What is the best way to protect?

[FlyersPhanatic9]

Here is my situation
At this point, my iphone is naked and I am looking to buy a case/protection of some kind. I want to protect against scratches, as well as falls which could cause my iPhone to stop working. My opinion is that the invisible shield will protect against any type of scratches, etc... so the point of my case would be to prevent the phone from like dying or not working after a fall.

I have 2 options (Both I would potentially use invisible shield with)

1. Soft case (i.e. iSkin Revo)
- I have had bad experiences with softcases/skins from my iPods involving them getting dirty, streched, etc.
- I am wondering if the rubber cases are best for drops (protecting against the iPhone dying/not working)

2b. Hard leather/Hard rubber case with screen guard/invisible shield
- Wondering if leather scretches/gets dirty like a soft case/skin

I like the sound of a leather case the best, but im not really sure.
Also, any tips on finding which case would best suit me?


Thanks in advance
-FlyersPhanatic9

[FlyersPhanatic9]

Note: Since I will primarily be keeping my iPhone in my pocket, id like to have a case that leaves the screen open so i can quickly access it out of my pocket.

[mparkes]

I like the sound of a leather case the best, but im not really sure.
Also, any tips on finding which case would best suit me?
-FlyersPhanatic9

I have the piel frama leather case and really like it. Here is a link:
http://www.pielframa.net/cases_iphone_snap.asp

It does add some "bulk" to the phone, but is a great way to protect your investment. Once snapped closed, your iPhone is completely protected from falls, bumps etc (the corners on some cases tend to leave the iphone vulnerable). Plus, I didn't think I would like the belt clip, but am finding that I am using it a lot and it works well (if you don't mind looking like a geekster :) - nice thing is you can remove the belt clip from the case easily if you don't want it.) They also make a magnetic flap kind, and a wallet style. The thing I like though about the snap cover is that if you do drop it, the cover isn't going to open up inadvertently and allow the screen to get smashed. (I have a Palm T3 that I don't know how many times I dropped that sucker, although to its credit it kept on ticking :.)

I don't use any type of screen shield, I thnk the iphone screen is very durable. Bt probably wouldn't hurt if you want 100% protection.

When I first bought my phone on Iday, I grabbed the belkin acrylic case but after a week or so reallized that it was actually causing small scratches on the chrome and back, so I would steer clear of those kinds of cases.

[sele]

Here is my situation
At this point, my iphone is naked and I am looking to buy a case/protection of some kind. I want to protect against scratches, as well as falls which could cause my iPhone to stop working. My opinion is that the invisible shield will protect against any type of scratches, etc... so the point of my case would be to prevent the phone from like dying or not working after a fall.

I have 2 options (Both I would potentially use invisible shield with)

1. Soft case
- I have had bad experiences with softcases/skins from my iPods involving them getting dirty, streched, etc.
- I am wondering if the rubber cases are best for drops (protecting against the iPhone dying/not working)

2a. Hard plastic case with screen guard/invisible shield
- I would want a hard case that is not bulky whatsoever and i dont really want a beltclip or holster, as it will be in my pocket most of the time (removable clip is fine)
- Wondering if protection against drops is alot worse than rubber (protecting against the iPhone dying/not working)

2b. Hard leather case with screen guard/invisible shield
- Wondering if leather scretches/gets dirty like a soft case/skin

I like the sound of a leather case the best, but im not really sure.
Also, any tips on finding which case would best suit me?


Thanks in advance
-FlyersPhanatic9

I have the Slim Rubberized Hard Case from Seidio. It sounds like it will fit exactly what you are looking for. This case really does not add much bulk to your phone at all. It is made of a hard rubberized plastic that gives the phone extra grip. It has all the cutouts for all connections and buttons and the fit is perfect. If you are looking for something to carry in your pocket without increasing the bulk of your iphone, give it a look.

