How to get over OCD about scratches, dents, blemishes, etc on Apple gadgets?

[Dweez]

I'm tired of buying microfiber cloths and expensive polishes just for seeking perfection in my apple gadgets and worrying too much about them.

Exactly this. These devices are gadgets, pieces of electronics which are there to serve a purpose. Not pets, not people. Perhaps protect them with available after market cases. If that's not sufficient, power said devices off and put them in a drawer.

 

[Agent-P]

Yes that's true. I guess I wasn't surprised since Apple is known for milking a model that sells, for a long time. Apple has a deep addiction to money, they could have trillions on hand and still act desperate for more.

I predicted the next one will be better based on the fact that it would be hard to make a worse one. Flat slabs of glass like the 4 & 4S use are about as slippery and breakable as it gets.

Shame that the design that was selling well is rather difficult to not drop. I'm hoping the next iPhone takes design cues from the iPad 2 and looks similar to that. I could live with an iPhone designed like that.

 

[bandofbrothers]

Personally I think a dented and scratched naked iPhone looks better than an iPhone with some ugly rubber case on it. If you think the cases look nice, then you can always put a case over it after it gets messed up. A wrecked up iPhone and a pristine iPhone look the same inside a case.

The only good reason to use a case is if you're worried about dropping your iPhone. I've had mine knocked off the table twice onto tile flooring with no damage to show for it, so this isn't a concern for me.

As far as the screen, I already have a few tiny scratches. I noticed them when the screen was OFF and the phone was under an overhead light. They cannot be seen when the screen is on - it's like they aren't there. But every screen protector I have seen obviously diminishes the quality of the screen (and scratches much more easily!) I'm not going to make my screen look worse to protect against scratches that aren't visible when the phone is in use. So I pass on those too.

Naked iPhone for me. It will get some bumps and bruises. But it's just a tool, and in about 4 years it will be a historical curiosity.

That's fine but owners are also thinking about resale value for when they are ready to upgrade or sell their current phone.

 

[Bobby Corwen]

That's fine but owners are also thinking about resale value for when they are ready to upgrade or sell their current phone.

mattraehl is right, but if your worried about resale value, warranty exchange it once or twice before you sell it if its really necessary.

Otherwise you're not really getting the full experience of the phone.

The trick is to let go and get over that brand new shiny-ness.

This can only happen with time.

 

[gnasher729]

I just scratched it (the steel band) a little while vacuuming the dust out of the dock port and that makes me angry and not happy of having it.

Edit: it's a hairline scratch that is visible while inspecting it from strange angle and under some light conditions. It's located next to the dock port opening at the left side.

Well, nobody cares really. But you should realize one thing: It is not the scratch that makes you angry and unhappy. It is _you_ who makes you angry and unhappy.

I recommend you go on iTunes University, and download "Introduction to Psychology" by Jeremy Wolfe. It will give you some knowledge about _why_ your brain works the way it works, and that should be very helpful. (It's interesting and fun as well).

 

[boss.king]

Step 1: realise that it's just a phone
Step 2: you are now cured. You're welcome.

 

[bandofbrothers]

mattraehl is right, but if your worried about resale value, warranty exchange it once or twice before you sell it if its really necessary.

Otherwise you're not really getting the full experience of the phone.

The trick is to let go and get over that brand new shiny-ness.

This can only happen with time.

Do what your saying is if you make an appointment with an apple genius and state I want an exchange because it's scratched and marked.

Hmmm .....

 

[Cod3rror]

I'm kinda like the OP, in the sense that, when I buy a product, I want it to be absolutely perfect as it should be. After that, if I put some scratches or marks on it myself, it's OK, wabi-sabi...

However, I HATE getting a new product that is somehow not perfect, like it has a small scratch, dust, dead pixel, etc...



As for how to get over it OP, remember, you're going to have that phone for a maximum of a year or two after that you'll either sell it or give it to somebody else, it's just temporary. Oh and wabi-sabi dude, read about it, get an enjoyment out of putting your character on the phone, every scratch has a history...

 

[Mactagonist]

Ok, this is ruining my life... and maybe its happening the same to some of you too.

I'm tired of buying microfiber cloths and expensive polishes just for seeking perfection in my apple gadgets and worrying too much about them.

How can i get over this? Please suggest an efficient way to forget this imperfections that will appear under normal product usage.

