I brought 2 forms of protection, in the interest of keeping the phone as pristine as possible for future sale. As it will undoubtedly be sold at some point, and seeing how much some of the first gen iPhones were going for, im sure Apple will release another I can upgrade too.
So, I brought 1 x Belkin Silicone Sleeve = £15 from Apple Store, and 1 x ZAGG sheild, front only, of which I brought two, worked out at about £6 each shipped IIRC.
Firstly the sleeve: Wanted the least intrusive cover I could get, minimizing bulk was pretty much key. Didn't want anything covering too much of the phone (Like those with full frontal covers including the home button) as I still wanted it to at least
look like an iPhone. Had a play with a few at the Apple store and deduced this to be the best for my needs. WARING: Belkin do these sleeves in some STUPID colours. I found this black/clear line one at the back of the shelf, as it was mainly populated by pink and green ones. Unfortunately they all had the line design, but you don't really see that when you're using it. And aslong as it covers up the big apple logo on the back, i don't mind! It also covers the silver rim around the front of the phone, which i find way more aesthetically pleasing than the chrome edging. Looked cheap imo!
Problems: With the sleeve being lightweight, it naturally offers less protection than it's hardcase counterparts. Also due to the cover having no structual rigidity, the small peice of rubber that goes over the bottom front edge can flap about a bit (As there is a long hole in the bottom to accomodate the speaker/mic/connection). It's proved to be nothing more than an annoyance, though i could see if i were to drop it there, edge protection for the bottom would be compromised. Though hopefully the corners are solid enough to take the impact, i doubt you would ever drop it clean flat edged!
Something which is both a problem and a bonus, is how easy the case is to get on and off. Due to being rubbery it doesn't light tight pockets, and will grip when trying to pull out, and sometimes come off if you just try and angrily stuff it in. Feel free to make innuendos on the previous sentence. Another slight annoyance is due to the case not being stretched onto the phone tighter than a size 6 dress on a fat lass, bits of dirt from your pocket and such can get between the case and the phone, so just whap it off every so often and check for ****.
The ZAGG Inivisible Sheild: MAny people have asked about this in the iPhone 3G thread, so here is my as 'down-the-line-as-possible' opinion. I don't exactly hold interest in the company so it's no odds to me anyhow. First off, for those worried about instalation, DON'T BE! They give you everything you need to install it with minimal ease. Aslong as you do it in a clean environment (Bathroom post running the shower - Steam takes the dust out of the air) and use the spray provided (Godsend - seriously!) it's dead easy.
I've tryed deliberately scratching it post with normal encounterable things such as fingernails and keys, and it seems fine so far.
It is a different surface to touch than the glass, and isn't as slippery nor smooth. Some may like this, some may not. All i can suggest is using one with it applied and see how you feel. One thing the surface definitely does is hold onto muck more. I've noticed my screen notably dirtier when using the sheild. Though it's still just as easy to wipe off, the only thing i found the glass holding onto was grease from your fingertips.
There aren't really any bad points to this product. It does exactly what it says on the tin. I can't vouch for how easy it is to install the back, as i just brought the front cover, but then i wanted the edges protecting most of all, which the Belkin case does better.
Now with both installed i don't feel the need for a dock, as I can happily place it on the desk without fear of it scratching. I also lobbed it into my bag the otherday when riding some downhill, and despite all the stuff in there, keys, big bottles of water, other phones, etc, it came out glistening.
As it's worthless without pics, here are a couple, happy to answer any Q's