I will try to post some actual pics of mine later this weekend. But you can find it here: http://www.seidioonline.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=834

They are a great company to deal with, I have several of their iphone accessories and are really pleased.

[ns3425]

well i tired a weird idea that i had and people didn't be leave me. put 1 or 2 layers of saran rap on your phone and carefully cut out the bottom part so u can charge and use your speaker. and also cut out the speaker on top of the screen. then put your incase case over it. it works really well.

[FlyersPhanatic9]

Sele,
the case looks reallly nice, and what im looking for sorta.
What does it feel like, is it as rubbery as say the iSkin revo or is it more like hard rubber?


Id like to keep my options open tho, so keep posting guys, its very helpful!

[sele]

Sele,
the case looks reallly nice, and what im looking for sorta.
What does it feel like, is it as rubbery as say the iSkin revo or is it more like hard rubber?


Id like to keep my options open tho, so keep posting guys, its very helpful!

It is difficult to describe, but the case itself is a hard very thin plastic. It has a very thin coating on the plastic to give it a smooth rubber texture and feel. Great for gripping but the case itself is hard and will not loose its shape. The case snaps together around the phone and completely encloses it. Hope this helps.

[FlyersPhanatic9]

It is difficult to describe, but the case itself is a hard very thin plastic. It has a very thin coating on the plastic to give it a smooth rubber texture and feel. Great for gripping but the case itself is hard and will not loose its shape. The case snaps together around the phone and completely encloses it. Hope this helps.

this case sounds really nice, just what i am looking for
but does it attract dirt or dust?

Also Note: I have taken plastic/acrylic hard cases out of the running, they take away from the beauty of the phone too much.

[sele]

this case sounds really nice, just what i am looking for
but does it attract dirt or dust?

Also Note: I have taken plastic/acrylic hard cases out of the running, they take away from the beauty of the phone too much.

I haven't had a problem with mine attracting dirt. It is a pretty good fit all around. In terms of the beauty, since this one is so slim fitting and black, it really does not take away from the looks of the phone, in my opinion. Unlike most acrylic cases that stick out too far from around the phone, this one is very slim.

[FlyersPhanatic9]

I haven't had a problem with mine attracting dirt. It is a pretty good fit all around. In terms of the beauty, since this one is so slim fitting and black, it really does not take away from the looks of the phone, in my opinion. Unlike most acrylic cases that stick out too far from around the phone, this one is very slim.

yea, and i like the hard rubber material.
do you use a screen guardz with it?

[MiPhone7012]

iskin revo is the way to go :)
i have the yellow (mojave)

Here is my situation
At this point, my iphone is naked and I am looking to buy a case/protection of some kind. I want to protect against scratches, as well as falls which could cause my iPhone to stop working. My opinion is that the invisible shield will protect against any type of scratches, etc... so the point of my case would be to prevent the phone from like dying or not working after a fall.

I have 2 options (Both I would potentially use invisible shield with)

1. Soft case (i.e. iSkin Revo)
- I have had bad experiences with softcases/skins from my iPods involving them getting dirty, streched, etc.
- I am wondering if the rubber cases are best for drops (protecting against the iPhone dying/not working)

2b. Hard leather/Hard rubber case with screen guard/invisible shield
- Wondering if leather scretches/gets dirty like a soft case/skin

I like the sound of a leather case the best, but im not really sure.
Also, any tips on finding which case would best suit me?


Thanks in advance
-FlyersPhanatic9

[sele]

yea, and i like the hard rubber material.
do you use a screen guardz with it?

I have one but have not used it yet. I am nuts about making sure there are no air bubbles or anything under the protectors and have not had the chance to put it on. I'm not really sure that you need one that glass is pretty tough.

[Pharaoh]

ill tell you what i did, is the best solution for protection that I can think of.

