90
This case offers some great features and some silly bonuses. As I'm lazy I will just briefly run down the key points.
(7)Advantages:
+No need to remove the PSP from the case for operation.
+This case offers sufficient protection for keeping your PSP in your bag and from small knocks and bangs.
+The case is, as cases go, rather compact.
+The umd holder is in just the right spot to provide storage with no added bulk.
+The case is, as cases go, rather stylish.
+Easy access to all ports, including the umd thingy without need to remove the PSP from the case.
+Unobtrusive two slot memory card storage.
(4)Disadvantages:
-The kickstand is kinda unnecessary, adds to bulk and gets in the way when holding the PSP.
-The stupid Iskin logo is to prominent and ruins the 'style' of the case.
-Access to the PSP's memory card slot requires taking the PSP out of the case.
-Will not protect from large bangs or collisions.
Conclusion:
I really like this case however there are a couple things left to be desired. The price I paid (£25) was perfectly reasonable considering it is leather. On the other hand taking the PSP out of the case makes you realise just how small the PSP really is and you wonder why your simply not just using a small slip case. I beleive this a good purchase if you don't have much space in your bags or pockets. You get a couple games, protection and whatever else you got stored on your memory cards in a compact deal.
90
This is not meant to rival the Logitech PlayGear, or any other hardshell case out there. This is meant as a STYLISH, SOPHISTICATED wallet for the PSP. The protection will come from your careful hands, and common sense.
I have been hunting high and low for a case such as this. Stylish, and mature looking but still able to carry a few mem sticks, and at least 1 spare UMD. I like this case because of the tactile feel, and it does not excude GEEK while I'm playing my PSP in public. It's kinda like the difference between using a nylon woven laptop bag, versus a designer leather bag. Products such as this certainly remind the none gaming public that video games are no longer confined to beer splilled stinky dorm rooms.
For travel protection, I keep the PSP and iSkin inside my laptop bag / shoulder bag / backpack, and use some common sense.
The only rival to this is the Vaja case ($200).. But that's a ludicrous case which costs more than the PSP itself.. BUT far far more stylish than anything on the market, including the iSkin.. see ? Now I've piqued your curiosity because if you're considering the iSkin, stylish protection is what you want..
I only have 2 beefs:
1) the left directional, circle, and analog stick is barely blocked by the perimeter of the sleeve. With a bit of mental adjustment you can work around this. I dunno why they couldn't contour the border a bit better..
2) that "iSkin" logo on the cover completely defeats the sophistication the product excudes.. It's like building a Benz, and slapping on big "BENZ" text on the hood.. It woulda been better if instead of RAISED bold lettering, they simply had subtle embossed lettering..
92
I had the Core Case but wanted something that looked more sophisticated. I also wanted something that would still offer comparable protection and functionality. After a lot of research and deliberating I settled on the iSkin Neo, and received it for Christmas.
Aesthetics/Construction - It looks fantastic and really catches people's eyes. While it's still a handheld game system, I don't feel as silly pulling it out in a more professional setting. It also feels wonderful. The lambskin leather is VERY soft and just begs to be touched. It also seems to be holding up well so far, although I've only had it for 4 days.
Performance/Usability - I don't throw my PSP around like it's a bouncy ball (and don't know why anyone would) so I mainly want a case to protect it while it's lying around on a table or being transported inside another bag or jacket pocket. With that in mind, the Neo performs to all of my expectations. There is sufficent padding to protect it, and the inside (and outside for that matter) is nice and soft. It allows access to all the ports and switches while in the case. You will have to remove the PSP from the case to change umds, but that's not a huge deal to me. I also like the fact that it can hold an extra UMD. I normally don't play more than 1 or 2 different games at a time so it works out perfectly for me. It can also hold 2 mem. sticks, but it looks like they might rub on the screen. I haven't tried it, but I don't have a need to carry an extra mem. stick anyway, but it's something to think about. It also has a kick stand that snaps into the back of the case and stays out of the way when not in use. It works about as good as you'd expect. I have no complaints.
Overall - This is a great case if you're requirements are similar to mine. I don't know why anybody would need a case to be able to survive 20 foot drops, but if that's what you want this case probably isn't for you. If you want a great looking case that has good functionality and acceptable protection, this is a great option.
95
Looks - 95
This is what is the main factor in chosing any product that you don't know much about and this case is very nice looking. Everything about it has its place, and fits together nicely. Nothing seems out of place, and if it wasn't for the raised letters, it would be perfect.
Use - 90
I got this case even knowing that people were complaining that the edges hamper your ability of hit the buttons. Though I can see and feel where they are coming from, after playing Maveric Hunter X and Socom extensively, I have come to the conclusion that it does not affect me. I believe that it comes down to how you hit buttons on a controller.
Most of the unit is held together by button snaps which hold better, sound better, but take a slight bit longer to 're-assemble' than velcro. The flap that protects the screen is magnetic which is great and annoying at the same time. The thing that gets on my nerves about it is the fact that it can sometimes feels closed, but in reality its a bit off center and unlatches easliy. But it does feels solid when it is latched.
Everything is easilly accessable with the case on. The switches, USB ports and speakers are not covered up. The back part of the case flips back so you can load a different UMD and even can hold an extra one. The top of the screen flap can hold 2 MS pro duos, and after generous use, do not seem to damage the screen. In fact, the screen stays cleaner in the spot where the memory sticks are supposed to be. Finally it has a kick stand which seems to keep the PSP at the perfect height to watch on restaurant tables and such.
