iphone 4 protectors/shields?
 

I finally joined the digital age and ordered my first smartphone, the iphone 4. Given its expense i would like to get the best protection for it for when it is dropped. Which protective shield should i buy for this iphone? I've seen some people with the plastic versions, some with rubber ones. Any ideas on which is the best one, brand? (perhaps a link)? Do i need a screen protector too, or is that part of the same overall shield protector. Please excuse my ignorance. I still carry around an old Nokia from 5 years ago.:D

Phantom skinz and Best Skins Ever are the skins I choose to apply to my gadgets. And then put the phone in a rubber / silicone case. Enjoy.

As noted above, clear protectors and then a silicone/rubber case. Best one I have had so far is from seidioonline.com for the 3GS. They do not have one available for iPhone 4 yet.

This is probably overboard for you, but there's always:
http://www.otterbox.com/iphone-cases/iphone-4-cases/

I have an Otterbox Defender for my 3G. At the expense of making it look a bit ugly it offers excellent protection against spills/drops etc.

Glad i'm a Righty, not a Lefty.

http://www.csmonitor.com/Innovation/...e-Apple-launch

Seems a protective case would help if you are a lefty

thanks. From my 60 minutes of research seems otterbox probably has the best reputation. The Defender looks slightly bulky though. I'm leaning toward the Commuter, when it comes out for the iphone 4.

I agree otterbox makes some of the best cases. I use this Otterbox Commuter. It's rubber with a plastic "clip" to keep the rubber on tight. Very durable and not terribly bulky like some of their other cases. I also have a screen protector (forgot the brand). After performing the drop test several times with this case, I have found it to be pretty reliable.

http://www.amazon.com/OtterBox-iPhon...7433608&sr=1-5

I really enjoyed my Speck Candy Shell on my 3G and 3Gs.
I just scored my Speck iPhone4 Candy Shell today and it replaced my Apple bumper immediately. I did like the bumper but the phone just felt vulnerable. I swear I'd dropped the 3's 5-10 times total and they have been well protected.

I also opted for Zagg shields (first time) on the front and back of the phone.

It ends up like I'm carrying around this little black brick, but it's pretty bulletproof with the exception on face shots on protruding edges/corners.

www.speckproducts.com

It's amazing how adding the speck case makes it feel 10 times heavier.

FYI:

There is a thread on the macrumors forums about people who have called and complained about the "reception" flaw in which the signal drops out if you hold it a certain way. Currently there is no software fix and if you call to complain to a supervisor they will send you a free bumper case ($30).

The reception flaw is all too real. If you are on the phone for 20+ minutes and switch hands from time to time you are bound to hold it in a way that drops the call.

Re: iphone 4 protectors/shields?
 

In general, rubber / silicone cases are more durable than plastic ones. What i am currently using are two silicone iphone 4 protectors from sourcingmap. The highlight of their iphone 4 cases come with free front screen protectors. I have also heard good sides about brand cases: Belkin Armband ($29.99), Mivizu Silicone Case ($16.95) or the Beetle Case by AGF ($34.99) while the two cases i have are priced at $ 3.49. They provide pretty good protection and fit my phone perfectly, i can get access to all the features with no need to remove the case. Highly recommended.