What good is a droolworthy design if you gotta slap a case on it.

[BiggAW]

The purpose of cases nowadays seem more to let you customise the look of your phone, and less so for the protection. With the only real choice being a white or black phone, even a simple bumper can let your iphone stand out from the crowd by adding a unique outline or back to your phone.

I mean, I was hanging out at starbucks with a few of my colleagues the other day, and we were all totting iphones. The only way we could tell our phones from the others were our cases.

I see a lot of Otterboxes, which are definitely in the form follows function category. I'm even toying with the idea of getting one. It depends on how I end up using the device, but with some gym routines in my future, it may have to get one. Many of the other cases I see are pretty substantial, although I do see some minimal ones. Even the minimal ones do offer quite a bit of protection, albeit not the 99% protection that the Otterbox will, or even the probably 75% protection the Incipio that I have offers.

 

[blairh]

The purpose of cases nowadays seem more to let you customise the look of your phone, and less so for the protection. With the only real choice being a white or black phone, even a simple bumper can let your iphone stand out from the crowd by adding a unique outline or back to your phone.

I mean, I was hanging out at starbucks with a few of my colleagues the other day, and we were all totting iphones. The only way we could tell our phones from the others were our cases.

Yeah I totally disagree with this. People use cases because the iPhone 4/4S is pretty awkward to use sans case and more importantly to protect it from accidental drops, etc. I used to see less cases when people were using the 3G/3GS (myself included) because the hard plastic curved back was both easier to hold in your hand and it felt more durable compared to the glass backing of the 4/4S.

 

[terraphantm]

It's designed to need the protection. Give it the protection it needs. That 4% is mostly out of the tiny minority of iPhones that don't have cases on them.

The looks and feel of the device are enhanced by the case, so covering it up with "cheap plastic" is not an issue.

If it were designed to use a case, I think it would've have said so somewhere in the manual. The commercials would feature the use of a case as well. Neither is the case (no pun intended). I personally put my phone in the apple dock before I go to sleep - no way an iPhone with a case would fit that.

Look and feel are completely subjective. In your opinion the look and feel are enhanced. In my opinion the look and feel are ruined - I personally think glass and metal feel much better than plastic and rubber. I also prefer to keep the phone as thin as possible for the sake of fitting it in my pocket. We're both entitled to our opinions.

 

[lordofthereef]

If it were designed to use a case, I think it would've have said so somewhere in the manual. The commercials would feature the use of a case as well.

I don't think so. The commercials claim the Siri can do about everything under the sun, even while it doesn't work half the time. All the while Siri is also still in beta. I have yet to see a commercial that points this out for the customer.

Note, I am not saying it was designed to have a case (I find the argument silly, frankly), but the fact that they don't use one in the commercial is hardly evidence either way IMO.

 

[terraphantm]

I don't think so. The commercials claim the Siri can do about everything under the sun, even while it doesn't work half the time. All the while Siri is also still in beta. I have yet to see a commercial that points this out for the customer.

Note, I am not saying it was designed to have a case (I find the argument silly, frankly), but the fact that they don't use one in the commercial is hardly evidence either way IMO.

Well Siri can do that if you have whatever apple considers a perfect accent and an amazing internet connection. That's how siri was designed to operate and that's how they advertise it. I do think Siri is a load of crap, but that's for anothee threas... If the phone were actually designed to be used with a case, it would have been shown in at least one commercial. At the very least it would be mentioned at the point of sale.

One major reason "you're holding it wrong" caused so much uproar is that every single commercial at that point showed the phone bein held wrong.

 

[lordofthereef]

Well Siri can do that if you have whatever apple considers a perfect accent and an amazing internet connection. That's how siri was designed to operate and that's how they advertise it. I do think Siri is a load of crap, but that's for anothee threas... If the phone were actually designed to be used with a case, it would have been shown in at least one commercial. At the very least it would be mentioned at the point of sale.

One major reason "you're holding it wrong" caused so much uproar is that every single commercial at that point showed the phone being held wrong.

Samuel L Jackson and Zooey Deschanel are Apple's examples of a perfect accent? I would say their accents are completely different AND far from perfect (but I understand what you are saying).

Furthermore, my problem isn't necessarily with Siri not understanding people well. It's about it not working AT ALL. "Can't do that right now". You complain, and you are told it's in beta. EVERY SINGLE 4S add revolves completely around Siri. Not a single one tells you anywhere that this thing is beta software. Just about the only thing that they do tell you is that the sequences between you talking and Siri responding are shortened.

