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iSkin Fuze 3G (Magma Red) Review
- Thread starter Darius_Latamus
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Looks like my Onyx case will be here today, I'll post my impressions and will be curious to see if it has the same production issues as posted in this thread.
Well I got my onyx Fuze today. I was expecting the worst but I am surprised. I dont have any of the issues in this thread so I'm thinking I must have lucked out. The black with the metal face looks really good in person and I will try to take some pics when I get a chance. Granted I've only been using the case for a day but I haven't had any issues with the touch screen not responding. As far as the case being "deep", I had the Revo 2 and i find typing on this just as easy if not easier than the Revo.(Now if apple would just make landscape texting a option...) Overall I think iSkin did a really good job. Hopefully you guys that recieved bad units get them replaced quickly because it really is a decent case.
Received my Fuze today and have many of the same build quality issues as Darius originally posted (crosses, rubber section on the port cover, swirls in the clear plastic, etc). I know there have been mixed reviews on the case, and while the build quality is disappointing for a $45 case, I have to echo others in saying that the even bigger issue for me is how the case limits my iphone use. As others have noted, for me the case makes the silent switch unusable and restricts the corners of the screen. I couldn't get the numerical key or the return key to work on the keyboard... and these are fairly important 
I've provided this same feedback to Kristian in an email. I'm glad that iSkin is being responsive to issues with this case and I've been a happy iSkin customer before... however this one just isnt going to work for me. I hope others find it a better fit for them.
I've provided this same feedback to Kristian in an email. I'm glad that iSkin is being responsive to issues with this case and I've been a happy iSkin customer before... however this one just isnt going to work for me. I hope others find it a better fit for them.
I also received my fuze 3G today (Silver). I was fully expecting some or all of the negative issues that have been reported. If so, then I was not going to post about them here. Enough negative issues have been posted that piling on would not have helped, especially since Iskin seems to be trying to make everything right, and they have a rep who is willing to post publicly here.
I was very pleasantly surprised that my case has no issues. It looks and fits flush and tight, no die cast markings I can easily reach the silent switch (I am a man with medium sized hands) with a fingernail. Looks like after trying 4 or 5 cases in last last 6 months, the fuze 3G will be the last one.
The "integrated touch through screen guard" is actually VERY good also. I initially planned on trying to remove it and keeping my Zagg invisible shield. I left the Zagg on at first, but that caused bubbles between the Zagg and fuze. Thankfully I actually read the fuze instructions which recommended removing other screen guards. It seems the fuze screen guard works and looks best when applied to the iPhone's bare glass. I took off the Zagg, cleaned both surfaces with the fuze's included anti static/lint towelette, and, most importantly, removed the protective film on the outside AND inside of the fuze's screen guard (yes, it pays to read the instructions!).
The screen looks fantastic - like there is no screen guard at all. No bubbles, streaks, or other imperfections. Seems to repel smudges as well - the look of a crystal screen guard without the dullness of an anti-fingerprint screen guard.
I was very pleasantly surprised that my case has no issues. It looks and fits flush and tight, no die cast markings I can easily reach the silent switch (I am a man with medium sized hands) with a fingernail. Looks like after trying 4 or 5 cases in last last 6 months, the fuze 3G will be the last one.
The "integrated touch through screen guard" is actually VERY good also. I initially planned on trying to remove it and keeping my Zagg invisible shield. I left the Zagg on at first, but that caused bubbles between the Zagg and fuze. Thankfully I actually read the fuze instructions which recommended removing other screen guards. It seems the fuze screen guard works and looks best when applied to the iPhone's bare glass. I took off the Zagg, cleaned both surfaces with the fuze's included anti static/lint towelette, and, most importantly, removed the protective film on the outside AND inside of the fuze's screen guard (yes, it pays to read the instructions!).
The screen looks fantastic - like there is no screen guard at all. No bubbles, streaks, or other imperfections. Seems to repel smudges as well - the look of a crystal screen guard without the dullness of an anti-fingerprint screen guard.
