Apple Warning: Water and iPhones don't mix

According to a recent technical note, Apple says neither its warranty nor its AppleCare Protection insurance will cover water damage for iPhones and iPods. The devices incorporate technology that tells technicians whether or not the hardware has been submerged.

Liquid Submersion Indicator is triggered when liquid enters the iPhone or iPod. The indicator will turn red or pink when the device has been submerged in liquid. You can tell if the Liquid Submersion Indicator has been triggered by looking directly down into the headphone jack. Either use a lighted magnifying glass, or angle the iPhone or iPod so light shines down into the headphone jack. At the base of the headphone jack, you should see what is normally a white or silver colored dot. Half of the dot becomes red (or a pinkish color) when the device has been submerged in liquid. iPhone 3G models also have a Liquid Submersion Indicator located on the bottom of the connector housing, just under the 30-pin dock connector. To view the indicator, use a lighted magnifying glass and hold the iPhone 3G so that you can view the center bottom of the dock connector housing. A full red dot will appear if the indicator has been triggered.

Of course, since the iPhone can be used without headphones, most cases leave the headphone jack uncovered. And many styles leave the dock connector open. That's a problem out in the rain or in the bathroom. A quick search showed a couple of waterproof (and shockproof) cases for the iPhone 2G:

While it's not on the Otterbox site, the company appears to have a waterproof case for the iPhone 2G. The case is $69.96 at RadTech and comes in black or yellow.

The absolute pinnacle of iPhone protection, Otterbox is without a doubt the safest place to keep and use an iPhone. For starters, Otterbox cases provide a completely water, sand, dirt and dust proof enclosure. Second, the case is constructed from an ultra rigid, crush proof and virtually unbreakable molded Polycarbonate shell. The hinged clamshell type enclosure features an internal high-density shock protection system comprised of full-surround, closed cell impact absorbing cage which protects an iPhone from extreme impacts, drops and G-forces.

PocketSolutions shows a case with a membrane front panel that supports touch. It costs $49.95.

You certainly do – if, that is, your device is protected by a 3g iPhone Waterproof Case. Because with this waterproof case, you get the best access possible to your device while keeping it completely dry. The 3g iPhone Waterproof Case has an adjustable neoprene handstrap for convenient carrying.