 

[blairh]

If it were designed to use a case, I think it would've have said so somewhere in the manual. The commercials would feature the use of a case as well. Neither is the case (no pun intended). I personally put my phone in the apple dock before I go to sleep - no way an iPhone with a case would fit that.

Look and feel are completely subjective. In your opinion the look and feel are enhanced. In my opinion the look and feel are ruined - I personally think glass and metal feel much better than plastic and rubber. I also prefer to keep the phone as thin as possible for the sake of fitting it in my pocket. We're both entitled to our opinions.

This makes no sense. No phone is meant to be used with a case. It's up to the consumer if they want to use a case. The idea that a manual would state something about using it with a case is ridiculous.

There will never be an iPhone commercial where a case is featured. (Unless it's a third party case maker.) Apple wants to feature ads where people are using their iPhone's sans case.

I can't disagree more with the notion that the glass/metal feel of the iPhone 4/4S is superior to plastic or rubber. Again, it's a matter of opinion, but I find it simply impossible to use the current iPhone without the help of a case.

I use a case that is incredibly minimal (Elago S4 Breathe 2) which adds almost no bulk and provides a better gripping experience plus a touch of protection if the phone were to fall and land on its backing.

The Siri commercials omit the true life pause that it takes Siri to give you an answer when you ask it something. Clearly this is done to both show Siri as a more instant experience and to cut down the time of the commercial itself. Real life Siri is nothing like what you see between it and Zooey with respect to time.

 

[BiggAW]

If it were designed to use a case, I think it would've have said so somewhere in the manual. The commercials would feature the use of a case as well. Neither is the case (no pun intended). I personally put my phone in the apple dock before I go to sleep - no way an iPhone with a case would fit that.

Look and feel are completely subjective. In your opinion the look and feel are enhanced. In my opinion the look and feel are ruined - I personally think glass and metal feel much better than plastic and rubber. I also prefer to keep the phone as thin as possible for the sake of fitting it in my pocket. We're both entitled to our opinions.

All phones are made to go in cases, it's just the way it is. iPods were as well. I remember hearing about the OG iPhone and how they were ALL broken a few months after the tech nuts got theirs at launch, because there were no cases out at that point. Luckily, we don't have issues like that anymore.

Docks were a lost cause from day 1. Even the early iSkins on iPods didn't fit in them. Forget about a lot of the iPhone cases today.

You can get whatever look and feel you want by choosing a case you like, there's many different cases from Incase, Incipio, Otterbox, Seido, iSkin, iFrogz, Case-Mate, etc etc. The Incipio I have keeps the phone plenty thin... it's no Otterbox.

I don't think so. The commercials claim the Siri can do about everything under the sun, even while it doesn't work half the time. All the while Siri is also still in beta. I have yet to see a commercial that points this out for the customer.

So true. Siri is worthless. Well, except as entertainment, as my friends love to play with her, and ask her Monty Python references, and dirty jokes.

One major reason "you're holding it wrong" caused so much uproar is that every single commercial at that point showed the phone bein held wrong.

There was never an issue, as properly protected phones were never touched that way, since they had a case on them.

 

[onlyjjp]

This might be the only reason I miss my old Blackberry. It was a tank on its own. Currently my iPhone is equipped with side wraps all around, front+back screen protectors, port covers, along with a bumper style case. One reason is because I just can't stand the look of fingerprints on the glass and once I switched boats to the iPhone I felt too anal to leave it unprotected.
Still love it though!

 

[terraphantm]

This makes no sense. No phone is meant to be used with a case. It's up to the consumer if they want to use a case. The idea that a manual would state something about using it with a case is ridiculous.

There will never be an iPhone commercial where a case is featured. (Unless it's a third party case maker.) Apple wants to feature ads where people are using their iPhone's sans case.

I can't disagree more with the notion that the glass/metal feel of the iPhone 4/4S is superior to plastic or rubber. Again, it's a matter of opinion, but I find it simply impossible to use the current iPhone without the help of a case.

I use a case that is incredibly minimal (Elago S4 Breathe 2) which adds almost no bulk and provides a better gripping experience plus a touch of protection if the phone were to fall and land on its backing.

The Siri commercials omit the true life pause that it takes Siri to give you an answer when you ask it something. Clearly this is done to both show Siri as a more instant experience and to cut down the time of the commercial itself. Real life Siri is nothing like what you see between it and Zooey with respect to time.

