My new baby, the new iPhone 3GS, went naked for a little over a week – but no more, and I feel much, much better now that it’s got a bit of protection. Yesterday afternoon I went to the Apple Store and got an anti-glare screen protector film for it, and threw on an InCase Slider for good measure.
The screen protector I got is the same one I had on my 3G for ages – and have been super happy with – the Power Support anti-glare film set sold at the Apple stores. It costs $14.95 and both this year and last year I’ve had good luck on having a ‘genius’ tech around to install it for me – as they do it in about 1 minute flat, whereas I’d have to fumble around for ages with it.
I had debated for a while about whether or not to get a screen protector for the 3GS, as initially there were some reports that Apple did not recommend using one, due to some sort of ‘conflict’ with the oleophobic screen. I was also seeing some reports of the new phone’s screen being more prone to scratching than previous models, and that was making me very nervous.
I called and spoke to a couple different Apple Store staff members during this week and discussed whether it was OK to use a screen protector on the 3GS. They assured me they’d seen no warnings against doing this and were confident it was fine.
That was enough for me – as my nervousness about scratching was growing by the day – and if there is a trade-off between loss of oleophobic-tasticness vs. stronger scratch protection, I’m fine with that.
I also love the way the film protector makes the screen feel smoother and less ‘sticky’, and how smudge-resistant it makes it feel.
The Incase Slider is a case I’ve heard good things about for ages and at $35 it didn’t seem outrageous. They didn’t have any left in white, to go with my 3GS’ color, but that was fine too – I was in full-on ‘let’s protect my baby’ mode. I’m very impressed with the case so far – it feels very solid and pleasant to touch (oh, that sounds creepy) while also feeling as if it will provide quite decent impact protection.
What are you all doing – those of you who grabbed the 3GS – to look after your new baby? Going naked or using any protection?
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{ 23 comments… read them below or add one }
I put on a phantomskinz before I even turned it on. But you know me – as close to naked as I can get without it actually being naked.
On a side note – does yours rattle? If you tap on the back of the phone by the apple logo .. Does it make a little 'something is loose' sound?
I don't think it would be the compass. It's not like an old style compass with a needle like we're used to it is an integrated circuit. I tried tapping all over and couldn't hear anything but when I shake it I do hear movement in the area around the SIM slot. Now I'm all worried, and without a SIM tool or paper clip. I'll investigate further once I get home tonight.
I think mine's coming from the camera area. Ive got an appointment with the genius bar tomorrow so I'll ask then.
Figure it's about time to replace my 3G since it's got cracks, so my co-worker who is buying it can basically have a new phone. Selling it cheap since he had his 3G stolen…
Let us know what the genius finds out please.
Will do. Brandon Miniman from pocketnow said his is doing the same thing… so it'll be interesting to see what they come up with.
Oh, I was very tempted by that one yesterday. It's the $79.95 one right? That may be somewhere in my future
I would be all over the invsibleSHIELD (or similar full skinz) if I didn't feel like I have more chance of performing successful brain surgery on an ant than of applying one of those suckers right.
On the side note question, nope not at all – tapped all over it quite roughly (and then apologized) and heard nor rattling.
I would be all over the invsibleSHIELD (or similar full skinz) if I didn't feel like I have more chance of performing successful brain surgery on an ant than of applying one of those suckers right.
On the side note question, nope not at all – tapped all over it quite roughly (and then apologized) and heard no rattling.
hello?
So for my 3g I purchased the anti glare screen film. I used it for a while until I saw my coworkers cystle film. It looks way better then the anti glare which seems to take some of the contrast away. I need to pick one for my 3GS what one should I get?
I first used the crystal film with my iPhone, then switched for a bit to the anti-glare for iPhone 3G. Switched back to crystal pretty quickly, as I didn't like the feel of the anti-glare or the way it damped down the colors and contrast. Must get crystal for my new 3GS.
I think I'm gonna keep my iPhone 3GS au naturale. Compared to my 2G, the back seems much less prone to scratches. And while the oleo-phobic coating is plastic, until I see some stress tests, like those when 2G came out, I'm going to pray that it is at least 2/3 scratch-proof as the original was.
Brave man. I like the idea of au naturale, but always lack the nerve.
For some reason I can't reply to comments…
2nd day so far, happens from home and work, Mac & Windows, Safari & FireFox
Comments that I try replying to change the Reply button to "Posting…" and never change.
I don't know what happened but its working now. I guess it was waiting for me to complain.
Intense Debate has been having some issues this weekend. Last night there was a similar issue affecting new commenters only – with comments failing to post. I am trying to get information and help from Intense Debate on it, but sadly their support is way beyond disappointing so far. I am pursuing it though.
My 3G got a scratch on the screen a month after I bought it. I put a Bodyguardz protector on my 3GS before I even started organizing my home screen icons. Definitely a pain in the butt to put on. I ended up with a couple small bubbles on the back part, but well worth it. I like the feel much more than the InvisibleShield that I had on the 3G (after I scratched it), and Bodyguardz replacements for life can't be beat.
Nice one. If you can handle the application / installation, there are some great protectors out there.
I have the exact same screen protector/case combo. You just gotta make sure to get the screen protector on "just right", or the Incase Slider case will peel up the screen protector a bit. Once you've got it right, it's a perfect combination!
Jared – yup, I did have to fiddle with one bottom corner for a bit to avoid peeling up as well. And I am loving this film / case combo too.
I am very fond of it too
Congrats on scoring the 3GS – that's a heck of a good result. Nice results from the Juice Pack as well.
I'm going to check out the Mophie Juice Pack. Sounds great for a heavy app/data user like me.
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