Even though installing a new case on your Droid before you leave the store is a great idea, applying a screen protector is even more important with your sophisticated new toy. While it’s true that the factory housing of your phone is made from a very durable material that is designed to resist most drops and bumps for years, the screen of your phone is much more delicate.
The display used in your Droid provides a very thin layer of protection against bumps and scratches and can actually show wear almost immediately once small nicks and scratches start to develop. Not only will this destroy the look of your shiny new phone, it can affect how the phone performs since these dings also affect your touch-sensitive display. Carrying your Droid in your pocket or purse with a set of keys one time may be all it takes to start causing problems with your screen.
The good news is that there is an easy and inexpensive way to avoid this damage by simply installing a screen protector. This screen protector provides an additional layer of insurance for your screen and can considerably extend the life of your phone. Most of the modern screen protectors can be applied in minutes and will help your phone’s screen resist scratching and damage for quite a long time.
There are several types of screen protectors available and deciding which one is right for your Droid really depends on your budget. The less expensive models are usually a thinner sheet of clear material that you simply peel and apply to your Droids screen. While these may eventually lose their adhesion to the screen over time, they are inexpensive enough for you to change a few times a year if needed. By changing the screen protector every so often you can start fresh every time and eliminate any scratches that the old screen protector may have accumulated.
The more expensive screen protectors are designed to be applied only once and are made to last the life of your Droid. Some of these even come with a lifetime replacement warranty and can be exchanged if damaged. They are typically made from several layers of harder material that will do a better job of resisting damage. They are also designed to eliminate the yellowing and curling that many of the less expensive screen protectors suffer from as they age. Most are also precision-engineered to allow you the same responsiveness you have come to expect from your phone and after you install one, you might even forget that it’s on your Droid.
While there are hundreds of cases that you can choose from when protecting your Droid, they all fall into one of only a few categories. The list below shows you the best case available in each of these categories for your Droid. While this is a very personal decision, these choices represent the best combination of price and protection for your phone.
Another consideration is how you plan to carry your phone with you. Some people like to clip their Droid to their belts so it’s always at the ready when a call comes in. Some cases have an integrated belt clip that fits this type of use perfectly. Other more expensive cases are actually made of two parts that mate together and allow you to clip your phone to your belt. These specialized cases have a rigid case that clips onto your phone that can be used for everyday protection and also have a mating holster that you can slide the phone into while clipped to your belt. This type of case provides the best of both worlds as it allows you to carry the phone with you easily without having the clip attached all the time.
A ruggedized case is engineered to protect your phone when used in severely adverse environments. These locations could include construction sites, marine locations, hiking or biking, any snow related activity or generally any activity that could expose your Droid to the elements or excessive physical damage. In these situations you need a case that eliminates the dangers that dirt and liquids present to you phone. Most of these ruggedized cases will seal your phone into a weatherproof cocoon that reduces the risk of this type of damage. Some will even make your phone waterproof for short periods in case it’s dropped in a puddle. While all of this protection is necessary if you take your phone into this type of environment, for the vast majority of people this is far more case than they need.