The other guy keeps insisting that the phone *is* designed to be used with a case. I refute that claim. I agree it would be ridiculous to have a case in the commercials because the phone is not actually designed to be used with a case. Nor is it designed to be used without one. It's purely optional.

You can disagree all you want with my opinion on the feel of the phone. That's your opinion. Is it so strange that two different people could have different preferences?

----------

All phones are made to go in cases, it's just the way it is. iPods were as well. I remember hearing about the OG iPhone and how they were ALL broken a few months after the tech nuts got theirs at launch, because there were no cases out at that point. Luckily, we don't have issues like that anymore.

Docks were a lost cause from day 1. Even the early iSkins on iPods didn't fit in them. Forget about a lot of the iPhone cases today.

You can get whatever look and feel you want by choosing a case you like, there's many different cases from Incase, Incipio, Otterbox, Seido, iSkin, iFrogz, Case-Mate, etc etc. The Incipio I have keeps the phone plenty thin... it's no Otterbox.



So true. Siri is worthless. Well, except as entertainment, as my friends love to play with her, and ask her Monty Python references, and dirty jokes.



There was never an issue, as properly protected phones were never touched that way, since they had a case on them.

Find me one piece of documentation that Apple designed the iPhone 4/4S to be used with a case and I will buy everyone in this thread a case of their choice. I never used any of my iPods or iPhones with a case. Only one I ever broke was an iPhone 3GS. I simply got an out of warranty replacement for that particular device and continued to use it caseless. The way this particular 3GS fell, a case wouldn't have saved it (centerd of screen fell onto a sharp corner of a counter top)

And why the heck would apple manufacture and sell docks if they don't intend for them to be used? Hell, the original iPhone came bundled with a dock.

And I do not want the phone to be a micron thicker than it already is. If you can find a case that provides protection without increasing the dimensions in the slightest, I will buy it and use it every day. Just because there are "very thin" cases doesn't mean they're thin enough for everyone's preferences.

 

[blairh]

The other guy keeps insisting that the phone *is* designed to be used with a case. I refute that claim. I agree it would be ridiculous to have a case in the commercials because the phone is not actually designed to be used with a case. Nor is it designed to be used without one. It's purely optional.

You can disagree all you want with my opinion on the feel of the phone. That's your opinion. Is it so strange that two different people could have different preferences?

The iPhone 4/4S sans case is so slippery, and so uncomfortable in my hand while holding it to my ear, and so strange to pick up off a table, that yes, I'm always amazed by people who use it in such a manner. If it works for you, so be it, but I find it utterly awful to handle sans case.

Furthermore I would estimate that more than 75% of the countless iPhones that I see being used by others in public are adopting a case.

If Apple gives us a curved backing and a stronger material for the next iPhone, then I think you will see less people using cases for the next iPhone.

 

[terraphantm]

The iPhone 4/4S sans case is so slippery, and so uncomfortable in my hand while holding it to my ear, and so strange to pick up off a table, that yes, I'm always amazed by people who use it in such a manner. If it works for you, so be it, but I find it utterly awful to handle sans case.

Furthermore I would estimate that more than 75% of the countless iPhones that I see being used by others in public are adopting a case.

If Apple gives us a curved backing and a stronger material for the next iPhone, then I think you will see less people using cases for the next iPhone.

I almost never see anyone using the iPhone without a case, but this was true even when the 3G/3GS were new. The original iPhone did seem to be an exception, but I saw very few of those in public in the first place.

I personally find the 4/4S to be perfectly comfortable; never had any issues doing any of the tasks you mentioned. The 2G and newer iPod touches on the other hand are too thin - the edges feel like they bite into my hand. I would probably use a case with those. Not as big of an issue with the iPhone IMO since the edges are relatively thick

 

[surjavarman]

Whats the point of buying a iphone 4/4s if you just put in a butt ugly case and put a screen protector on it that pixelates the hell out of the screen so that it makes it look like a iphone 3gs.

Seriously why waste money. That thing is indestructible. I can confirm it since I have dropped it tons of times and the glass never shattered on me. You are not going to drop it as often as me anyway if ever.

But whatever float you guys materialistic boats. I on the other hand have transcended beyond this inferior state and I am using the iphone (although I have switch to android now) to its fullest potential. I love the touch of my skin on the cold stainless steel and glass. I am enjoying every minute of using this phone in its raw form. This is a piece of art and an engineering marvel. And I am getting maximum user experience out of it.

That would not be possible if I have it in a butt ugly plastic case that serves no purpose. But once again its your money and not mine.

