Recently, I posted on my blog regarding security on your Hero, meaning, the contents of the phone. This led me to think about the physical security or protection of the Hero.
I’ve had friends and others ask me for opinions about cases and such for the Hero. Other than determining that it does indeed protect your investment, I always tell them, without fail, that it is a choice they should make on their own, as they are the ones who will have to live with it daily. Makes sense, right?
Basically, protection for your Hero boils down to 3 layers of safety. Those layers are:
- Screen protector – a thin, usually clear protective sheet that adheres to the touchscreen, covering it entirely [most times]. The sensitivity should not be affected by the use of a screen protector. If it is, then you need to get a different brand. There are lots of brands out there. Most of them are decent. I opted for a cheapie I saw on a mall kiosk [you know the ones that sell the cheap knock-off cell phone cases] and so far it has worked great! I admit I lucked out because I firmly believe you get what you pay for, and I only paid $5 for this screen protector.
- Case – a protective outer covering made of any number of materials designed to prevent damage to the phone in case of a fall. Most are decent at up to a 3ft. fall. Anything higher than that and you’re on your own! I tend to favor the silicone-based “skin type” cases for their excellent grip and tendency to bounce when dropped as opposed to smacking into the pavement. The 2 piece “snap-on type” cases are good, too. Particularly, the ones that are hard material covered by a softer material so you still get decent grip and deflection from striking the ground directly. The brand Otterbox comes to mind. They have both a high end and a lower end version. Don’t cheap out like I did [some mall kiosk, LOL] and get a knock off case. Once again, you get what you pay for. Dropped it once and now it looks like hell. It did actually prevent damage to the phone, but you would think the case would last through one fall with out looking like it had been run over by a garbage truck.
- Holster – a “holder” that usually attaches to a belt, purse, or some other article on your person, that secures the phone to you. Lots of options here also. The simplest solution is to get the holster that is made for your case. Or vice versa.
Now, none of the above items are mandatory. It is totally up to you. I say it depends on how you carry your Hero. Me, I’m a pocket kind of guy. I can’t do holsters. I don’t like things hanging off my belt. I used to use a holster all the time back in my Handspring & Treo days. I repeatedly broke them. They would catch on things and snap off, finally culminating in the loss of a phone. Now, just because I’m clumsy or have poor peripheral vision doesn’t mean a holster isn’t right for you. It just means I hate the freaking things.
Right now, my Hero is nearly naked. The only protection I am using is my screen protector. I had a 2 piece hard shell case, but I dropped it and now it looks like crap. I covered that didn’t I? Well, it does. I only dropped it because the plastic was so slippery it was like holding a bar of soap! So I ditched it. I feel secure with my Hero this way though, because it is always snug in that little front pocket of my jeans [No, I do not wear “skinny” jeans. I don’t understand how men wear those things. They look totally weird in them.]. Plus, I love the slimness of the Hero. The case added just enough bulk to take away from that. Also, the Hero has a natural grip that I like.
Find out what works for you. Read some reviews before buying. Buy what YOU want, not what your buddy says works for him. Unless of course, it works for you, too. Remember, you have to carry it and look at it everyday. It’s an investment, just like your phone. Take the time to make a good purchase.
Ciao!
My Tech Life
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