I got one of the invisibleSHIELDs thats protect against scratching/wear and tear/smudges, etc to protect it while im using it. then got a one of these (http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=374799) cases that only the top of the iphone is visable/usable, so that you can still use the headphone, need to take it out to use it but then its still protected with the invisible shield. i think its the best solution, and those cases are very nice

[FlyersPhanatic9]

i was thinking about doing that

[FlyersPhanatic9]

bump :smile:

[rittchard]

I definitely recommend you get some sort of protection for the screen itself to prevent scratches and smudges. I'm using one from Boxwave which I like a lot. I tried a couple of others but this one was the best at keeping fingerprints off. I think it was their Anti-Glare version (the less shiny one).

As far as protection, if that's your primary concern, I'd say a leather case is more robust. Again, after trying a bunch of different choices, I went with the Piel Frama case (mentioned earlier) for day to day use to bring to work. I should note that the case is a bit chunkier, particularly if you use the slot to put a few business cards in. I generally wear this on my belt, it's a tad too bulky for the pocket. I've dropped it once, but the case was more than enough to protect it. Certainly the sturdiest and safest feeling of all the options I've tried.

If, as you mentioned, keeping it in your pocket is important, something more skin-like may be preferable. I also have the iSkin Revo and a similar (thicker)rubberized cover, which I use on weekends or at home for general protection. These slip into the pocket much easier and I really like the feel of the Revo. But because I'm paranoid, I also slip it into a secondary slim leather case (old one for the Blackberry) for more protection (even with the shield I don't generally like the screen exposed); the combo is still slimmer than the Piel Frama and fits fine in my pockets. In all honesty, though, I don't suspect the Revo alone is really great protection for a drop, and without secondary protection for the screen, you could inadvertently scratch or damage the screen in your pocket if, for example, you leave your keys in. Or if it drops and the screen happens to hit something like a rock or whatever, it's still exposed and the thin protection is not going to be much help...

Anyway, my conclusion was there is no perfect solution for all occasions. If I was forced to choose only one of these, I'd go with the Piel Farma. It's the most protective design, and just looks classy.

[FlyersPhanatic9]

thanks ritchard

[FlyersPhanatic9]

bump :2cool:

[ChemicalWeather]

im also curious about the Seidio case, i have 2 questions

1. it doesnt interfere with the camera at all does it?

2. does it slip in and out of your pocket easily? i have an iskin for my ipod video and it difficult to take it out, it doesn't really slide

[sele]

im also curious about the Seidio case, i have 2 questions

1. it doesnt interfere with the camera at all does it?

2. does it slip in and out of your pocket easily? i have an iskin for my ipod video and it difficult to take it out, it doesn't really slide


The Seidio does not interfere with the camera at all. There is a cutout on the back for the camera lens. It does slip in and out of your pocket fine. It is a non slip surface, but not so much that it hangs up trying to get in and out of your pocket.

If you are considering the Seidio, I just received my Hybrid Seidio case today. It is clear on the face and has the same non-slip black surface on the back. I will try to take some pictures of mine tonight and post them here. I really like it better than the plan Thin case. Still doesn't add any bulk to the phone and I like the clear front. I also got the holster that fits the skinned phones and it works great with these.

[FlyersPhanatic9]

sele do you have a link for your new case?
and also pics would be greatly appreciated

[sele]

sele do you have a link for your new case?
and also pics would be greatly appreciated

No problem...heres the link: http://www.seidioonline.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=837

I will take some pictures tonight and upload tomorrow morning.