 

[saberz]

What if I don't do any of that, but I use a case?

I don't think I ever whined about how expensive it is. I could care less that it's made of stainless steel. The glass isn't bulletproof and have never heard anyone claim it is. And I didn't know they made titanium reinforced concrete cases, but would love to buy one if you tell me who sells them.

I am now going to design a case out of these materials. As long as people dont mind the heft.

 

[saberz]

The iPhone 4/4S sans case is so slippery, and so uncomfortable in my hand while holding it to my ear, and so strange to pick up off a table, that yes, I'm always amazed by people who use it in such a manner. If it works for you, so be it, but I find it utterly awful to handle sans case.

Furthermore I would estimate that more than 75% of the countless iPhones that I see being used by others in public are adopting a case.

If Apple gives us a curved backing and a stronger material for the next iPhone, then I think you will see less people using cases for the next iPhone.

One thing to keep in mind is that the more you use the phone without a case, the less slippery it gets. Stop cleaning the back of your finger prints and it eventually will get less slick. Clean the screen as much as you want though. Been using the 4 naked for quite some time and prefer it over a case. Even those feather snap cases dont feel right over the naked phone. When not in use, the phone goes into a sleeve (Tuch). Get to appreciate the phone more to (what went into the design of it).

 

[blairh]

One thing to keep in mind is that the more you use the phone without a case, the less slippery it gets. Stop cleaning the back of your finger prints and it eventually will get less slick. Clean the screen as much as you want though. Been using the 4 naked for quite some time and prefer it over a case. Even those feather snap cases dont feel right over the naked phone. When not in use, the phone goes into a sleeve (Tuch). Get to appreciate the phone more to (what went into the design of it).

This is nonsense. The iPhone 4/4S does not get any less slick over time. Furthermore I would never use a sleeve/pouch.

 

[terraphantm]

This is nonsense. The iPhone 4/4S does not get any less slick over time. Furthermore I would never use a sleeve/pouch.

Actually it does. I've always noticed that a new iPhone always feels a good bit different than a worn-in one. The metal band in particular feels quite different on a brand new iPhone than one that has a few months of use. The screen and back also don't glide quite as easily after a while, presumably due to the oleophobic coating

 

[saberz]

It does feel different. Try it for a week and leave the back as is, no wiping. It gets easier to hold and less slippery in the hand. Sleeves are a preference, i use mine as a wallet as well since i like to carry less things in my pockets

 

[blairh]

It does feel different. Try it for a week and leave the back as is, no wiping. It gets easier to hold and less slippery in the hand. Sleeves are a preference, i use mine as a wallet as well since i like to carry less things in my pockets

I've tried using my iPhone 4 on several occations sans case for a week to ten days. It is no less slippery now since when I purchased it in July of 2010. Again, this is nonsense.

 

[terraphantm]

I've tried using my iPhone 4 on several occations sans case for a week to ten days. It is no less slippery now since when I purchased it in July of 2010. Again, this is nonsense.

A week to ten days is nothing... Having held a brand new one and a couple months used one side-by-side, there is a considerable difference in feel.

 

[BiggAW]

Find me one piece of documentation that Apple designed the iPhone 4/4S to be used with a case and I will buy everyone in this thread a case of their choice. I never used any of my iPods or iPhones with a case. Only one I ever broke was an iPhone 3GS. I simply got an out of warranty replacement for that particular device and continued to use it caseless. The way this particular 3GS fell, a case wouldn't have saved it (centerd of screen fell onto a sharp corner of a counter top)

And why the heck would apple manufacture and sell docks if they don't intend for them to be used? Hell, the original iPhone came bundled with a dock.

And I do not want the phone to be a micron thicker than it already is. If you can find a case that provides protection without increasing the dimensions in the slightest, I will buy it and use it every day. Just because there are "very thin" cases doesn't mean they're thin enough for everyone's preferences.

They're not going to put it in the manual, but anyone with half a grain of common sense knows that all modern smartphones have to be cased to be properly protected.

I learned the hard way, with an iPod getting scratched up because it's case and screen protector weren't in yet, and I took it on a trip. Now I know better, and the device has to stay in it's box, or sit on my desk on top of a soft towel until it's case and screen protector come in and are on. Usually I end up buying a case and screen protector ahead of time or locally. Even my D5100 has a screen protector and clear lens filter on it to protect against scratching.

When I get my iPad, I will get getting a thin case for the back to work with the smart cover, and a screen protector, all on day one. Both of my Kindles also have cases that cover the screens when not in use, and the back of the device all the time.

