Now that you have set up your iPhone with iTunes, you will want to know how to safely clean the screen and then keep it protected with various cases.
Cleaning Your iPhone Screen
After using your iPhone a little while, you will see that your fingers (or other fingers besides yours) have left smudges and oil on the formerly pristine screen. You will want to know how to safely clean the screen. One way to keep the screen cleaner throughout the day is to place a protective screen cover on the iPhone, which may also have the added benefit of cutting down on glare (discussed in the next section).
We also recommend the following:
1. Turn off your iPhone by pressing and holding the Sleep/Power key on the top edge, and then use the slider to turn it off.
2. Remove any cables, such as the USB sync cable.
3. Rub the screen with a dry soft lint-free cloth (like a cloth supplied to clean eyeglasses or something similar).
4. If the dry cloth does not work, then try adding a very little bit of water to dampen the cloth. If you use a damp cloth, try not to get any water in the openings.
CAUTION: Never use household cleaners, abrasive cleaners such as SoftScrub, or ammonia-based cleaners such as Windex, alcohol, aerosol sprays, or solvents.
Cases and Protective Covers for Your iPhone
Once you have your iPhone in your hands you will notice how beautifully it is constructed. You will also notice that it can be fairly slippery and could slip out of your hands, rock around a bit, or have the back get scratched when you are typing on it.
We recommend buying a protective case for your iPhone. Average cases run about US $10-40 and fancy leather cases can cost US $100 or more. Spending a little to protect your iPhone, which costs $200 or more, makes good sense.
Where to Buy Your Covers
You can purchase your iPhone protective cover at any of the following locations.
■ Amazon.com (www.amazon.com)
■ The Apple Accessory Store: (http://store.apple.com)
■ iLounge: (http://ilounge.pricegrabber.com)
■ TiPB – The iPhone + iPad Blog Store (http://store.tipb.com/)
You could also do a web search for "iPhone cases" or "iPhone protective covers."
TIP: You may be able to use a case designed for another type of smartphone for your iPhone. If you go this route in order to save some money, just make sure your iPhone fits securely in the case or cover.
What to Buy . . .
The following sections provide some types of cases and price ranges to choose from.
TIP: Get a free case from Apple if you purchase your iPhone before September 30, 2010 and you use the Case app within 30 days of purchase. See the "Using the Free Apple Case Program App" section earlier in this topic. This is because of the antenna reception issue also noted earlier in this topic.
Rubber / Silicone Cases ($10-30)
What these do: Provide a cushioned grip, absorb iPhone bumps and bruises, and isolate the edges of the phone (antennas) from your fingers.
Pros: Inexpensive, colorful and comfortable to hold. Prevent your fingers from interfering with the iPhone antennas, which are the metal edges of the phone
Cons: Not as professional as a leather case
Combined Cases with External Battery Packs ($50-80)
What these do: They combine the protective features of a hard shell case with a rechargeable external battery pack. Manufacturers such as Mophie and Case-Mate are busy working on iPhone 4 versions of these cases, hopefully by the time you read this topic, they are available.
Pros: Protect your iPhone; receive a tremendous boost in your battery life – some boast 50% or more battery life.
Cons: Adds weight and bulk to the phone.
Waterproof Cases ($10-40)
What these do: Provide waterproof protection for your iPhone and allow you to safely use the iPhone near water (in the rain, at the pool, at the beach, on the boat, etc.)
TIP: If you like to row or paddle, then you will want a waterproof case. Check out the SpeedCoach Mobile app. You can buy this app for about $65 from the App Store.
Pros: Provide good water protection
Cons: May make the touch screen harder to use, usually do not protect from drops or bumps
Hard Plastic / Metal Case ($20-40)
What these do: Provide hard, solid protection against scratches and bumps and short drops
Pros: Provide good protection
Cons: Add some bulk and weight. You may need to remove when charging because the iPhone might become overheated.
Leather or Special Cases ($50-100+)
What these do: Provide more of a luxury feel and protect the iPhone Pros: Leather luxury feel, protects the front and the back Cons: More expensive, add bulk and weight
Screen Glass and Back Glass Protectors ($5-40)
What these do: Protect the screen and back of the iPhone from scratches
Pros: Help prolong life of your iPhone, protect against scratches, most decrease screen glare
Cons: Some may increase glare or may affect touch sensitivity of the screen.
