iPhone 3G---Case or No Case?

MrGadget09 wrote:
So basically, is it worth it to buy a protective case for the iPhone if you can just get a replacement if it breaks? I don't like how some cases took away the "slim iPhone look" like the Incase Slider. It looked nice, but iPhones are meant to be super slim.

If you don't like the look and feel of a case, and don't need it for protection, there obviously is no point unless you are careless with the phone and it would save you travel expenses for frequent trips to Best Buy . There are some cases that have covers for the headset jack and dock port which might protect against water intrusion, which isn't covered by your insurance policy, and would result in having to pay the full unsubsidized replacement price ($499)

I also pay $14.99 a month to Best Buy for a warranty so if my iPhone gets damaged or destroyed without water damage,

A better question is why pay that much ($360 over 2 years - more than the cost of replacing a damaged phone) for for "protection" that doesn't even include water damage, loss or theft.

The question of cases has been discussed thousands of times in hundreds of forums. It boils down to personal preference... no one can really answer for you. Personally, I use a case because the iPhone needs protection from drops and it's a bit slick to handle naked. The case I use is an iFrogz Luxe. I like it because it's a hard case, it fully exposes the screen, it doesn't mar the back of the phone, it fits the phone perfectly, it feels good in my hand and the price was right for me. Personally, I'd save the $15/mo and use a good case.

MrGadget09 wrote:
It's much better than paying $500 for a full new iPhone in less than a few months if it gets damaged. And what are the chances of my phone being damaged by water? I always am secure about my iPhone and never let anything with water come close to it.

The replacement cost for a non-water damaged phone is significantly less - sometimes less than $200. Tripping of the moisture sensors happens much more often than you think, and voids the warrantee regardless of whether it involved actual damage from the moisture.

I agree with paulcb. It does come down to personal preference. I'd like to have the iphone naked but its too likely that you will eventually drop the iphone as its a slippery little beast. I had quite a few cases then finally settled on ikonicedge superslim which didn't add much bulk but offers good protection and is also stylish. It was one of the few handmade leather pouches on the market. It was also nice that it was from New Zealand and the free world delivery I must admit was a bonus. Well worth it.

The best iPhone 3g that I found is by IvySkin and it's called Quattro case. This is the only case that I found that had a glass screen to cover the front of the iPhone. The case is built solid here are my initial thoughts :

How I Use This Case:
I usually keep my iPhone in my pocket. My previous case for two months, a Griffin Elan hard case (leather & plastic) accumulated dirt inside (just from lint and dust from my pockets) and scratched my iPhone. That's why I chose this case, for better protection and sealing. I do not use a dock. I have been using this case for about 4 months.

Pros:
1. Only five holes (headphone, silence, camera, earphone, speakers/port), and snug fit minimizes dust getting inside case. (Hint: turn ringer switch to "ON" to slide into the case!)
2. Touch-thru glass seems scratch resistant. (I don't keep keys/change in the same pocket)
3. Distinctive color helps me keep track of my left brain!
4. Durable silicone impregnated case can take mild abuse (scratches) and it doesn't seem to leave scars. (I have not dropped my iPhone in the case yet!)
5. Sealed home button, volume rocker, and sleep button.
6. Since using the case, it seems to add enough rigidity to eliminate my few SIM card problems from my iPhone flexing in my pocket.

(semi) Cons:
1. Case adds somewhat thick, but that's what comes with this level of protection. Although it adds a bit of thickness, it feels very good in your hand. Without a case, I always feel like I'm going to drop my iPhone because it is so slender.
2. Sliding plate in the back does get looser with time, but it still stays on well.
3. The cut-aways for the five holes are somewhat sharp, and do not smooth over time. Mostly, it's the silence switch that is hard to reach even with my fingers. I have slender fingers, but a wide thumb. Sliding the switch is unfortunately not an easy one-handed move! Design suggestion: PLEASE TAPER more around this hole!
4. Finish around the volume and sleep buttons could be a little better
5. I does seem to keep the iPhone slightly warmer, as the whole case get warm, but overall, it seems cooler (my guess, the heat radiates evenly through the phone, and especially more through the glass).

Comments:
- I chose the red case. It's hard to describe the color, but it is a medium metallic red. I was thinking it was darker, but I am still pleased with my choice.
- Some people also mention that they get moire patterns with the touch-thru glass. I've been using this for 3 months but the screen is so easy to clean and relatively scratch resistant, so that is not an issue.
- The silicone impregnated case gives a great feel, sticky enough, smooth enough to slide in and out of my pocket, and doesn't scratch easily, and hides it well. It doesn't feel like dead skin in your hand or against your face, or rubber stuck to you.
- Internally, the case does not have raised ribs (like the Slider case) to keep the case from directly rubbing the iPhone back. Theoretically, this may allow scratches if dust gets inside, but the minimal dust, and occasional (every month or two) cleaning seems to prevent this problem.
- Nice packaging

Overall:
This is the best overall hardcase for the iPhone I have found. The touch-thru glass screen and silicone impregnated polycarb make this case an extremely unique product, and products of this quality materials is very rare. If you're looking for an ultra-slim case, this is not for you. If you drop your iPhone a lot, this may not be the case for you. But, if you don't mind a little bulk, this case is stylish enough while still providing a high level of protection for your iPhone investment. It is unfortunate that this is not sold at the Apple Stores, but I'd rather pay less to Apple and more to IvySkin and keep products like these coming with a lower overall price! The price of a case like this is $5-10 more than others, but justified due to materials. Despite very minor quibbles, I highly recommend this product. Five Stars.

MrGadget09 wrote:
You pay over $1000 for the iPhone over 2 years as well as general phone bills.

I believe in protecting my iPhone also. I have a Zagg Invisible Shield on the front with a Contour Flick back. Work great and protects my phone. I went through several products before I found these two.

As to the math above, it seems bogus to me. The only reason I bought the IP was for the internet access. True, that does "apparently" cost $720 over 2 years plus the cost of the IP which would then apparently bring the total cost to nearly $1000. Well, that may be true for someone who could care less about the data function.

However, in my case, it's bogus math. I was paying around $90+ monthly for 2 cell phones on Verizon's family plan (500 minutes) and that's ALL I got for that price and no rollover minutes.

With my IP, I'm paying around $100 monthly for ATT's family plan (500 ROLLOVER minutes) and access to the ATT 3G network plus WiFi access which is even faster. All this for $10 more a month! Granted, there is the upfront cost ($200) for the phone to add into the equation.

So, that brings my total cost with the IP to $2400 + $200 for the phone to $2600 for 2 years. My Verizon cost was $2160 + $100 for 2 Razr phones for a total 2 year cost of $2260. Or about $28 per month extra for all the benefits of the IP. Actually even a little less because we occasionally went over our Verizon monthly limit which jacked that cost up a bit.

Still, a huge bargain and well worth protecting with a case and cover.

If you are looking for a slim case, I have it. Go to Amazon and do a search for iphone case called Shield. It is inexpensive while protecting the back and most of the side bezel. It does not cover up the apple logo on the back which I love. You still have access to all buttons, camera, etc.

I have the black one which makes my white iPhone pop for the parts that are showing.

I use a BodyGuardz Clear Protection for iPhone 3G. It comes with two sets of full body covers and costs around 25 bucks. I do not use a case except while playing Golf -- when I need a belt clip case from my iPhone. I use a DLO horizontal belt clip case which I bought from SFPlanet. I'm happy with both of them. My 2 cents.

It's personal preference surely? How can anyone's answer be right, it's just an opinion.

You should have asked yourself this question in the first place instead of messing around returning all those cases!