Jeff Campbell
07-14-2010, 06:31 PM
<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://xoskins.com/' target='_blank'>http://xoskins.com/</a><br /><br /></div><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/at/auto/1279070232.usr105634.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #d2d2bb;" /></p><p>I've used <a href="http://xoskins.com/" target="_blank">XO Skins</a> since the iPhone 3G came out. In fact that XO Skin is still on that iPhone (my son uses it now) still providing protection. I've also got one on my recently retired 3GS, so I was happy to see they came out with a version for the iPhone 4. If you aren't familiar, XO Skins are a thin layer of polyurethane that provides protection to a wide variety of electronic devices, such as phones, laptops, GPS devices and much more. XO Skins makes the skins device specific, and pretty much covers any electronic device out there. Don't believe me? Well head on over to their <a href="http://xoskins.com/products?zenid=07a7c7cc80c4e5525809ef2600f1ac6d" target="_blank">product page</a> and see for yourself. For the iPhone 4, they offer <a href="http://xoskins.com/apple-iphone-4-skin-protectors-screen-scratch-cases-shields-armor-guards" target="_blank">two types of protection</a>: front screen only for $11.96 USD and front and back screens with side protection for $19.96 USD</p><p><MORE /></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/at/auto/1279073445.usr105634.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #d2d2bb;" /></p><p><em>Figure 1: What comes in the package.</em></p><p>I was sent the front and back screen protection package to test out, which also included the side protection. The side protection consists of several strips of the same protective skin (in the above photo they surround the front screen protection on the right side), cut to cover the band around the iPhone 4. I'm sure you are all well aware of the problems that were reported with the antenna. If you are having that issue, you can install these side protection strips and they may just fix it since they cover the metal band surrounding the iPhone 4. If you don't like them, I suppose you can always go back to the duct tape, but these skins are much more attractive. Personally, I haven't had the issue so I didn't use them. </p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/at/auto/1279073053.usr105634.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #d2d2bb;" /></p><p><em>Figure 2: Edge of protection.</em></p><p>The thing I like about XO Skins is that they don't go all the way to the edge, they stop just short. What this prevents is the flipping up of the edge of the skin as the phone is used in day to day operation. I've found that on the protective skins by some other companies, they run the skin to the very edge of the device, which allows it to be rubbed up and peel back from the device. It also makes it harder to get the skin installed since you have less margin for error. The install for the XO Skins was very easy and only took a few minutes. And don't be alarmed if you see some foggy areas on your screens, after about 24 hours it goes away. As far as clarity and touch response, and I didn't find any reduction in either. </p><p><PAGE /></p><p><object width="600" height="360" data="http://www.youtube.com/v/-MaZ9s1HAz4&feature=player_embedded&ap=&fmt=18" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-MaZ9s1HAz4&feature=player_embedded&ap=&fmt=18" /></object></p><p>You can see from the video above that these skins are like all the other ones as far as protection, using the infamous key scratch test that prevents the iPhone 4 screen from being damaged. But if your screen already has a scratch in it, you might want to try these skins anyway since, according to XO Skins, they will fill up to 95% of the existing scratches to make it appear like your screen is in perfect condition. To top it all off, they have a generous <a href="http://xoskins.com/warranties" target="_blank">return policy and lifetime guarantee</a>. </p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/at/auto/1279128610.usr105634.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #d2d2bb;" /></p><p><em>Figure 3: This case won't work so well without trimming the skin.</em></p><p>I normally use an <a href="http://ifrogz.com/" target="_blank">iFrogz</a> case for my iPhone 4 (as shown above), but since it is such a tight fit, that will no longer be possible. For me, I was planning on picking up a silicon case of some kind so it's kind of a moot point. But if you have a similar tight fitting case, and you want to continue using it, I suggest trimming down the sides just a little so that the edges of the case wont pull on the XO Skin. I may in fact do this tomorrow if I don't find a case I like as much as the iFrogz one pictured above. The skins, tough as they may be while in use protecting your device, are actually pretty easy to customize with some sharp scissors so trimming will not be a problem. All in all another great fitting product from XO Skins, so if you are looking for protection for any of your devices, check them out...you won't be sorry.</p><p><em>Jeff Campbell is a fan of all things Apple, an X-boxer (the 360 kind) and geek. He works as a floor supervisor in a 911 center in the Portland, OR area, and lives in a small town just north of Mt. Hood with his wife, two kids, two dogs, a snake and a tarantula. Oh, and a three legged cat named "Tres."</em><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com//ppct/auto/1240336793.usr1.gif" /></p><p><strong>Do you enjoy using new hardware, software and accessories, then sharing your experience with others? Then join us on the </strong><strong><a href="http://www.thoughtsmedia.com/reviewteam.php" target="_blank">Thoughts Media Review Team</a></strong><strong>! We're looking for individuals who find it fun to test new gear and give their honest opinions about the experience. It's a volunteer role with some great perks. Interested? </strong><strong><a href="http://www.thoughtsmedia.com/reviewteam.php" target="_blank">Then click here for more information.</a></strong></p><p> </p><p> </p>