Currently, I have two skin cases in front of me. One I reviewed several weeks ago, and one that I’ve been testing for the past couple of weeks. They are so similar that they probably come from the same factory. Yet, one is made to the specifications of one company, the other by another. The differences are subtle yet important and ultimately affect things greatly because I managed to rip the current offering. I’ll chalk it up to user error, primarily, but also blame the design of the case for some of it.

Design

Skin cases, for those of you new to the genre, are thin plastic rubberized membranes designed to protect your device from basic problems: nicks, scratches and the like. They may also help with very minor tumbles and other mishaps. Since they are not fully protective, some users like to combine them with another case solution. The other case must be roomy enough to accommodate the slight extra bulk the skin case adds to the device. I recently reviewed two pouches that fit the bill, the Smartphone Experts Side Pouch (a snug fit) and the Seidio Pouch case specifically designed for a skinned Treo.

The Seidio skin case is made of a durable high-grade polymer. The case slipped on easily enough. I bent back the lower part and slipped it in between the cross piece of screen and keyboard. The Seidio skin case has cutouts for everything: keyboard, screen, switches, and the rest. Unlike the Smartphone Experts case I reviewed, it even has a cutout for the antenna, even though that is flush with the unit. I can’t imagine the plastic interferes with reception at all, so I find this decision a bit odd.

The buttons are well delineated as each is accounted for in the plastic with the spaces lightly ‘scored’ between, and even accurate down to the ‘ok.’ The case itself is an opaque white and the material smooth, but slightly gritty to increase your grip slightly. The case is available in both the opaque (white) and black. I think the black looks a bit sharper.

Functionality

Skin cases generally do ‘work’. They protect, increase grip, and are useful combined with another case. Yet I had problems with the Seidio. First off, I found the edges of the case bulged slightly from the screen. Also, the plastic between keyboard and SD slot was too thin and I ripped it while trying to peel the case back for a battery change. Taking a close look at the two cases I have for comparison, I see some stress on the Smartphone experts case as well in the opposite corner. Full review here.

I am simply too rough with gear – which as a tester I suppose is a good thing. I imagine if you are careful with equipment, then this sort of case should be fine. If you’re like me and tend to rip things off without thinking, then a sturdier option might be in order. Or you could combine the skin case with another case option as mentioned above. This case would be ideal for when you're hanging out at home if you happen to baby your device.

Conclusion

Another option is BodyGuardz, that I recently reviewed as well. It adds no bulk to the device and also protects from nicks and scratches as well as enhances the grip. Although I had some quibbles with this product, it is worth taking a look at while you make your choice.

All in all, if you’re looking for a skin case, I would lean towards the Smartphone Experts offering which is also five bucks less. On the other hand, if you are a Seidio loyalist, or like the fact that the buttons are completely individuated, then you should get the Seidio. However, I urge you to be very careful putting the case on or taking it off or peeling it back for a battery change. Come to think of it, if you change batteries often, then a skin case might not be the best option. But if you don’t, then just be careful putting it on the first time and you should be fine.

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Criteria  Rating Design 3 Functionality 3 Protection 3 Price/Performance 3 Overall (not an average)	Pros Individuated buttons Enhances grip Modest Protection
	Cons Can rip Slight bulge at edge of screen