Clean yes, germs no - A review of the iSkin Vibes for the BlackBerry Bold 9900 / 9930

Protect yourself, while protecting your BlackBerry smartphone. Do you know how many germs and bacteria are on your BlackBerry?! Just think about what comes in contact with your smartphone whenever you pass it along to someone for them to check something out. Or how many less than sterile surfaces you’ve put it down on, and only you know how many times you’ve used your BlackBerry on the toilet to keep you in business while doing your business (just make sure you flush after you end the call). Sure it’s easy to wipe your BlackBerry clean, but what if you had a skin or case on it? You’re one white skin or case may take on a yellowish hue over time, and may even start to smell as bad as it looks.

iSkin has long been the leading expert on protection, style and cleanliness with their line of BlackBerry skins. I first learned of their products a few years ago and had the opportunity to try them out on my Bold 9000. As I said in an earlier review, the iSkin solution “means style without staining and looking funky without smelling funky”. It’s high time that I make the introduction between the iSkin and my Bold 9900- what do you think?

The iSkin Vibes for the BlackBerry Bold 9900 comes with a clear screen film (dry application), the LCD Anti-static cleaning wipe to use prior to and after the application of the film, a microfiber cleaning cloth and some iSkin stickers to give the company some potential free advertising.

Putting a case on your BlackBerry is, typically, not only for protection, but for personalization as well. Over time, you’ll usually notice the once sleek, sexy skin covering your phone has lost its lustre. The iSkin is made of high quality, second generation soft TPU (Thermoplastic polyurethane) polymer that boasts elasticity and transparency. It’s also resistant to oil/grease staining and good old fashioned wear and tear.

What really sets the iSkin line apart is its Microban protection against bacteria that cause stain and odour (not including your own funk though). You can definitely feel the quality in the build of the iSkin. Although it’s roughly 1mm thick (at it’s thickest), it’s surprisingly sturdy as far as keeping its shape. It’s flexible enough for an easy application, but no where near as flimsy as a basic silicone skin. The iSkin Vibes is durable enough to protect your BlackBerry from everyday wear and tear or from the occasional minor drop. Your media keys, and the lock/unlock button are completely covered, while still remaining functional. Coming from using the BlackBerry Hard Shell case, I did find it slightly more difficult to use them, but only slightly. Cut outs are found for the USB port, the headphone jack, camera, flash, speaker and mics. Unlike the iSkin for the BlackBerry Bold 9000, this iSkin does not include removable covers for the headphone jack or USB port. Around the camera and flash, the case has a more solid strip about it. 

Not only does this bacteria blocking skin sport very stylish curves and textured patterns, you can definitely feel a solid grip while operating your BlackBerry one-handed. For the BlackBerry Bold 9900/9930, iSkin has four colours available; the Carbon Black I have, as well as Diva Pink, Vive Purple and Bondi Blue. I really like the unique look and feel of the iSkin Vibes as it gives a sense of ruggedness without looking rough at all.

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