my original iPhone and 3G were both caseless. I just used a BSE - bestskinsever - to cover the sides and back and for the original and first year of the 3G had a PowerSupport Film on the glass. Then I took it off and went naked. Dropped my phone several times getting out of the car with it in my lap and it never had any damage, not even to the skin, even landing face down on the street a couple times. However, I started out naked with a Gelaskins vinyl decal on my iPhone 4 back and sides. And I dropped it on the sidewalk and I am usually very careful (Never have it in my lap in the car anymore), and it chipped the edges/corners of the glass on the face. Problem with the iP4 is that there is no bezel meeting the glass, so the edges of the glass are the most vulnerable. Now, I would normally go caseless, and it is a good point that you can get a replacement front or back online for about $75-125. Not sure the current price or what Apple charges. But I got a nice case from Marware that is similar to the Apple Bumper. But with a back. Actually comes with 2, one with a clip for belt, stand for video/FaceTime, and a strap that the clip attaches to for running/working out. You can very easily pop the bottom of the band, slide the flat back out and put the clip back in to run/workout. And the plastic has a great feel. It is a very nice case and I am really happy with it. I would like to go naked, but this case is great. Marware Sportshell Convertible. $45 but got it from Amazon $18. They also have the Custom Shell which has a clear back but the same band. I might pick that up so I can still have the Gelaskin decal on the back and see it.