Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
only read the OP, so in response to that,
I upgraded from a 2G to a 3Gs and have to admit I have a few smalls scratches on the back of my case...but I dont mind...

What I do want is a scratch resistant camera lens and a back case that is resistant to oily fingers...
 
Ok, this thread just made me pull my black 3G out of its case at work... I have an Agent18 case and an anti-glare screen protector. No scratches, and over the 9 months I've had the phone the screen protector has softened a bit and feels much more like glass.

My complaint is that that case is so flimsy for $30... I've dropped my phone once or twice and the front and back of the case just split in two and went flying. A case is kind of a necessity to keep it from getting banged around in my handbag.

There are some gelaskins that are very interesting... but they cover up the big shiny Apple without providing much protection. They're still cool though, I have a couple for my Classic.
 
So what's the best screen protector?
If you want one, the Power Support Crystal Film is great. It's very easy to apply. I have one on my 2G, and it's difficult to tell that it's even there. After nearly 2 years, there are no scratches. Check out the reviews in the apple store -- it really is that good.

I've used the invisible shield on other (non-iPhone) products, and, while the invisible shield is good, it's a pain to apply. I'd also be extra careful about not triggering the moisture sensor in the dock connector.

However, you might want to let the 3GS go naked. The oleophobic screen is really impressive, and any protector is just going to cover that. Even though I've used screen protectors in the past, I'm not going to use one on my 3GS. I will be using a case, though.
 
I'm in the same boat as you. I use an Invisibleshield, but it's still a dumb step that one has to take.

Why do we have to be stuck in the mindset that we have to caress our iPhones like little babies in order to prevent them from being damaged? Why is it so hard to use plastics/chrome that doesn't scratch or scuff easily? Why does the screen have to shatter if you drop the phone? It's all just stupid. Devices are meant to be used and one shouldn't have to worry about compromising the integrity of their phone by not using a case/screen protector. Apple wanna make even more money? Develop a stronger iPhone.
 
Of course, after four weeks, although i'm careful, the back of my phone has scratches all over it and even the surprisingly durable screen has some.
Well, now you know why some of us use cases (I like the Vaja cases, too). :D

Sure, we can complain about the bulkiness of cases, and the scratchability of the iPhone, but the bottom line is that the current iPhones can be scratched. Apple is not going to do a mass-recall of all iPhones just because of scratches. Now, Apple may someday come out with more scratch-resistant iPhones, but that isn't going to change the scratchability of the one you have now.

Your only choices are:
  1. Live with it.
  2. Use a case.
Complaining is not going to change this, although it may make you feel better. :rolleyes:
 
Devices are meant to be used and one shouldn't have to worry about compromising the integrity of their phone by not using a case/screen protector.

Compromising the integrity? What, is your phone a murderous hooker now? What does that even mean?

My phone has some scuffs and scrapes on it. My shoes look worn. My car isn't waxed and I order matte photo prints, not glossy. Guess what? I LIKE all of those things. I'd rather have a tile floor with nicks in it in my kitchen instead of a flawless plastic floor.

Used items should look used. It gives them character and it makes them look better. I know I'm in the 1% minority here, but I think if your stuff looks the same as the day you bought it, you're missing something in life.

(The one exception to this are things that affect screens or usability. Like, gummed-up mighty-mouse wheels suck. But the iPhone screen is plenty strong. I've never had anything happen to the front of the phone.)
 
how long are you planning on keeping your iphone?

for me..probably only 2 years. so i really dont care if i have a few scratches here or there. i dont really like cases either...makes the whole phone look weird and ugly.
 
My first iPhone ("classic" 2G) I kept in a leather case that while functional and protective, really wasn't all that attractive. Last year, when buying my 3G, I looked for something different, as there were now many more choices. Came home with a Griffin "Wave" or something like that. It had three pieces. I immediately discovered that I much preferred simply snapping the back piece on and dispensing with the other two. Worked great, but again, wasn't the most attractive solution. Enter the new iPhone 3G S⃣ and, having seen recommendations on here, I knew that there were some great choices out there. Brought home a clear PS Air Jacket and snapped it on the back of my new white iPhone and am a happy camper! I haven't yet put the protective crystal film over the touch screen and I'm not sure that I will, as I've always loved the way the glass feels and looks. My other two iPhones have done just fine with a naked touch screen. I am really pleased that now the beauty of my iPhone can really shine through its protective case.
 
Compromising the integrity? What, is your phone a murderous hooker now? What does that even mean?

My phone has some scuffs and scrapes on it. My shoes look worn. My car isn't waxed and I order matte photo prints, not glossy. Guess what? I LIKE all of those things. I'd rather have a tile floor with nicks in it in my kitchen instead of a flawless plastic floor.

Used items should look used. It gives them character and it makes them look better. I know I'm in the 1% minority here, but I think if your stuff looks the same as the day you bought it, you're missing something in life.

(The one exception to this are things that affect screens or usability. Like, gummed-up mighty-mouse wheels suck. But the iPhone screen is plenty strong. I've never had anything happen to the front of the phone.)

Cool.

But I prefer glossy photos.
 
When I had my first gen iphone, I was concerned about scratches and the case was to protect against them, and drops, then I got my 3G and even with a case, after a lot of use, it ends up with some scratches anyway, but what I found was I don't care much about minor body scratches, what I do care about is dropping the phone on a hard surface and needing a new one, so for me, a case is a must. I'm pretty careful, but I have my phone with me all the time, and I use it all the time, and every once in a while, it does take a spill, and the cases I have had have almost certainly saved me from needing a new phone, probably a few times.

