iPhone Accessories: Cases, Skins, Screen Protectors, and More

A screen protector is nothing more than a thin, clear sheet of plastic that sticks to the surface of the iPhone's screen. This is a very inexpensive option to protect the iPhone's screen from scratches while preventing dust, fingerprints, and glare.

A silicone skin is an unobtrusive option for protecting the iPhone while avoiding added bulk. A skin is form-fitting, with a nonslip surface that protects from dust, scratches, and minor impacts. Skins are available in a wide variety of colors with or without screen protection and belt clips.

An iPhone case generally offers more protection, features, and style options than a skin but is larger and bulkier. Cases range from a simple nylon sleeve to a sport pouch with an armband to a feature-packed leather organizer.

Today in iPhone Podcast
Free and rated 4½ stars on iTunes: The podcast that keeps you up to date on the latest happenings in the iPhone world. We have news, tech tips, hacks, reviews and interviews all centered around the iPhone.



Apple Phone Show by Scott Bourne
Free weekly iPhone podcast: The Apple iPhone Show is a weekly audio podcast offering the latest news, tips, tricks and reviews of Apple's long-awaited iPhone and iPhone accessories. Join host Scott Bourne and guests Chris Breen of Macworld and Andy Inhatko of Chicago Sun Times.

The DLO HipCase is a highly rated and reasonably priced black lambskin case for the iPhone. The HipCase holster holds the iPhone horizontally for maximum comfort, with a notch at the corner for unobstructed access to the headphone jack. The iPhone is secured with a Velcro® closure, and there is a cutout at the bottom of the case that allows for easy one-handed removal of the phone from the case at the hip.

Written by Christopher Breen, author of the best-selling The iPod & iTunes Pocket Guide and Secrets of the iPod & iTunes, The iPhone Pocket Guide is an inexpensive quick-start guide to the mobile phone, iPod, and internet browsing features of the Apple iPhone. This book includes instruction for using the built-in Google and Yahoo! search functions as well as how to view a Web page while downloading email in the background.

What are you going to do with your old phone? If you throw it the junk drawer it will be useless to anyone, and you'll have less room in there for unidentifiable keys and used twist ties. Throwing it away crowds the landfills and exposes the soil, air, and water to arsenic, lead, and other toxins.

Did you know you that there are companies who will pay you to let them take it off your hands, keep it out of the landfill, and even clean it up and give it to someone in need? Do something good for your wallet, the environment, a military person far from home, and your junk drawer. Check out the companies below to find out about your options.

Just think of all the extra space you'll have for those dried-up old rubber bands!

SimplySellular
Look up your cell phone model at simplysellular.com and request a prepaid shipping box. Drop your phone in the mail, and Simply Sellular will send you a check within 25 days. Prices as of this writing include $39 for a Motorola RAZR and $44 for a Treo 650.

Cell For Cash
Cell For Cash works in the same way as Simply Sellular. Payouts include $26 for the LG LX550 and $22 for the Sony Ericsson K700i.

The Designio Leather Sleeve is a slim, form-fitting leather case available with or without a clear protective window. Choose from seven colors: navy blue, leaf green, tangerine orange, soft pink, scarlet red, winter white, or jet black. About $30.

Buy.com has a large selection of iPhone accessories, including cases, skins, and bluetooth headsets.

The Powered 4in1 Multi Adapter Auto Mount provides several options for mounting and powering your iPhone in your vehicle. The kit includes adapters for mounting the iPhone to the windshield, vent, lighter, or dash while keeping the iPhone charged.

Find more vehicle mounting adapters and chargers for the Apple iPhone on Amazon.

A Wireless Bluetooth Headset for the Apple iPhone from Gomadic offers fast automatic volume adjustment, digital noise reduction, one-touch redial, and a flexible ear hook for either the left or right ear.

From Edward C. Baig, Personal Technology columnist for USA Today, and Mac expert Bob LeVitus, iPhone For Dummies provides instruction for using the iPhone, including internet browsing, iTunes setup, how to sync with your desktop, and troubleshooting.

Discover how to:
- Make and receive phone calls
- Set up iTunes and your iPod
- Buy music and videos
- Play podcasts, music, videos, and photo slideshows
- Browse the Internet
- Send and receive e-mails and instant messages
- Take and organize photos
- Sync with your desktop
- Troubleshoot common problems

The Gomadic Essential Power Bundle Kit includes a rapid wall charger and a rapid car charger together in one kit for charging the iPhone battery on the go and at home or the office.

Find more iPhone chargers on Amazon.