Review: Speck’s ToughSkin and PixelSkin iPhone cases, and RadTech ClearCal screen protector
by Sandra Miller
www.macnn.com
Like a mom with a newborn baby, I felt scared: I just bought my first iPhone, the 3G, and I wanted it to be protected. Truth be told, my kid was a lot tougher than this delicate little phone. I braced myself, and told myself I wouldn’t buy any accessories immediately until I had test-driven a few cases. (I learned the hard way with my newborn, and have a basement full of underused “safety” products.) As it turns out, I couldn’t use my video iPod cases, like my fave leather TuneWear case that comes with a with protective flap and credit card pockets.
I don’t really need the credit card pockets, but I do want to protect my newest child. Since neither the Skin-Pro nor the PixelSkin came with any kind of screen protection, I ended up first applying a RadTech ClearCal for iPhone transparent Mylar sheet, which was very thin and tough-feeling.
It was easy to install, with hold-tabs to help you remove the front and back of the adhesive surface. It smudges very easily, but is easily wiped clean with the edge of my T-shirt; it also can be reapplied several times without leaving sticky residue. RadTech says it has a “blemish-healing effect” that hides minor scratches and surface defects. I took a scissors to the surface and although I could see the scratch even after rubbing it, I didn’t notice it when I powered up. After a week of using it, I don’t notice any scratches, and it is designed to last years. Designed for both 2G and 3G phones, the ClearCal offers a protector sheet for the back of the 2G phone only.
Once that was installed, I first tried out the PixelSkin for the 3G. This is the former ArmorSkin, designed for 2G iPhones, came in fewer colors, was equipped with a holster, and was $5 more. My skin came in “Blueberry Blue,” which I installed easily by sliding the bottom of my iPhone in through the screen cutout, then pulling the top corners around it. Billed as “fun, flexible protection,” the skin at 4 ounces is still fairly lightweight, and was easy to slip onto my phone. It covers the push-through button covers for the Sleep/Wake, Home and volume buttons, and exposes the ports and camera. One report says the hole for non-Apple headphone plugs will be a bit snug, but I didn’t find this with the couple of headphones I had lying around.
The skin is tough, and doesn’t slip off the iPhone at all. Its textured tile pattern allows for some grip, although I think it is still a little slippery. About 2mm thick, my iPhone would be safe in most accidental drops, although the screen is still vulnerable. As the mom of a 4-year-old with lightning-quick grabhands for shiny new toys that come in Blueberry Blue, I would like to have had a leash installed for extra security. Other kid-friendly colors are Spearmint Green, Sherbet Pink, Huckleberry Purple and Corncob Yellow, and it also comes in Licorice Black and Marshmallow White.
Still, I find the PixelSkin a little bulky to slip into my pocket or a smaller purse, so I tried the Skin-Pro, a “rugged case and holster with stand” for the iPhone. Unfortunately, this was made for the 2G, but I tried it anyway.
The Skin-Pro silicone skin comes in black or a milky-clear color, while the polycarbonate plastic hard case holster is just offered in black. It offers a more rubbery, grippy feel than the PIxelSkin, and fits like a wetsuit for a slim profile. It’s easy to slip around the iPhone, and stays put. You don’t have to remove the case to sync using the cable or dock.
The holster works nicely as a stand – both horizontally and vertically -- once I figured out how to push the clip into the little hole. The holster features a click-swivel belt clip that fits easily onto my belt or along a purse pocket for easy grab. I considered the holster clip a tad loose-fitting, and wouldn’t trust it to hold my iPhone safely.
Still, while I wouldn’t use it as a belt clip, a friend of mine who used it loved the beltclip, and said it was easy to clip on and off and was more lightweight than the leather holsters she’s used to.
Again, using a 2G holster with my 3G iPhone, it felt a little slippy inside the hard case. I would consider using some Velcro to secure it, or use the holster inside my purse or as a stand, but not on my belt.
As a woman, I’m not big on placing phones on my hip, anyway. It adds pounds to the profile For 3G, consider the ToughSkin for 3G, which features thicker edges with rubberized corner bumpers for extra shock absorption. Or SeeThru, a $29.95 hard Shell Case and Stand with candy colors, a removable bottom for docking.
PixelSkin
http://www.speckproducts.com/products/pixelskin/iphone-3g/143
Msrp: $24.95
Rating: 4
Pros: Thick case that retains shape and fit, fun colors
Cons: doesn’t protect screen, still a bit slippery, could use a leash
Skin-Pro
http://www.speckproducts.com/products/skinpro/iphone/117
Msrp: $24.95
Rating: 4
Pros: stand, slim fit
Cons: no protection for screen
Speck of Palo Alto, Calif.
http://www.speckproducts.com/
ClearCal screen protector -
RadTech
http://www.radtech.us/Products/iPhone_ClearCal.aspx
MSRP: $9.95 for one sheet; $17.95 for 2G front and back panel set
Pros: easy to apply, scratch-resistant, long-lasting
Cons: smudges easily although easy to clean; doesn’t repel bullets