We do so much with our iphones, personalize them, have so much data on them, use them for everything, they become a part of your life, and while I don't care much about scratches, I would really be upset if it dropped and broke, hence I feel little choice but to use a case that offers a lot of impact protection.

The only place I care about scratches is obviously the screen, and the Powersupport anti glares work perfectly for that.
 
This forum really needs a crybaby gif...sheesh :rolleyes:


I've got my 3G for a year now and of course i bought case for it. A nice, rather thin one (vaja), but not nearly as beautiful and thin as the phone itself. A month ago, i've had it. Since then i just keep it unprotected in my pants or jacket and put it down on every desk or whatever when i sit down. I loved it!
Of course, after four weeks, although i'm careful, the back of my phone has scratches all over it and even the surprisingly durable screen has some. Great! I'm really pissed. I mean, is it really that hard to make an Iphone (or any phone for that matter) that is scratch resistant? There are tons of cheap, durable plastics or other materials out there. Why do i have to choose between hiding this slim, beautiful piece of designwork in a thick case or even wrap it in plastic foil, and having it scratched? I really don't get it.
Even if it were a bit more expensive, i'm sure lots of people out there would pay a bit more for a scratch resistant version, or am i wrong? I mean we pay for extra cases and xyz-shields. So would you?

rob
 
I think the mind set of just using the phone and not worrying about the little scratches may be the best choice. Look at me, 1st gen user, and the old phone basically becomes and iPod with a few games now. Or a backup if the 3GS is lost or stolen. Not worth selling on Ebay, and I really don't have anyone to pass it down too.

I like the SGP film mentioned up above for the front, but they're sold out right now.
 
When I had my iPod touch and then the HTC G1 I discovered that in normal use I did not scratch the screen at all. The glass they put in these things is pretty good at resisting scratche. Sure, the back of my iPod touch was full of scratches but it didn't really matter much since I didn't look at or use that side. I had stopped using cases or protective skins on my mobile electronics a bit before that though. At one time I was obsessive about it but eventually I just stopped caring since I bought these things to use them, not baby them. I may get a gel skin for it to make it easier to grab onto my 3G S but I am debating on that since I prefer the size of it without any cases or anything on it.
 
I bought this MAKR IPHONE SLEEVE

pDl_Iphone_Minimal_Black-1.png


It protects it from being scratched and you just slide it out to use it, looks BRAND NEW all the time, I don't use anything else. Just needs a quick wipe here and there but that's it, and the construction of it is of very good quality, the leather is unlike any other case I've had.
 
Guys, what do u think of installation of invisible shield and at same time using very simple case like this one:

pdapif3glckt1bkpc3.jpg


the case is to protect it from drops and the shield is to protect it from scratches.

Also the case is very simple and you do not have to suffer to take it out or in like many other cases.
 
Cases are highly subjective, and really depend upon one's personal tastes.

Some people want protection from drops.

Some people just want a thin and light case.

Others just want scratch protection.

I'm sure there are other reasons that I haven't mentioned, here.

Just as there is no "best car", there is no "best case".
 
Cases are highly subjective, and really depend upon one's personal tastes.

Some people want protection from drops.

Some people just want a thin and light case.

Others just want scratch protection.

I'm sure there are other reasons that I haven't mentioned, here.

Just as there is no "best car", there is no "best case".


Dude I heard their was a "best car" but the oil companies totally paid them off not to make it. Conspiracy
 
I remember reading it in one of these thread but dont remember what its called, but what is the name of that case that comes with the waterproof plugs?

Sorry im a little off topic but didnt want to add a new thread.
 
Guys, what do u think of installation of invisible shield and at same time using very simple case like this one:
The invisible shield is good, but can be a pain to apply. When applying, I'd be very careful to not trigger the iPhone's moisture sensor. Frankly, if you must get a screen protector, I'd recommend the Power Support Crystal Film in the Apple store, as that's easier to apply (and remove), and you get two films for the same price as the (front) invisible shield. I've had one on my 2G for almost 2 years, and it still looks brand new. I gave the second one to my wife for her 2G, and it still looks brand new, also.

My 3GS is going naked for the screen -- no protector this time. The oleophobic coating is really nice.

As I've said, cases are a very subjective thing. I'm not a fan of sleeves and pouches, because they're separate from the iPhone; it's another thing to keep track of. It would also take me longer to access the iPhone if it was in a pouch, and it's also hard to access/use the phone with only one hand. If you're concerned about drops, the pictured case does not appear to protect the left side of the iPhone (the open side of the case).
 
Guys, what do u think of installation of invisible shield and at same time using very simple case like this one:

the case is to protect it from drops and the shield is to protect it from scratches.

Also the case is very simple and you do not have to suffer to take it out or in like many other cases.

In theory, I like these cases myself - thought about one when I had the Pre because they shipped the Pre with a little pouch. However, it is a pita to constantly pull this out of your pocket and then pull it out of the sleeve to answer a call, etc. I like a case and I just make sure to be gentle on the screen side (have not scratched on yet in 4 years of touchscreen phones).
 
IF the idea behind a case is to prevent scratches, then why buy a case that CAUSES them?

Slider sucks and scratches your chrome bezel big time.

But I guess if you put it on and NEVER take it off to dock it, you might be alright.
does it really scratches ur phone,alot of people prefer this case even on youtube, I heard its a very good case but does anyone have any pics of any scratches from this case??
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.