Review: iSkin eVo/eVo²

Back in December, when we reviewed the iSkin eXo², we thought that it could not get any better, since it had fixed many of the original iSkin eXo’s flaws. We were wrong. The iSkin eVo and eVo² are even more impressive. Since they’re essentially the same as the eXo², almost all of the original review applies.

The iSkin eVo was introduced earlier than the eVo², but both products were so similar, save for the cutouts for the iPod’s controls, we decided it would be best to combine the two into one review. Both products are identical in almost every other way. For the sake of the review, we’ll refer to both as eVos, and only address them separately for differences.

iSkin eVo

iSkin eVo + iTalk

iSkin eVo² + iTrip

iSkin eVo Dock Connector

iSkin eVo & eVo²

The iSkin eVos, like the other iSkin cases, are molded silicone “gloves” that fits the iPod quite snugly and protects it from everyday bumps, scrapes, scratches, and other marring. Apart from a redesigned cutout for the new click-wheel and a new screen protector, the eVo² is identical to the eVo. It’s easy to grip and feels good in your hand, not to mention that it doesn’t look tacky, like some cases- it’s an extension of the iPod itself.

Installation & Docking

Putting an iPod in the case is very simple, and instructions are included. Stretch the screen “opening” to fit the iPod in, and slide it down, dock connector first. Then, pull the other part over the top of the iPod until it’s snug. Finally, insert the included flexible plastic screen protector between the iPod and the case and you’re in business. Believe me, it’s a lot easier than it sounds, and the pictures in the documentation illustrate it very well.

Docking the iPod is fairly easy. If you have just the cable, it’ll fit on the bottom with no fuss. A flap covers the dock connector when a cable is not attached. If you have a dock, you must do the opposite of installation, only slide the bottom out through the opening for the scroll wheel. Supposedly, all this stretching and yanking on the silicone won’t hurt it.

Improvements & “Unimprovements”

Unlike the previous iSkin eXo², the eVos come with a plastic belt clip, which do not requires removal of the iPod to change orientation. A vertical and 2 horizontal positions are possible (one with the screen on the left and one on the right). Although the belt clip is small, it is, according to iSkin, more durable than the previous ones. To us, it felt flimsier and the belt clip had a bad habit of sticking to the back of our iPod.

The only other difference between the two eVos is that the eVo² includes a redesigned screen protector, with a more-solid-feeling 6 contact points around the screen. We were happy with the original screen protector that came with the eVo, but were even more impressed with the new one. It also seems to be clearer than the previous one, and works with the eXo², eVo, and eVo².

Finally, the silicone on the top of the case (where the headphone jack and hold switch are located) is thinner than the rest of the case. The thinner material allows the use of accessories, such as Griffin’s iTalk and iTrip, or anything else that sits atop the iPod.

Colors

The iSkin eVos are available in a multitude of colors, including some glow-in-the-dark ones. Glow-in-the-dark colors include lava (orange), vamp (purple), wasabi (green), and ghost (white). Other colors include arctic (white), sonic (blue), blush (pink), carbon (dark grey), and ebony (black). eVo² are also available in Wild Sides, a wacky line of cases with mixed colors.

Cleanup

The eVos attracts dust and lint easily, due to the nature of the silicone, although improvements cause dust and lint to not stick as easily as on previous models. Cleaning is easy; using water and a mild dishwashing solution (NO SOLVENTS!), will keep the iSkin eVos clean and looking good.

Tattoo

If you want to do a promotional-type thing with these, you can get your company logo or other thing printed on these or other iSkin products with the Tattoo service. Prices are in lots of 50, 100, 200, 300, and 400+. Another suggested use is for schools and universities as a special “campus edition” to go with computers sold to students.