I’ve been reading all the reports, like this one from our own Darrell Etherington, about how Apple is removing film-based screen protectors from Apple stores. Multiple accounts suggest that this is for one or both of two key reasons: First, the mere presence of them in the store suggests somehow that the iPhone needs them when in fact it doesn’t and second, the liability to Apple of imperfect applications is simply too great to ignore.
I’ve got both a case and screen protector on my iPhone 3GS, and I used cases and screen protectors for the original iPhone and iPhone 3G as well. Upon reading these reports, I did the same thing that any cautious and deliberate person would do. I threw caution to the wind and tore off the screen protector, which was in need of replacement anyway.
Despite my hesitation, I have to say that I prefer my iPhone without a screen protector. Images are more clear, the user interface responds to touch controls much better, and the screen is really easy to keep clean with a quick wipe on my t-shirt or another clean soft cloth (as long as I’m not eating chips while using the iPhone). I also realized that I long ago set the brightness of my iPhone really low to conserve battery power. I used to travel much more than I do now, and often found myself needing to conserve my battery for necessary phone calls and email. Now I’m always closer to a power source for a recharge, and a friend gifted me a Mophie Juice Pack not too long ago for times when I’m off the grid.
I haven’t gone completely native though. I kept the case. I’ll have to do some digging to remember which one it is, but its a very low profile hard shell case that simply and easily snaps on without adding any significant weight or bulk. I keep my iPhone in the same pocket as my keys, and I really want to preserve the back for resell value. Without the case, I’d be afraid that it would be scratched too much. The case also has a slightly more matte, tactile feel that still slides in-and-out of my pocket easily but doesn’t slide across the table or get slippery with sweaty palms (I know, I know).
If you’re using a screen protector, you might want to do what I did and take it off. Its almost like getting a brand new iPhone.
Image courtesy of Flickr user williamhook