Interesting comment seenett. So you are implying that the people who are having issue with response on the outside 25-30% of the touch-compatible screen protector did not read the instructions (one page leaflet or PDF on the website) nor did they remove the protective film from the outside and/or inside of the protector?
I suspect from that comment you would also assume that those people did not remove any existing screen film from their phone as per the instructions as well. Obviously the only plausable explanation for why there are dead zones around the perimeter of the protector, particualrly considering that any film would be applied uniformally on the protector and/or the phone itself.
.Since jprincesa was the only one to create a video, it is all speculation as to what is causing the issue I suppose. In her video the only thing she 'touched' was the 'slide to unlock' button which worked fine for me as well. The dead-zone for me would be best described if you take your finger and trace it around the edge of the screen. As several have already mentioned (including myself), there are some critical functions that Apple has placed in this area depending on the application you are using that have proved problematic for us.
In the end I agree with soctechnologist, the screen protector can be easily discarded and replaced with your own film. I did this and it resolved the touch response issues. However the depth of the front facia is still a problem for using phone functions, particualrly around the perimeter. It's not a touch screen issue but an ergonomic issue of trying to get the right part of your finger on the widget without the edge getting in the way.
I have a request for those that have described the fuze case as 'flush', could you please post pictures so we can see what you are describing as flush? My case fit's exactly like the case darius has posted pictures of on the first page, can you can see how much space there is between the top of the front case edges and the touchscreen.
I only ask this because it would help the rest of us determine if we should purse an exchange because of defective early production units or if this is a problem inherent to the design. Personally I believe the latter but I would love to be proved wrong because I really want to love this case. A perfect concept but fatally flawed, at least with the unit I have.
Interesting comment seenett. So you are inferring that the people who are having issue with response on the outside 25-30% of the touch-compatible screen protector did not read the instructions (one page leaflet or PDF on the website) nor did they remove the protective film from the outside and/or inside of the protector?
I suspect from that comment you would also assume that those people did not remove any existing screen film from their phone as per the instructions as well. Obviously the only plausable explanation for why there are dead zones around the perimeter of the protector, particualrly considering that any film would be applied uniformally on the protector and/or the phone itself.
Sorry you misunderstood my point. By the way, a writer implies; a reader infers - not the other way around.
Not only do you infer one assumption, you make the leap to a second. At no point in my post did I address screen dead zones, and at no point did I conclude dead zone problems are related to people not following instructions.
I would bet that most other readers understood that I was relating my personal experience with the fuze. I also bet I am not the only one who has neglected the instructions for a seemingly simple product. I tried to tell my situation with self-deprecating humor or the use of bold to emphasize a point. If you have read every single manual and users guide, then you are a better person than me.
Original post corrected to state implication rather than an inferrence, thank you for adding value to the thread by pulling out the red pen and offering a gramatical correction.
However, to continue your line of thought (not that it adds any value, just because it's fun
), if you state I "infer one assumption", based on what I wrote...using your logic I "implied one assumption" since you have no idea what I inferred from your post as the reader of your original post, only what I implied about your post as the writer in response to your post....and I am afraid I missed your point of RTFM, I'm unusually dense that way
. Just trying to use your self depricating humor How's this, I won't offer up any more assumptions if you don't offer up any more unsolicited gramatical corrections? We're both not adding much value to this thread in that regard
But enough silly anonymous internet off-topic sparring
. I do appreciate that you shared your experience and am very curious to see what 'flush and tight' looks like compared to the pics Darius shared when he started this thread. Could you share any pics with those of us that have expressed issues with fit? I'm sure that would help anyone having issues decide if we want to pursue getting a replacement or if it's just not going to work for some of us.
I know for myself I haven't seen any clear pics of a case that fit's well, only the marketing images on the iSkin site and the very clear pics that darius originally posted. There are my pics, but they are only of the case itself before I put in on the phone.
Thank you!
On the topic of the thickness of the front facia....I had some time today and took some more pics so people can actually relate the size of it to something people recognize.
I found that the Canadian 5 cent coin (not sure about the U.S. 5 cent coin, sorry guys) sits perfectly flush if you put on the screen and to the edge.
