December 12, 2009

Do you hate to let other people handle your iPhone? I do. And not always because I’m afraid someone will drop or damage it. Sometimes I just worry about how healthy it is when everyone is handing the same thing. Apparently our friends at Proporta have had the same thoughts, and decided to do something about it.

Proporta’s new SteriTouch silicone case is advertised as including an antimicrobial agent. While I won’t pretend to be a scientist, or even understand the scientific principles behind it, this is what they told me:

The case incorporates a silver based antimicrobial additive, which is homogenously dispersed throughout both the silicone itself and the anti-dust coating. Silver is known to be an effective broad spectrum antimicrobial, providing excellent performance against bacteria, mould and fungi. The additive itself utilises an innovative carrier which retains silver atoms in ionic form. These silver ions are released very slowly over time, imbuing the surface of the silicone or the coating with antimicrobial properties. All additives used by SteriTouch have comprehensive approvals, including EPA, FDA and EFSA. SteriTouch is used in a diverse range of applications, from hand dryers to high chairs, kitchen worktops to drinking cups.

It sounded good enough to remove the iSkin case I won from TiPB Live, and try! I was anxious as to what an “antimicrobial” case would feel like. I kept picturing my iPhone in a sterile latex examination glove, and my imagination was going wild.  I was quite relieved when the SteriTouch case showed up, looking and feeling more like a silicone case, and less like something worn by Dr. Horrible.

It is a fairly simple black case, with a design on the back that gives it some purchase. The center of the back has a pebbled grain, so that while the entire case is not “grippy,” it’s not slippery at all. It feels good in the hand, and gives you a decent sense of security.

The cutouts are precise, leaving good access to the volume controls, back speaker, and camera. I would have been happier with just a tiny bit more space around the mute button. You really have to slide your finger (or nail)  under the case to turn it on. While it’s not a big deal, as the silicone gives, it would just be easier if there were a little more room.

The inside of the case is a smooth silicone that cannot scratch your iPhone. The front just covers the silver bezel for a minimal yet elegant look. It seems to be a tougher silicone than some cases I’ve tried, although still somewhat more flexible than that iSkin case I referenced earlier. For some inexplicable reason, it also seems to fit better after a week of use than when I first put it on. I’m hoping it will stay that way, and not start to lose its shape like some skins do.

If you’re looking for a practical skin case, and taking the latest health reports of global pandemics seriously, this might be a good option for you. Proporta ships worldwide. If you hurry, you could even get yours by Christmas, and with free shipping no matter where inn the world you live. Check it out now at Proporta.com for US $20.95.

Special thanks to Hannah at Proporta for providing this case for review…and my good health!

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