*NEW* iSkin Evo Users

[renderboy]

review picture

[renderboy]

iSkin eVo:
Protection and Style!

A Hands-on Users? Look
by Renderboy
05/23/2004

Rating: **** (four out of four stars)

When I look for an iPod case I have 2 main things in mind. Protection & Style. The iSkin evo does this better than any of the silicone cases out there. But how? Read on.

PROTECTION - Covering What?s Important
The easiest parts to damage on your iPod is the open Firewire port (with its connector tongue exposed) and the iPods? LCD display (which if hit with any force, could stop working). The iSkin evo has these covered - literally. The iSkin evo is the ONLY silicone iPod case out there to have a Firewire port flap cover which conveniently flips up so you can plug in the Firewire cord. It also flaps closed to provide serious protection for the Firewire port.

The iSkin evo?s super clear screen protector is the best and highest impact resistant screen protector available today for the silicone cases. This is the ONLY silicone case screen protector out there that protects the iPod?s LCD display from hard impacts. I have personally experienced a hard impact to my iPod?s display that should have shattered it and turned my iPod into an expensive door stop. Except that I had the durable iSkin screen protector in place - which saved my display. It?s the perfect low-cost insurance to protect your iPod display. In addition, the iSkin people now have built-in rubber feet on the back of this screen protector so there is NO possibility of scratching the iPod screen - ever.

STYLE - Engineered With Sexy Apple-Like Style
The iSkin covers the most important stuff but lets enough of the original iPod to show through so you don't loose that Apple look. The iSkin people have engineered a sleek curving edge around the scroll wheel that echoes Apple styling. The scroll wheel and buttons are open for ease of use too. I don't like the other silicone cases out there that completely cover up the iPod. Covering up the buttons and scroll wheel, with even thin silicone, makes it less sensitive to touch response.

On the iSkin evo the iPods? buttons are especially easy to get to because the case is beveled around the button area. So your fingers easily touch the buttons. The evo case is thin enough at the top to allow any of the iPod accessories to plug in to the top headphone jack. The hold button is also very easy to access too.

At first, the clear high impact plastic belt clip doesn't look as tough as the stainless steel belt clip used on the iSkin exo 2. But, looks are deceiving. I gave this belt clip a workout, by running with the evo clipped to my waist as I jogged. It hung tough! It also took several falls to a hard floor on the belt clip and it didn't crack! The iSkin evo belt clip rotates and solidly clicks into 5 different rotary positions too. Additionally, the iSkin evo?s belt clip has a soft rubber backing that sits against your iPod so there's NO possibility for scratching here either.

CONCLUSION
iSkin has engineered the perfect case that mirrors the Apple style while giving you the ability to wear and position the iPod any way you like. Not only that, they give you protection that is second to none in all of the silicone cases sold. You could only get more protection in a heavier hard case.

The iSkin evo provides a BEAUTY of a case with a BEAST size of engineered protection.

[renderboy]

iSkin Evo Users? Review Picture

NOTE: The clear carrying case is now a much softer TPU than the previous material used on the iSkin eXo 2 carrying cases. The carrying case shapes around the EVo much better.

[renderboy]

iSkin Evo Users? Review Picture

[renderboy]

iSkin Evo Users? Review Picture

[renderboy]

iSkin Evo Users? Review Picture

[bhb399mm]

nice.. nice photos... do you have any idea if the hole for the dock conector in the bottom is big enough to fit the belkin auto kit plug? i've heard that hole in the iskin is barely big enough to fit the apple plug

[renderboy]

iSkin Evo Users? Review Picture

[renderboy]

Originally posted by bhb399mm
nice.. nice photos... do you have any idea if the hole for the dock conector in the bottom is big enough to fit the belkin auto kit plug? i've heard that hole in the iskin is barely big enough to fit the apple plug

I really have no problem fitting in the Apple firewire plug to charge or transfer music to the iPod with the iSkin case on. I do not have the Belkin charger to verify your other question.

[orbit]

great review & photos.. thanks!

[ladyslug]

Those photos are fantastic! One question: do you ever have problems with the white Ghost eVo getting dirty? I considered the Ghost, but ended up with the Vamp due to that concern.

[Zman]

Great Review and pictures.

3 questions, however:

1) Does the firewire port cover put pressure and torque on the firewire plug when attached; therefore, transfering that pressure to the ipod?

2) Has the manufacturer addressed the concerns regarding the potential for scratches by the clip as addressed in the post started by trose49 in this same forum? Any concerns with scratching the display screen?