I've done my best to illustrate this so if you received a case, try it yourself, and if the 5 cent coin sticks out more than the front facia, then there is some discrepancy between the thickness of individual cases.
Also note that I have taken off the "Integrated touch through screen guard", so the lack of that in these pics also contribute to the increase in thickness I believe.
In the last picture, the coin is on the screen so you cannot see it, but at eye level it's perfectly flush.
*Also, some of these pics depict a clearer image of some of the other imperfections I stated in my review.
- darius
I found that the Canadian 5 cent coin (not sure about the U.S. 5 cent coin, sorry guys) sits perfectly flush if you put on the screen and to the edge.
I've done my best to illustrate this so if you received a case, try it yourself, and if the 5 cent coin sticks out more than the front facia, then there is some discrepancy between the thickness of individual cases.
Also note that I have taken off the "Integrated touch through screen guard", so the lack of that in these pics also contribute to the increase in thickness I believe.
In the last picture, the coin is on the screen so you cannot see it, but at eye level it's perfectly flush.
*Also, some of these pics depict a clearer image of some of the other imperfections I stated in my review.
- darius
Wanted your guys feedback
Hey Guys,
I'm not sure where I should have posted this but I thought id put it here...Hope thats ok!
As I mentioned earlier iSkin wanted to bring you guys closer into our business. and what we are about to do is post up our Xmas specials and a great contest.
I wanted to open it to you guys to let me know your thoughts on what you would like to see from iSkin for this holiday season?
It could be anything you desire - could be a great prize with a cool contest or free shipping - or some products discounted....even free stuff?
If I can give you guys anything during this time, I'm opening it up for you to tell me! Also if you have any other feedback about anything at all i would love to hear from you and ways that we can do better. Ill make it worth your while aswell Kristian always has something up his sleeve!
I look forward to hearing what you guys think
thanks
K
Hey Guys,
I'm not sure where I should have posted this but I thought id put it here...Hope thats ok!
As I mentioned earlier iSkin wanted to bring you guys closer into our business. and what we are about to do is post up our Xmas specials and a great contest.
I wanted to open it to you guys to let me know your thoughts on what you would like to see from iSkin for this holiday season?
It could be anything you desire - could be a great prize with a cool contest or free shipping - or some products discounted....even free stuff?
If I can give you guys anything during this time, I'm opening it up for you to tell me! Also if you have any other feedback about anything at all i would love to hear from you and ways that we can do better. Ill make it worth your while aswell
Kristian always has something up his sleeve!I look forward to hearing what you guys think
thanks
K
Here are some pics of my case. The fit seems pretty good. The one thing that I am noticing already is that the metal face does scratch pretty easily. I really like the way the metal looks but I was hoping that it would have been a bit more scratch resistant. I also took some shots with a coin for depth.(About the same as my Revo 2)
Attachments
Also, I do have the mark on my dock cover. This really doesn't bother me because I am sure it's just a product of the molding process. Overall the case feels solid as a rock but I just know that metal face is gonna be really scratched up in a few weeks.
Attachments
Also, I do have the mark on my dock cover. This really doesn't bother me because I am sure it's just a product of the molding process. Overall the case feels solid as a rock but I just know that metal face is gonna be really scratched up in a few weeks.
Agreed, scratches easy, and the paint comes off......I've gone back to my Seidio case.
Hi Wade,
I sent him an email earlier today but he hasn't got back to me yet. I'll let you guys know if I hear anything.
- Darius
I've emailed Kristian as well, but have not heard back from him yet. I may also try through customer service at the web site.
patience my friend, he will post very soon. i know because a little birdy told me, and hes a pretty reliable birdy
edit: and no im not telling you who my little feathered friend is
I, myself, wasn't posting out of any impatience... more just to share information. I've been pleased by Kristian's presence in this discussion and the interest on the part of iSkin in listening to their customers. It'll all work out I think.I purchased directly from the iSkin store. It took less than 2 days to get here. Mind you, I am local to iSkin so I got it pretty quickly.
- darius