Any suggestions will be really appreciated.

Thank you.

http://designmind.frogdesign.com/blog/aged-to-perfection.html

Wabi-sabi (侘寂?) represents a comprehensive Japanese world view or aesthetic centered on the acceptance of transience. The aesthetic is sometimes described as one of beauty that is "imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete".[1]
...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wabi-sabi

 

[/user/me]

Flat slabs of glass like the 4 & 4S use are about as slippery and breakable as it gets.

I've never broken my screen or dropped my phone because it was too "slippery". Perhaps you need to be more careful with your devices.

 

[eye4ni]

I've had my iphone 4 for almost a year now (well, actually apple has replaced my phone twice, so this one in particular is about 7 months old). When I first got it, I was worried about screen protectors and cases etc and I was super OCD about getting any sort of scratch on it...

I went through about 2-3 cases that I hated until I finally got the apple bumper case. I love it, doesn't add too much bulk and protects the phone pretty well. At the same time, I removed the screen protector because I hate the way that it felt. Since doing this many months ago, my screen still has no scratches and I wipe it clean with my shirt when it gets smudges etc. The phone might have a few scratches around the antenna band from the bumper case, but I don't care anymore. The phone still looks great after months of constant use, in and out of my pocket dozens of times every day, and it has been dropped on my hardwood floor at my house at least 3 times that I know of and the phone still looks great.

Apple bumper case = all that you need. Forget about everything else and just enjoy the phone.

 

[mattraehl]

That's fine but owners are also thinking about resale value for when they are ready to upgrade or sell their current phone.

I can certainly understand this point of view. But I am curious what the gap in resale value is, for example, between a pristine iPhone 4 and one that has some moderate scratches and maybe a small dent or two in the metal. By the time you factor in the costs of cases and screen covers and such I doubt it's much to speak of.

 

[eye4ni]

I can certainly understand this point of view. But I am curious what the gap in resale value is, for example, between a pristine iPhone 4 and one that has some moderate scratches and maybe a small dent or two in the metal. By the time you factor in the costs of cases and screen covers and such I doubt it's much to speak of.

When thinking of it this way, I also take into consideration that there is a "cost" for me being paranoid about any and every tiny little blemish on my phone to maintain the resale value.

For example: I can get $350 for the phone if I keep it in a climate-controlled glass case in my living room and only touch the phone when necessary and always clean it with a microfiber cloth afterwards, and buy a $50 otterbox to put my phone in if I were to take it outside with me.... OR, I can USE my phone, not worry about every little nick and scratch on the stupid thing, keep it in my pocket, drop it on the floor once in a while, and spend my time worrying about important things and not my phone, and maybe only get $250 for it when I am ready to sell it....

For the $100 difference, not having to worry about a silly phone so much is worth it to me.....

 

[mattraehl]

When thinking of it this way, I also take into consideration that there is a "cost" for me being paranoid about any and every tiny little blemish on my phone to maintain the resale value.

For example: I can get $350 for the phone if I keep it in a climate-controlled glass case in my living room and only touch the phone when necessary and always clean it with a microfiber cloth afterwards, and buy a $50 otterbox to put my phone in if I were to take it outside with me.... OR, I can USE my phone, not worry about every little nick and scratch on the stupid thing, keep it in my pocket, drop it on the floor once in a while, and spend my time worrying about important things and not my phone, and maybe only get $250 for it when I am ready to sell it....

For the $100 difference, not having to worry about a silly phone so much is worth it to me.....

I meant to make this point too. Very well said and I couldn't agree more.

 

[Bobby Corwen]

Do what your saying is if you make an appointment with an apple genius and state I want an exchange because it's scratched and marked.

Hmmm .....

No just drop it from just the perfect height so only the left or right headphone output malfunctions. You have to be careful to not drop it from too far so the screen breaks, and not to close so that nothing breaks and you can't get a warranty exchange.

This way you are not missing out on the bare beauty, and still getting the most money back.

Its either that or losing some money. Either way, I would much rather go bare and get the full experience.

 

[Alaerian]

Slightly offtopic, but I need to say this:

Stop using the term "OCD" unless you actually know what it is. OCD, or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, isn't the same as being nitpicky. OCD is a disease that requires a clinical diagnosis, and is treated with therapy and/or medications. Being bothered by scratches on an iPad isn't OCD.