3) Are the small holes in the back actually adequate to disperse the heat while the HD is running/charging? Any concerns regarding heat build up?

[renderboy]

Originally posted by ladyslug
Those photos are fantastic! One question: do you ever have problems with the white Ghost eVo getting dirty? I considered the Ghost, but ended up with the Vamp due to that concern.

The lighter cases obviously show any lint, etc. So the Vamp was a good choice for you. I don't pocket my iPod, but rather use the belt clip to tote it around, so I don't get the lint others do.

[ladyslug]

Lint's no big deal. I actually meant: do you have any problems where it picks up smudges (from dirt or dye) from being in the outdoors, or rubbing against clothing, or inside a purse/bag, etc.?

[renderboy]

Originally posted by Zman
Great Review and pictures.

3 questions, however:

1) Does the firewire port cover put pressure and torque on the firewire plug when attached; therefore, transfering that pressure to the ipod?

2) Has the manufacturer addressed the concerns regarding the potential for scratches by the clip as addressed in the post started by trose49 in this same forum? Any concerns with scratching the display screen?

3) Are the small holes in the back actually adequate to disperse the heat while the HD is running/charging? Any concerns regarding heat build up?

Answers:
1) No. Actually the soft silicone flap provides the best protection out there to keep the Firewire tongue from getting dust & dirt, or any bumps to it.

2) Hmm. I can't say why Trose49 has any scratching since the belt disc is plastic with a rubberized backing and the iPod back is a hard stainless steel. I have not seen any scratching on my unit and I used the 2 iSkin EVO's I have for jogging and vigorous exercise. I really whip it around. Some people pocket their iPods and dirt gets in between the case and and the iPod. With the dirt trapped in there, some scuffing could occur. This can happen with any foreign matter in contact with the surface of an iPod with any style case. Care should be taken to keep the iPod and case cleaned periodically - no matter what case you use. That said, rumors are that iSkin is going one step further and adding additional rubber stabilizing pads to the belt clip backing to help the few that may have some issues with this (these guys really listen to their customers).

3) The vents are more than adequate and my iPod rarely even warms during transfers of music. However, Apple does warn that if you run your iPod continuosly (for hours hooked up to your computer) or if you transfer an entire iPod of music during a single session, you'd be best to have the ipod out of any of the case.

[renderboy]

Originally posted by ladyslug
Lint's no big deal. I actually meant: do you have any problems where it picks up smudges (from dirt or dye) from being in the outdoors, or rubbing against clothing, or inside a purse/bag, etc.?

I don't pocket my iPod much and I don't have a purse (I'm a man). However, I do throw it in my work tote bag that has lots of lint and junk. If it picks up dirt or other stuff I usually can brush it off or give it a quick washing (rarely needs this). I'm not that fussy about a little lint on the case though. I wear it jogging and I don't notice any material gathering on it. The belt clip keeps it solidly in place and it doesn't move around much.

[uhtrocks]

nice job with the review, however, I have heard that the belt clip DOES scratch....look in the other forums...nice job anyways

[trose49]

Make sure you read this post before you buy!

http://www.ipodlounge.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=30732

[renderboy]

Any case can cause scratching to an iPod if you let dirt get in between the case and the iPod. Please take care to clean your case when needed and the scratching, some seem to get, should not be an issue.

I've practiced this using the iSkin cases and I've been able to sell my old iPod as a pristine "like-new" iPod on eBay already. And at a profit from what I bought it at too (sold 2nd gen 20GB iPod last fall for $275 - bought it new for $250 from DELL). I'm planning on selling my current iPod in a few months again when I think the new iPods will come out. So I'm interested in keeping my iPod in "like-new" condition. So far my iPod still looks like brand new (it's almost a year old and used every single day), thanks to my iSkin cases.

[JBF]

You misunderstand renderboy. The belt clip causes severe scuffing on the back of the iPod. Multiple people have found this. It's not dirt or grime. It's the belt clip.

[renderboy]

I understood the comment, but I have to say that I've never had this experience with the 2 EVO's I have, so I offered my thoughts on this.

If you have any questions about this, you should probably be posting in the message threads that cover this. Maybe they can give you the answers you're looking for. But, I'm certain I haven't seen any scratching from my own iSkin evo plastic belt clips. I can't speak for others though.

As I mentioned, iSkin is rumored to have a new padded belt disk in the works anyway. If this concerns you, you might want to wait until its released to buy an EVO. It really is a nice case.