Portability - 100
With space to carry an extra UMD, 2 extra memory cards, AND not adding much extra weight or bulk to the PSP, while keeping it a bit safer it gets a perfect score.
Overall
Overall I am very satisfied with this product and finished with my Playgear.
30
I was pretty excited, because it was a cool blue, and it just felt good in my hands and I couldn't wait to put it on my PSP. So I put it on and then all the excitement quickly faded away. It fit the PSP but it wasn't the snug fit I expected, and no matter how hard I tried it always looked like it didn't quite fit to the bottom of the PSP. I thought I could live with it, but realized I couldn't when I started to play SOCOM.
Based on the way it is designed, the sides of the casing fit well to the circle button and the left directional arrow. So when it came time to press those two buttons I found I was always hitting the case, and that made gameplay not very fun. At the end of the weekend I decided to go back to my Logitech case.
The I-Skin also started to show signs of wear on some of the edges after only a weekend of use. Another thing I noticed but didn't try to use was that there was no protection between the memory stick and my lovely fingerprinted PSP screen.
Overall, poor fit/design hampers gameplay unless you have really thin fingers. There is no buffer zone between the memory stick and your PSP screen. Finally, is it really leather or that synthethic crap?
97
While many will bolster that this is mearly a purse or that it is not functional and pass this case by I-Skin up, you will sadly lose out on one of the best cases on the market.
I-Skin is best known for thier stylish, ergonomical, and safety cases primarily for the iPod products. While costly, they do exactly what is advertised and they do it right. Tight fitting protective gear that looks hip and stylish. This is not your Logitech case. Comparing the I-Skin line of products to others on the market is like comparing a Dell laptop case to a Kenneth Cole bag. This is tailored to an older, more stylish audience that isn't going to throw it around at the playground or at home.
First off, let me point out that previous reviews are a bit misleading. One point I must stress is that you do not have to remove the PSP from the case in order to change games as some have previously reported. How this started I will never know, but I am here to set the record straight. You simply open the back flap and switch games. The system stays snug in the case.
The software that came with my Neo was Windows based and not Mac as also reported. Although it was a worthwile attempt to add to media management on your PC, I'll stick with Sony's version as this is a poor man's iTunes.
The case itself breaks down into 3 forms. First is the enclosed case which neatly stores not only the PSP but 2 memory cards and a UMD game outside of the PSP itself. The leather itself is very smooth and just what you would expect in a quality product from I-Skin. All the PSP ports are available with the case closed to listen to music and charge the unit. The case, when playing games, neatly folds back behind the unit and hinders little to the overall comfort of the PSP. As stated previously, there is a flap that allows you to change games on the fly.
The third and final form the case takes is a kickstand visual form which allows you to set the Neo on a tabel or lap for viewing media. While some may appreciate this function, I find it silly and moot, as watching a movie on such a small screen is aggravating when I have a larger version and a couch to sit on at home in surround sound. Still, I can see its appeal to the frequent traveler and road warrior.
The Neo comes in 5 different colors. The overall style is the true appeal of the Neo. It's slick leather case and vibrant colors offered will definitely turn heads and make you feel less of a goof playing games in public. As for care of a leather case; with a damp cloth, all dust and mild dirt can be removed if taken care of properly.
I can not stress how stylish the Neo is. It is lightyears beyond what Logitech, Sony, and others have offered. While the price tag of $49 might seem a bit high, when considering other, cheaper alternatives on the market that do more for less - they still don't look this good while doing it.
I don't intend to drop my PSP from more than 3 feet off the ground. I don't plan on playing this in the rain. You don't get the moisture proof, bullet proof, drop-from-a-roof proof feeling you do with other cases, but again, I don't want a geeky looking game case toy. This screams mature and sexy electronic gear.
I would highly recommend this to any person above the age of 18 who doesn't want to look like a complete dork carrying around a metal case for their PSP. Some call it a purse, I call it style and elegance that meet the sophistication of the PSP itself. Don't fall prey to the banter - this is worth the price of admission.
65
When I saw this carrying case I thought "this is the one for me!" 50 bucks was within my budget so I ordered it right away. When I took it out of the box, I was not blown away but I wasn't upset either.
Looks
You've seen the previews and yeah, it looks sexy. I ordered the lime green one and people do double takes when it's sitting next to me at coffeeshops, etc.
Function
I have mixed emotions about the function. It has a slot for two Duo's and one for the UMD. That's great, until you want to exchange a card or disc, then it's a pain. You have to pull your PSP out, pull a disc out and do the swap. This is not rocket science but it gets a little hectic if you are out somewhere.
Feel
It looks sexy, it feels cheap. That little kickstand they talk about? It's great but if you "rough house" your PSP, then DO NOT GET THIS because it will break quickly. The lambskin feels less "tough" than cow leather so I'm seeing tears in this pretty easily. Oh, and you may want to get a dark color. My green one seems to attract dirt quickly
Included Software
Pshaw... Yeah whatever, I got the little card that gave you the "double secret link" to download it and it's only "MAC READY." The windows is "coming soon." That is always frustrating when they send out "half a product."
Get it?
If you want to pimp off your PSP but don't want to drop 200 for a vaja case, then GET THIS per it's sexy as all get ous. If you are tough on your PSP, throw it around, drop it a lot then...DO NOT GET THIS CASE!
Final thoughts
I wish I'd waited until I won the lottery and got the VAJA, but I ain't complaining either, it's a nice case.
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