it looks in these shots. Why is it more blue than purple? I want to buy this color (black is too plain) however I feel it look TOO purple in the product shots. If it looks exactly as it does in your images, I would be immediately sold. Now I don’t know what to do!

  • Comment by arianec — November 29, 2011 @ 3:03 pm

    e,

    It’s closer to the purple. My camera picked up a tad more blue in the shots. As I’m now holding the purple case in my hand, it’s a tad less red purple than in the product shot provided by iSkin, but definitely purple! I like the actual shade of purple. That said, the actual purple you see on your monitor as compared to the purple I’m seeing on mine, may also vary in the slightest.

    You are correct though: the shots I took are SLIGHTLY more blue-purple than the case in real life! Hope this helps 😉

  • Comment by e — November 29, 2011 @ 3:11 pm

    Have any shots of the case looking as natural as possible? I’m very picky and would hate to spend my money on this thing only to realize it’s not what I want. I’m still very confused! I noticed these shots are hosted on Flickr, any chance you could upload another for me to see?

    Thanks for your help.

  • Comment by arianec — November 29, 2011 @ 4:26 pm

    Hi e,

    I’ll try to get a photo posted by week’s end. Thoroughly swamped with work right now!

  • Comment by e — November 30, 2011 @ 12:32 pm

    Ariane,

    I went ahead and made the purchase. We’ll see how it looks on my phone. I’ve loved these iSkin products since iSkinned my 60gb iPod. I’m sure i’ll be pleased.

    Thanks for your help.

  • Comment by arianec — November 30, 2011 @ 12:59 pm

    e,

    I tried to take a few photos with two of my cameras, but I just can’t get the lighting to match the true colour of the case. Instead, I went to my Pantone swatch book, and the PMS 2617 U is the closest value to match the case. If you have Photoshop, you can open the program and find the colour picker, type in that number and it should give you a relatively good approximation.

    Obviously screens are going to vary slightly, but even if I photograph the case and find the right lighting, it will still vary just a shade from what you see on your end!

    Hope that helps.

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