[iamholam]

Hi there

I've just got my iphone and am hopefully going to use it "naked" as I prefer to have my phones not encumbered with bulky and fiddly holders or protective films.

My questions for those who have done the same is how durable the iphone is. I have seen that the screen seems very strong and not prone to scratching, i'm not too sure if the back is the same.

Can anyone comment on the rest of the phone like the chrome bits? Do the chrome bits tend to "rub off" and display cheapy plastics underneath?

With the cost of the phone I plan to keep it as long as I can before upgrading so would like it to be as pristine and new looking for as long as possible!

[RobM]

There are only two possible problems I can see with your plan...

The screen is large and for all the best will in the world, it's always possible to scratch it. There are some very discreet screen protectors around, I'd highly recommend fitting one. A few quid on one of these could be the difference between an expensive toy you enjoy using and a worthless frustration that you can't wait to replace.

Second problem is one you can't do anything about unless you want a case or a full-body protector - the back will scratch. It's only visible on the chrome Apple logo, but try as hard as you can and it will still pick up marks. They don't detract from it's looks though, so don't worry too much.

A few owners have noticed cracking on certain parts of the white models, but those issues seem few and far between and fairly limited to early models.

I've personally fitted an anti-glare screen protector and have a wallet-style case that I use when I'm going to be out and about all day. For day-to-day use the screen protector and common sense is all I feel I need.

[iamholam]

I have heard good things about the Body Guardz film protector which I was tempted to use.

If the only thing that will scratch on the back is the apple logo then I am not really bothered I think.

May think about getting a screen protector though, although I think that the iphone's glass screen is much more durable?

My friend who has a touch keeps his in his pocket and although the back chrome is very badly scratched the screen is still perfect. This to me proves that the screen is hard enough to not worry too much about a protector.

Has anyone had really bad scratches on the screen and what did you do to get it?

At the moment I keep my phone in an ipod sock which seems to be doing fine. Interested what other ppl think though!

[edwardmifflin]

I put a protective film on the front of mine as soon as it was out of the box, ive got a nice contour case which covers the back, ideally i would prefer it without but im always messing about with it and its inevitable that youll get scratches on it no matter how careful you are. The slip cases/ipod socks are ok but the amount i use my phone it would be a right pain to keep getting it out to use!

[iamholam]

Originally Posted by edwardmifflin

The slip cases/ipod socks are ok but the amount i use my phone it would be a right pain to keep getting it out to use!

Yup that is my only problem with the sock. I don't want to spend loads of time trying to get it in and out of the sock when I need to use it! but I think the cases are just too bulky and detract from the phones feel.

Anyone using their phone without a screen protector?

[hutch]

Originally Posted by iamholam

Anyone using their phone without a screen protector?

Yep ive had my iPhone since the US launch and have never had a screen protector or anything on it. I make a conscious effort to keep it in a pocket on its own and I havent got any scratches at all on it.

Its a lot more resilient than people give it credit for.

[Shaunio]

I use mine without a case or screen protector, did with my old 2G iPhone too. The screen is very hard to scratch, the "scratchiest" bits on the 3G are the chrome bezel and the shiny Apple logo on the back.

[iamholam]

Originally Posted by hutch

Yep ive had my iPhone since the US launch and have never had a screen protector or anything on it. I make a conscious effort to keep it in a pocket on its own and I havent got any scratches at all on it.

Its a lot more resilient than people give it credit for.

That's a good enough recommendation for me! I think I'll continue to use the sock (till I can't stand it anymore!) My phone usually goes in one pocket on it's own anyway and i'm not too bothered about scratching the apple logo (once it does get all scratched it'll just look "burnished" instead )

Thinking about getting a body guardz screen protector but as the screen is made of glass compared to other less quality phones may forgo that too!

All I have to do is not drop it, it probably is inevitable but I think the pro's of having such a nice phone as apple intended is better than hiding it in all that plastic/silicon/leather

[darren68uk]

I cant remember who it was but i seen a youtube vid think it was on launch of the 2g iphone,,, this guy stuck it in his pocket, with some keys, then stuck it in a plastic bag with coins/keys all sorts, and shuffled it around,,, he even thru it into the road,,,( id like to point out this is not the usual use for an iphone think he was testing its durability.;-0..)

anyway end result was a mildy scratched back , but no scatches to the screen and it worked perfectly,,, so think your save,,,,

to be honest was tempted to do the same myself,,,, i got a neo capsule case for it, which makes it easier to hold, but got so miffed trying to put the screen protectors on minus the F...ing bubbles i gave up,,,,,,

[guycoombs]

YouTube - iPhone 3G Stress Tests

iPhone 3G stress test.

BTW I've had my 3G since launch naked, as long as you look after it you'll be fine. Although I do have insurance on it :-)

[No1Joker]

I managed to drop mine when someone knocked my arm while talking on the phone. It hit the curb and bounced into the road.

I was amazed the phone didn't have a mark on it.

But that was because it is safely enclosed in a Switcheasy Rebel (which now has an almighty chuck out of the corner!)

That was the point £20 seemed like a bargain. Going naked with the iPhone is like walking naked through a field of nettles, if you're careful great ... but one slip ...

[chrism_scotland]

I have a Griffin leather case for the iPhone that is more like a second skin.
Its a leather cover for the back and a plastic screen cover that slots in, its excellent.
Allows me good access to the buttons and slots for charger, also the touchscreen works excellently through the screen, it also adds very little bulk to the iPhone.

[Jase Winter]

I also do not have any protection on mine, I've had it since July and yes the back and chrome bits are a bit scratched but the screen is still immaculate and the scratching on the back really doesn't look that bad. I didn't want any big cases to bulk it out and I have to say i'm very impressed with the screen compared to some of the older ipods i've had.

[Bobajobbob]

I've had a 1st gen for over a year and it has stood up very well however it is possible to scratch the screen though not easy. My son managed it with his teeth and I somehow added another scratch when it was rubbing in my pocket under pressure against a jean rivet. I still don't use a case however. Not worth it in my opinion given the resilience of these things and their lifespan.

I guess the 3 g will have more scratches on the back but otherwise will perform the same.

[iamholam]

Originally Posted by Bobajobbob

I've had a 1st gen for over a year and it has stood up very well however it is possible to scratch the screen though not easy. My son managed it with his teeth and I somehow added another scratch when it was rubbing in my pocket under pressure against a jean rivet. I still don't use a case however. Not worth it in my opinion given the resilience of these things and their lifespan.

I guess the 3 g will have more scratches on the back but otherwise will perform the same.

Thanks

That's an image

you: high my iphone is broken
shop assistant: what happened?
you: my son eat it

[saracen]

Originally Posted by guycoombs

YouTube - iPhone 3G Stress Tests

iPhone 3G stress test.

BTW I've had my 3G since launch naked, as long as you look after it you'll be fine. Although I do have insurance on it :-)

I felt physically sick seeing his iPhone hit the concrete! That clip should carry a warning.