I am clinically diagnosed with a form of OCD called OCPD - Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder. It sincerely pisses me off when I see people saying things like "LOL I'm so OCD about my iPhone getting scratched." You don't have OCD - you're nitpicky. To me and other (real) sufferers of OCD, it evokes the same feeling of using the word "retarded."

 

[mrsir2009]

I'm only like this with my computers/phones for the first few weeks, then I'm real casual. My 4S has a case on it, but its mainly to help me grip the phone better (the naked 4S is kinda slippery and it feels better in a case). My MBP is two years old and its got nicks, scratches and erosion. I expect my 4S to be like that when its two years old (just hopefully not too much damage on the screen haha).

 

[rdowns]

Slightly offtopic, but I need to say this:

Stop using the term "OCD" unless you actually know what it is. OCD, or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, isn't the same as being nitpicky. OCD is a disease that requires a clinical diagnosis, and is treated with therapy and/or medications. Being bothered by scratches on an iPad isn't OCD.

I am clinically diagnosed with a form of OCD called OCPD - Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder. It sincerely pisses me off when I see people saying things like "LOL I'm so OCD about my iPhone getting scratched." You don't have OCD - you're nitpicky. To me and other (real) sufferers of OCD, it evokes the same feeling of using the word "retarded."

I agree, they don't have OCD. Retarded seems a better diagnosis.

 

[rgarjr]

For the $100 difference, not having to worry about a silly phone so much is worth it to me.....

yeah dude, 100 bucks difference isn't worth getting all paranoid about it.

 

[motoleo]

I will only use a product that has no blemishes whatsoever. I've thrown an iPod Touch 4G away because it had the smallest edge crack. It's so small. I have to buy a new one, plain and simple.

Same with USB dock connectors. Must be perfect. Not dirty or it will get thrown away.

Same with cases. Uncommon had to send me another case because I told them the design was .2 centimeters off. Apple logo has to be perfectly centered.

From Uncommon,

"Upon reviewing your photos, we would like to apologize that you received an off-center design. *We would also love to offer you a replacement case in which the design will appear in the center as you desired."

That's the only way. The product must feel brand new when I'm using it.

 

[eye4ni]

yeah dude, 100 bucks difference isn't worth getting all paranoid about it.

I assume that you are being sarcastic. Most people worry about this so much, and then realize that after they have had their phone for 1-2 years it is going to look USED no matter how much you baby it....

You spend 2 months being a "nit-picky" freak about it, then the other 22 months using it as intended, and get the same end result. That is my only point. If you are able to baby your phone the whole time that you own it, and save it from any scuffs, nicks, and scratches, then kudos to you, it is just too much for me to worry about.

 

[matttye]

If you actually obsess about it and it's causing you anxiety/distress - see a psychiatrist.

If you're just a bit anal (no offence) - try just only using the device when you really need to and not staring at it in any way. Just do what you need then put it down. You shouldn't notice the scratches.

In either case, accept that it is INVEVITIBLE that you'll get scratches on it so it's not worth worrying about.

 

[ixodes]

I've never broken my screen or dropped my phone because it was too "slippery". Perhaps you need to be more careful with your devices.

You sound quite defensive and very quick to assume.

I have never dropped an iPhone or broken one. Simply saying...

Relax and breathe, it's only a phone. Have a sense of humor, you'll live longer

 

[Lorenn.x]

Personally, I was hesitant to buy an iPhone because of the touch screen. I have OCD as well and there is no way I was going to deal with a glass, touchscreen phone. However, I've realized that my old Blackberry also gathered JUST as many smudges and didn't even have a touchscreen! Lol.

The day I got my iPhone I got a case (I buy tons so I can swap them out and not get bored), and I got a anti-fingerprint screen protector. These things are not perfect, but comparing it to non anti-fingerprint protectors, there is a huge difference. iPhone cases/screen protectors are replaceable - Scratches & dents, not so much!

 

[Kaas123]

My advise would Be this.

Everything Will get scuffs and scratches someday but you Have to ask yourself the following questions: why am i obsessed over it? What can i do about it? Be honest, i had a rough time last year and i am very aware of Small details. I somehow managed to get a scratch on my phone (not an iPhone btw) and i got really obsessed about it. Also it wasnt completely perfect to begin with. I decided to sell it and buy a new device. If you honestly cant get over it you Have to do something about it. If a little money can Make you a happier person i think its worth it.