Best Case for the 3G??

Just get the power support airjacket from the Apple store:
http://store.apple.com/us/product/TS502LL/A?mco=MTg1ODQ0MA
It's so low profile you don't even know it's there, and it protects the body. It comes with a screen protector.
It won't do such a great job if you drop it on the unprotected side, though.

Your other choices are silicon rubber cases of which there are a million of.
A great firm plastic one is the Seidio Innocase II Surface
http://www.seidioonline.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=2361

I also have one of these, and I like it. But I prefer the air jacket so I'm using that one right now.

best case, the switcheasy.com's rebel or neo. protects well and it looks really nice.

With out a doubt the Otter Box is he best there is.

i like the DLO hip case i got at the AT&T store when i got my iPhone

I just got one of the new Incipio black Feather form-fitting cases and all I can say is: Wow! I had previously put a set of Bodyguardz on my iPhone 3G, but after several weeks of slipping into and out of my DLO Hipcase, the edges of the back piece were already starting to pull loose. I first tried to put the Incipio Feather case on without taking off the Bodyguardz, but it was a tight enough fit that the Bodyguardz started pulling loose even worse, so I just pulled the back Bodyguardz piece off, leaving the screen piece on.

I like the way it recesses the buttons a little further while still providing sufficient access to them; I'll be less likely to accidentally bump them. Plus, the case is thin enough that the iPhone still goes into my Hipcase quite easily. I'm a very happy camper!

I just bought a clear air jacket. It's great! Previously had an invisible shield....too much lint on corners.

Good point. Like me, my phone is always covered and I never gets to actually see it's beauty. I'm protecting it from scratches, but don't ever get to see it anyway? Funny though, even knowing that, I'll still keep it covered because I'm so anal with it.

It's not just scratches and preserving beauty. It's more about having the opportunity to not have to be careful with it. I can put it in the center console drink holder in my car or on any table or surface and not have to worry about it taking unnecessary abuse.
One case I have is the Airjacket. It's the best of both worlds. It's barely there and totally transparent. It takes a majority of the abuse. But it's not much protection on the sides or at all on the front.
So I went back to the Seidio Innocase II because it offers a little more protection (against an accidental drop or it sliding around in a car drink holder, etc) it's very attractive, pleasant to touch, and thin enough to not be a burden.
I see myself going back and forth between the two depending on where I'm going and what I'm doing.

So it's about not having to treat it with kid gloves, I guess.

Now something like the Otter Box is overkill. Some cases are far too large, overstated, and unnecessary. In some cases just plain ugly and get in the way.

Check out Switcheasy, they make some nice cases. I own three of the colors silicon cases and the Capsule Neo. Best cases I've found so far, good prices too.

I wanted a case that actually protected the device... (read: not hung up on all the artsie-fartsie "looks" crap :o)

Just purchased the Defender 3G from Otterbox.

Bulky? yes (hard plastic covered in silicone skin + holster)
Armored? YES! Mine has survived a couple of bounces
Waterproof? Nope, but it covers all the "holes" (ports) with silicone plugs built into the outer skin
Is your iPhone gonna get scratched? I fail to see how... as long as it's inside this case!

My only complaint is the holster holds *so well*, it's hard to to pull out with 1 hand when worn on my side! 😀

Hey, I have those same INCIPIO cases and love them. IMHO, there's no better case.

I bought this one for my 3G and like it quite a bit. It fits well, provides good protection and doesn't stick inside my pocket.
http://www.amazon.com/iPhone-Rubberized-Plastic-Cover-Black/dp/B001CHBNZ6/ref=sr11?ie=UTF8&m=A1TB4CRIUIFO5O&s=wireless&qid=1220376154&sr=1-1

Why do you need a case or holster to hide the beauty of the 3G? Its almost defeating the purpose of buying one of the top of da line phones, is it not? Why hide, if you need a protector, zagg is alot better and offers lifetime replacement warranty! 🙂

So when I accidentally drop it because some person runs in to me and causes it to fly out of my hand, my iPhone will continue to work without me spending another $500 on a replacement. It has happened to every phone I've owned and I'm sure some day it will with the 3G.
Call it insurance.

Also I want to be able to place it on any surface (including concrete) or handle it with dirty hands without worrying about scraping it all up.
Many cases are very attractive, and some even show off much of that beauty while still offering protection.

I love the threads where people complain that they dropped it and it doesn't work, wondering how they can scam Apple for a warranty exchange to get a replacement.

You have got the check out (and get) this case......
I love it!
http://www.seidioonline.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=BD2%2DHLCSRIPH3G%2DGY