[ChemicalWeather]

looking forward to pics sele, also, wondering if you can take some pics of the holster too. and thanks for answering my previous questions

[sele]

looking forward to pics sele, also, wondering if you can take some pics of the holster too. and thanks for answering my previous questions

No problem, I did not see your request for the holster until I had already left the camera but I will do those as soon as I can. Attached are the pictures of the Hybrid Case. Please excuse the quality of these, but where I was at I forgot about the florescent lights in the ceiling and these really played the devil with the camera. This front of this case is completely clear, it does NOT give the phone a bronze coloring like appears in these pictures. I will retake the pictures and upload them as soon as I get time.

http://sele.smugmug.com/photos/195827863-S.jpg
http://sele.smugmug.com/photos/195827914-S.jpg
http://sele.smugmug.com/photos/195827902-S.jpg
http://sele.smugmug.com/photos/195827929-S.jpg

Others can be seen here: http://sele.smugmug.com/gallery/3479658/1/195827929

Sele

[ChemicalWeather]

looks good sele. I'm looking forward to getting one myself

[FlyersPhanatic9]

thanks sele
how did the lights create that effect, its pretty interesting
also
when you look at the phone straight on, is the clear case on the front very noticable

[sele]

thanks sele
how did the lights create that effect, its pretty interesting
also
when you look at the phone straight on, is the clear case on the front very noticable

It is really not the lights but the camera. I was using my camera with flash under a set of florescent lights and forgot to set the white balance accordingly. That makes the colors in the photo slightly off.

The case is clear but you can see that it is on the phone, they make one that is all black which looks nice as well. This one is black on the back with the clear part on the front. As you can see in the pictures you can clearly see where the case is, it is the same in real life. The pictures are accurate except that on my monitor I can see a bronze tint where the silver chrome should be.

[FlyersPhanatic9]

It is really not the lights but the camera. I was using my camera with flash under a set of florescent lights and forgot to set the white balance accordingly. That makes the colors in the photo slightly off.

The case is clear but you can see that it is on the phone, they make one that is all black which looks nice as well. This one is black on the back with the clear part on the front. As you can see in the pictures you can clearly see where the case is, it is the same in real life. The pictures are accurate except that on my monitor I can see a bronze tint where the silver chrome should be.

the case looks really good, its a perfect blend of the two

[sele]

the case looks really good, its a perfect blend of the two

It really is the perfect blend. And more importantly, they are light and thin adding very little to the bulk of the phone.

[FlyersPhanatic9]

have you found any scratches on the front due to the plastic?

[sele]

have you found any scratches on the front due to the plastic?

I just looked at mine and did not see any scratches around the silver edge at all. But I have been removing mine each night to put it in the dock to charge and I take that time to wipe it down with an apple polish cloth before placing it back in the case.

[FlyersPhanatic9]

I just looked at mine and did not see any scratches around the silver edge at all. But I have been removing mine each night to put it in the dock to charge and I take that time to wipe it down with an apple polish cloth before placing it back in the case.

ive definitly decide on one of the seidios between full rubber and hybrid, im JW which is
A) easier to slide in and out of pocket
B) Better looking cosmetically

And also, can i use a screen protector with these?

[FlyersPhanatic9]

bump
sele where have you gone?

[sele]

bump
sele where have you gone?
Sorry I have been in bed sick for a couple of days. This is the first time I have been on the computer in three days.

Between the two Seidio cases, I think that either one would work for you. The hybrid will slide in and out of your pocket a little easier, but it is a little thicker. (at least to my untrained eye.)
The rubberized case looks the best in my opinion. I just like the all black look. It will also slide in and out of a pocket without any trouble.
You can use a screen protector with any of these cases.

Sorry again about being so slow.

[FlyersPhanatic9]

no problem
i wouldnt expect you to get out of bed just to answer my needs

anyway
i think im sold on the rubberized one, it just looks sexier with the phone

[Damien]

I am still in search of a good case also. I bought the incase which is a thick black rubber case with a topigraphical design for grip. The grip works good not slippery but the case itself has left lots of scratches and scuffs all over my iPhone. I am both sad and mad about this. My wife bought a silicon one for hers and it doesn't seem to be leaving scratches. It even has a cord winder on the back for the headphones. My poor chrome bezel is all scratched now how sad anyone have a better suggestion then going naked? I would really like to keep bulk down and I have no interest for a screen protector. I just want padded corners I guess for a drop.