All in all, I think you'd have more scratches if you leave your iPod unprotected. At least with the EVo you'd have some protection.

[Nobody]

iSkin updated the case to address this problem. Here is a transcript of an e-mail they sent me:

Hello ,

Thank you for contacting iSkin.

If you order the iSkins next week [Ed: week of 5/24/04, i.e. NOW!], they will contain the improved screen
protector and belt clips.

Thank you for your interest with iSkin.

Regards,
Michelle
------------------------------
ISkin Customer Service
www.iSkin.com
info@iSkin.com

[Trekbiker]

sweet! I just ordered my Sonic Evo around 7 o'clock tonight and then I read this. I sure hope I get the revised one! I'll make sure to get some pics of it if it is!

[ipodm]

I really do not understand, I see so many posts that this iskin product has problems with their blet clip and screen protector but then I see this post by renderboy that make me want to buy the product. I searched the forum and found that there was a previous problem with the iskin screen protector and belt clip and this same renderboy defended both the belt clip and screen protector but then the iskin company changes both of these and once again there is a problem and once again renderboy defends them. Who can you believe? :confused:

[renderboy]

iSkin Evo Users? Review Picture

My VAMP pics

[renderboy]

Thanks for the kind words on my Review here. I have more Vamp and Ghost pictures if anyone wants to see them. I'll take requests too.

[jhansman]

Well, based on your review and pics, I took the plunge on the Ghost. Thanks for putting all that up. I wish now I had waited on the Exo flap I got, because it has turned out to be a major disappointment. Ah, the (seemingly) eternal pursuit of the perfect case.....

[Trekbiker]

how about pics of just the front of the iPod with the Evos on it?

[Rage710]

Nice Review. Great pictures and angle's. Really nice job.

[ladyslug]

Damn, your Vamp case looks deeply purple -- far more purple than mine. Could it be lighting, or do you think it's just lot variations?

[renderboy]

Originally posted by ladyslug
Damn, your Vamp case looks deeply purple -- far more purple than mine. Could it be lighting, or do you think it's just lot variations?


No, mine is probably the same exact color as yours. The picture I took turned out dark and I should have corrected it before posting.

[dubluv]

for those of you that are worried about the back getting scratched up due to the belt clip do what i did, pick up some screen protector film for PDA's, stick to the bach and you're golden...when in the case the ipod back is mot clearly seen, so you can protect the shiny finish and use the beltclip...and by the way stick some of the film on the LCD before you put the plastic "window" that protects it. Now trapped dirt won't srape up your LCD either.

[renderboy]

Originally posted by Trekbiker
how about pics of just the front of the iPod with the Evos on it?

Here you go. The pics are still a little dark though.

[renderboy]

?and the vamp

[renderboy]

Originally posted by dubluv
for those of you that are worried about the back getting scratched up due to the belt clip do what i did, pick up some screen protector film for PDA's, stick to the bach and you're golden...

An inexpensive alternative to the PDA film is to use clear thin window vinyl cling film that you can get at any craft store (buy the thinnest they have). PDA film sheets generally cost around $20 a pack (ouch!). The window cling film runs about 75 cents for 1 square yard! Cut it down to whatever size you need. This works well under the LCD display too.

[Trekbiker]

cool deal. my sonic Evo arrived today and I'm loving it! I'll try to get some pics up once I can get ahold of my bro-in-law's digital camera.

[iPod Master]

what do you think about the ghost color? could you post a close up front view of it?thanks :)

[iPod Master]

also, how good does the ghost glo? it is bright? and how long does it last and how much light exposure does it need?

[renderboy]

Originally posted by iPod Master
what do you think about the ghost color? could you post a close up front view of it?thanks :)

Look at the first page images on this thread. Those are the ghost close up.

[renderboy]

Originally posted by iPod Master
also, how good does the ghost glo? it is bright? and how long does it last and how much light exposure does it need?

Well, brightness and length of glowing is pretty subjective. depends how much you expose it to light before going in a dark area. I know that the 15 min. commute home really charges it up, because when I walk in the house the case glows brighter blue white than the white ceramic color.

[tonheko]

where?s the best place to buy the EVO??? (i would by in iskin?s site but they dont accept american express)

[Trekbiker]

you can get it from www.apple.com or www.theistore.com

[tonheko]

allright

thank ya

[40gbiPodMike]

One question? I got an iSkin Evo and it doesnt fit in the dock when i try and sync my iPod. Its a 40GB iPod but i have to peel the bottom of the skin back so the iPod fits in the dock.

