Tech Blog

[#1]

When ever I get a new tech device, especially one that’s small, portable, and has a display screen, I immediately look to protecting that screen and device. I’m kinda clumsy at times, and anything that can protect my hardware from *me* is a worthwhile investment. I dropped my iPod Touch down the stairs last year, without a case, and the screen developed a hairline crack that killed about 2% of the pixels. The Touch works fine otherwise, but it’s annoying to have to deal with that flawed display part.
 
 

Protection
On my camera, I protected the view-screen with a clear adhesive protector.
 
In the past, with my various Palm devices, I’d gone with an aluminium-lined leather book-style case, and a clear adhesive plastic screen protector.
 
 
 
For my iPod Touch, I have a simple leather pouch, and my wife has a flip-style case -- also with an aluminium panel over the screen, and a rather nifty full-body ‘skin’ from BestSkinsEver.com. It’s transparent, made from reinforcing plastic used in helicopter blades, and very tough.
 

For my iPad, I opted for a portfolio-style leather case from Fossil, and a full body clear skin similar to the one on my wife’s iPod Touch. She’s got an Apple silicone iPad case.
 
Defence in depth
So you see a bit of a pattern here. I’m using two layers of protection on my devices; a robust and shock-absorbing case to carry the device in, and a clear protective skin to protect the unit from scratches and wear. The skins make it easier to keep the devices clean, and I have less worry when using them in a mobile environment -- if the skin gets too scratched, simply peel it off and replace it.
 
Your turn, how do you protect your mobile devices?

[#2]

I used to use Invisible Shield, and now I've switched to Phantom Skinz.  Same idea as your clear skin - made from a durable plastic used to coat helicopter blades.

My BlackBerry is protected by this, then kept in the protective leather sleeve.  I've dropped it many times and it still looks good as new.

My netbook also has a skin over the lid to protect the nice shiny surface from scratches.

I used to protect my P&S camera, but I've since taken that off.  It had an Invisible Shield that became discoloured and unattractive, so it's now easier to simply go with no shield.  But my new Canon dSLR screen will soon be protected by Phantom Skinz as well.  I have the skin, but just need to install it now.

[#3]

The only real portable device that I carry and use on a regular basis is my cell phone, Sony Ericsson W705.  I don't have anything protecting the device itself, but I always carry it in a sturdy leather case that is really good at absorbing impact if dropped.  The phone itself is really sturdy, as I've dropped it outside the case a number of times, and barring a few (almost) invisible scratches on the screen, it looks as good as new.  

I haven't bought into all the portable devices that are out there.  I like mp3 players to listen to music - and my phone does a really nice job at that.  Why carry around a number of different devices when you can get it all from one?  My wife and I are in the market for a DSLR though, and I imagine we'll want to protect that.  Maybe I'll try PhantomSkinz

JB   

[#4]

I use Otterbox Defender case with my iPod Touch.  It adds some bulk to the device, but this is the case to get when protection is your first priority.

[#5]

@Krypto: I'm tempted to take the protection off my camera, but then again, I see it does have a bunch of nicks and scratches, so it's been doing its job -- and thanks for reminding me, I have a rather nice GelaSkin on my laptop - more for the art than protection

@Juice0904: I guess it depends on the (ab)use you are expecting to get out of the device. I didn't skin my first few cel phones, as they were mostly in cases or in my pockets, and screens were rather small. But now, with data phones, I'd put some protection on it just to keep it looking nice.

@mtrump: Indeed! Otterboxes are great, esp when you take your tech into the great outdoors!