Seriously thinking about the Otterbox for the iPhone, it's obviously the best protection, but it's just fugly compared to the thin double-layered Incipio case I have on it now. So far it's done well with drop protection, but I feel like I'm pushing my luck on it a bit. I see a ton of Otterboxes showing up, as people realize how fragile these devices are without them.

 

[zorinlynx]

One of the things I LOVE about the iPhone 4 series design is just how well suited it is for a case.

It is a minimalist design; no wasted room. So YOU can decide whether or not you want protection. In my case, I'm pretty easy on my phone, but it still goes with me everywhere and is subject to a *little* abuse... so I use an InCase Slider.

For someone who uses their phone in harsh environments, they can get an Otterbox Defender or similar which makes the phone practically indestructible.

For folks who just go to the office every day, they can just operate sans-case. Heck I often ditch my case during the week when I'm at work, and put the phone in a slim holster clipped to my belt.

The minimalist design makes good looking cases that work well so easy to design. I hope they continue this trend with the iPhone 5 series.

 

[Sunsean]

I'm always amazed at the stupidity of things people do... like own an iPhone without a case. It's such an easy thing to do, mine was $13, and there are much cheaper ones out there that offer varying levels of protection and size/looks.

I'm always amazed at some people's stubbornness. I tried to address your points neutrally and with balance, and you come back with how stupid it is to not carry a case because it's easy and cheap to do so, without addressing anything I said at all or acknowledging the possibility that some people might have differing opinions from you.

Oh well, I tried. Can't make the horse drink the water

 

[terraphantm]

They're not going to put it in the manual, but anyone with half a grain of common sense knows that all modern smartphones have to be cased to be properly protected.

I learned the hard way, with an iPod getting scratched up because it's case and screen protector weren't in yet, and I took it on a trip. Now I know better, and the device has to stay in it's box, or sit on my desk on top of a soft towel until it's case and screen protector come in and are on. Usually I end up buying a case and screen protector ahead of time or locally. Even my D5100 has a screen protector and clear lens filter on it to protect against scratching.

When I get my iPad, I will get getting a thin case for the back to work with the smart cover, and a screen protector, all on day one. Both of my Kindles also have cases that cover the screens when not in use, and the back of the device all the time.

Seriously thinking about the Otterbox for the iPhone, it's obviously the best protection, but it's just fugly compared to the thin double-layered Incipio case I have on it now. So far it's done well with drop protection, but I feel like I'm pushing my luck on it a bit. I see a ton of Otterboxes showing up, as people realize how fragile these devices are without them.

If there is no documentation saying that the phone has to be cased, then it is not designed to be used with a case, period. Apple sells accessories that don't work with a case - the HDMI adapter doesn't fit my dad's pixelskin HD for example. The case is purely optional, and hinders use in some situations. If you're incapable of taking care of your phone without a case, that is your problem - it's not your job to beat it over everyone's head that it's stupid to not use a case. Maybe you're trying to justify your own clumsiness, I don't know

My Canon 40D doesn't have a screen protector. I do have a lens hood and a UV filter, but that's more for photography than protection. I tend to use the SLR in harsher environments than my phone anyway.

I do have a smart cover for the iPad, mostly because I like the fold up stand thing. Plus a 10" sheet of glass is much more likely to crack than a 3.5" piece, so some protection is warranted

 

[BiggAW]

All phones are designed to be used with a case, but the iPhone more so than others. As a side note, I just ordered an Otterbox Defender for mine, it is semi-hideous, but they offer the best protection. It's literally irreplaceable, so I don't want it getting screwed up. Not saying everyone should get an Otterbox, but some form of case that has some type of impact energy management in it is necessary for the iPhone.

It's not an issue of not being able to take care of your phone, it's the fact that phones have a habit of sliding off of and out of things, and hitting the concrete. Mine has hit tile and other hard surfaces several times, and thanks to it's dual-layer Incipio case, it's fine. If it didn't have the case, it would have spider-web cracking on the corners. It wasn't an issue in the flip phone days, mine hit the ground or went down stairs a few times, but now it is an issue, since these phones can't handle that on their own. There's a reason that virtually all of the early OG iPhones had spider-web cracking on their screens- there really were no cases as first, and they would hit the ground from time to time.

The iPad also needs a screen protector and a back case. Incipio makes a nice one that allows the use of the smart cover on the front with the case on the back.

I've seen way too many cracked iPhones, and smartphones in general, to be so stupid as to not put a case on my iPhone.