[paulm34]

Hi im still looking into buying a 3GS as i have a few questions. My job is a motor tech so im worried how well the phone will stand up to everyday use in a 24 month contract in this type of enviroment (dirt ect) As my friend got dust behind the screen. Is 02 likely to loose the exclusivity soon as i heard somewhere this might happen in October, and im hoping for a price war??. Does the screen scratch easily? Oh and i need to persuade the Mrs that I need one

[Desmo]

No idea how sturdy they really are, but don't bank on a price war. It seems O2 will still have an exclusive on the 3GS whilst others will just get the 3G.

[Mad Mikeyboy]

The iPhone is notoriously fragile! Drop it onto a hard surface from more than a couple of feet and the screen will probably smash. That said, the screen is really quite good and difficult to scratch, but used in the type of environment your talking about I would fear for it's chances of survival, you'll need to get yourself a good case and screen protector. There's a thread discussing these where you'll find the best one to fit your needs.
http://www.avforums.com/forums/iphon...d-part-ii.html

[a l e x]

Originally Posted by paulm34

Hi im still looking into buying a 3GS as i have a few questions. My job is a motor tech so im worried how well the phone will stand up to everyday use in a 24 month contract in this type of enviroment (dirt ect) As my friend got dust behind the screen. Is 02 likely to loose the exclusivity soon as i heard somewhere this might happen in October, and im hoping for a price war??. Does the screen scratch easily? Oh and i need to persuade the Mrs that I need one

One thing the iphone has going for it is apples customer service which is 9/10 brilliant. Apple consider dust behind the screen a fault and will either replace the screen for you or replace the phone (of course if you've dropped the phone and thats the reason for the leak they may have a problem!)

The screen is very hard to scratch, ive had it in my pocket with keys etc and its never been marked. Just add a decent screen protector and a sturdy case and it should be fine. Maybe look at one of the switch easy cases or for maximum protection look at the otterbox. You can always take the case off when not at work.

Oh and regards a price war.. I wouldn't count on it!

[UEF]

Originally Posted by Mad Mikeyboy

The iPhone is notoriously fragile!

[kdc]

definately no price war..

all apple tech has a fixed price that doesnt vary very much, just look at ipods, they are the same price everywhere..

[paulm34]

well thanks for all the replys i think the otterbox would be the way to go to fully protect it at work. I did ring a few phone shops and all of them said that the price of the phone on contract is set by apple So they can not give the iphone for cheaper and they only have white ones available. I might hang off abit untill the 3gs is on a 18m contract for £35 as 24m is just to long for me. I guess i will need to stick with my 02 simpicity and a k800i for a little bit longer yet