Tech21 d3o™ iBand for iPhone 3GS/3G review

The first generation Tech21 d3o™ iBand for the iPhone was a mess. It didn’t come with proper cut-outs for the switches and controls. After some tweaking Tech21 presented us with the second generation iBand, and they have really listened to the criticism from the consumers. The second generation iBand has access to all ports, switches and controls. It still retains the great protection, and uncompromising band design.

The Tech21 d3o™ iBand is basically just a band around the iPhone. It is filled with the d3o™ material that goes from soft to hard upon impact. I have tested dropping my iPhone a couple of times using this case, and it works really well. It still felt uncomfortable dropping it though as it ended screen down about half of the times. The frame of the iBand protects the front and back of the iPhone to some extent. Certainly enough to save the iPhone if it falls on an even surface such as a floor. If dropped onto gravel the protection does little to save the screen or back though. The best aspect of protection the iBand adds to the iPhone is actually not the d3o™ material. In my experience it is the grip added by the antiskid rubber iBand itself. I have always found the naked iPhone to be somewhat slippery, and the iBand enhances the grip completely. The iBand makes the iPhone feel sturdy, and secure. Just laying it down on a desk gives it a proper thump. The antiskid makes it possible to work with the iPhone using one hand on a desk without it skidding away. A part of my mind thinks that a thinner version of the iBand should be shipped with the iPhone or integrated in the design.

The iBand is a unique case in many ways, and the lack of a back cover is perhaps the strangest feature. Most cases are only skins for the back of the iPhone, and some try to protect the front as well. The question is whether the iBand is targeting a problem that isn’t there or if most other case developers have got it all wrong. I have a white iPhone 3GS and using the iBand it is impossible to tell what colour iPhone I have from the front. From the back it is really easy, and it doesn’t look too good with the shiny white clashing with the matte black rubber. I think that the iBand looks much better with the black iPhone, but still the problem going between glossy surface to matte disturbs the impression somewhat. I have even heard comments such as “what kind of phone is the iBand?” and “is it the new iPhone?” It changes the appearance of the iPhone to the extent that some people don’t recognise it any more. With the iBand logo on the front it confuses a bit.

Summary

Pros
Superior impact protection.
Access to all ports and features of the iPhone.
Enhanced grip when playing games, and using the phone.
Sturdy feel to the case.
Cool to feel the curves of the iPhone’s back.

Cons
Not dockable.
No screen or back protection against pointy/sharp objects.
Looks much better on the black than the white iPhone.
No holster available.
Does it really protect what we want to have protected?

The Tech21 d3o™ iBand is a strange product in that it is alone in focusing on protection around the edges of the iPhone. Most people fear scratches to the screen and back that are unprotected using the iBand. I think the iBand should be seen more as a device enhancer than the ultimate protection. When playing games it gives a lot of extra grip compared to the barebones phone or most other cases I have experienced. If you don’t have any problem with the lack of back protection, and want some extra grip when playing games I can recommend the iBand.