iWrap: an (almost) tragic iPhone 4 tale
Summary: Rob parker shares his experience of flinging his iPhone 4 across a concrete sidewalk -- face down -- and its survival thanks to a screen film.
A guest blog by my podcasting partner Rob Parker (@parkerdigital):
I thought you might be interested in a nice story about how an iWrap screen protector saved my brand new iPhone 4 the other day.
Apple replaced my naked iPhone 4 after I dropped it on concrete and broke the screen. I definitely didn't want to take any chances with the replacement so I applied an iWrap screen protector and put in my new bumper case.
As I was getting out of my truck the other day, I caught the phone on the steering wheel and ended up flinging it onto a concrete sidewalk, face down. I was afraid to look. When I picked up the iPhone I saw a deep gouge in the iWrap screen protector but the phone was fine! What an absolute relief.
I can't overemphasize the need to protect your iPhone's screen. I believe that iPhone 4 is the most fragile iPhone Apple has ever made. Yes, it's beautiful but it really doesn't want to be dropped. If I hadn't used that iWrap, I would be one very sad guy right now.
I've used both the iWrap ($19.95) and the Invisible Shield ($24.99 for i4) on my devices a I like them both. iWrap has a little smoother finish after being applied while the Invisible Shield has more of an "orange peel" type of finish and feels slightly thicker. Either way, I always use a screen film on my iDevices (heck I've got one on the screen on my digital camera too) because they protect against the inevitable contact with concrete or asphalt -- and Rob's living proof.
What's your take on screen films? Do you use one?
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Talkback
RE: iWrap: an (almost) tragic iPhone 4 tale
RE: iWrap: an (almost) tragic iPhone 4 tale
Actually ZDNet ran a story on that - and I would like to hear the latest.
The store still sells Anti-Glare film!!!!
I use both screen protector and case
I also use a case that has a very nice rubbery texture to it and it serves a few purposes:
1. Prevents touch of death, something I was easily able to reproduce at home where the signal is a little weak.
2. Protects the phone from falls (duh).
3. Actually allows me to pick up the iPhone. I found that without the case, the iPhone is so thin and the sides so smooth that it was actually difficult to pick up off a table.
4. When I lay it flat in my car on the center armrest, it doesn't go flying around.
Invisible shield
I use the invisible shield on several of my gadgets. Over time the edges will start to roll and collect lint if you put the gadget in your pocket repeatedly. I originally figured that, as they say, "that was that" and I bought a new one. Then one day I saw a Zagg kiosk in the Mall and asked how to best avoid the phenomenon. The reply was very refreshing:
"Don't avoid it, when the shield rolls up, have Zagg replace it under the lifetime warranty". And I did.
Companies and products like these are too few and far between. Zagg will be my go-to protective covering from now on. That reminds me, I need to order one for my Dell. ...
Thanks for the info
The edges of the case I use overlap just slightly with the shield so the edges are not exposed at all. Still, it is good to know that if something does go wrong, Zagg will fix it!
RE: iWrap: an (almost) tragic iPhone 4 tale
Thanks for the tip about the Zagg making it more difficult to slide across the screen. I never thought of that. I was actually going to Tekserve today to get one (I've used them on my 3G, and after two years in my pocket, the phone is still pristine), but you've given me pause.
RE: iWrap: an (almost) tragic iPhone 4 tale
With my iPhone 3, #4 was the big problem. Faced down or face up, it would go flying without a soft rubber case. I never found a case I liked, so I now have an FM tuner, charger station that acts as my cradle and holds the phone securely. It was a three fer solution. Charging, plays IPod music well and holds the phone securely.
As stylish as it is, the iPhone4 has to be the most fragile phone out there.
RE: iWrap: an (almost) tragic iPhone 4 tale
<img src= "http://a1.phobos.apple.com/us/r1000/018/Music/7d/b3/a3/mzi.uiuafxne.170x170-75.jpg" width="300" height="300">
RE: iWrap: an (almost) tragic iPhone 4 tale
RE: iWrap: an (almost) tragic iPhone 4 tale