The iVibe works best as a nipple, clitoral, perineum, and general back/neck massager. The iVibe is not intended for internal use and might run away if used anally, as it tapers at the base. It works very well as a clitoral stimulator and is quite a capable little massager for any tense areas. I haven't used the vibe internally, however, and would not recommend doing so unless with a condom for retrieval. The vibe is also not waterproof, so it would not be good internally without an O-ring anyway. The vibe is very strong and can hold up to a long night of solo, couple, or group play.

The vibe is plastic with three metal balls on the top to pinpoint pleasure. The vibe is your usual run-of-the-mill plastic, and it is durable and thick with some ridges on the side. The head of the vibe (assuming the balls are the more personable of the getup) is smooth, white plastic. This is a nice contrast to the metal balls (read: no hard angles, only soft, rounded edges). I got the vibe a few years ago and don't remember specific impressions of the material smelling or tasting like anything. I was not under any preconceived notions that the vibe would be soft or anything, having purchased it from a shop. Though it is clearly an inflexible vibe, I was pleasantly surprised by the contrast of the metal balls on the plastic coating when in use.

The balls retain a bit of coldness if held to chilled water, which can be wonderful; but the toy is definitely not waterproof, so be careful. I think anyone wanting a non-waterproof, travel-friendly, durable vibe that takes AA batteries and can deliver a very good vibration will appreciate the iVibe. The best feature of the vibe is definitely the vibrations and not the material, as the material just transfers the vibes to you. The vibe is rigid and could bruise you if you're really rough, though at .2 pounds it's not really that dangerous unless you are.

If you want an ergonomic, incredibly thoughtful vibrator that is as artistic as it is functional, look elsewhere.

The iVibe is intuitively crafted, though a waterproof conception would have been more than welcome. The size is good for giving strong vibrations to about a one-inch circular area. The vibrations don't become incredibly annoying to the hands holding the vibe, though after using the vibrator for more than an hour, they can get a bit itchy. The vibrator holds up GREAT to pressure. You can pretty much push the vibe so hard to your clit that the vibrator no longer vibrates in your hand but is still throbbing you into bliss.

I'm not a sex toy expert at all, though I've experimented with a few experimental and professionally crafted toys; but I think the iVibe is a top choice for anyone. I usually have the vibe in my makeup/other-random-things bag, which fits inside my purse, so I have never had it fall out or be obtrusive. Once, a law enforcement official randomly went through my purse, and she was unsure what the iVibe was before dropping it, embarrassedly, upon my explanation. I don't know if that's common for most folks, but she seemed pretty surprised at its function. The vibe is best used in private locations or somewhere an electric toothbrush sound is not embarrassing for you. Granted, you don't need an entire island to enjoy the vibe without detection, but a moat of blankets, a door, and maybe some soft music are great sound barriers to insulate the iVibe—and you vibing your iVibe—sounds.

There is no lock button, so the vibe might find its way to the on position and let out a shrill beckoning on rare occasions, so keep the battery out of the vibe if you travel with it and are worried about such things. I am only recently storing the vibe battery-less after reading such suggestions on EF and noticing singe marks in the battery compartment. I'm not sure if that's from manifestly explosive love-making sessions or from battery storage, but it's probably a mix.

The iVibe was my first non-homemade sex toy, and I think it is great for beginner sex toy aficionados interested in external vibrations and/or clitoral stimulation. The vibrator is very powerful, and though I only have an Ultra Tech 4000 to compare vibes with, the vibes on the iVibe are powerful, deep, and intense. The vibe holds up well to pressure too, and it is great on battery life. Even old batteries that can't operate TV/stereo remotes power the iVibe very well. One new AA battery will keep you vibing for over an hour with little to no slow in tempo.

The vibe has one speed, and it's very strong. It was my first vibe, but it's just as good as either of the two motors on my Ultra Tech 4000 rabbit. It has deep vibrations, ESPECIALLY for such a small vibe. The metal balls on the top are great for pinpoint pressure too, though they're hard to clean and may require a sewing needle to get around crevices. The balls can be carefully exposed to cold water or warm water. They hold a chill for a few moments but then warm up. I just got the High Intensity Bullet and gave it to my sister; thus, I haven't used it. But on my hand, it feels far more shrill—though of similar 'VELOCITY'(?)—as the iVibe. So, if you have the High Intensity Bullet, the iVibe is deeper but as constantly pleasing as the High Intensity Bullet (if that makes sense?).

I never used a condom with the iVibe but covered it with Saran Wrap once, which did not interfere with the vibrations or form. The iVibe could be used as a pressure reliever anywhere on the body except anally, as it tapers at the tip and might be swallowable. The vibrations are soothing and stimulating, depending on your mood. The vibe can help relieve tension in your neck (or your five-pound Pomeranian's), or it can help during a twelve-hour masturbatory celebration. Trust me. I haven't tried to use the iVibe internally, but someone of a smaller stature (read: pretty small) or someone more adventurous and knowledgeable might enjoy doing so. I would put it in a condom for retrieval in such a circumstance.

The vibe is the sound of a face massager, sort of churning and curious sounding. It sounds a little louder than an electric toothbrush and is more of a full sound, as though you're brushing your hair with an electric hairbrush. I don't know how noisy dorms are, but the vibe can be heard through several blankets and a closed door; it sounds like a whine and might be believed to be an electric toothbrush through such blockades. If you've got nosy housemates or want something really discreet for very quiet public occasions, I wouldn't get the iVibe. However, if the public outing is at a loud bar/lounge, the vibe might be quiet enough to pass as a ringing in the ears to those not in the know. Even water running through a faucet in a busy restroom would be enough to subdue the sounds of the vibe, and it might pass as a buzzy cell phone.

After having the vibe for over three years of off-and-on heavy use, it still works as well as it used to—though sometimes introducing a new battery will now warrant a shrill-pitched sound for a moment. Also, there are singe marks on the inside of the vibe in the battery compartment, traces of our often lengthy (sometimes ten-hour festival) sparks, no doubt. The battery compartment's open/on/off function can be annoying when you're in a hurry to get it (and yourself) off or on, but with patience, it's really not that complicated. Holding the vibe with the arrows facing you, the vibe base twists to the left to turn off, then back on to the right to close, and further right to get going. It is easy to turn on and easy to turn off when the battery is in place. It's still a great vibe; I'm happy it was my first.

The iVibe is a pain in the ass to clean, particularly around the metal nubs, as the vibe is definitely not waterproof. There is a rim around the colored housing of the bullet/battery (where the vibe separates to remove and replace batteries) that is not O-ring protected. Fortunately, that portion of the vibe does not get very dirty, but crud can build up in the many crevices around the top, particularly the area between the body of the vibe and the white portion that sits atop the bullet and the area around the metal balls. I have not used the vibe on multiple partners and would be hesitant to without protection. I have covered the vibe with Saran Wrap when I have wanted to keep the vibe protected from personal infection, and that worked fine (with care). A sewing needle works well to dig around the balls to remove debris. Also, dusting the battery compartment can help renew things when the vibe won't start after extensive use (or non-use).

I don't remember how the toy was packaged, other than in a bubble plastic wrap with the toy exposed. I think I must have been so excited to try out the toy that I didn't notice the extra plastic nub cap that came with it—or maybe those didn't come standard three years ago. Anyhow, the metal balls work fine and were delightful enough for me to choose the iVibe based on wanting a hard-working vibe that could travel with me.

I love my iVibe. "We be vibin' " through the years and are still both at full vigor. I just wish the vibe was O-ringed. I've enjoyed my green friend and think most anyone would.