oleophobic screen = not scratch proof

i had the first and 2n gen iPhone. never had a screen protector and never really took very good care of it. never had a scratch on the glass.

but my 3Gs has 6 scratches. Some VERY bad.

I think the new glass they use for smudge proof is not as scratch resistant ...

Most likely, scratches on the 3GS are on the oleophobic coating and not the glass itself.

I've used several screen protectors on both my 3G and now my 3G S. My problem with screen protectors is that some of them leave "air" pockets around the slightest piece of dust. I found that the Zagg did NOT have this problem. I suspect the Zapp "shrinks" up tight regardless of dust.

When I got my new "S" IP, I used one of the old screen protectors that I had dust problems with since I didn't have a Zapp handy. For some reason, the shield went on fine without any air pockets (which drive me nuts).

I'm guessing that 99% of screen scratches occur when sliding the IP in and out of your pocket. I try not to have ANYTHING in the pocket with my IP (especially keys, coins or anything metal). The back of my Flip Contour case is scratched up quite a bit, but it does protect the back from scratches.

I think IPs tend to get special treatment from their owners. Who ever hear of a case or a screen protector for a regular cell phone. Everyone I've ever seen has scratches and no one cares. However, they also don't play videos and other visual routines where screen scratches would be noticeable.

So, at the very least, "mind" your pockets and what you put in them if they also hold an IP. I suspect "loose" pockets may be better than skin tight jeans, but that's just a guess.

While the glass screen on the iPhone 3GS isn't prone to scratches, the oleophobic coating itself can scratch, creating unsightly lines on the front. I use a power support anti-glare film screen protector, which has the same oleophobic properties as the new screen, but doesn't scratch. I'm very happy with it.

I personally cannot stand to have any scratches on my phone, but it's really inevitable. My iPhone 3G had a pretty decent one across the screen and it bugged the **** out of me. My 3GS has done well so far, but I've kept it in a case since day one. I am still unable to find a screen protector I am satisfied with, though. Hopefully I will soon!