Due to the tremendous demand for both Power Support's "anti-glare / matte film" and Contour Design's iSee 3G Clear Hardcase, it took two weeks until I was finally able to pick up a set. So, I headed down to the Apple Store tonight at one of San Diego's finest shopping malls, Fashion Valley: A Simon Mall and with luck, I quickly snatched up both products.
It was going to be a quick return of the Agent 18, and after much consideration and one letter to Contour asking when the next iteration of their Showcase for the iPhone 3G would come out, I knew that I needed to settle with something that could offer me protection right away. The glossy screen protector that came packaged with other case solutions offered a clear plastic static cling piece but it's major flaw was that it attracted too many fingerprints and my oily face didn't help the problem. I was plagued, since day one, with a screen that I had to perpetually wipe off every time I put the phone to my ear or played games further oil smudges with my fingerprints.
Both screen protectors offer the benefit of covering the entire face of the iPhone 3G with the exception of the Home button, that are made of a static cling plastic that adheres with ease, stays put and offers an easy, no sticky residue allowing you to remove, cleanr and reapplt at your leisure. The biggest difference between the two can be easily compared to having a glossy LCD screen vs. a matte LCD screen. (e.g. shipped on the original Apple Powerbook LCD)
You can clearly see that the screen on the left with the protector that came prepackaged with a previous case wasn't doing so much in the department of cleanliness. This is not a direct comparison with Power Support's Crystal film set but it still is indicative of what you will get in terms of overall result. Over the to the right, you have the Power Support anti-glare film that was newly applied and fondled with finger streaks and face rubs. Without a doubt, I truly believe that the anti-glare / matte screen protector is the way to go. It helps the screen in every way possible deflecting scratches, fingerprints, and glare. I was using the previous protector for 2 weeks now, and I'm more than happy with what I got with Power Support's product. It is ridiculous though that 2 pieces of film cost $14.95. It seems as if everything for these Apple products are being priced way too high! rating: 9/10
The iSee is self explanatory. The installation is easy and the clear plastic is beautiful. I applied the iSee case with no problem but the biggest gripe that I have are that the two soft keys (not pictured) that come packaged and are used to protect the hold key and volume buttons. Simple put, they are just too hard to press and are frustrating! I rather almost not have them on at all. I still love the fit and like the fact that it protects the metal edge of the iPhone 3G well. Coupled with the anti-glare screen from Power Support, you have one heck of a solution for protection.
For another $10, a holster and clip are made available for the iSee, but if you wait for Contour Design's Showcase, it comes all prepackaged including a shock absorbing rubber that borders the inside of the clear protective case. Looks like I'll be doing a more extensive review of that case at a later date, but for now, I recommend the iSee. rating: 8/10
update - of course, when I finally settle for a solution, Contour Design's website shows that the Showcase for the iPhone 3G is set to ship out on the 15th of August. You can send one over to my address any time and I'll do a review. Thanks guys!