[Trekbiker]

no iPod fits in the dock with a skin on it. the only one that will let you do it is a Lajo Xskn Flp. just go ahead and peel the bottom off when you dock it, or not use the dock at all.

[Jansen2548]

I read one of the best suggestions on these forums just the other day. If you would like to dock your ipod with the 15gb models that don't come with a dock shipped, and have a silicone case, buy a dock seperately but buy the model for the 30/40gb size. It performs the same task in charging, snycing and line out, but the slot in which is there for your pod is wider due to 30/40gb models naturally being thicker. Not surprisingly, 15/20gb ipods fit snugly in these docks with silicone skins on. And you won't need to brutally rip of a layer of the casing to do it.

[40gbiPodMike]

Originally posted by Trekbiker
no iPod fits in the dock with a skin on it. the only one that will let you do it is a Lajo Xskn Flp. just go ahead and peel the bottom off when you dock it, or not use the dock at all.

How else can i sync my iPod to get music on it without docking it?

[Rockyroad]

Originally posted by 40gbiPodMike
How else can i sync my iPod to get music on it without docking it?

You can do it by taking the cable that normally goes into the Apple dock, and plugging it directly into the iPod itself, bypassing the use of the dock.

Having a 20gb, I do like that suggestion of buying the 40gb dock to allow space for the iSkin. I was considering removing the white plastic top piece of the dock and making a wider replacement out of wood or something.

[statezero]

does anyone else know if you get the entire package when you buy it from the apple store?

i believe from iskin you get the screen protector, belt clip, and a cheap lookin clear zipper case.

but do you get these items when bought at the apple store?

[Trekbiker]

you'll get all but the zip case, i believe. it's actually a descent case. I used it to put my charger on my trip to Mexico at the beginning of the month.

[Rockyroad]

Originally posted by statezero
does anyone else know if you get the entire package when you buy it from the apple store?

I bought from the Apple store and got the belt clip and screen protector but not the clear zip case (a shame).

[emrldjetta]

OK, I think I am about to get the iSkin EVO but have a simple question before I lay down my money: how do you put the iPod into the case? Can you take it in and out easily, without scratching the iPod? No, I don't plan to take it in and out a lot but i want to be really sure it is secure in there. TIA to anyone who answers this.
Kyle ;)

[Trekbiker]

it's sorta like a banana....you just peel it right off. it may be a little more difficult with the clip attached, but i've never tried it with the clip, as i just stick it in my pocket. it couldn't be THAT much harder. as for putting it on, the last 1/4 inch is probably the most difficult, but you can probably put it on in under 30 seconds.

[trose49]

Renderboy do you work for Iskin?? Sounds like it!
Read this link before you are so convinced.
http://www.ipodlounge.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=30732

The *new* fix is weak at best. This will scratch IPODS!

[Trekbiker]

Renderboy, or me?

anyway, i felt a little sketchy about the new clip, so i haven't tried it yet. seems like it could still get scratched just moving around. but i don't clip my iPod, so i don't have any problems with that.

[musiclover]

Hey in your picture the vamp looks like it's blue rather than purple is your picture not accurate or what?

[zurichtech]

Hello:
I would like to know how they acheived iTrip compatability with this case. Is there a larger cut-out at the top of the case or is it simply the silicon material being much thiner?

Anyone got recommendations on modifying an iSkin Exo 2 for iTrip compatability?

Kevin

[Trekbiker]

it is just much thinner. if you look, it is much more transparent than the rest of the case

[IcePalm]

Just in reply to musiclover: I got my Vamp iSkin on Saturday and it is very definitely purple (but if it's been UV-charged then if you walk into a shadowy/dark area then it looks bluey-purple and you go into a very dark room then it glows weird light turquoisy-blue).

See attachment for how mine looks

Zurichtech: the top of the skin is kind of bevelled really thin...much thinner than the rest of the case (I've taken a couple of pictures but because I am possibly the worst photographer ever :rolleyes: , I won't post them (sooo blurry!) but if you want to see then PM me :) )

[pod-ninja]

Does the glow make it easier to see on a dark bus on the "Ghost" Evo?

[third_floor]

I'm looking to get a case for my iPod, but I have a question. What are the differences between the Exo and the Evo? All I can see is a different screen cover and a belt clip. Which would you recommend?

EDIT: Well, considering that the Exo is discontinued as of today (30/06/04), I think I'm going with the Evo. :)

[Mister E]

Could somebody post a picture of the Sonic color? Does it really look as cool as it does on the iSkin website?